Language Immersion Gap Year Programs in Africa

While on my Dragons program, I learned not only about the world around me and new places and people, but I also gained confidence in myself. My program had a focus on cultural immersion and understanding how Morocco and Spain are connected. This was very interesting to learn about, and we did this via language lessons, homestays, and meeting local people. Overall, I realized that the world is much more interconnected than I thought, and I have been inspired to continue traveling and to immerse myself in different cultures intentionally. Luckily, I have also found a global community that is like-minded through Where There Be Dragons, and I feel that after my program, I have a whole new world of opportunities available to me.

This Fall 2025 South America Semester program was an amazing experience where I made amazing new memories. There is time to explore nature and get to know the culture I a different way that you wouldn’t normally do.

Yes. This South America Semester program genuinely made me grow so much as a person and I am grateful to have made many meaningful connections, memories, and to have seen all the beautiful things I have on this program.

I had an amazing time on my gap semester. I learned so much and loved pushing past my comfort zone in activities, trying new things, and bonding with the group. I not only grew as a person but created lasting memories and connections.

Rager of a program. I found myself struggling, thinking, and then growing constantly. It's not a walk in the park but it's a program that I would recommend for someone who genuinely wants to be challenged in order to be molded into a better version of themselves.

The two and a half months I spent in Peru and Ecuador flew by, and I still can’t believe everything we did. I came in hoping to improve my Spanish, but I achieved lots more. I overcame my fear of heights, learned practical life skills (like plunging a toilet), formed a close group bond, became a stronger hiker, and so much else.

I chose Cape Town because I wanted the second semester of my gap year to be different from the first, which I spent in Spain. I had always heard wonderful things about Cape Town and was eager to finally experience it for myself. From orientation onward, I felt incredibly supported by the VAC team, and that support continued throughout my time here. Embrace the love everyone at VAC has to offer—it truly is such a special program, and I hope more people come to appreciate it as much as I now do. One of my goals was to learn how to be truly passionate about my internship, and I absolutely achieved that. I also loved working with the kids and sharing games from the US with them—it was an unforgettable experience.

My time in Cape Town was incredibly rewarding, adventurous, and eye-opening. During my internship, I worked with a nonprofit organization based in the township of Langa, where I tutored high school students in algebra, physics, and trigonometry. This experience exposed me to both the challenges faced by the community and the inspiring, service-driven mindset of many local leaders. Beyond my internship, I took advantage of everything Cape Town has to offer. I hiked many trails, explored neighborhoods like CBD and Sea Point, and spent time at the beach with friends. I highly recommend doing an internship through VACorps because you can explore your professional interests while experiencing life in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

I came to Cape Town for two and a half months to intern at an environmental organization. During my time there, I spent two days a week in the office supporting a sustainability education program, and two days in the field at various conservation sites. I really enjoyed having this balance between outdoor, active time and time at a computer. Everyone at my internship was so welcoming and made me feel safe to ask questions and be myself! The highlight of my internship was getting to spend a few days in Simon’s Town helping out the penguin rangers. I did nest counts, helped rescue abandoned eggs, and even did some house calls to remove penguins from people’s gardens! Outside of my internship, I really got to explore and fall in love with the city of Cape Town. From the beaches to Table Mountain, there is so much to offer. Even after being here for over two months, I feel like I have just scratched the surface. I can’t wait to come back and visit again!

I chose VAC because I wanted to explore the field of psychology during my gap year— and in doing so, I was introduced to new areas of interest and experiences I never could have imagined! I absolutely loved the hikes, adventures, incredible food, rich history, and deep sense of community I found through the gap year program and throughout Observatory and Cape Town as a whole. One of my favorite memories is planting lettuce on a sunny day with a breathtaking view of Table Mountain and the entire waterfront — something I’ll never forget. I also loved how accessible Observatory is, with its amazing restaurants, thrift stores, and vibrant live music scene. I stayed from January to March, which felt like the perfect amount of time — I definitely wouldn’t have wanted it to be any shorter. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in such a beautiful, diverse place and to truly experience life in Cape Town.

I chose Cape Town because I had heard incredible things about its culture and natural beauty. I wanted to improve my surfing and gain more independence before starting college. I also saw an internship as a great way to experience the workforce and learn what it’s like to live and work on my own. What I loved most was the community I found at my internship. The people I worked with were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and over time, they became good friends. I learned that I bring a strong presence to any space and that I’m confident and capable on my own. I’ll never forget surfing with my colleagues and the braai we had together after work one evening — or the many fun nights spent with others in the program. Our weekend getaway to Hermanus is another memory I’ll cherish forever. I stayed in Cape Town from approximately January 5th to March 5th. I’d recommend staying for at least two to three months — no less. The first week or two can be an adjustment, especially when it comes to the food, but just be prepared and give it time. The VACorps staff were amazing — always friendly, quick to help, and full of great recommendations. I really enjoyed the weekly activities, and I appreciated that while we had support when needed, we also had plenty of independence. I’m so grateful for everything this experience gave me.

I chose Cape Town for my gap year because I believed that learning about different countries and cultures would enrich my understanding of the world. I decided to do an internship to gain business experience and better prepare for the "real world." During my time here, I learned several technical skills, including how to use a sewing machine—I even managed to make a bag and a pillow, which I’m really proud of. One specific observation I made was just how challenging the fashion industry can be for aspiring designers and entrepreneurs. I loved interacting with my coworkers and the children at my placement. One moment I’ll always remember is arriving at the daycare and being swarmed with hugs from the kids. I also loved the weather, going to the beach, and exploring different cultural attractions. The aspect of the VACorps program I'm most grateful for is the approachability of the staff and the kindness they showed me every day.

I decided to intern abroad because I wanted to combine new experiences with learning. I felt it was important to explore the medical field more deeply before starting college, which is why I pursued an internship. I chose Cape Town because it seemed like a beautiful city, and I was drawn to its mix of beach, mountains, and urban life. What I loved most were the people I met and the wide range of activities we got to do together—everything felt so accessible for visitors. I learned that I’m capable of being completely independent, even in a new country. What I’ll miss most is the everyday adventure of living in Cape Town. I never ended up where I thought I would be when each day began. I stayed for two and a half months, but I’d love to stay longer. I’m a little homesick now, but I know that once I leave, I’ll be homesick for Cape Town instead. For anyone considering interning in Cape Town, my advice is: don’t come with expectations. My experience was totally different from what I imagined—and way more adventurous. We were told to buy what we needed here instead of bringing it all from home, and I didn’t listen. I definitely recommend taking that advice—everything is more affordable here, and you can find whatever you need. I really enjoyed the weekly activities. They were a great way to get outside, hang out with friends, and unwind after a week of work. I’d recommend going on as many as possible. I’m really grateful I had this experience. I feel lucky to have come with such amazing people and to have landed such an interesting internship.

I chose Cape Town because it was so far from home. It’s a developing nation nearly 20 hours away, and that distance represented a big change for me. But this year has been about trying new things and stepping outside my comfort zone—so I went for it. I don’t think I fully processed what that lifestyle shift would mean when I had my final conversation with Oliver and made the decision. During my time here, I’ve learned so much—though it’s hard to put it all into words. I’ve grown a lot as a person, mostly from living with people who are very different from me and navigating life in a completely foreign environment. For the first time, I’ve been cooking for myself, shopping for groceries, and managing day-to-day life independently. Traveling in the fall helped build my confidence and life skills, but nothing compares to this experience. I’m a much different person now than when I arrived, and this program has been incredibly impactful for my personal growth. I feel so much more ready for college life now that I’ve been through VACorps.

My experience in Cape Town has been incredible. I have seen incredible landscapes and animals I was not aware existed. I have learned how to surf, make new friends, and embrace every moment of the day. I have tried new foods and found many new activities that I love. The Friday excursions have been one of my favorite parts of this experience. We are always traveling to some exciting new place. My Internship has also been amazing. I have learned much about my future profession and what I will be expected to do. It has encouraged me to study hard in school and get this job. Everyone has been super nice and supportive in my workplace, and they are always happy to answer questions. I learned much more about my future career path during this gap year, and that has helped me feel more dedicated to my studies.

The VACorps program has been an incredible experience. I appreciated the excellent support, effective placement process, and enriching cultural activities. The application and pre-arrival process were seamless, the orientation week was informative, and the staff support throughout my stay was exceptional. My internship offered substantial professional growth and emphasized the importance of self-motivation. I would strongly recommend VACorps for delivering a valuable and transformative experience.

I was nervous about the decision to take a gap year. Pacific Discovery facilitated a life changing experience that not only made me a better person but connected me with life long friends. I’ll recommend this program to anyone who will listen.

Pacific Discovery was recommended to us by parents of a PD alumni (Aus/NZ) and it made a huge difference to us in our review of alternative programs. The points highlighted by the parents that appealed to us centered around personal growth, world/cultural/travel experience, great planning, and excellent guides; our student's experience was terrific in all these aspects, and we so appreciate the guidance he received during the program to help contextualize all of the amazing and mundane experiences he had on the progam. The opportunities and emphasis on the 'discovery' aspect of the program particularly for his individual development, was, for us, the main reason for selecting PD, and we couldn't be more pleased with how that purpose was achieved.

We loved the communication between Pacific Discovery and parents. The portal offered detailed information and forms prior to the trip. During the trip, the weekly summaries gave us a window into the activities and the spontaneous discoveries the group was making in their towns, service sites, and local hosts.

The South America Gap Semester pushed me out of my comfort zone both mentally, physically, and socially. Pushing my body beyond what I thought it could do, opening up to - and being vulnerable with- a new group of people, and communicating in a different language in a place so vastly different than I’m used to, were all challenging and rewarding experiences. I feel like I’ve grown a lot and learned a lot about myself from stepping out of my comfort zone and opening myself up to new opportunities and possibilities.