Gap Year Programs in Cape Town,South Africa

In the last 7 months ive been here its been a very great experience especially in the last weeks or so, the level of football is good and some games are quite intense which is good for football development, joining the 7Elite gap year program has been a major step up in getting closer to playing professional football in south Africa😁👍.

Great opportunity, great coaching stuff, good facilities because there is almost everything a footballer needs, for me this place is a solid 7 out of 10. I've personally had a great time here and a lovely experience from football to life its self, very very good.

I went into Seamester feeling excited, nervous and worried that my expectations were unrealistically high! I can not stress enough that I was so wrong, Seamester blew my mind, it was more incredible than I could ever have began to imagine. I can not recommend this program enough, you will experience once in a lifetime things and see incredible places. More than that you will learn, learn about the world the ocean and most importantly yourself. You will be challenged in the best way possible and truthfully flourish. I owe this program so much and would do it again in a heartbeat. Go in with a smile and an open mind and it will not disappoint.

SAS as a recent high school graduate was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. I am so grateful for the opportunity to sail on the Fall 25 voyage as an international gap year student. The experience as a whole was so unique and I truly do not believe that you can find such a program anywhere else. The accommodation was so surreal because I got to wake up and see the waves as we sailed across the world. The community SAS builds is welcoming and kind because whenever I had a problem on the ship or in port, I never once felt alone or stranded. There will always be someone in your corner, which I appreciated. A massive thank you especially to the crew members on the ship who always make an effort to get to know your name, check in and give you a smile or laugh whenever you're stressed by travel planning, relationships and/or academics. The food does get quite repetitive if I'm being honest but it's truly a blessing to have such skilled crew members who can create delicious and nutritious meals in the middle of nowhere on the ocean. Pro tip: always get your cake first cause everyone loves the cake and it's always the first to go. In terms of academics. there are a variety of courses and I loved how everything always tied back to our in-port experiences, which allowed us to reflect on our SAS journey deeply, which I think was a crucial aid in how I developed and matured as a person. This was a great bridge between high school and university because I feel that I came out more mature, socially aware and ready for adult life. I also never felt that I couldn't make new friends because everyone is so open and you get to interact with a lot of diversity due to the various represented cultures, backgrounds, religions, nationalities etc. Til now, I am so grateful for the friends I made on SAS and we keep in touch almost daily as we plan our reunion trips. If I had one piece of advice for whoever's reading this, is that you will never truly see and understand the world around you until you're interacting with various people on the ship and in port. So do it!!! You will never regret SAS, I can promise you that :p

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 have recently come back from my gap year and while I was there I spent a month working on the relationships between humans and elephants. So why would I recommend Oyster? I am so glad I picked to do this project with Oyster because they made me feel very well taken care of and looked after me before and during the project. They talk you though everything you need to know before the project takes place and what clothes and necessities you may need to pack. So what does the project consist of? I would do this project a million times if I could, and if you don’t believe me lots of people who were doing the project had already done it before and had come back because of how much they enjoyed it. So the project is on a two week program and you have the option to stay from two weeks to 3 months. The first week is amazing because you build walls for the local community. Some days some of the locals will come and help, or a few kids will come and keep you company, that is amazing because you feel so immersed, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The second week is spent tracking elephants. This was my favourite out of the two because you learn all about the elephants foot prints. We also managed to see a two day old elephant which we were lucky enough to name !!! So why pick this project? I think this project and Oyster have a lot of selling points. For starters Oyster takes very good care of you and help you organise yourself before the project starts so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Secondly you are in the middle of the desert, I don’t think you could get anymore rural than that. You don’t really have much service so it’s lovely to disconnect for two weeks. You get to spend some time with lovely people who you may not meet on a day to day basis, people from different countries, locals, and different ages. You camp under the stars which is also amazing. Overall I would always recommend this amazing project, such a special experience!!

Oyster Worldwide responded to this reviewAugust 13, 2024

Wonderful to read about your experience, thank you Emily! The Oyster Team

After considering several options for my gap year, I chose Cape Town because of its unique geography and culture, which promised a new and enriching experience. I knew I wanted to spend my gap year doing an internship to keep myself engaged in learning and to immerse myself in a completely new environment. Cape Town, with its beaches and mountains, offered the perfect backdrop for my adventure. The city has so many diverse parts to explore, allowing me to experience various cultures, observe nature, and meet interesting people. During my time in Cape Town, I engaged in a lot of self-reflection, which helped me identify my core values and determine what matters most to me as I transition into the next chapter of my life. Being away from my familiar surroundings forced me to become more confident in my independence and embrace the discomfort of the unknown. I spent eight weeks in Cape Town, which felt like an ideal duration, though I wouldn’t have minded staying longer. By the end of my stay, I had grown comfortable with the city’s layout and my neighborhood, Obz, where I made many friends among the locals and found favorite spots like cafes and beaches. Before arriving, I had some uncertainty about my internship on the farm, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Watching the progression of produce from seed to harvest was uniquely rewarding. One highlight was meeting customers at the farm who were genuinely grateful for their fresh produce. I felt fulfilled being part of a community-serving initiative. The VACorps staff were supportive, always willing to help, and organized weekly activities that brought everyone together. I am grateful for the friendships I formed through the program and with people outside of it. Before coming, it’s helpful to learn about South Africa’s history, city layout, safety tips, and cultural nuances to fully appreciate the experience.

I love my time in Cape Town with the VA Corps program! I had an amazing sustainability internship placement at a community garden. I met amazing people and had a great time exploring South Africa! I learned so much about agricultural and sustainable farming practices.

South Africa has been the best experience ever- African Impact has been life-changing! sports volunteering was brilliant. The kids were a pleasure to coach and welcomed me with open arms. The coaches at the schools are doing great job and I will miss them all greatly! I came to South Africa alone and was very nervous but everyone did a fantastic job of making me feel this was my home. I'm leaving here feeling more than content with a completely different outlook on life.

It’s given me a lot more confidence about what to do next, just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you haven’t got those skills and experience. Something I do notice where I’ve perhaps helped younger people is it’s all new to them whereas I’ve seen it all before. That experience does count for quite a bit, so that has been validating.

Learned so much. Beautiful country. Great people willing to help. The staff was so helpful and my host mom was so wonderful. I met so many awesome people and everyone I worked with was super helpful. I absolutely love my host mom and I just feel really lucky to have had this experience.