Environmental Studies Internships in South Africa

The VAC intern abroad program has opened my eyes to a new way of life. Living in South Africa has been such a blessing in which I am so abundantly grateful for. For the duration of my time in Cape Town, I have felt endlessly supported by the members of the VAC program. Not only was I able to embrace my adventurous side by exploring a whole new city, but I also had the structure and stability of an internship that provided me with direct experience in my field of study. The VAC program set the foundation for the most special experience and memories that will last a lifetime. My favourite memory of my stay in Cape Town was swimming in the ocean for one of the first times. I loved getting to explore the beaches, and I will definitely miss the ocean, the mountains, the sunshine and the palm trees. I feel so lucky to have had such amazing opportunities throughout my time in Cape Town. I would not change anything about my experience. I feel as though I have learned and grown so much in the past 6 weeks. I feel as though I am now ready to embark on the new chapter of my life, and to embrace wherever it is it takes me.

Living and learning in Cape Town gave me the chance to immerse myself in a vibrant culture, work in a setting that pushed me to grow as a clinician, and form connections that I will carry with me long after this rotation. I will always remember the joy and laughter of the children I worked with at Athlone School for the Blind—their determination inspired me every single day. One of my goals was to provide services to underprivileged youth, and I’m grateful that Athlone gave me the opportunity to do exactly that. The students also taught me so much in return. Working with diagnoses I had never encountered before forced me to strengthen my clinical reasoning. I spent time researching conditions, adapting my treatment approach, and thinking critically about what each child needed and why. This pushed me to grow in a way that would not have been possible in a more familiar environment. I also wanted to understand a different health system, so I asked many questions about local hospitals and even visited the OTP clinic while I was here. Seeing firsthand where resources are limited and how challenging access can be for families deepened my perspective on global healthcare and the barriers many communities face. Outside of my internship, the Friday excursions with VAC helped me find balance and space for reflection during an intense learning experience. Culture Nights added another dimension to my time here, offering a deeper understanding of the people, stories, and history of South Africa. The memories of the children, the community, and this breathtaking city will continue to shape me—both as a future physical therapist and as a person.