Conservation Internships in South Africa

I chose Cape Town for this experience because of the incredible opportunities and the chance to gain a new perspective in a completely different environment. It gave me a broader worldview and allowed me to be part of something meaningful. What I will miss most are the people, their kindness and welcoming nature, as well as the city’s incredible natural beauty. I had such a fun and fulfilling time here. During my internship with a conservation-focused organization, I contributed to the restoration and maintenance of a natural reserve. It was rewarding to be part of work that not only supports the environment but also creates a space for the community to enjoy and connect with nature.

​I chose VAC because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and gain real-world experience in a field I’m passionate about before starting college. I had never worked a full-time job before, so this was a chance to understand what that would be like while also exploring a new city. Cape Town stood out to me as a beautiful place with a rich culture that felt both different and accessible. During my internship with a conservation-focused organization, I worked on restoring a critically endangered ecosystem and supporting environmental education initiatives in the local community. I loved being able to do meaningful, hands-on work and spend time outdoors, even when it meant getting a little dirty and stepping outside of what I was used to. One of my favorite parts was working with local school groups and seeing how excited they were to learn about conservation. I also really enjoyed creating social media content and researching new species, which helped me better understand and appreciate the environment around me. While this may not be the exact path I choose in the future, it gave me a strong appreciation for the work that goes into creating real environmental change. Living in Cape Town was an incredible experience. The summer weather was beautiful, and there were endless opportunities to be outside whether at the beach or hiking. The people were welcoming, and I always felt comfortable and included. The VACorps team was incredibly supportive and easy to reach whenever I needed help, which made a big difference. I also loved the weekly activities, which helped us explore and connect with the city in a deeper way. Overall, this experience taught me so much about myself, my interests, and the kind of impact I want to have in the future.

I chose to intern abroad in South Africa because of its incredible biodiversity. I was also drawn to the blending of cultures, the fashion, and the overall energy of Cape Town. I decided to pursue an internship to support my wildlife conservation studies back home and to gain real, hands-on experience in the field. What I loved most about interning in Cape Town was how accessible everything felt—good food, nature, the ocean, all of it. I especially loved the natural scenery, the food scene, and the jazz culture! My time at the seabird sanctuary is something I will hold very close to my heart. It helped me build confidence in myself as a future wildlife conservation professional, especially since the field is so competitive in the United States. I was able to expand my skills in animal patient care and learn fascinating new facts about marine animal behavior, particularly seabirds. One of my favorite experiences was participating in the African penguin counting census at Stony Point—it was such a unique and memorable day. I’m going to miss the people, the energy, and the warm welcomes the most. My three-month stay felt like the perfect amount of time for me, especially since I don’t get homesick easily. For others, I might recommend eight to ten weeks so there’s enough time to adjust, settle in, and fully enjoy Cape Town. My biggest tip for anyone preparing to intern here: budget extra money for transportation!