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Physical Therapy Internships in Cape Town
Physical therapy looks different depending on the healthcare system you're working in, and interning in Cape Town gives you a genuinely global perspective on the field, not just a South African add-on to your resume. You'll work directly alongside established physiotherapists, treating patients with a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, in a healthcare environment shaped by very different resources and patient needs than what you're used to. VACorps builds your placement around your specific long-term goals, whether that's pediatric, sports and musculoskeletal, neurological, or geriatric physical therapy, and works with you to make sure the experience satisfies your actual course or clinical hour requirements, whether you're undergraduate or graduate level. This internship suits students with a solid grounding in biomechanics and human anatomy, or those who've already had some exposure to rehabilitative settings and are ready to build on it.
Physical therapy looks different depending on the healthcare system you're working in, and interning in Cape Town gives you a genuinely global perspective on the field, not just a South African add-on to your resume. You'll work directly alongside established physiotherapists, treating patients with a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, in a healthcare environment shaped by very different resources and patient needs than what you're used to. VACorps builds your placement around your specific long-term goals, whether that's pediatric, sports and musculoskeletal, neurological, or geriatric physical therapy, and works with you to make sure the experience satisfies your actual course or clinical hour requirements, whether you're undergraduate or graduate level. This internship suits students with a solid grounding in biomechanics and human anatomy, or those who've already had some exposure to rehabilitative settings and are ready to build on it.
Program Highlights
Work alongside professional physical therapists in South Africa.
Develop cross-cultural skills and sensitivities while working with patients from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
Satisfy degree requirements for university credit (if applicable).
Take advantage of hands-on, experiential learning opportunities.
Gain clinical hours for graduate school applications.
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Quick Details
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Short Term
- 1-3 Months
- 3-6 Months
- Kinesiology & Exercise Science
- Physical Therapy
- All Nationalities
Awards










Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Physical Therapy Internship at Special Needs School
November 24, 2025by: Kaila Mann - United StatesLiving 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.

Transformative Internship Abroad
November 21, 2025by: Kaila M - United StatesThis has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget. Spending 2.5 months abroad in South Africa while working at a special needs school has been truly life-changing. I loved having the opportunity to learn what physiotherapy looks like here compared to physical therapy in the United States. I am very proud of how adaptable I became during this internship. The school does not have many of the resources we typically rely on in clinics and programs back home, so I had to be creative with my exercise prescriptions. Each child came with a unique combination of strengths and challenges, which meant tailoring every session to their individual needs—often requiring quick thinking and flexibility. This pushed me to grow as a clinician in ways I hadn’t expected. Living and learning in Cape Town allowed me to immerse myself in a vibrant culture, work in a setting that challenged me daily, and build connections that I will carry with me long after this internship ends. I will always remember the joy, humor, and determination of the children I worked with; their resilience inspired me every single day. The VACorps staff played a huge role in making this experience so meaningful. They were always available—whether we had serious questions or silly ones—and they consistently looked out for us, even helping us find the best deals around the city. Building relationships with them became an unexpected highlight of my time here; they truly felt like family. Outside of my internship, the Friday excursions helped me balance the intensity of my placement with fun and reflection, and Culture Nights gave me a deeper understanding of South Africa’s people, history, and traditions. 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. I am so grateful for everyone who made my time in Cape Town unforgettable—and I will definitely be back!
A perfect blend of professional growth and personal adventure.
November 14, 2025by: Ray E - United StatesI chose Cape Town for my internship because the opportunity to work with a professional rugby club was one I couldn’t pass up. As a physical therapy student, I wanted to be challenged in a setting that would push me professionally, and rugby in South Africa is on a level unlike anywhere else. The chance to learn in that environment while living in a vibrant and diverse city made the decision easy. What I valued most about interning in Cape Town was the blend of professional growth and personal adventure. Every day at the rugby club brought something new—working with elite athletes, observing the rehab process, and seeing the teamwork and resilience required at the highest level. One of my goals was to gain hands-on experience in a professional sports rehab setting, and I achieved that by observing injury assessments, learning about return-to-play protocols, and engaging with both athletes and staff. I especially enjoyed shadowing the medical team during training sessions and seeing how physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, and coaching intersect. A highlight was observing rehab progressions in real time and understanding how small adjustments can significantly impact performance. Some of my favorite moments were being on the sidelines during training, watching the medical and performance teams collaborate, and getting to know the players beyond the game. Those experiences reminded me why I chose this profession—to help athletes reach their potential and return to what they love. Outside of work, Cape Town constantly amazed me. The mountains, beaches, and the rhythm of the city made every free moment feel like an adventure. During my time here, I learned that I can adapt quickly to new environments and find confidence even in unfamiliar situations. It was humbling and motivating to step into a high-performance sports environment and realize how much I could learn alongside experienced professionals. Living in Cape Town was just as memorable as the internship itself. I loved the mix of cultures, the food, and the natural beauty surrounding the city. Most of all, I’ll miss the people I met—both through the rugby club and through VACorps. The friendships and sense of community here are truly special. I stayed for about three months, and I’d recommend that length to future interns if possible. The longer you stay, the more you can settle in and take full advantage of the professional and personal opportunities. My biggest tip is to arrive with an open mind and say yes to as much as you can—whether it’s trying something new at your site or joining a spontaneous weekend trip. The VACorps staff were incredible throughout my stay. The weekly activities made it easy to connect with other interns, and their support behind the scenes made the transition to life in Cape Town smooth and stress-free. I’m especially grateful for the community they foster, which made this experience so much more than just an internship. My time with the rugby club and in Cape Town has been one of the most impactful experiences of my life. I’m leaving with new skills, new friendships, and memories I’ll carry with me forever.
Building Medical Experience in Cape Town
September 19, 2025by: Cole Fortner - United StatesI wanted the perfect blend of building my resume, gaining lived experience, and adventuring somewhere I never imagined myself exploring. Cape Town gave me all of that. The mountains, beaches, and safaris satisfied my love of the outdoors, while my medical internship provided invaluable lessons I will carry into my future profession. I chose this program because I knew a previous intern who spoke so highly of her experience. Without her encouragement, I might never have discovered Cape Town. It isn’t your typical travel or internship destination, but it offers so much if you’re open to learning from the people who’ve been here. The diversity of activities and cultures kept me constantly discovering new things, and even after three months I felt like I had only scratched the surface. What I loved most were the people—both locals and other interns. Living with peers from around the world was a unique chance to share cultures and perspectives, and I found South Africans to be vibrant, friendly, and outgoing. I will miss the energy of the people and the beauty of the three peaks rising over the city and ocean. During my 12-week stay, I rotated through nearly every hospital department: trauma and emergency, labor and delivery, chronic and acute care, triage, immunizations, baby clinic, speech and occupational therapy, physical therapy, and more. While the structure could feel unorganized at times, the freedom to choose where to spend each day made it possible to learn deeply in the areas that mattered most to me. The weekly activities were another highlight, whether hiking Table Mountain, touring townships, or seeing penguins at Boulders Beach. They brought interns together and made each week memorable. The culture series varied. Some were fantastic introductions to South Africa’s diverse traditions, others less engaging. Overall, VACorps staff was incredible. They were consistently supportive and committed to tailoring the experience to my interests. I would encourage future interns to stay the full 12 weeks if possible. Come with an open mind, embrace the contrasts of the city, and be ready to learn—not just from your site, but from the community around you.
I can't wait to go back and loved South Africa!
December 30, 2024by: Cali LH - United StatesI chose Cape Town for its unique cultural experience, something I hadn’t encountered before. After reading about the beautiful sights, welcoming people, and variety of activities available here, I was immediately drawn to the city. The opportunity to experience South Africa while working with a local organization focused on underserved communities was something I truly valued. The mission of the organization, dedicated to serving students in need and providing vital support like physiotherapy, deeply resonated with my own values. I loved every aspect of the experience, from working with the students to trying new foods and activities. The people here are incredibly friendly and open, which was especially comforting as I navigated a new environment and had the chance to learn about their culture in return. I spent 75 days in Cape Town, with 50 of those days working with the organization. I would recommend arriving with some extra time on both ends of the trip to acclimate and plan for major activities. Some internships can be quite time-consuming, so having a little flexibility allows you to enjoy your free time and explore the things you really want to do before you leave. One of the highlights of the trip was the weekly group activities, especially the adventure series, which provided a great way to explore different parts of the region while feeling safe and supported in a group. I’m especially grateful to the staff for making me feel at home during my time abroad. Their support helped me settle in and truly enjoy the experience.
Cape Town Adventures
October 10, 2024by: Emma Helsel - United StatesCape Town was an incredible experience! Everyone at the VAC was welcoming and supportive throughout my time there. They did a fantastic job organizing fun and diverse activities every Friday, where I had the chance to meet many new people and get to know Kus and Kholi well. ? I completed a Physical Therapy internship at an outpatient rehabilitation facility that serves both the private and public healthcare sectors. I worked independently and was exposed to a variety of complex patients. The staff at the clinic was incredibly helpful and welcoming, making me feel comfortable asking anyone anything; they were always willing to assist. It’s a great clinic, and I learned so much! One of my biggest personal achievements during this internship was boosting my confidence. Being completely independent pushed me to trust my instincts and capabilities. I struggled with confidence in my skills before this internship, but I’m leaving with a much stronger sense of self-assurance. I packed so many activities into my time here and definitely kept busy! Some highlights included hiking to Table Mountain (a must-do), exploring all the restaurants at the Waterfront (I loved Den Anker and Sevruga), visiting various weekend markets (Old Biscuit Mill, Oranjz, Muizenberg), enjoying plenty of wine (the wine tram in Franschhoek was both beautiful and fun), and, of course, experiencing the breathtaking views along the Garden Route (plus bungy jumping!). Spending 10 weeks here felt just right, but if you’re visiting in winter, make sure to bring warm clothes, especially for sleeping! I will truly miss everyone at VAC and have cherished every conversation I had with them. They were an amazing highlight of my trip. I had the experience of a lifetime and can’t wait to come back and visit!
I can't recommend this program enough!
October 10, 2024by: Kathleen Hazen - United StatesMy experience in Cape Town with VACorps was amazing, and even after 12 weeks, I found myself never wanting to leave. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by all the VAC staff and quickly felt at home. The orientation process made me feel comfortable and confident navigating Cape Town on my own, and the Monday and Friday activities were always fun. They offered a great way to experience Cape Town’s culture while meeting fellow interns through VAC. I interned at a special education school for children with cerebral palsy, where I reached my goal of becoming more independent as a physiotherapy student and learned as much as I could from those around me—both about the diverse cultures in Cape Town and about physiotherapy. Working with the children at EROS was incredibly rewarding, and seeing their improvement during my time with them was so gratifying. The highlights of my trip included Cape Town’s stunning scenery and the countless outdoor activities, from hiking to exploring. I also appreciated the VAC staff’s excellent recommendations for experiences outside of the internship, allowing me to enjoy incredible adventures like the Garden Route and paragliding off Signal Hill—both of which were truly life-changing. There is so much to do in Cape Town that even if I stayed twice as long, I would still find new things to explore every week. With the support of VAC, I had an incredible educational and life experience, and I built relationships I hope to maintain for the rest of my life. I can’t recommend this experience enough to future interns!



A great learning experience in a beautiful and vibrant city
November 24, 2022by: Emma Graddy - United StatesI had the opportunity through my graduate program to complete one of my physiotherapy internships abroad in Cape Town. My school partners with the VACorps and we were paired with various sites around Cape Town. This was an amazing place to do an internship - the people were so welcoming, the food was incredible, and there was so much to do after work and on the weekends between nature, markets, and nightlife. I will miss the energy and joy here in Cape Town the most, along with the food and access to nature. We really enjoyed being out on the weekends and would always make new friends as everyone is so friendly and welcoming. I loved working at my internship site because we got to meet and collaborate with local physio students, and work with children with a variety of diagnoses and abilities. I was able to practice being independent with my physio treatment and challenged myself to try new interventions. It was a great learning experience and I will never forget my time there. The VACorps staff was so welcoming and felt like family from the second we arrived. They were there for anything we needed and we always felt so supported. They are the kindest group of people and made every Friday activity so much fun!
Physical therapy internship in Cape Town
November 24, 2022by: Rachael Phillips - United StatesI chose to complete an internship in Cape Town because I knew I wanted another opportunity to study abroad and learn about physiotherapy in another cultural setting after having the opportunity to do so in Uganda. When I learned that my DPT program works closely with the VACorps and that this was a possibility for one of my clinical rotations, I jumped at the chance. I have greatly enjoyed my time working at my internship site. The kids are incredibly kind and amazing to work with, and the staff at the school are supportive and invested in helping students learn. I will never forget the two fourth graders who took the time to teach me Afrikaans as they were learning it in school. The VACorps staff is great, and the activities are so much fun! It is an exciting way to explore Cape Town and the surrounding areas with other students. I am particularly grateful for the Monday night culture series because it introduced me to aspects of South African culture I would not have otherwise experienced.
Work experience, beaches, surfing, mountains, bars, restaurants, smiling people, sunshine -- what more could you want?
November 18, 2022by: Madelyn Foulk - United StatesI chose Cape Town because it seemed to be a culture that was unlike any other that I have experienced before. Additionally, I wanted to be able to experience the differences in the healthcare system and how physical therapy differs from what I am used to. VACorps definitely made my time here in Cape Town SO MUCH better than it would have been otherwise. The staff always go out of their way to make you feel welcomed, safe and supported. My favorite part of interning in Cape Town was making connections with my patients and those I worked alongside, from who I learned so much. I became more confident and independent in treating children and maintaining my own caseload. Additionally, I was able to work alongside other healthcare professionals and get more insight into their approaches to treatment. I was able to build rapport and relationships with each of my patients. I learned a lot about different games and activities, behavioral management, and age-specific approaches to treatment. Everyone I have met here has helped me shape a new perspective on life (work, friendships, relationships, abilities, etc). This experience helped me learn how to appreciate the little things, find beauty in everything, and take the time to make connections and get to know those around me. In addition to all the beautiful people I have met, the scenery and surroundings of the city are spectacular. Cape Town is a city like no other.
I am forever changed
November 18, 2022by: Mikaela Bernards - United StatesI had an incredible experience in Cape Town with the VACorps program. I did a physical therapy internship at a school for blind children, and I received a fulfilling fully independent caseload from day one. I will never forget the beautiful children I got to work with on my clinical site and the extreme joy I felt every day in their lives. I loved the beautiful outdoor playground that is Cape Town and hiking the gorgeous mountains and playing on the white sand beaches. I will miss the people I met here the most. Everyone is so kind and willing to look out for one another. Even in the poorest living conditions, everyone finds the beauty, joy, and fun of living.
Everything about VACorps and Cape Town is amazing!
August 31, 2022by: Mia Salvaggio - United StatesMy two months in Cape Town were some of the best days of my life. I came wanting to experience a people and a place vastly different from my everyday life in the US and that is exactly what I got. I learned so much about myself, the world, and what I might want to do with my life. I learned to be more independent and confident in who I am and that traveling the world is one of the coolest things you could ever do. I did my internship at the Neuro and Rehab department of a large Sports Science Center. I believe I became more confident in myself in a professional workplace. I enjoyed learning about patients' injuries and what rehab was necessary for each patient. It was also very interesting to see the difference between the field of biokinetics (which doesn't exist in the US) and physical therapy. I haven't been sure what I want to do with my life but after this internship, I have a little more certainty that I'd like to go into a similar field to this. The people in Cape Town are all so kind and the types of people that the VACorps program attracts are all so amazing. I have made some lifelong friends here and had some truly life-changing experiences. The hiking (and all other outdoor activities) was by far my favorite part as well as simply getting to know a culture so different than mine through being in a truly South African workplace every day and exploring the beautiful city. I would not recommend coming for any less than 5 weeks if you choose this program! It's truly an incredible place and you have to be here long enough to fully enjoy every aspect of it. The VACorps staff are very organized and kind and want what's best for their interns.
My physiotherapy internship in Cape Town
August 10, 2021by: Bogue Dick - United StatesI loved meeting new people the most. The connections I made here and the friends I made are lifetime connections I will never leave behind. My internship itself was amazing. I was able to witness the highs and lows of physical therapy and learn how to help people with minimal resources. What I loved most about living in Cape Town were the activities I was able to do all the time. There was quite literally never a dull moment. I stayed for 8 weeks and I would recommend that being the minimum for someone to come for. In preparation for coming, I would just try to have an open mind.
Cape Town is truly an amazing place
July 31, 2019by: Kyrsten Le - United StatesI had a friend from home that took a gap year in Cape Town and met a couple of students who interned through VAC and thought this would be an amazing opportunity to gain hours for PT school while experiencing a new culture and traveling abroad. I am an intern at the Sport Science Institute of South Africa on the team of biokienticists and I have had an amazing experience. I was not only learning from extremely knowledgeable people, but I learned what field of physical therapy I want to pursue, which is neurological disorders. This internship allowed me to be exposed to patients I have not seen before and be there for their big milestones. My favorite part of the internship was being able to walk in everyday and see the milestones of all the patients written on the wall and physically seeing the progress after working so hard in sessions. SSISA was also an amazing place to learn alongside UCT students and interns and gain even more knowledge. I stayed in Cape Town for 5 weeks and loved the other interns I've met here and all the experiences VAC provided. Cape Town is truly an amazing place is so beautiful. I've loved the hikes after work, watching the sunset, or spontaneous trips to the beach. All these views could be reached in an Uber ride. I still feel like I didn't see all that I wanted to and I definitely recommend staying longer than 5 weeks to give yourself time to get adjusted and make the most of your experience at your internship and South Africa. I also recommend taking advantage of the Friday Activities! I was able to see a lot of Cape Town through these and made great friends because of it!
An internship that helped me grow
June 21, 2018by: Meggin Kelley - United StatesComing to Cape Town for my internship through the VACorps program was one of the best decisions I’ve made throughout my college career. I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and the outcome was amazing – I grew so much as a person. I completed a physiotherapy internship that allowed me to work with children affected by Cerebral Palsy. After completing my internship I am so thankful for the unparalleled experience it gave me! I loved working with the students and the questions they asked me about myself and where I was from was one of my favorite parts of the internship. VACorps was a great resource in getting me outside of the U.S. and their assistance throughout the whole process was very helpful. I think that everyone would benefit from an experience with VACorps!
Mornings with Mongezi
February 01, 2018by: Samantha Leung - United StatesMongezi is the physiotherapist I shadowed for 3 weeks and I enjoyed it thoroughly. As I wanted to know whether I want to work in this field or not, I learnt many things - like how to issue elbow crutches and walking sticks to patients, that amps have to meet certain requirements of the criteria in order for the patient to apply for prosthetic, and after applying for prosthetic the patients take time to exercise and strengthen their amp before putting it on officially, etc. Besides that, he taught me some Xhosa phrases to learn their language helped me get exposed to the state the township was in - with all the illegal wire connections in order to get electricity in their tin houses. In addition, he had this easy-going, friendly nature that I observed makes the patients feel at ease with him. He makes the patients smile and laugh. He welcomed me to ask any questions, and elaborated his answers with such expertise yet easy to understand. He is truly inspirational.
PT internship in Cape Town with VAC
June 26, 2017by: Cat S - United StatesI initially chose Cape Town because of the rave reviews I had heard from my friends who had studied here. I knew I wanted to do my 6-month internship abroad, but I still wanted to practice Physical Therapy in a place that was English-speaking and challenging so I could really practice what I had been learning in school. As for what I loved most about interning here, there is truly too much to say. I loved immersing myself in the PT department of a local school and working alongside professionals from South Africa, because I feel like I got an accurate portrayal of what it is like to work abroad. I loved the kids I got to work with at the site, and while I didn't learn quite as much as I'd hoped to from a PT standpoint, I certainly enjoyed my days working with the kids and I gained interpersonal skills and tactics for working with children that I will carry with me professionally. I created really strong relationships with my coworkers, and will never forget spending the mornings with them chatting and drinking coffee. I have the best memories working one-on-one with one patient with CP, whom I developed a positive relationship with. I truly believed the time we spent together benefitted her both physically and mentally, and that is a very rewarding realization for me to return home with. Aside from my time specifically working at the school, I had the most amazing personal experience. I am leaving here with the absolute fondest memories, the most wonderful collection of new friends, and a rekindled love of travel. 6 months was the perfect amount of time to explore Cape Town in a leisurely manner while allowing me to bond with my roommates and create some very strong friendships
Missing Cape Town
September 15, 2016by: Noelle - United StatesSince I was in high school, I have always had a desire to go to Africa. After talking to one of my friends who described her experience in Cape Town as nothing short of amazing, I knew I wanted to go there. I went through VAC since my friend had as well and I was placed with two of the professional rugby teams in South Africa (the DHL Stormers and the WP Rugby team) working with the physiotherapists (if you didn’t know, rugby is life in South Africa). I read the VAC testimonials before arriving, Googled everything you can imagine about Cape Town, South Africa, and Africa in general. There is a solid chance that I hold the record of how many questions I asked Anna and Thomas before arriving (and during my stay) but nothing and no one can prepare you for this life changing experience. My internship with the professional rugby teams was unlike any of my roommates/friends internships. My hours were never the same day to day, I had random weekdays off, the location changed daily (and sometimes I would find out less than a half hour before), I went in on the weekends, I had to leave my house by 6 AM usually… The hectic schedule was sometimes hard to keep up with, but that’s what made it special as well. It was true to the professional sport environment anywhere else in the world, I was able to get hands on experience with professional rugby players and I even learned a little bit of rugby along the way. Rugby is life in South Africa and the rugby players are heroic figures, so it was pretty special to be apart of such an amazing group of professional athletes. I was also very fortunate enough to travel around Cape Town and do just about everything on the “bucket lists” of Cape Town. To name a few things -- I went shark cage diving, hiking, skydiving (in one of the coolest drop zones in the world -- Plettenberg Bay), wine tasting… I went to an authentic South African Braai in Khayelitsha and I got PADI Open Water Scuba Diving Certified… I was lucky enough to have traveled the Garden Route as well and I also flew/landed on a game reserve for a 3 day guided Safari at Kruger National Park. The list of adventure is endless... Since coming home, I have been thinking about this next part on a daily basis, but I truly can’t express it in the “right words” so here goes: I'm constantly asked "Were you ever scared?" Or "Did you feel unsafe?" when I tell someone that I spent my summer in South Africa. And I always answer without hesitation, "Every second of everyday". The journey wasn't always comfortable. I rarely ever felt "safe" and I cried almost, if not, every night. I can't express how devastating things I saw were, for example, a township. In the townships, some people live in/with nothing -- they may have a tarp over their plastic/cardboard walls or a wooden chair attached to a plastic bin for a chair (yes, I did see this creative chair invention and thought it was an awesome idea) or live in an aluminum type shack. I’ve never seen anything like that. I can attempt to describe this to whoever but no one will truly ever understand the overwhelming feeling of sadness that I felt the very first time I saw a township unless they've felt it too. But the ironic thing is that I honestly wish I stayed longer and I hope to be able to adventure throughout South Africa and other countries in Africa in the future. Africa is feared by many because it is "dangerous" but what people don't realize is that Africa is absolutely stunning and beautiful in so many ways as well. The townships may look like they have nothing, but they have happiness. One of my favorite days was attending a braai in the township of Khayelitsha, which opened my eyes to pure happiness. Our VAC vans drove in, and the kids lined the “sidewalks” of the street. They were hesitant to approach us or talk to us when we tried to approach them. But the second we brought a soccer ball out, their eyes lit up with instant satisfaction. These kids were SO happy. We spent the entire afternoon dancing, playing corn hole, and kicking a soccer ball around. One girl had a tiara on and this stick with a tire spinning on the end and her smile couldn't have been bigger watching that tire spin. It was easily one of the best days of my entire life. There is so much culture in South Africa, so many different languages, awesome locals, the best food and wine I've ever tasted, and the nature is one of a kind with beautiful mountains within a main city while zebras walk alongside the highway. I find myself feeling more lost in my own home than I did while living in a third world country. And for all of this and more, I am grateful that I experienced Observatory, Cape Town, and South Africa. You meet an extraordinary type of person traveling to Africa, and I can attest to that because I know I have a special connection with everyone that I crossed paths with there. I know that I have made friends for a lifetime from around the world. I am grateful for everything -- the good, the bad, the awesome, the people, the places... And I am so grateful that it all will forever be apart of me and who I am.



Maitland Cottage Home
October 20, 2015by: Christopher Mitchell - Beaverton, ORI had a wonderful 10 weeks working as a physiotherapist! This was my first time in pediatrics and I enjoyed every day I got to work there. VAC helped me in so many ways and made this an unforgettable experience.
Cape Town..where Life is Lekker.
November 02, 2014by: EVAN - Portland, ORThe much anticipated trip to South Africa came to an end very quickly. Arriving an anxious and scared intern, leaving as if I left a part of myself in Cape Town. There are absolutely no words to describe the experience that I had in Cape Town. From the diversified culture, the amazing food, the countless adventures, and the unforgettable people, my time in Cape Town will never be forgotten. None of this would have been possible without VAC. The cool, (not much) older brothers and sisters that see you through the entire process. It is evident that they have a passion for what they do; and what better way to get to know the city and the country, than to have the locals lead you through it? A very special thank you to Vanessa Randon of VAC – without her, none of this would have been possible. From the very first skype session to unforgettable adventures in Botswana and Zimbabwe. VAC set up my internship at EROS School for the Cerebral Palsied. I absolutely fell in love with the site. The staff was more than welcoming. The children touched my hearts in more ways than they can imagine. Although the physical therapy education is different in South Africa compared to the United States, there is no better way to test the limits of your skill set than in a different country, working with a completely new population. The internship site gave me enough freedom to grow professionally as a physical therapist, as well as a person. I was forced out of my comfort zone multiple times, however, I left that much more confident in my skills. I am more confident in my skills as a physical therapist, a role model, and a teacher, but little did I know that the children would end up teaching me more. The smiles on their faces is a snapshot forever engrained in my heart. Aside from my unbelievable internship, my experience was completed by all the new “framily” members that I gained and the adventures we all went through together. If I took away all (maybe not all, but most) of the adventures that I had: all the beautiful hikes, shark cage diving, paragliding off Lion’s Head, bungee jumping off Bloukran’s Bridge, my amazing adventure in Botswana which includes walking across the Zambia-Zimbabwe border to go swim in Devil’s Pool on top of Victoria Falls, rafting and getting beat up by the Mighty Zambezi River, watching a pride of lions feasting on an elephant, sleeping under the moon and stars in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan in the Kalahari Desert (the list goes on), if I took most of that away and simply reminisce on each framily member, my time would have been more than worth it. The friendships that you build are forever lasting. I can confidently say that I have at least 30 couches I can sleep on all over the world, from Michigan, Alaska, Chicago, New Jersey, to Denmark, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and many more (obviously Cape Town is a given). This in all of its entirety, has awakened the adventure seeking traveler and has left behind a part of the OCD-comfort seeking individual in me. As I said before, VAC is there for you from the beginning to the end. There is only one guaranteed regret, time. Arriving thinking three months would be forever and leaving Cape Town trying to extend my stay. I could go on and write about this for a while, but I will end it with my motto throughout my time in Cape Town and the famous slogan that everyone knows: just.do.it.
Program Details
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Locations
- Cape Town, South Africa
Types and Subjects
- Fields
- Kinesiology & Exercise Science
- Physical Therapy
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- Short Term
- 1-3 Months
- 3-6 Months
Age Requirement
18+
Guidelines
All Nationalities
Starts At
- 4-12 weeks: $3,175
Program Cost Includes
- Internship Placement
- Emergency Support
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
- Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
- Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- In-Country Orientation
- All Program Activity Costs
Refund Policy
Other
Accommodation Options
- Apartment/Flat
- Group living
- Guest House
- Independent living
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Resume
- Online Application
- Phone/Video Interview
Frequently Asked Questions
Which areas of physical therapy can I specialize in?
You can focus on pediatric, sports/musculoskeletal, neurological, or geriatric physical therapy, depending on your interests and academic goals.
Will this internship count toward my clinical hours or requirements?
VACorps works with you to structure the placement so it satisfies your course or clinical hour requirements, whether you're completing an undergraduate or graduate program, just confirm your specific requirements with your school beforehand.
Will I be working with a mentor, or as part of a larger team?
You'll work alongside professional physical therapists, gaining hands-on experience under direct supervision rather than working independently.
Do I need to speak a local language to work with patients?
No,English is one of South Africa’s official languages and is the standard working language across healthcare settings here. That means interns are able to communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and patients without needing another language to participate. While you’ll certainly hear other languages spoken in daily life, English remains the common ground in professional healthcare environments.
What do past interns say made the biggest difference in this program?
Many highlight the hands-on, experiential nature of the placement and the exposure to patients from a genuinely wide range of backgrounds, which several describe as reshaping how they think about physical therapy as a field.
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff

Samantha Leung
Participated in 2018
Samantha Leung is originally from Hong Kong, but half-Singaporean (her mum is Singaporean). She studies at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Ph...

Samantha Leung
Participated in 2018
I wanted to travel somewhere during my summer holidays, since I have volunteered (Reach Out Volunteer Scuba Diving and Marine Conservation Program) in Cambodia in late 2016, my parents didn't let me go on another volunteer program. So, I searched for an overseas internship program.
Ready to Learn More?
Physical therapy looks different depending on the healthcare system you're working in, and interning in Cape Town gives you a genuinely global perspective on the field, not just a South African add-on to your resume. You'll work directly alongside established physiotherapists, treating patients with a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, in a healthcare environment shaped by very different resources and patient needs than what you're used to. VACorps builds your placement around your specific long-term goals, whether that's pediatric, sports and musculoskeletal, neurological, or geriatric physical therapy, and works with you to make sure the experience satisfies your actual course or clinical hour requirements, whether you're undergraduate or graduate level. This int...

VAC Internships Cape Town

VAC Internships Cape Town
Ready to Learn More?
Physical therapy looks different depending on the healthcare system you're working in, and interning in Cape Town gives you a genuinely global perspective on the field, not just a South African add-on to your resume. You'll work directly alongside established physiotherapists, treating patients with a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, in a healthcare environment shaped by very different resources and patient needs than what you're used to. VACorps builds your placement around your specific long-term goals, whether that's pediatric, sports and musculoskeletal, neurological, or geriatric physical therapy, and works with you to make sure the experience satisfies your actual course or clinical hour requirements, whether you're undergraduate or graduate level. This int...
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