Public Health Internships in Cape Town

I had a really great time in Cape Town. During my internship with a public health research organization, I felt welcomed from the start, everyone was incredibly kind and supportive. I spent much of my time working on data cleaning and learning more about the projects the team was involved in, which I found really interesting. I also loved living in Cape Town. The city is beautiful, and there is always something to do, from hiking and enjoying the views to experiencing the nightlife. I’m especially grateful for the VACorps weekly activities and culture series, which gave me the chance to explore new places and learn more about the city. It’s an experience I’ll truly miss.

I chose Cape Town because I wanted an experience completely different from anything I had done before. Being here for two months exceeded my expectations. I made lifelong friends, had unforgettable experiences, and grew a lot as a person. During my internship at a public healthcare clinic in one of Cape Town’s suburbs, I had the opportunity to rotate through different departments and observe medicine firsthand. The doctors were welcoming and always willing to answer questions, and conversations with both doctors and patients became the most meaningful part of the experience. These interactions helped me understand the importance of culture, communication, and connection in healthcare. Outside of the internship, Cape Town itself was incredible. The VAC staff were welcoming and supportive from the moment I arrived, which made me feel right at home. The weekly activities and cultural evenings were always fun and insightful, and I learned something new each time. Overall, this has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It strengthened my interest in medicine and showed me how important communication and support are in providing even the most basic patient care.

I chose Cape Town because VAC offered public health placements for internships. When I was researching options for my gap year, I found public health opportunities difficult to come by, so VAC’s program made the decision easy. I wasn’t familiar with Cape Town—or Africa, for that matter—but I was excited to travel somewhere completely new and immerse myself in a different culture. I’m so glad I made that choice, because I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. During my internship, I learned a great deal about the research process, including applying for ethics approval, communication, recruitment, and data analysis. I also really enjoyed exploring the variety of research projects going on at my internship site. It was fascinating and inspiring. Outside of my placement, I met wonderful people through VAC and even better friends through Rent-A-Room. Although not all my Rent-A-Room roommates were VAC interns, we bonded instantly, and I’m sure they’ll be lifelong friends. Cape Town also helped me reconnect with my sense of adventure, my love for the outdoors, and my joy in exercise. As a former collegiate athlete, my relationship with working out had often been intense and complicated. But by joining run clubs (like Tuesday Trails and Running Late Club), hiking with friends, and taking long walks on the promenade, I was able to rewrite that relationship into a healthier one which is something I’m excited to carry back home with me. Some of my favorite memories include traveling to Kruger National Park and along the Garden Route. Both unforgettable experiences that I highly recommend to any future interns. Other highlights were visiting Boulders Beach, Cape Point, and riding the Wine Tram. I stayed for three months, which felt like the perfect amount of time for me. I’m sad to be leaving, but I also feel ready to return home grateful for the memories, skills, and friendships I’ll take with me.

I chose the Cape Town study abroad program hoping for even the slightest bit personal and professional development, but I left with my heart completely full and forever changed. My placement, housing, and university experience equally impacted how well I integrated into the community, my new home-away-from-home. I'm grateful for my internship placement because it gave me clarity on my future career. As a public health student, I'm really passionate about making healthcare accessible and equitable. My fieldwork assignments allowed me to harness that passion, and turn it into impact. I connected with community centers who support at-risk populations and visited clinics in townships to manage our research project partnerships. I also really enjoyed the administrative side of my research clinic, helping out with filing, completing transcriptions, and other small tasks that supported my staff in the areas they needed me the most. Through my experiences of learning and collaborating with a team who encouraged and supported my professional development meant the world to me. I loved my housing placement because we all came from different backgrounds, lives, and experiences. We became a family! We cooked together, enjoyed the pool, and explored Observatory hand-in-hand. I felt comfortable to be myself, and in the unique unfamiliar environment of interning abroad they were a sense of comfort I didn't expect to love so intensely. Being able to bond, especially during Friday activities, was amazing! I am really thankful for the VAC staff making each opportunity to embrace our intern community memorable.

Interning in Cape Town was a fantastic way to experience living overseas and embrace a different environment. One of my favourite things about living in Cape Town was having so many exciting things to do at your doorstep. From hikes on Table Mountain, to exploring different markets and restaurants around town, there was always something new and interesting to do. The VAC weekly activities also made certain activities more accessible and created a fun group environment to share many of these experiences with and this was truly appreciated. I spent 2 months interning at a public health research organisation in Cape Town. The organisation was extremely welcoming and got me involved with a variety of aspects of their organisation. This enabled me to gain valuable knowledge and skills that I can now apply to other internship and work opportunities in the future. Finally, the VAC staff were super friendly and always willing to help out with any issues that arose to make our stay in Cape Town as stress-free as possible. I would definitely recommend interning in Cape Town to anyone whose up for a fun adventure in a unique city.

I chose Cape Town because I wanted to explore somewhere new and exciting, and I had never been before! I decided to do an internship here because I wanted something more than just a traditional internship this summer—I wanted to experience public health and medicine in a different part of the world. Interning here was an amazing experience. I got to see and learn things I would never have encountered in the US, especially how healthcare works differently here. I had the opportunity to take part in many medical procedures, and I reached my goals of pushing myself and trying new things. I was also really involved in patient care, which was something I loved. This experience helped me learn a lot about myself, my future goals, and how I want to make a difference in the world. The people I worked with and the friends I made are unforgettable, and I will miss this experience deeply. I stayed for six weeks, but I would recommend staying as long as you can and getting involved in every opportunity that comes your way!

The Cape Town internship with VAC has been one of the best experiences of my life. I was so nervous coming here, not knowing anyone and never having been to Africa before. But the VAC staff was incredibly welcoming, and all the interns treated me with such kindness and warmth. I’ve never made friends faster or met such a wonderful and diverse group of people. I absolutely loved my house and housemates—it truly felt like a dream to connect with them! I did my internship at a public health research company, where I got to observe the entire public health intervention process from start to finish, which was fascinating. It taught me a lot about how to run a study and what challenges or obstacles to look out for. I also learned how to handle unexpected issues, like technical problems with online forms or money transfers. The experience was so informative and gave me skills I hadn’t gained in school! There’s so much to see here in Cape Town, and the VAC staff organized many amazing activities. I’m going to miss sunsets at the beach, hiking around Table Mountain, and exploring all the cool coffee shops and restaurants in the area. If you’re considering this internship, PLEASE DO IT! Cape Town is absolutely magical, and it will definitely be one of the best experiences of your life. I understand safety is a concern for many when thinking about this trip (it was for me), but once I arrived, I quickly learned how to stay safe and be vigilant. I haven’t had any bad experiences here! As long as you have street smarts, you’ll be perfectly fine. This truly has been an incredible experience, and I’ll cherish the memories and friendships I made here for life. To anyone thinking about joining the VAC program, I strongly encourage you to go for it. You’ll gain valuable work experience and meet some of the best people you’ll ever know!

The rich political, economic, and cultural history of South Africa offers numerous learning opportunities unique to this location, fueling my fascination with working in Cape Town. The diversity and multicultural atmosphere under a now united nation create a beautiful melting pot of culture and an incredible experience to immerse in. I was particularly drawn to this location because of the significant strides made in its healthcare system compared to the limited or nonexistent healthcare under the past Apartheid regime. I am passionate about how the nation has addressed public health crises and continues to do so, especially concerning the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The experience I had here surpassed all of my expectations, and I am forever grateful for this place and the wonderful people I met. I was able to diversify my interests, knowledge, and experiences in a way that I don’t think I could have achieved elsewhere. This is thanks to the wonderful city of Cape Town, my lovely fellow interns and classmates, and the beautiful people at VAC. My time over the last 8 weeks has been so enriching and captivating that I cannot wait to return.

Cape Town is such a wonderful, vibrant city and will welcome you with open arms. If you are looking for somewhere to do an internship that gives you that home away from home feeling, I can't recommend this city enough! The VACorps weekly cultural events were so informative, fun, and gave you the opportunity to experience local music, dance, food, drinks, and much more. Additionally, the weekly excursions offered by VACorps give you the opportunity to get outside the city to explore and try activities with all the other interns. I have been able to meet so many new people from around the world through this community and was set up with an incredible internship site. My time at a public health research project was an invaluable learning experience! Furthermore, I was able to make such meaningful connections with the team members working at the office and the community health clinics; and I am very much looking forward to staying in touch with everyone at my host site. My placement site made me feel as though my time there was valued and very much appreciated. My internship in Cape Town is something that I will fondly remember forever!

Knowing the beauty and strength of African people and culture, I knew I would greatly appreciate having an opportunity to intern on the continent. I also wanted to explore maternal and child public health work here in South Africa, and my internship site did not disappoint. Working at my internship site was one of the most educational and fulfilling experiences I’ve had. The community of staff members and pregnant moms showed me that unconditional love and support can change the health trajectory of communities. One of the best parts of my stay was the VACorps community – the other program participants and the staff members. Kus and Kholi are amazing human beings that made my stay in Cape Town comfortable and an amazing experience

I am so thankful for my experience with VAC. I chose Cape Town because I wanted to have an international intern experience with a company that cared about its interns. I had a desire to explore a city that I had never been to and work with people I had never met but knew I would flourish with. I really enjoyed everything I learned at my internship in the realm of data cleaning following research projects. I’ve been on the front end of research projects before not the back end so it gave me a lot of insight into all aspects of research in the public health world. I loved that I felt outside of my comfort zone but in the best way possible, I was so comfortable exploring Cape Town and learning while I was here. I will miss everything about Cape Town, the people, the other interns, the views, the mountains, the ocean, the food, and more. My time here in Cape Town has made me feel like Cape Town is my home and I was exactly where I was supposed to be. I was only here for 8 weeks and I wish I could extend my stay to a lifetime. VAC and Cape Town have given me lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and an incredible learning experience. If you are hesitant in any way about coming to Cape Town, just do it, come and see the beauty Cape Town and South Africa has to offer. It’s a city that felt like home instantly and I know it will for you too

I came to Cape Town because I knew it was a place where I could always be learning about different cultures, political views, public health practices, and from the experiences of others. I loved the independence that VAC offered especially for a gap year student like me who is still navigating her newfound adulthood. Every day I was pushed outside of my comfort zone, whether hiking table mountain or learning about sexual health issues at my internship. I met some of the most amazing people in Cape Town and in the VACorps program and I know I will continue to keep in contact. I also think Observatory is one of the best places to stay in Cape Town and I am so fortunate to have been able to experience all it has to offer. I definitely recommend staying for at least 8 weeks and hopefully longer if you can- I have been here for 11 weeks and still feel like I didn’t get to do everything. The weekly activities and trips such as Garden Route and Kruger also made my time here and I highly recommend doing them. I’m gonna miss Cape Town so much but I can’t wait to come back!

I chose Cape Town as my internship site because it was a great opportunity to learn more about epidemiology in a setting where they have had to deal with epidemics for decades. What I loved most about the internship was the people. South Africans have a positivity to themselves that is unmatched by any people I have ever met. They are happy and hard-working and always have hope no matter how hard their lives are. They take care of themselves and others, which I think Americans could learn from. I definitely loved all the different places I could visit and how every mile there was a new environment to discover. The animals I saw at Kruger were amazing and the memories will be with me forever. I stayed for 10 weeks and honestly if I could I would have stayed longer. The VAC staff were amazing! Loyiso, Kuselwa, and Kholi were the best staff I could ask for. They were always available and answered my questions so quickly and efficiently! I never felt uneasy about coming to them about concerns. I am grateful for the breadth of experiences I was able to see and experience and I am grateful to South Africa and the VACorps team for their hard work to make SA the most amazing place ever!

I recently graduated college with my Bachelor's in Public Health and wanted to get some experience in global health before pursuing my master's degree. I chose Cape Town because, unfortunately, they have. a high prevalence of HIV, and I wanted to look at infection control. I was placed with Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation and got to learn about the clinical trials the site is doing to combat HIV and provide vaccination. Overall, I learned a lot from my internship site, the country, and the people I met. My internship showed me that I want to pursue my master's degree in infection control and prevention. It was an amazing experience for me and I am grateful I came out here.

Traveling away from home to a totally different continent is a little daunting. Once I met Loyiso at the airport I felt an instant sigh of relief. The VACorps staff are so kind and thoughtful. Kus and Kholi have been amazing. I was worried I would have to plan so much of my stay myself but I am very glad that the amazing staff coordinated Friday activities and was always messaging in the WhatsApp group chat. Sean was so awesome and showed us a different side of South Africa. I would have never been willing or able to do so many hikes without him. I truly just appreciate the energy in this office. It is very apparent that the entire staff wants the interns to have a good time and actually learn at their internship sites. I worked at a public clinic in one of Cape Town's townships, and I would highly recommend it to anyone working in the field of public health, kinesiology, or medicine. As I gained the trust and respect of the staff at the clinic I was given more and more responsibility. I met so many students from UCT and UWC. Since I have such a huge interest in the infectious disease I knew I needed to come to South Africa and see the healthcare system with my own eyes. A lot of work needs to be done since this country has one of the highest HIV rates in the world. When I get back home, I want to continue my work with HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Stigma needs to change and science needs to advance worldwide for more treatment and prevention options. I would not change this experience for anything in the world. My 5 weeks here were the best and I advise all incoming interns to stay for 5 weeks or longer if able.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent working with the team in South Africa. Having a virtual, international internship was challenging and rewarding in many ways. I wish I had been able to be there to see the progress and effects of my participation! Unfortunately, with the current pandemic, that was not possible. I do think the experience has taught me a lot about time-management and what my abilities are, as opposed to what I thought they were....I will miss the smiling faces and kind words from those with whom I worked. I hope that I left a lasting impression as well. I was able to work in a real-world environment with products and experiences that mattered for more than just trying to obtain a good grade. I was introduced to the world of non-profit organizations and the difficult, yet rewarding aspects that come from being involved with them. The experience and advice I was given by Dr. White-Ndwanya will be crucial to my obtaining employment in the future!

From the start of the internship, VACorps was a big help. The staff in South Africa was easy to contact and they helped find the right program for me. At the beginning of the 8-week remote internship with Dr. Takiyah, my goals were established and throughout the 8-week program and my goals were accomplished. My goals for my internship were as follows: 1) to expand knowledge on research 2) learn how to reach different demographics, and 3) build health programs for communities in need. Now that my internship is finished, I can confidently say that I have done so much research during my internship while achieving these goals! I participated in research on grants, history, townships, and a variety of other Public Health topics. For example, during my internship with Ms. Takiyah, I built a Hypertension campaign for black women stemming from a paper I wrote. I also did a COVID Prevention flyer for middle schoolers in South Africa and I assisted with donation handovers, which I really enjoyed. I have even published a page on Dr. Takiyah's memorial fund website, networked with some board members of the memorial fund-- all of which looks great on my resume! It has been an incredible experience and this remote internship has helped me to grow, professionally, and personally. I feel more comfortable and prepared for my future career in the Public Health field. I even feel more comfortable and prepared for life after graduation.

If there was one phrase that described my remote internship experience in South Africa with Badgers Academy through VACorps and Kaya Responsible Travel, it would be “journey before destination.” While the end product (in my case a framework for a new sports development programme) was well worth the many weeks of hard work, it was the relationships that I formed along the way with people within and around the communities I was serving that set this experience apart. I originally chose South Africa as a destination for an internship because even remotely, it is an ideal place to see the fruits of both domestic and international public health development programmes in action. What I was not aware of (and what ended up being one of my favorite parts of the experience) was just how rich and diverse South Africa is culturally while still maintaining a fairly universal workplace culture structured around familial relationships. From the moment I first interacted with my supervisor at my internship site and my “buddy” through VACorps, I felt known, valued, and appreciated in a way that I had not anticipated and very much appreciated. Specifically within VACorps, I was able to develop a close bond with my “buddy” Kuselwa Webu; she not only did an amazing enhancing the cultural learning experience but also provided a weekly opportunity to relax and chat informally about all things South Africa. If I had to choose one thing that I liked the most about my internship site, it would be the workplace culture. Somehow, my supervisor and my fellow interns and I created and maintained a workplace dynamic that always felt laid-back and non-intrusive while still pushing us to maintain the deadlines that we set for ourselves. This aspect of a workplace culture was quite unique for me, as it is quite different than anything that I have experienced in America. In terms of things that I will miss the most, I think that the unique workplace dynamics in place will be one of the most prominent. Overall, I had an amazing experience interning through VACorps! I would highly recommend that they make an effort to continue working with Badgers Academy in the future, and I hope that in the future, I can work with them again to visit South Africa in person!

I chose to come to Cape Town because it was a city I had visited while studying abroad my Junior year, and I knew it was a place I needed to return to. There was so much to do here - from the hiking to the beaches to the city itself, and I wanted to give myself time to be explore the area in greater depth. My internship allowed me to simultaneously learn about a different aspect of Cape Town. Working in a primary public health clinic in Khayelitsha gave me the opportunity to learn more about how HIV and TB has affected the people living in these areas. While there, I interviewed doctors, nurses, health care workers, and patients about their life experiences, which is being transformed into a publishable news article. This experience allowed me to learn about a different side of Cape Town, one that is often overlooked by tourists. I will never forget some of the interviews I conducted with individuals whose lives were transformed by HIV, especially one woman who after discovering her diagnosis as positive, went on to establish a new health system in all of South Africa that gave patients everywhere access to better care. I have truly loved my summer here, and it is an event that has helped me understand what it is I want to do with my career. I will miss Cape Town dearly, and especially the friends I have made while here.

I never imagined that I would end up in Cape Town, South Africa, but I have truly fallen in love with this city, my work, the people, and the culture! My time in Cape Town and working at Diabetes South Africa has taught me so much to better myself, has provided invaluable skills relevant to my future career and about public health, my field of study, and has developed my professional and academic career. I was able to engage in real, meaningful work, which I know taught me more than any textbook ever could. Having VACorps there with me to provide guidance and immersion into Cape Town life was so helpful. Exploring the city with the other interns was also so fun and beautiful. Cape Town has by far become my favorite place ever! I am so beyond grateful that I had this experience and I will never forget my time at Diabetes South Africa or in Cape Town!