Refugee Internships in Cape Town, South Africa

During my gap year, I sought a new and different experience, and Cape Town, through VAC, turned out to be the perfect choice. I’m deeply grateful for the challenges, learning opportunities, and cultural experiences I encountered. To my surprise, after just three months, Cape Town began to feel like home. Thanks to VAC, I built lasting friendships, formed deep connections with my internship colleagues, and found a true sense of belonging. I worked at two diverse internship sites: An NGO that supports vulnerable elderly people and the legal advocacy center for refugees. VAC’s flexibility allowed me to gain invaluable experience at both. I bonded closely with the strong and caring “grannies” who feel like family. At my law placement, I took on significant responsibilities, such as writing court documents and meeting with clients, which greatly enriched my experience. I chose to extend my stay by a month, which was beneficial for fully experiencing both internships. Though adjusting from living with twenty gap year students to a smaller group of interns was a shift, I wouldn’t change a thing and highly recommend extending if you’re considering taking on multiple internships. The most memorable aspect of VAC was the people I met. The bonds formed with my fellow VAC participants are incredibly special, and I’m excited to maintain these friendships back in the US. VAC’s environment facilitated connections I wouldn’t have made otherwise, leading to some of my most valued relationships. Cape Town itself is an extraordinary city with endless natural beauty, culture, and activities. I hope to return someday and continue exploring all it has to offer.

VACorps did a superb job of making me feel supported, safe, and taken care as I explored the beautiful Cape Town and all of its rich culture. Their staff were warm, responsive, and experts at making you feel at home while away from home. During my first internship placement I worked primarily on a research deliverable for a land advocacy organization, that wedded international literatures and the South African context around farm worker evictions. I learned a ton about insecure land tenure and land dispossession issues across the world, and I am proud of the product. During my second placement at a refugee advocacy center, I really enjoyed assisting on legal matters — and in particular getting to see South African courts in session. I developed greater confidence working on legal matters and materials, and affirmed my interest in going into the legal profession. I really appreciated my supervisors willingness to connect me with meaningful opportunities and get me involved in his work. I was was so grateful for the internship placement, and my ability to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s work. I was involved in field work that made my time in Cape Town immensely enriching and eye-opening. VAC ensured that this placement was smooth and respectful.

When I discovered VACorps in September, I applied immediately on a whim, but the thought of actually coming to South Africa and doing an internship here in the midst of a pandemic seemed laughable and almost dream-like. But there was the VACorps staff, instantly walking me through the rest of my application, meeting with me with less than a few hours’ notice, asking me about my personal and professional interests and my preferred internship placement. They were so dedicated to making this happen for me, and for that, I am beyond grateful. When I finally arrived in Cape Town, halfway across the world and knowing no one, I was so nervous. But VACorps made the transition so fluid. Within two hours of landing, we were already on a hike and then exploring the city’s neighborhoods. The orientation week was absolutely perfect; it provided an ideal mix of structure and independence such that I could instantly acclimate to my new home. It is hard to pinpoint the highlight of this journey because every part of it has met and surpassed my expectations. My internship (where I work with and teach refugees) has been so interesting and fulfilling—I genuinely look forward to going to work each day. Weekends in Cape Town are even more amazing. There are an endless amount of once-in-a-lifetime activities to do here: snorkeling with seals, sandboarding, wine tasting, hiking Table Mountain, skydiving, bungee jumping, shark cage diving, seeing wild animals on a safari, swimming with penguins, surfing, or tanning at the most gorgeous beaches. Cape Town is undoubtedly the coolest place I have ever been to. I’ve spent three months here, and I can say with absolute certainty that I could spend three more and never run out of things to do. I am so sad to be leaving Cape Town, but I will cherish the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had for a very long time. Coming here has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and is easily the highlight of my gap year. I would recommend VACorps to any independent and adventurous individual enthusiastically and without reservation.