Gap Year Internship Program in Cape Town

I loved my time in Cape Town. Two months was a great amount of time, although I think staying for two and a half to three months would have allowed me to experience even more than I did. I really appreciated how the VACorps program was structured, it provided plenty of support while still giving us the freedom to explore independently. The two-week orientation was a highlight, and I made friendships that I know will last well beyond my time here. From day one, the VACorps staff made me feel welcomed, comfortable, and supported. My internship with a community-based organization gave me the opportunity to learn by observing experienced professionals and seeing how their work made a difference. One of the biggest lessons I took away was that you don't need to have the biggest role to make a meaningful impact. That realization gave me a new appreciation for teamwork and the importance of every contribution, no matter how small it may seem.

I chose Cape Town as my internship destination because it felt like the perfect place to grow both personally and professionally. I was able to spend plenty of time outdoors, exploring my active side, while also gaining insight into the business environment, especially through my work with a company focused on commercial real estate. It was a great balance of learning and experiencing something new. What stood out most to me was the kindness of the people I met and the range of experiences I was able to have. The VACorps program provided a strong support system and made it easy to build friendships and feel at home. I also really valued getting to know my coworkers and seeing Cape Town through their perspective. Over time, I noticed myself becoming more confident and more comfortable speaking up for what I want.

I am very grateful that I chose to participate in the VACorps program. It was supportive while still allowing space to grow independently, which made it a great experience overall. I truly enjoyed my time in Cape Town and found my internship with a community-based organization both meaningful and insightful. One of the highlights for me was interviewing people and engaging directly with different perspectives. Through this experience, I learned a lot about what I do and do not want in my future career, which has been incredibly valuable moving forward.

During my time in Cape Town, I was able to connect with other interns, explore the city, and grow both personally and professionally through my internship. I learned a lot, not only about my field through my work with a community-based organization, but also about myself and the people around me. I truly loved my time here, and although it’s difficult to see it come to an end, I will always cherish these memories. One of the most important things I gained from this experience was the confidence to speak up for myself and go after what I feel is important, something I had struggled with in the past.

Cape Town is an incredibly beautiful and scenic place, and spending time here was a welcome change from colder seasons back home. I loved hiking, relaxing at the beaches, and exploring the local restaurants and cafés around the city. Living here also taught me a lot about myself, especially the importance of budgeting and being there for friends when they need support. I will really miss the warm weather, the nightlife, and the late-night conversations and debriefs with friends. During my internship with a sports and community-focused organization, I learned the basics of athletic training and gained a better understanding of how important time management and a willingness to learn are in a professional setting. I stayed for about two months, which felt like the perfect amount of time to settle in and experience the city. The VACorps staff were incredibly kind and supportive, and they helped make the experience both memorable and meaningful.

I had a really great experience in Cape Town over the last couple of months—from the apartments we stayed in, to all the activities both in and outside the program, and of course my internship. I was very happy with where I ended up for my placement, as it allowed me to see so much more of Cape Town than I ever would have on my own. I worked in a school in Athlone and in Camps Bay, giving me the chance to interact with children across different communities and observe the cultural differences throughout the city. The people I met through Sports Hub were incredible—people I will never forget. Knowing that if I come back to Cape Town I’ll have places to stay and familiar faces to reconnect with means a lot. They really welcomed me and made me feel comfortable during my time here. I’m also very happy with VAC. They allowed me to be independent throughout my stay while still offering guidance and opportunities when needed. Everyone I met through the program was fantastic. Overall, I had a unique and amazing experience in Cape Town. There were learning curves and some ups and downs along the way, but it was truly awesome.

I chose Cape Town because I wanted the second semester of my gap year to be different from the first, which I spent in Spain. I had always heard wonderful things about Cape Town and was eager to finally experience it for myself. From orientation onward, I felt incredibly supported by the VAC team, and that support continued throughout my time here. Embrace the love everyone at VAC has to offer—it truly is such a special program, and I hope more people come to appreciate it as much as I now do. One of my goals was to learn how to be truly passionate about my internship, and I absolutely achieved that. I also loved working with the kids and sharing games from the US with them—it was an unforgettable experience.

My time in Cape Town was incredibly rewarding, adventurous, and eye-opening. During my internship, I worked with a nonprofit organization based in the township of Langa, where I tutored high school students in algebra, physics, and trigonometry. This experience exposed me to both the challenges faced by the community and the inspiring, service-driven mindset of many local leaders. Beyond my internship, I took advantage of everything Cape Town has to offer. I hiked many trails, explored neighborhoods like CBD and Sea Point, and spent time at the beach with friends. I highly recommend doing an internship through VACorps because you can explore your professional interests while experiencing life in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

I came to Cape Town with sky-high expectations—and somehow, this city still managed to exceed them. Every day, I found myself asking, “What should I try today?” and there was never a shortage of answers. Few places in the world offer the same richness of opportunity as Cape Town does. Whether natural, cultural, or social, this city truly has something for everyone. Looking back on my time in the program, I’ve made lifelong friends and developed essential life skills. From meaningful personal connections to unforgettable experiences, Cape Town and VACorps gave me everything I hoped for—and so much more. I came into this internship wanting to push my comfort zone, and that’s exactly what I did. Everything I took on at my internship was new to me, which challenged me to sharpen my problem-solving skills and trust myself. I’m especially proud of the work I did with the camera—it was my first time using anything other than an iPhone! I figured out a simple system for transferring photos and quickly learned what kinds of images would perform well on social media.

I came to Cape Town for two and a half months to intern at an environmental organization. During my time there, I spent two days a week in the office supporting a sustainability education program, and two days in the field at various conservation sites. I really enjoyed having this balance between outdoor, active time and time at a computer. Everyone at my internship was so welcoming and made me feel safe to ask questions and be myself! The highlight of my internship was getting to spend a few days in Simon’s Town helping out the penguin rangers. I did nest counts, helped rescue abandoned eggs, and even did some house calls to remove penguins from people’s gardens! Outside of my internship, I really got to explore and fall in love with the city of Cape Town. From the beaches to Table Mountain, there is so much to offer. Even after being here for over two months, I feel like I have just scratched the surface. I can’t wait to come back and visit again!

I chose VAC because I wanted to explore the field of psychology during my gap year— and in doing so, I was introduced to new areas of interest and experiences I never could have imagined! I absolutely loved the hikes, adventures, incredible food, rich history, and deep sense of community I found through the gap year program and throughout Observatory and Cape Town as a whole. One of my favorite memories is planting lettuce on a sunny day with a breathtaking view of Table Mountain and the entire waterfront — something I’ll never forget. I also loved how accessible Observatory is, with its amazing restaurants, thrift stores, and vibrant live music scene. I stayed from January to March, which felt like the perfect amount of time — I definitely wouldn’t have wanted it to be any shorter. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in such a beautiful, diverse place and to truly experience life in Cape Town.

I chose Cape Town because I had heard incredible things about its culture and natural beauty. I wanted to improve my surfing and gain more independence before starting college. I also saw an internship as a great way to experience the workforce and learn what it’s like to live and work on my own. What I loved most was the community I found at my internship. The people I worked with were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and over time, they became good friends. I learned that I bring a strong presence to any space and that I’m confident and capable on my own. I’ll never forget surfing with my colleagues and the braai we had together after work one evening — or the many fun nights spent with others in the program. Our weekend getaway to Hermanus is another memory I’ll cherish forever. I stayed in Cape Town from approximately January 5th to March 5th. I’d recommend staying for at least two to three months — no less. The first week or two can be an adjustment, especially when it comes to the food, but just be prepared and give it time. The VACorps staff were amazing — always friendly, quick to help, and full of great recommendations. I really enjoyed the weekly activities, and I appreciated that while we had support when needed, we also had plenty of independence. I’m so grateful for everything this experience gave me.

These past few months have been absolutely incredible and truly life-changing. I’ve fallen in love with Cape Town — from its stunning natural beauty to the warmth and kindness of its people. This city has become a second home, and I’ve formed friendships that I know will last a lifetime. My internship gave me valuable exposure to a professional work environment, and I now feel more confident and prepared as I head back to school this fall. To the entire VACorps team: I can’t thank you enough for your support and everything you've made possible. And to anyone considering this program — you won’t regret it. Cape Town is, without a doubt, one of the most amazing places on earth!

I chose Cape Town for my gap year because I believed that learning about different countries and cultures would enrich my understanding of the world. I decided to do an internship to gain business experience and better prepare for the "real world." During my time here, I learned several technical skills, including how to use a sewing machine—I even managed to make a bag and a pillow, which I’m really proud of. One specific observation I made was just how challenging the fashion industry can be for aspiring designers and entrepreneurs. I loved interacting with my coworkers and the children at my placement. One moment I’ll always remember is arriving at the daycare and being swarmed with hugs from the kids. I also loved the weather, going to the beach, and exploring different cultural attractions. The aspect of the VACorps program I'm most grateful for is the approachability of the staff and the kindness they showed me every day.

I decided to come to Cape Town because I was deeply interested in the people and the culture. My internship sounded like exactly what I was looking for and I couldn't be happier that I ended up here. I interned at a community-based nonprofit in Khayelitsha that supports grandmothers affected by poverty and HIV/AIDS through support groups, skills workshops, and programs for local children. The things I’ve learned from the grandmothers I worked with have gone far beyond what I ever imagined. The thought of leaving them makes me feel genuinely heartbroken. I’m going to miss arriving at the organization each day and greeting every grandma with a smile. Cape Town turned out to be the perfect fit for this chapter of my gap year. The freedom I experienced here has taught me so much about myself and the world.

I decided to intern abroad because I wanted to combine new experiences with learning. I felt it was important to explore the medical field more deeply before starting college, which is why I pursued an internship. I chose Cape Town because it seemed like a beautiful city, and I was drawn to its mix of beach, mountains, and urban life. What I loved most were the people I met and the wide range of activities we got to do together—everything felt so accessible for visitors. I learned that I’m capable of being completely independent, even in a new country. What I’ll miss most is the everyday adventure of living in Cape Town. I never ended up where I thought I would be when each day began. I stayed for two and a half months, but I’d love to stay longer. I’m a little homesick now, but I know that once I leave, I’ll be homesick for Cape Town instead. For anyone considering interning in Cape Town, my advice is: don’t come with expectations. My experience was totally different from what I imagined—and way more adventurous. We were told to buy what we needed here instead of bringing it all from home, and I didn’t listen. I definitely recommend taking that advice—everything is more affordable here, and you can find whatever you need. I really enjoyed the weekly activities. They were a great way to get outside, hang out with friends, and unwind after a week of work. I’d recommend going on as many as possible. I’m really grateful I had this experience. I feel lucky to have come with such amazing people and to have landed such an interesting internship.

I chose Cape Town because it was so far from home. It’s a developing nation nearly 20 hours away, and that distance represented a big change for me. But this year has been about trying new things and stepping outside my comfort zone—so I went for it. I don’t think I fully processed what that lifestyle shift would mean when I had my final conversation with Oliver and made the decision. During my time here, I’ve learned so much—though it’s hard to put it all into words. I’ve grown a lot as a person, mostly from living with people who are very different from me and navigating life in a completely foreign environment. For the first time, I’ve been cooking for myself, shopping for groceries, and managing day-to-day life independently. Traveling in the fall helped build my confidence and life skills, but nothing compares to this experience. I’m a much different person now than when I arrived, and this program has been incredibly impactful for my personal growth. I feel so much more ready for college life now that I’ve been through VACorps.

My experience in Cape Town has been incredible. I have seen incredible landscapes and animals I was not aware existed. I have learned how to surf, make new friends, and embrace every moment of the day. I have tried new foods and found many new activities that I love. The Friday excursions have been one of my favorite parts of this experience. We are always traveling to some exciting new place. My Internship has also been amazing. I have learned much about my future profession and what I will be expected to do. It has encouraged me to study hard in school and get this job. Everyone has been super nice and supportive in my workplace, and they are always happy to answer questions. I learned much more about my future career path during this gap year, and that has helped me feel more dedicated to my studies.

The VACorps program has been an incredible experience. I appreciated the excellent support, effective placement process, and enriching cultural activities. The application and pre-arrival process were seamless, the orientation week was informative, and the staff support throughout my stay was exceptional. My internship offered substantial professional growth and emphasized the importance of self-motivation. I would strongly recommend VACorps for delivering a valuable and transformative experience.

I am so happy that I chose to intern abroad in Cape Town with VAC; looking back, it was definitely a highlight of my Gap Year. Cape Town is an incredible city, rich in history and full of fun activities. Obs, specifically, has a lot of really cute coffee shops and thrift stores, and I loved exploring Lower Main. Living in an environment surrounded by other like-minded Gap Year students who were passionate about their respective internships was truly inspiring. Even though we all had separate internships, we were experiencing Cape Town together, and I loved hearing about the different work everyone was doing. I am particularly grateful for my time working with my internship supervisor. I learned so much from spending time in the office, attending high court sessions, writing and drafting opinions, reading cases, researching case law, and sitting in on client meetings. Witnessing my supervisor in every aspect of his job was an incredible learning experience. It was fascinating to learn about South African Law, especially after studying American Law, and being able to compare and contrast the similarities and differences. Some of the highlights of my internship included sitting in on client meetings and researching and analyzing case law relevant to the cases my supervisor was working on. I not only learned a lot from my internship but also gained valuable life skills during this experience—like managing my free time, living with others, and navigating day-to-day life in another country. I stayed for 8 weeks, but I definitely could have stayed longer. It was the perfect amount of time to settle into my internship and environment, as well as do all the activities I wanted. Anything less would have been too short. My favorite activities involved spending time outdoors—whether it was hiking, going to the beach, or just exploring. The sunsets in Cape Town are incredible, and I would highly recommend going to the beach for a sunset picnic. Additionally, the VAC staff were so kind and helpful; they were always there if I needed anything.