VAC Professional Internship Program

I chose Cape Town because it was one of the first places that came up when I searched for internships in Africa simple as that! I decided to pursue an internship to help figure out my future career path. During my time here, I interned with a legal organization focused on women’s rights and advocacy, where I had the chance to contribute to meaningful social change. I am especially grateful for how welcoming and supportive my colleagues were throughout the experience. Beyond the internship, I loved Cape Town’s incredible nature and landscapes. I stayed for three months, which felt like a great amount of time, though I would recommend staying at least two months to fully immerse yourself in the experience. The VACorps staff were always friendly and helpful, and the weekly activities were a fun way to explore the city and meet other interns.

I chose Cape Town as a place to work abroad because of its beautiful landscapes and incredible wildlife. During my time here, I had the opportunity to intern with a local seabird conservation and rehabilitation organization, where I helped care for several species, including the African penguin. I loved exploring Cape Town and the surrounding towns, spending time at the beaches and mountains, and meeting the many kind people who live here. The culture and art throughout the city are also truly inspiring. I spent six weeks living and working here, which felt like the perfect amount of time, though I would have happily stayed longer to explore more of the country. One of the most rewarding parts of my internship was working directly with the birds, feeding them, assisting with care, and helping during rehabilitation. A highlight was attending a penguin release along the coast, where I watched several birds I had helped care for return to the ocean. I am especially grateful for the support from the VACorps team, who made the experience even more meaningful and were always there if I needed anything.

It was a great experience with incredibly supportive staff and a wonderful opportunity to explore Cape Town. My internship with a community-based organization offered an insightful and engaging workload, making the experience both meaningful and unique. I have no major recommendations and am very grateful to everyone who helped make the journey so special.

Cape Town was an easy choice for my internship. Having visited before, I already knew it was one of the most beautiful cities, with great weather and a vibrant culture. During my time here, I had the opportunity to intern with a professional organization in engineering, where I met a range of professionals and made valuable connections. It was a great way to gain experience while learning more about the industry in an international setting. Living in Cape Town was an incredible experience. There is always something to do from hiking and going to the beach to enjoying the nightlife and exploring the city’s culture. One of the best parts was meeting people from all over the world, especially the other interns I lived with. The VAC staff were fantastic and organized fun activities that helped us experience the city in a meaningful way. I stayed for eight weeks, but I would definitely recommend staying longer to make the most of everything Cape Town has to offer.

I absolutely loved my placement. Initially, I thought I would rotate through a different unit each week, but I ended up spending most of my time in the maternity ward because I enjoyed it so much. During my internship, I observed 23 deliveries and a number of interesting medical cases. I also learned a great deal about how the healthcare system here operates. Overall, the medical officers and professional nurses were wonderful to work with. They are often more direct than doctors and nurses in the U.S., but I came to appreciate that approach and found it to be very effective. I am incredibly grateful for my time in South Africa and will carry this experience with me throughout my future career in healthcare. One of my personal goals in coming to Cape Town was to spend time away from home and learn how to navigate my anxiety in a healthy and effective way. I feel proud that I was able to do that, and it made the experience even more meaningful.

The VAC intern abroad program has opened my eyes to a new way of life. Living in South Africa has been such a blessing in which I am so abundantly grateful for. For the duration of my time in Cape Town, I have felt endlessly supported by the members of the VAC program. Not only was I able to embrace my adventurous side by exploring a whole new city, but I also had the structure and stability of an internship that provided me with direct experience in my field of study. The VAC program set the foundation for the most special experience and memories that will last a lifetime. My favourite memory of my stay in Cape Town was swimming in the ocean for one of the first times. I loved getting to explore the beaches, and I will definitely miss the ocean, the mountains, the sunshine and the palm trees. I feel so lucky to have had such amazing opportunities throughout my time in Cape Town. I would not change anything about my experience. I feel as though I have learned and grown so much in the past 6 weeks. I feel as though I am now ready to embark on the new chapter of my life, and to embrace wherever it is it takes me.

I chose Cape Town because it offered an amazing opportunity to work with African penguins at a seabird rehabilitation center. I was also drawn to the beauty of the mountains, the ocean, and the rich culture that I knew Cape Town would offer. From the moment I arrived, I loved interacting with the people here—everyone is so kind, welcoming, and encouraging. It truly felt like being part of a family. At my internship, I was inspired every day by the passion everyone had for protecting seabirds. I will miss my internship so much. Working with the seabirds every day was an incredible experience, and I was able to achieve my goals of working with and handling animals in a rehabilitation and release setting. I also gained many practical skills at the seabird rehabilitation center that I can carry into my future veterinary career, including feeding, handling, tubing, and giving and preparing medications. One of the biggest things I learned about myself is that I thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments—especially when I’m doing work I’m passionate about. I stayed in Cape Town for three months, and I personally think it’s the perfect amount of time. It gave me enough space to adjust to a new environment while also fully immersing myself in the culture and making Cape Town feel like home.

I chose Cape Town for my internship because I heard someone describe their incredible experience here, and I was curious to see it for myself—especially the penguins! From the very beginning, VACorps exceeded my expectations. The internship was both flexible and local, which made it easy to balance meaningful work with exploring the city. What truly stood out was how much I learned about myself. I discovered how much I love meeting new people and connecting across cultures. The VAC team made the entire journey seamless. They were welcoming, reliable, and always available to guide me through this new environment. Because of them, Cape Town quickly felt like home. My highlights included the breathtaking views and unforgettable hikes. I also feel lucky to have worked alongside such amazing colleagues—especially Asanda, who was endlessly patient and kind while showing me the ropes. In just two months, I felt like I was able to experience almost everything Cape Town has to offer, and I’d recommend this program to anyone considering it. VACorps creates the perfect balance between meaningful work experience and cultural adventure. Their consistency, efficiency, and warm environment truly set them apart. Rowan was instrumental in helping me find this internship, while Kholi became someone I connected with on a deeper level. And of course, Kus and Chris brought incredible energy and enthusiasm to every activity.

I chose to intern and study abroad in Cape Town because it was the farthest place from home, and I knew that if I was going to study abroad, I wanted to make the absolute most of it by experiencing as many new things as possible. What I loved most about my internship here is that it never felt like I was only here to work—I was also able to enjoy myself and discover more than I could have ever imagined. Being in Cape Town taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to. I traveled outside of my home country for the first time, did it alone, and placed myself in an entirely new environment. Yet I thrived, and I’ve never been happier. I’ll never forget the warm, welcoming environment at my internship site or how my colleagues made me feel like I belonged. Living in Cape Town felt like an adventure every single day. What I’ll miss most are the people: my colleagues, the VACorps staff, the students from around the world who also came to intern or study abroad, and the local friends I made. Every person I met made an impact on my life, and it’s hard to accept that my time here isn’t forever. Because of the relationships I built, it felt like I was creating a whole new life—and it only took two months for that to happen. If you’re coming to Cape Town to intern or study abroad, I think 2–3 months is perfect. There’s so much to do and see, and once you add work into your routine, you’ll need to use your free time wisely. Don’t limit yourself to one activity per day—fit in as much as you can. Even if something feels intimidating or outside your comfort zone, push yourself to do it anyway. After work on weekdays, get out, meet people, and explore as much as possible.

I completed my internship at an NGO that supports pregnant women and children, and my time in Cape Town has been truly unforgettable. What I loved most about being here was the warm and welcoming culture—both at my workplace and throughout the city. There is a genuine sense of community and kindness that made me feel comfortable, included, and at home wherever I went. VACorps provided steady, reliable support throughout my stay, offering helpful guidance and ensuring I had what I needed to settle in and enjoy Cape Town. I also appreciated the laid-back, relaxed atmosphere that defines life in Cape Town. People take time to connect, to talk, and to enjoy the moment. During my eight weeks here, I built close friendships and formed connections that I will genuinely miss. For anyone considering this experience, I would recommend staying six to eight weeks—you need that time to settle in, build relationships, and fully immerse yourself. One of the most rewarding parts of my internship was conducting assessments, especially with women and families from different countries and regions of South Africa. This experience supported my personal goal of learning how to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. It was meaningful, eye-opening work that helped me grow both personally and professionally. Looking back, I’m grateful for every moment—every conversation, every shared experience, and every opportunity to learn. Cape Town has given me memories and skills that I’ll carry with me long after I leave.

As a student majoring in education, I was very interested in learning about the South African education system, especially given the country’s history of apartheid. People in Cape Town are incredibly friendly, and I felt that I could connect with them deeply beyond the boundaries of gender or race. The opportunity VACorps provided to visit the township was truly eye-opening. Seeing the educational gaps firsthand helped me understand the real power and importance of education. South Africa is also rich in natural beauty, which fascinated me every day. I enjoyed hiking, canoeing, and jogging with my roommates and VAC members—these experiences have become some of my favourite memories. As an Asian student, I was surprised to find that people often stared at me, simply because Asian visitors are still relatively rare here. However, I learned that their curiosity comes from genuine interest. If you keep an open mind, it becomes a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange. I recommend embracing the experience of being a minority! VACorps’ Friday activities are incredibly diverse and gave us the chance to explore all the essential places in Cape Town. I am truly grateful for the many places they took us and for all the beautiful memories created along the way.

This was my second summer interning abroad—after spending last summer in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and solo traveling across the United Kingdom—and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to choose Cape Town for my second international internship experience. Over the past two and a half months, I held a dual placement that allowed me to work at the intersection of public policy, research, and community-led justice. My work supported efforts to institutionalize South Africa’s National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and to ensure that national commitments translate into meaningful, localized outcomes. A major part of my role involved contributing to monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks. I facilitated focus groups with adolescents, analyzed emergent themes, and documented service delivery gaps—hands-on work that deepened my understanding of how policy impacts communities on the ground. I also contributed to research on NSP implementation across all nine provinces, analyzed departmental performance plans and budgets, and produced policy briefs aimed at improving policy localization. Throughout my internship, I participated in stakeholder engagements, court support systems, and community-led initiatives, giving me a comprehensive view of how justice systems operate at both institutional and community levels. One of my proudest accomplishments was delivering a final presentation synthesizing my findings and offering recommendations for future alignment and impact. Beyond the professional experience, what made this summer truly special were the people—the friends I made, the VAC staff, and the broader Cape Town community. When I first moved into 73 Arnold, I hoped my roommates and orientation group would become close friends—and that hope exceeded all expectations. Some of my favorite memories include backpacking in the Cederberg Mountains, booking an Airbnb in Stellenbosch, attending the Springboks’ opening game, enjoying First Thursdays, hopping on the Franschhoek Wine Tram, and hiking Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head. Each adventure was unforgettable, and the people I shared them with made them even more meaningful. To Ila, Esmee, Jordan, Maarten, and Ava—thank you for being some of the most incredible people I’ve ever met. And to the VAC staff, thank you for your support, care, and warmth; you help turn Cape Town into a true home for so many of us. To anyone feeling nervous about coming to Cape Town, know that the friends you make here—along with the VAC staff and community—will become your support system. They will shape your experience in the best possible way. Savor every moment.

For as long as I’ve been on this Earth, I’ve had a passion for being alive. For years, I couldn’t name it—I was simply the odd one out in my hometown, a roaming visionary trapped in a cage. Then one night, I dreamed of a mountain calling my name, singing to my soul. It wasn’t long before I realized that the mountain was Table Mountain, and that I was meant to come to Cape Town. This place holds so much magic for anyone willing to listen—willing to receive it. And once I arrived, it felt like the pieces of my life finally started falling into place. All I needed was to take that first step, that leap off a mountain, and trust that I could fly. When I decided to come here, I was also searching for my purpose and direction in life. Getting work experience felt like the most logical next move. So I placed my trust in the unknown, and in return, God aligned me with the best opportunities I could have asked for: the right internship, the right roommates, the right friends. Everything unfolded perfectly. Interning in Cape Town is an experience you will never forget. I worked at one of South Africa’s most well-known art galleries, and during my three months here, I could not wait to wake up each morning and head to work. I loved my life here, and I loved what I was doing. If you commit fully to your placement, you’ll have an exceptional experience. The amount of growth I gained simply from showing up and doing the work was exponential. During my time in Cape Town, I discovered how brave and courageous I truly am. I realized I am a never-ending roamer—and made peace with that. I accepted that even if I don’t fit the molds or expectations set by society, that doesn’t make me any less worthy of joy. If you’re reading this, chances are you see a part of yourself in these words. Our paths may differ from what society calls “normal,” but that’s because you and I are extraordinary. There is nothing wrong with shining your light, however it appears. By following my dream—literally—and coming to Cape Town, I learned just how strong, independent, and resourceful I can be. I survived all the challenges of living alone in another country, and I returned ten times stronger. If this message resonates, maybe it’s a sign that you, too, are meant to come here. Maybe it’s your time to evolve—and if so, that is perfect. My advice? Expect the unexpected. Let go of who you were so you can become who you are meant to be. Close your eyes and feel. Make it your mission to meet at least one new person every day. And when you look in the mirror each morning, be proud of the person you see. You’ve read this far—why stop now? Maybe it’s time to surprise everyone, come to the tip of Africa, and collect some unforgettable stories of your own.

I chose Cape Town as my location to intern abroad because it offered the perfect balance of vibrant city life and beautiful nature, all within a diverse community where I could learn from many different perspectives. What I loved most about interning here was the opportunity to explore the city—whether through Friday activities or adventures with friends I met along the way. During my time here, I learned that I’m much more open to trying new things than I ever expected. My advice: arrive with an open mind and say yes to opportunities—whether that’s joining activities or meeting new people. The highlights at my internship site were the jokes, camaraderie, and relationships I built with the Tintoy team. I achieved my goal of making the most out of my time here, and I also gained a broader understanding of the media industry and the many career paths available within it. What I loved most about living in Cape Town was how affordable it was to try new things and explore, especially compared to many other cities. I’ll miss the free salsa nights and Mojo Market the most! I stayed for three months, and I believe that’s the perfect amount of time to get a well-rounded experience of Cape Town. To prepare, I recommend following event-related Instagram accounts early on and asking for recommendations from others. Creating a budget spreadsheet also helped tremendously. I started budgeting a year in advance and factored in cost of living, must-do activities like the Garden Route, and expenses for souvenirs. The VACorps staff were very friendly, and the weekly activities were fun, interactive, and a great way to meet people. I’m most grateful for my housing roommates and the group of VAC participants I connected with as soon as I arrived.

I stayed with VAC for a 12-week internship and absolutely loved my time in Cape Town. There is so much to do in the city, from outdoor adventures to art and entertainment. When I first arrived, Cape Town felt daunting and unfamiliar, but everyone—both inside and outside of VAC—made everything approachable and comforting. My internship experience was fantastic. The organization I interned with supports infrastructure development in Africa by providing engineering consulting and lowering the barrier of entry for industry. I worked with people who were friendly, welcoming, and fun to talk to—both about the work and about life beyond the job. I especially enjoyed the hands-on nature of the work, including material property testing such as compression, tensile, and bend tests. They were genuinely interested in me as a person and wanted to help me grow in my career. Leaving after 12 weeks now feels like leaving a second home. It’s a place where I met amazing people, explored new things, and created wonderful memories and connections. Cape Town is an easy place to thrive, but I especially appreciate the ongoing support from the VAC staff. They’re always there for you, and you can truly see how much they care about everyone who joins the program. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough.

Spending five weeks in the heart of Cape Town was truly an experience I never imagined I’d have—and for that, I am so grateful! From stepping out of my comfort zone in a new medical environment to pushing my adventurous limits and trying new things, working with VACorps gave me the opportunity to expand my horizons beyond anything I could have imagined. My personal goals for the internship were to put myself out there and grow both my medical experience and knowledge, and working at Khayelitsha helped me do exactly that. I learned to speak up and ask questions with confidence, sought out hands-on learning opportunities that strengthened my medical understanding, and met doctors and nurses who shared valuable insight into Cape Town’s healthcare system. Through these experiences, I grew in confidence and confirmed that my passions truly lie within the medical field. What makes this program so unique compared to other organizations abroad is the holistic experience it provides for every participant. Living in the college town of Observatory, going on excursions across Cape Town, and working in townships that most visitors never get to see allowed me to experience the true spirit of South African culture—beautifully diverse and full of life. I am proud and thankful to say that I’m leaving these five weeks better than when I arrived, and I’m forever grateful to VACorps for giving me the opportunity to see the world in a new light.

​ Prior to this experience, I had never even been to Africa. Now, after nearly three months in Cape Town, I can say it was an incredible journey filled with unforgettable moments. From hiking and surfing to late-night poker games with friends. The memories I made here will stay with me forever. My biggest advice to anyone considering this program is to come with a positive and open mindset. If you embrace the culture, the people, and the experiences, you will have an amazing time. Through my internship, I gained valuable insight into how Cape Town and South Africa work, and I loved getting to speak with locals every day. This experience gave me not only professional growth but also a deep connection to the city and its people.

I chose Cape Town because one of my professors recommended it. He’s a geographer who often spoke about different countries and cultures around the world. Inspired by that, I added Cape Town, South Africa to my bucket list. Choosing an internship here was also a way for me to test my adaptability in a new culture and work environment. What I loved most about interning in Cape Town was how laid-back and humorous people were. They were lively, yet deeply committed to their work. Through this experience, I discovered that I really enjoy talking with people. I’m open-minded to new things, and I’ve learned to embrace that trait. I realized I have the ability to form strong connections across the world. Some of the best highlights from working at the Castle of Good Hope were learning isiXhosa and Zulu. Even though I had to adjust how I approached learning new languages, I feel I’ve carried an important piece of Cape Town with me. I also got to experience authentic South African food—like chicken feet! Most importantly, I built meaningful connections with my colleagues, especially with my boss, who taught me so much about the significance of the Castle of Good Hope. Living in Cape Town was an unforgettable experience. I loved everything about it—the good and the bad. In many ways, it reminded me of Los Angeles, with its diversity and vibrant cultures. And I will definitely miss ARMCHAIR and their trivia nights!

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.

Coming to South Africa was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I came to Cape Town to gain hands-on experience before starting graduate school, and after just three months, I’ve grown both personally and professionally in ways I never imagined. Cape Town is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world — from its stunning mountains and pristine beaches to its vibrant culture and incredibly friendly people. There’s always something happening here, whether you're a foodie, a hiker, or just someone who loves exploring. I’ve climbed some of the most breathtaking mountains, swam in the ocean, and eaten my way through South Africa. The vibrancy of life here is unmatched. But what’s left the deepest impact has been my internship experience — connecting with kids has brought a sense of purpose and joy that’s hard to describe. There’s something so pure and genuine about those relationships. One of the most unexpected gifts of this journey has been the friendships I’ve formed — with fellow VA Corps interns from around the world and with South Africans who welcomed me with open arms. These connections have made my experience even more meaningful and added depth to every adventure, conversation, and shared meal. Through VA Corps, I’ve had the chance to experience Cape Town in a dynamic and multifaceted way. From hikes and wine tastings to food tours, waterfront cruises, and even dance lessons and performances — every experience has deepened my appreciation for this place and its people. This journey has been unforgettable, and Cape Town will always have a special place in my heart.