VAC Internships Cape Town

Spending my summer in South Africa was one of the most rewarding decisions I have made in my academic journey. I grew in ways I never expected and left Cape Town feeling more ambitious, culturally aware, and excited about a future focused on helping others. VACorps placed me in an internship that closely reflected my goals, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Some of my favorite memories include learning about South Africa with a local university professor, going on safari in the Eastern Cape, and attempting to finish an entire Gatsby in one sitting. What I will miss most, however, are the people and the relationships I built during my stay. Cape Town is unlike anywhere else, and my biggest advice would be to appreciate every moment, the mountains, the people, and every experience in between. I already know I will want to return one day.

I chose Cape Town because of its beautiful landscapes and diverse culture. During my internship with a community-based organisation supporting older adults, I was welcomed into an inclusive and compassionate environment. Over time, I realised that I had been placing too much pressure on myself and began to recognise my own strengths and capabilities. Some of the most memorable moments were taking part in social activities with older community members and visiting different locations for advocacy training. I valued working with an organisation that prioritised dignity, care, and meaningful human connection. The experience helped me overcome self-doubt and strengthened my connection to the career I hope to pursue. Outside of my internship, I loved Cape Town’s beaches, oceans, and cultural diversity, and I will especially miss the wonderful friends I made. I stayed for two months, but I would recommend staying longer to make the most of the experience. My advice to future interns is to remain open-minded while discovering the city. The VACorps staff were consistently welcoming, encouraging, and supportive, and the activities provided a great way to connect with other interns.

I came to Cape Town because VACorps offered something I had struggled to find elsewhere: the opportunity to gain meaningful clinical experience over the summer. With school, research, and other commitments during the academic year, it had been difficult to find a short-term placement without prior clinical experience. This program felt like the perfect way to prepare for medical school while learning in a new environment. I expected to spend most of my time observing medical professionals and helping with basic tasks, but the internship went far beyond that. At a community-based healthcare clinic, I gained practical exposure to patient care, clinical procedures, and the day-to-day realities of working in medicine. I was trusted to learn through observation, guided practice, and direct engagement with healthcare professionals. The experience exceeded my expectations and gave me a much clearer understanding of clinical medicine. I am incredibly grateful for the skills I developed, the responsibility I was given, and the opportunity to learn much more than what I expected.