Journalism and Media Internships in Cape Town

Interning in Cape Town has been a great experience. I feel that I have grown a lot as a person, and navigating life here has taught me about self-trust. I’ve learnt to be open to trying new things and activities. I really enjoyed making new friends and creating memories together. I started my internship hoping to learn a lot more about Cape Town’s history, and I certainly achieved this. I was exposed to a lot of information and had the chance to engage in interesting and insightful conversations with a variety of people from different backgrounds. The organization I worked with aims to decolonize its history by centering the experiences of those who have been silenced by forces of oppression. It critically examines past narratives and questions whether these messages truly reflect the history of the Cape and its people. I was able to support this objective by working with the marketing department to develop a social media strategy that would help raise awareness of the organization and its objectives to both international and domestic tourists. My advice for future interns is to come in with an open mind and feel free to ask questions about the history. There is a lot to learn, so take the time to get familiar with the different exhibitions as this will help develop your understanding. The weekly activities with VAC were also a highlight for me, as I got to do things that I typically wouldn’t have done before. The Culture Series provided an opportunity to be exposed to and learn more about the diverse cultures that make Cape Town what it is. There was a lot of variety in the weekly activities, which meant there was always something to look forward to.

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I chose to intern in Cape Town because of its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking mountains. I wanted to immerse myself in a new environment while gaining meaningful professional experience for my future. What stood out most to me was the people both the friends I made and my colleagues at a community-based media organization. They truly made the experience special. I will especially miss the sunny weather and everything the city has to offer, from local markets and summer concerts to surfing and hiking. I stayed for three months, which I would highly recommend, as there is so much to experience. During my internship, I focused on improving my public speaking and communication skills. I particularly enjoyed reporting on a workshop focused on media and social impact, where I explored topics like the spread of misinformation. It was a great opportunity to engage with meaningful content and grow professionally. The VACorps team was exceptional throughout my stay. They provided consistent support while still allowing me the independence to grow. Their guidance made the transition into a new country feel seamless, and the weekly activities offered the perfect balance between structure and freedom. Looking back, this experience pushed me to grow both personally and professionally, and I am very grateful for it.

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I was drawn to Cape Town because I wanted to be in a beautiful place while also exploring my interests in a more professional setting. I really appreciated the balance of adventure and exploration alongside meaningful work through my internship. During my time with a community-based media organization, I had the opportunity to produce my own show (huge highlight!), assist with daily presenting, write scripts, conduct interviews, and engage with the public through on-the-ground segments. I also had the chance to attend major national events, which were definite highlights of the experience.

After doing a structured group travel program for the first part of my gap year, I knew I wanted more independence in the spring. I wanted to do an internship and get some work experience, but I also didn't want to be working alone in a new city. VACorps was totally perfect for that. I got to be independent going to my internship, while also having a built in social group with the other interns I was living with as well as the support of the VACorps staff when I needed them. Cape Town itself is a city with endless things to do. I loved getting to spend time in nature, having access to the beach, and eating incredible food all the time. I was here for three months and I feel like it was the perfect amount of time to get into a routine in Cape Town, have a deep engagement with my internship, and also explore everything the city has to offer. I did my internship at a local Radio Station, and everyone there was extremely willing to teach and make time for me. I loved being a radio presenter, learning about sound engineering, and getting to interview a wide range of awesome guests! I will definitely miss everyone at my job who were so welcoming and patient with me. I'll also miss all my favorite cafes and restaurants in Observatory. But I think most of all, I'll miss my fellow interns I got to live with for the past three months. Getting to go through this experience with them was the best part, and I have made some friendship that I hope will last a lifetime.

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During my gap year with VACorps in Cape Town, I've explored the unknown and stepped outside of my comfort zone. I've accomplished things that have scared me and have checked off some items on my bucket list. Cape Town's beauty is indescribable and the proximity to the mountains, beaches, and city and melting pot of cultures is like no other. While interning at a local radio station in Cape Town, I got to co-host a show with segments on health and wellness, human rights, gender, labour, and arts & culture. I got to meet so many locals through interviews and opportunities here and as a result, I have a better understanding of South African culture. I've gained more insights into what career path I'd like to pursue, become more confident trying new things, and fostered familial relationships with my co-workers. Most importantly, I've learned how to create a healthy work-life balance.

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I came to Cape Town to join the VACorps program in order to experience the culture of South Africa and to see what working in another country would be like. I did my apprenticeship at a local TV station and was very happy with the warm welcome I received, and the work that I got to do. My goal was to give journalism a good shot and see if it was something for me. I feel like I have achieved that goal, and I have learned so much. I really enjoyed the freedom I had on my stories and loved going out to meet people. I have traveled all over the city with the news team and had so many unique experiences. Cape Town is a unique and beautiful city, and I really enjoyed exploring it with the amazing people I met at VACorps. I learned to test my limits and to adapt to many different situations. I will never forget my time here! Thank you VACorps!

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VACorps was an incredible experience that made me fall in love with the city of Cape Town and its people. I did an internship at a local Cape Town radio station, and I was given the chance to do so many things. From reporting to producing to hosting my own show. Everyone there was very supportive and kind. I took initiative and did things with my time at the station, and as a result, was given the opportunity to grow as a reporter. It is hard to imagine my time here without the people of VACorps and the memories of the Friday activities. My experience was defined by a beautiful city and even more beautiful people and that is largely thanks to the openness and welcoming spirit of the VACorps community

Being able to not only travel abroad but also gain work experience is amazing. South Africa is a beautiful country and is filled with so much life and color. I decided to intern in Cape Town because it offered options that I never would have had back home. I interned at a local Radio Station in Cape Town, and my job entailed a wide variety of reporting and informing the public, either through Voxing, editing sound, interviews, and even reporting live from events like SONA. I was able to get the work experience that I needed for university, and I was able to do my own networking through both my internship and fellow VACorps interns. I learned how to be more independent, and I loved the sense of family and community among everyone at VACorps. I stayed for 8 weeks in Cape Town but I do wish I had stayed a little longer, Cape Town has stolen a little piece of my heart.

Being a part of VACorps and being paired with my film and broadcast internship was genuinely on of the most amazing experiences of my life. I loved engaging with local people, learning so much through my internship and the people I met through it, and experiencing life beyond just the tourist aspects of Cape Town. I love working on location shoots and developing a proposal for a new show (although I didn’t have time to finish due to covid). I’m so sad I had to leave early and I would recommend this program to anyone and everyone, as long as you are willing to step out of your comfort zone and be adaptable to really gain the most from your experience.

Cape Town is the perfect place to work as a young professional! I deeply enjoyed getting to know the people and culture of the city; it's forever dynamic and exciting. I've learned to step out of my comfort zone and I greatly appreciate the kindness and generosity of the locals. I interned as a reporter at GroundUp News and they wasted no time in giving me a taste of journalism in South Africa. I will miss the support of the newsroom as well as the expertise and guidance from my co-workers.

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I chose Cape Town as the place as an internship destination because it provides visitors with the perfect blend of aesthetic beauty, rich history, and cultural diversity. I really loved the people I met in Cape Town during my internship. My experience sharpened my skills and helped me grow professionally so I can move forward with confidence as a future broadcast journalist. My internship allowed me to work closely with people from entirely different backgrounds and helped me learn more about many different walks of life. I will never forget my very first feature I produced from beginning to end all on my own (it was exhilarating sitting in the control room watching it play out!!!). I lived in South Africa for exactly 90 days and did not want to leave! I most appreciated the mindset Capetonians have about life— it really allowed me to sit back and reflect on what I find most important to me. I would absolutely recommend the VACorps program to others because it facilitated a job in the exact field I aspire to be in which I otherwise may not have found. It was comforting knowing that if anything happened in Cape Town, I had the VACorps support system behind me despite living so far away from home.

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