Gap Year Internship Program in Cape Town with VACorps

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 chose Cape Town because I wanted an experience completely different from anything I had done before. Being here for two months exceeded my expectations. I made lifelong friends, had unforgettable experiences, and grew a lot as a person. During my internship at a public healthcare clinic in one of Cape Town’s suburbs, I had the opportunity to rotate through different departments and observe medicine firsthand. The doctors were welcoming and always willing to answer questions, and conversations with both doctors and patients became the most meaningful part of the experience. These interactions helped me understand the importance of culture, communication, and connection in healthcare. Outside of the internship, Cape Town itself was incredible. The VAC staff were welcoming and supportive from the moment I arrived, which made me feel right at home. The weekly activities and cultural evenings were always fun and insightful, and I learned something new each time. Overall, this has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It strengthened my interest in medicine and showed me how important communication and support are in providing even the most basic patient care.

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.