Gap Year Internship Program in Cape Town with VACorps

I had a really great time in Cape Town. During my internship with a public health research organization, I felt welcomed from the start, everyone was incredibly kind and supportive. I spent much of my time working on data cleaning and learning more about the projects the team was involved in, which I found really interesting. I also loved living in Cape Town. The city is beautiful, and there is always something to do, from hiking and enjoying the views to experiencing the nightlife. I’m especially grateful for the VACorps weekly activities and culture series, which gave me the chance to explore new places and learn more about the city. It’s an experience I’ll truly miss.

I had a great experience during my time in Cape Town. I chose the program because of the location, the internship opportunities, and the chance to be part of a group. While I was here, I made the most of everything the city has to offer, hiking, swimming, bungee jumping, and more. During my internships, I worked both in person at a local primary school and remotely with a legal-focused organization. At the school, I enjoyed helping in the classroom by supporting lessons, creating worksheets, and assisting with grading. This gave me a chance to connect with the community and learn more about the local culture. Through my legal work, I gained insight into how policy and history have shaped modern-day Cape Town, which was incredibly interesting and eye-opening. Living with other interns and participating in VACorps activities made the experience even more meaningful. I’m leaving with a deeper understanding of the city’s past and present, a greater appreciation for its natural beauty, and more confidence from stepping out of my comfort zone and meeting new people. I’m very grateful for this experience.

When choosing where to spend my gap year, I wanted a place that would feel completely different from anywhere I had been before, while still offering meaningful learning opportunities. VACorps not only met those expectations but exceeded them. During my time in Cape Town, I was able to learn more about myself while also exploring my interest in medicine and gaining experiences I would not have had back home. Through my internship at a community-based healthcare setting, I had the opportunity to take part in hands-on learning, observe procedures, and engage with patients in a real clinical environment. These experiences helped me better understand what a future in medicine could look like. I also discovered that I am especially interested in more specialized and fast-paced areas within the field, particularly when working with children. Outside of the internship, the VACorps program organized weekly activities that allowed us to explore the city and learn more about the local culture. From outdoor adventures to community visits, these experiences made my time in Cape Town even more meaningful. I am incredibly grateful for this experience and how it has helped prepare me for both my future career and the next steps in my journey.