Gap Year Internship Program in Cape Town with VACorps

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.

My time in Cape Town has been the most unforgettable few weeks, and I am beyond grateful to have experienced it. I grew in confidence, learned from others, and immersed myself in a new culture. Whether it was stepping out of my comfort zone to meet new people, discovering my passion for teaching, or exploring everything Cape Town has to offer, this trip has truly changed my life. I loved getting to know other interns from around the world and sharing so many new experiences together. Interning at the schools taught me more than I ever anticipated. I wanted international experience to help me pursue my dream of becoming a teacher, and working at Kiddies College and Observatory Junior School gave me exactly that. I felt at home in the classroom—whether I was teaching at the board, walking around to help students at their desks, or making sure each child felt supported. One of my personal goals was to get to know each student individually and be someone they could rely on inside and outside the classroom. I enjoyed grading their work, helping them understand their mistakes, and showing them how to improve. Assisting with their concert dance at Observatory Junior School was another highlight. I am most thankful for the people I met, the students I worked with, and the supervisors who guided me. Cape Town has so much to offer, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to experience it.

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.