VACorps Professional Internship Program

I chose Cape Town because it was one of the first places that came up when I searched for internships in Africa simple as that! I decided to pursue an internship to help figure out my future career path. During my time here, I interned with a legal organization focused on women’s rights and advocacy, where I had the chance to contribute to meaningful social change. I am especially grateful for how welcoming and supportive my colleagues were throughout the experience. Beyond the internship, I loved Cape Town’s incredible nature and landscapes. I stayed for three months, which felt like a great amount of time, though I would recommend staying at least two months to fully immerse yourself in the experience. The VACorps staff were always friendly and helpful, and the weekly activities were a fun way to explore the city and meet other interns.

I chose Cape Town as a place to work abroad because of its beautiful landscapes and incredible wildlife. During my time here, I had the opportunity to intern with a local seabird conservation and rehabilitation organization, where I helped care for several species, including the African penguin. I loved exploring Cape Town and the surrounding towns, spending time at the beaches and mountains, and meeting the many kind people who live here. The culture and art throughout the city are also truly inspiring. I spent six weeks living and working here, which felt like the perfect amount of time, though I would have happily stayed longer to explore more of the country. One of the most rewarding parts of my internship was working directly with the birds, feeding them, assisting with care, and helping during rehabilitation. A highlight was attending a penguin release along the coast, where I watched several birds I had helped care for return to the ocean. I am especially grateful for the support from the VACorps team, who made the experience even more meaningful and were always there if I needed anything.

It was a great experience with incredibly supportive staff and a wonderful opportunity to explore Cape Town. My internship with a community-based organization offered an insightful and engaging workload, making the experience both meaningful and unique. I have no major recommendations and am very grateful to everyone who helped make the journey so special.