VACorps

I chose Cape Town because I'd never been to Africa and always wanted to visit. I thought interning and traveling around South Africa would be a truly unique experience — and it was. I loved learning about the different cultures here and the lived experiences of the people I met along the way. My internship gave me a deeper understanding of how the medical and mental health systems work in South Africa, and the models and practices used in the field. Beyond the internship itself, I learned so much about the world and about myself. One of the biggest highlights was traveling to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and encountering an elephant in the wild-- an experience I'll never forget. I also loved living near the beach and being fully immersed in the day-to-day rhythm of life in Cape Town. The support from the VAC team made all the difference. Knowing I could reach out anytime I needed something gave me real peace of mind throughout the program. I'm so grateful for the whole experience.

I chose Cape Town for this experience because of the incredible opportunities and the chance to gain a new perspective in a completely different environment. It gave me a broader worldview and allowed me to be part of something meaningful. What I will miss most are the people, their kindness and welcoming nature, as well as the city’s incredible natural beauty. I had such a fun and fulfilling time here. During my internship with a conservation-focused organization, I contributed to the restoration and maintenance of a natural reserve. It was rewarding to be part of work that not only supports the environment but also creates a space for the community to enjoy and connect with nature.

I chose Cape Town because it offers a unique mix of innovation, nature, and cultural diversity, making it an inspiring place to gain international work experience. I decided to pursue an internship to build practical skills and better understand what kind of work I enjoy in a professional setting. What stood out most was the opportunity to work on meaningful projects while being surrounded by such an incredible city. During my internship with an engineering-focused organization, I gained insight into how complex technical projects come together in practice. I learned how different areas, such as software, electronics, and mechanical systems, work together within a single project. I enjoyed contributing to smaller technical tasks, asking questions, and learning directly from experienced engineers about testing, troubleshooting, and improving systems. This experience helped me understand how ideas develop into real-world applications and strengthened my interest in working in a hands-on engineering environment. Living in Cape Town was equally rewarding. The combination of mountains, ocean, and city life is hard to beat, and I will especially miss the outdoor lifestyle and the friendly people. The VACorps team was incredibly supportive, and the weekly activities were a great way to meet others and explore the city. Overall, the program was well organized and created a strong sense of community, making the experience both enjoyable and meaningful. ​