VACorps

For as long as I’ve been on this Earth, I’ve had a passion for being alive. For years, I couldn’t name it—I was simply the odd one out in my hometown, a roaming visionary trapped in a cage. Then one night, I dreamed of a mountain calling my name, singing to my soul. It wasn’t long before I realized that the mountain was Table Mountain, and that I was meant to come to Cape Town. This place holds so much magic for anyone willing to listen—willing to receive it. And once I arrived, it felt like the pieces of my life finally started falling into place. All I needed was to take that first step, that leap off a mountain, and trust that I could fly. When I decided to come here, I was also searching for my purpose and direction in life. Getting work experience felt like the most logical next move. So I placed my trust in the unknown, and in return, God aligned me with the best opportunities I could have asked for: the right internship, the right roommates, the right friends. Everything unfolded perfectly. Interning in Cape Town is an experience you will never forget. I worked at one of South Africa’s most well-known art galleries, and during my three months here, I could not wait to wake up each morning and head to work. I loved my life here, and I loved what I was doing. If you commit fully to your placement, you’ll have an exceptional experience. The amount of growth I gained simply from showing up and doing the work was exponential. During my time in Cape Town, I discovered how brave and courageous I truly am. I realized I am a never-ending roamer—and made peace with that. I accepted that even if I don’t fit the molds or expectations set by society, that doesn’t make me any less worthy of joy. If you’re reading this, chances are you see a part of yourself in these words. Our paths may differ from what society calls “normal,” but that’s because you and I are extraordinary. There is nothing wrong with shining your light, however it appears. By following my dream—literally—and coming to Cape Town, I learned just how strong, independent, and resourceful I can be. I survived all the challenges of living alone in another country, and I returned ten times stronger. If this message resonates, maybe it’s a sign that you, too, are meant to come here. Maybe it’s your time to evolve—and if so, that is perfect. My advice? Expect the unexpected. Let go of who you were so you can become who you are meant to be. Close your eyes and feel. Make it your mission to meet at least one new person every day. And when you look in the mirror each morning, be proud of the person you see. You’ve read this far—why stop now? Maybe it’s time to surprise everyone, come to the tip of Africa, and collect some unforgettable stories of your own.

I chose Cape Town as my location to intern abroad because it offered the perfect balance of vibrant city life and beautiful nature, all within a diverse community where I could learn from many different perspectives. What I loved most about interning here was the opportunity to explore the city—whether through Friday activities or adventures with friends I met along the way. During my time here, I learned that I’m much more open to trying new things than I ever expected. My advice: arrive with an open mind and say yes to opportunities—whether that’s joining activities or meeting new people. The highlights at my internship site were the jokes, camaraderie, and relationships I built with the Tintoy team. I achieved my goal of making the most out of my time here, and I also gained a broader understanding of the media industry and the many career paths available within it. What I loved most about living in Cape Town was how affordable it was to try new things and explore, especially compared to many other cities. I’ll miss the free salsa nights and Mojo Market the most! I stayed for three months, and I believe that’s the perfect amount of time to get a well-rounded experience of Cape Town. To prepare, I recommend following event-related Instagram accounts early on and asking for recommendations from others. Creating a budget spreadsheet also helped tremendously. I started budgeting a year in advance and factored in cost of living, must-do activities like the Garden Route, and expenses for souvenirs. The VACorps staff were very friendly, and the weekly activities were fun, interactive, and a great way to meet people. I’m most grateful for my housing roommates and the group of VAC participants I connected with as soon as I arrived.

I stayed with VAC for a 12-week internship and absolutely loved my time in Cape Town. There is so much to do in the city, from outdoor adventures to art and entertainment. When I first arrived, Cape Town felt daunting and unfamiliar, but everyone—both inside and outside of VAC—made everything approachable and comforting. My internship experience was fantastic. The organization I interned with supports infrastructure development in Africa by providing engineering consulting and lowering the barrier of entry for industry. I worked with people who were friendly, welcoming, and fun to talk to—both about the work and about life beyond the job. I especially enjoyed the hands-on nature of the work, including material property testing such as compression, tensile, and bend tests. They were genuinely interested in me as a person and wanted to help me grow in my career. Leaving after 12 weeks now feels like leaving a second home. It’s a place where I met amazing people, explored new things, and created wonderful memories and connections. Cape Town is an easy place to thrive, but I especially appreciate the ongoing support from the VAC staff. They’re always there for you, and you can truly see how much they care about everyone who joins the program. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough.