VACorps

I chose Cape Town for my internship because of its endless activities and opportunities! I was also drawn to the unique intersection of cultures and people. What I loved most about Cape Town? The people, the food, the activities—honestly, everything! During my time at Retreat Healthcare Clinic, I gained invaluable personal and professional experience. Being immersed in a different healthcare system, with its own benefits and challenges, allowed me to witness firsthand how it operates while shadowing doctors and nurses. The staff at the clinic were incredibly kind and helpful, always taking the time to teach me and answer my questions despite their busy schedules. Some of the most memorable moments included witnessing a birth, speaking with patients and healthcare professionals about their experiences, and, of course, holding all the adorable babies! What I’ll miss most about Cape Town? My friends at VAC ?, the amazing food, and the breathtaking hikes. Eight weeks was the perfect amount of time for my internship, but I was so sad to leave—I would have loved even more time here! The weekly VAC activities were a highlight, allowing us to explore the city’s top attractions with our group, without the hassle of planning. Plus, I had plenty of free time on weekends, which I used to take unforgettable trips to Kruger National Park and the Garden Route. Above all, I’m incredibly grateful for the VACorps staff and the team at Retreat Clinic for their generosity, warmth, and kindness.

I chose Cape Town because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and immerse myself in a culture with different values, languages, traditions, and art. The city’s rich diversity provided exactly that. I was also looking for a place with plenty to do outside of work, and Cape Town, with its blend of mountains, ocean, and vibrant city life, offered endless opportunities. I spent my free time hiking Lion’s Head and Table Mountain, exploring tidal pools in Camps Bay and Kalk Bay, and sampling incredible food at the Old Biscuit Mill and Oranjezicht Market. I pursued two internships in Cape Town to explore different career paths that interested me. At a public hospital, I shadowed and assisted nurses and doctors treating patients from across Africa, gaining hands-on experience in admissions, assisting with births, learning to apply casts, and writing prescriptions. At the Women’s Shelter, I worked with abused women and children, leading both individual and group counseling sessions. This experience allowed me to connect with clients and their families on a deeper level. My time in both settings helped me understand what I value in a work environment. I realized how important it is for me to engage in hands-on work while also forming meaningful connections with colleagues and the people I serve. Now, looking back, I’m grateful for the skills I’ve gained, the people I’ve met, and the personal growth I’ve experienced during this journey.

Overall, my time in Cape Town, working at the Two Oceans Aquarium, has been an incredible experience that has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I initially pursued this internship to gain clarity on my career path after college and chose Cape Town for its proximity to the ocean and the opportunity to work with the aquarium. Looking back, I’m so grateful for this decision—not only did I achieve my initial goals, but I gained so much more. Professionally, I developed technical skills relevant to my field, gained hands-on experience with marine species, and built valuable connections in marine biology. Beyond that, I grew as a person, learned more about myself, and formed meaningful relationships with both locals and fellow interns in the VACorps program. A key part of my positive experience was the support from VACorps. Even when I faced challenges, like getting sick multiple times, their staff went above and beyond—taking me to the doctor and pharmacy and checking in regularly. Their weekly activities and cultural sessions also enriched my time here, providing fun opportunities to bond with other interns while experiencing Cape Town’s vibrant culture. I am deeply grateful to VACorps for making this experience so rewarding and unforgettable.