VAC

Award-Winning Internship Programme in South Africa
Destinations: South Africa
Opportunity Types: Internships
VAC have completed our Registration Process, confirming:

Programme Description

VAC proudly maintains its title as the top internship programme in Africa from 2019. We are one of the most highly-ranked internship programmes in the world because we have designed an in-country experience that involves a high level of professional and cultural engagement.
We love hosting interns in our incredibly beautiful city and want to facilitate one of the greatest adventures of your lifetime.

Based in Cape Town, South Africa. We specialize in internships in only one amazing city – Cape Town, South Africa. We stand out because our team is based in Cape Town and not diluted in different cities or countries.

Award-winning internship programme: VAC is the recipient of multiple awards and in 2023, GoAbroad.com honoured us with the designation as the world’s top programme provider. Since 2019, GoOverseas and GoAbroad.com have rated VAC as the #1 internship programme provider in Africa.

Customized internship placements: We customize all internship placements to ensure that your internship matches your interests. Our Cape Town internship database includes a variety of different professional fields and all internships are English-speaking placements.

Thriving, diverse community: When you join VAC, you join a diverse community of programme participants. We offer a series of optional weekly activities and excursions that will help you network and socialize with other VAC interns.

Support with programme accommodation: Your accommodation options will allow you to live in your own room while sharing a house with other programme participants. The accommodation set-up is responsible for giving the programme a “family-like” atmosphere and you will meet many like-minded adventurers.

Prominent academic affiliations: VAC is partnered with many academic and organizational partners and these affiliations are a further testament to our commitment to quality assurance.

Affordability: Why spend a small fortune traveling to Australia or New Zealand when you can participate in a much more affordable internship programme in South Africa. Living costs in Cape Town are considerably cheaper than these more mainstream English-speaking international internship destinations.

An amazing local team: Please learn more about our programme by exploring our website or alternatively, contact a programme representative and we will email you with more information. Don’t miss the opportunity to join our vibrant internship programme in Cape Town, South Africa!

We accept undergraduate and postgraduate students in our programme. All you need is a passion for adventure and an eagerness to learn.
Follow these simple steps: 1) Complete our short online application so we can learn about you and your goals for the program. This is where we’ll collect basic info and availability 2) Chat with a Programme Advisor to discuss your goals and interests . This casual phone or video conversation allows us to get to know you better while answering any questions you may have. 3) Secure your spot by paying the refundable deposit if accepted.
Programme Fees

VAC Programme Fee is £2,300 GBP. There is a programme deposit of £250 to kick off the search for a placement and a confirmation deposit of £450 to lock in an internship. The balance is due 30 days before the programme begins
Terms and Conditions
Funding & Scholarships

We have a Departure Board specific social media and mentorship scholarship that we are developing and will be available to UK citizens applying through the Departure Board.
Travel

Flight to Cape Town – £600-900 GBP
Visas

UK and EU travellers do not need a visa for a stay under 90 dyas
Comprehensive Orientation Week: During your first week in Cape Town, we will help you acclimate to our beautiful city through the following activities: Meet & Greet the VAC Team Neighbourhood walking tour of Observatory Lecture about culture, internship expectations, and Health & Safety Public transportation demonstration Historical walking tour of the Cape Town city center Hop-On Hop-Off Red Bus Tour of the Cape Peninsula Weekly Internship: All participants receive an internship customized to their interests. Internships are typically scheduled from Monday to Thursday for approximately 25-30 hours per week. Some sites may require you to work a half-day on Friday. Your overall schedule will depend on the specific internship placement. Weekly Programme Excursions When you join VAC, you join a diverse community. Every week, we explore a different location in Cape Town, offering you a unique perspective on the city and its vibrant culture. Referred to as “VAC Weekly Meet Ups”, the events offer an opportunity for you to connect and network with other participants. The activities are usually scheduled on Friday afternoons. Popular activities include surfing, hiking, wine tasting, volunteering at community gardens, attending plays or shows, sunset cruises in Table Bay Harbour, and more. Free weekends to Explore Cape Town We do not schedule activities on the weekend so you will have this time free to independently explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Dynamic Community of participants When you join VAC, you’ll immerse yourself in Cape Town alongside a dynamic group of fellow participants, whom we fondly refer to as the VAC programme family. You’re certain to forge lifelong friendships during your time in the program. Award-winning support You will receive 24-7 support and be treated like a member of our family when you arrive in Cape Town. This fosters a strong sense of community among participants.
On Monday evenings, we host the VAC Culture Series, a one-hour class that covers topics such as an introduction to the Xhosa language, South African cuisine and traditions, ceremonial practices at weddings and funerals, as well as customs like beading and traditional dance performances. This series offers interns a valuable platform to explore the diverse culture of Cape Town.
Our Programme accommodation is offered through a company called Rentaroom Rentaroom offers luxury short-term student rentals located in Observatory, Cape Town. Rentaroom offers a unique blend of modern amenities and community-oriented living, designed to foster a comfortable and secure environment for our residents. We take pride in our prime location, which provides easy access to local universities, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Programme | Accommodation
rentaroom.co.za
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j71jx0J143eilKEijmpuZUgQUBaqIHUK/edit
Insurance is not included

Why we like VAC

VAC are a real hidden gem for UK students and universities, having worked mostly with US university partners over their 20-year history. We know many students would prefer to gain work experience in an English-speaking country but often South Africa flies under the radar. VAC have a combination of an outstanding reputation and track record, high quality internships, hands-on student support and safe, well-managed accommodation. They were recommended to us by a long-standing US-based partner and their references were quick to enthusiastically recommend them. We're excited to have negotiated an exclusive stipend towards their programme fee for students who find VAC through the Departure Board.

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