11/08/2026
What happens when you step outside your comfort zone and travel from Indiana to the southern tip of Africa?
For eight weeks, a group of Indiana University students did exactly that—leaving home to intern with local organizations in Cape Town, South Africa, and immersing themselves in a new culture, new communities, and new ways of working.
Through their internships, the students gained invaluable professional experience while learning from the people and organizations around them. Their experiences were also anchored by an academic framework, with weekly sessions led by a local instructor and a final presentation that challenged them to reflect on what they had learned and the impact of their work.
But their time in Cape Town was about more than the workplace. From exploring the city and meeting local people to experiencing the extraordinary landscapes and natural beauty of South Africa, the program gave students an opportunity to see the world—and themselves—from a completely different perspective.
This is what international internships can be about: stepping outside your comfort zone, building meaningful connections, gaining professional experience, and returning home with a broader perspective on the world.
Watch the students share their experiences of internships, academics, culture, personal growth, and life in one of the world’s most spectacular cities.
🌍 Indiana University × VAC | Cape Town, South Africa
🎓 Eight-week Summer Internship Program
💼 Real-world international internship experience
🇿🇦 Cultural immersion and experiential learning
📚 Weekly academic instruction and final project presentations