VOLUNTEER ADVENTURE CORPS

The official program guide of the Volunteer Adventure Corps CONTENTS

CITY OF CAPE TOWN 4

ABOUT VACORPS 29

Location and Program Staff 30 LIVING IN CAPE TOWN 11 Programs and Activities for Interns 34 Climate 11 Handling Money Abroad 12 Electronics 13 Time Differences 13 Housing 14 Transportation 14 Communicating with Home 14 Staying Fit in Cape Town 15 Health 21 Safety 23

COMPLETE GUIDE TO CAPE TOWN “CHECKLIST” 24

2 WWW.VACORPS.COM VAC TRAVEL 36 ARRIVAL ORIENTATION 53

UNDERSTANDING INTERNSHIP REALITIES 54

RECOMMENDED READING 56

Flight Information 40 Packing Suggestions 41 COMPLETE PACKING CHECKLIST 43

ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS 44

BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME (5 RECOMMENDATIONS) 45

IMPORTANT ARRIVAL INFORMATION 61

HOW WILL YOUR ADVENTURE DEFINE YOUR STORY? 3 CITY OF CAPE TOWN

Cape Town, the oldest city in southern Africa, is regularly heralded as one of the most beautiful on earth. The massive sandstone bulk of Table Mountain, often draped in a flowing “tablecloth” of clouds, forms an imposing backdrop, while minutes away, pristine sandy beaches line the cliff- hugging coast. Mountainous slopes sustaining the world’s most varied botanic kingdom (some 9,000 species strong) overlook fertile valleys carpeted with vines, and driving from the highway you can spot zebra and wildebeest grazing unperturbed by the hubbub below. Every year brings a slew of new awards (“best value for money,” “best city in the world to eat out in,” “best destina- tion in Africa and Middle East”), leaving no doubt that Cape Town is now a permanent fixture on the map of global hot spots. Yet the city feels—and is—very different from the rest of Africa.

Situated in the country’s far southwestern corner, Cape Town is physically separated from the rest of the continent by a barrier of mountains. The hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters are Mediterranean, while the Atlantic Ocean is as frigid here as it is off the coast of Maine. Unique, too, is the Cape’s architectural heritage—Cape Dutch homesteads, neo-Gothic churches, Muslim minarets, and English- inspired Georgian and Victorian buildings speak of the influences of a multifaceted colonial past. VACORPS PHYSICAL ADDRESS Many of our program participants will spend a free Volunteer Adventure Corps weekend out in the Winelands, where you can stay 102H, Building 20 amid some of the best preserved examples of Cape Waverley Business Park Dutch architecture and sample award-winning wines. Kotzee Rd., Mowbray This is a great area in which to base yourself if you’re Cape Town 7700 looking for a relaxing, rural escape, with the bright South Africa lights of the city a mere 60-minute drive away; the Note: It is recommended that all participants have their mail sent to this coastal town of Hermanus, “capital” of the Whale address c/o one of our staff members. Coast, a 70-minute drive away; and the lakes, lagoons, and forests of the Garden Route an easy 4 to 5-hour drive along the N2. Refer to the VAC Travel section of this guide for more information

4 CITY OF CAPE TOWN about exciting program trips to these beautiful destinations. Alternatively, visit the Winelands or Whale Coast as a day trip, and base yourself here, overlook- ing the Atlantic Ocean, where the sun sets on an unbelievably azure sea. There is one thing we can promise, you will leave Cape Town wishing you had more time to explore, so make sure that you plan to explore the city and culture in your free time. (Please refer to our Complete Guide to Cape Town Checklist later in this guide for some suggested activities).

Our program is based in Cape Town, South Africa for one simple reason—this is the most beautiful city in the world.

CAPE TOWN AS DESCRIBED BY A VACORPS INTERN

We invited past VACorps participant and writer, Andrew Zaleski, to describe the style, vibe and majesty of Cape Town.

“If you’ve learned to follow the lead of Capetonians, you’ll know exactly when to begin your hike up Lion’s Head.”

At around 4 in the afternoon the ascent begins with two or three people spread across a dusty brown path that winds upward until you’re walking one behind the other, strain- ing your legs forward, continually readjusting the backpack straps riding down your shoulders. You’ll reach the chain- rope, and because everyone else is bruising the soft, fleshy parts of their hands’ insides to make a vertical climb up- ward—and avoiding an additional ten minutes to this hike— you’ll do it too (and thank yourself for it later on).

It’s windy at the peak. The twenty of you who made this hike have spread out on the flat rocks at the top of Lion’s Head, and as you gaze off into the distance, you slowly, involuntarily draw a line from Robben Island, to Green Point Stadium, up Signal Hill and back out into the Atlantic Ocean, just in time to catch the sun on the horizon kiss the tips of the waves. You set your backpack down, zip it open, and pull out a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, a hunk of ciabatta bread, and a block of cheddar. And with an intense sigh of satisfaction, you dangle your legs over one of the rocky edges and

5 5 CITY OF CAPE TOWN count down the minutes until the sun disappears completely and the moon rises. That’s when you know—this ain’t your mother’s wine and cheese party. This is Cape Town, and if you’ve ever visualized Kanye West’s song “The Good Life,” at this moment you’re letting him know that you’re gonna let him finish, but, quite frankly, you just won’t care.

Spending any period of time in Cape Town is enough to make a person wonder why he’d ever choose to go anywhere else. The city brims with opportunities to snag a piece of culture, as small or as large as you’d like, take hold of it, make it your own, and let it change you at your core. You’re a bookworm with a penchant for reading novels twice the thickness of your head? Go to the Cape Town Book Festival. You’re a history buff who enjoys understanding the connections between peo- ple and events, and how those connections literally shape the future? Head to the District Six Museum, or Robben Island, or both. You think the best way to grab a piece of that ephemeral concept of “culture” that everyone talks about is to chum it up and drink it down with the locals at one of their bars? Go to Stones and play some pool, or take a cab downtown to Long Street, and knock back a few brews with the locals—you know, Australians, South Africans, Ugandans, Afrikaaners, Zimba- bweans, Moroccans, Indians, Brits (you get the picture).

You could be in Baghdad Café listening to some remixed version of “Day N’ Night,” drinking a Jack and Coke while simultaneously sharing a hookah with two Xhosa speakers who are educating you about why the South African Springboks are the best rugby team on the planet. Or you could be in Greenmarket Square haggling over the price of a djembe drum, assuring a street merchant that you really only have 400 rand to pay for the thing (the fact that he saw your five, 200 Rand notes notwithstand- ing). Wine bars? They never became cooler, and soon enough you’ll be throwing varound the term “Cab Sav” more effortlessly than state capitals. Waddle with pen- guins in Simon’s Town, head out to Jeffrey’s Bay for a surf competition, or travel to Knysna to ride elephants. You’re in Africa, for chrissakes. And the southest of Af- ricas, at that, in the coolest city there—the Mother City. Go to Camps Bay, walk inside a fancy sushi restaurant, buy a cigar at the bar, and light up. Celebrate.

6 CITY OF CAPE TOWN Because, when you’re at the edge of the world, there’s a rather likely chance that the profundity of your physical loca- tion will seep into your very conscious- ness, melt any predispositions, or anxi- ety, or fears you had when you were boarding that plane—in Philadelphia, or New York City, or Sydney, or Lon- don—and make you completely open to seeking new experiences, meeting new people, and having the best damn time of your life. And to do that coupled with the chance to gain real-world working experience—the ability to do something tangible, meaningful, for a company, or a township clinic, or a school-age kid, or a refugee center, or a magazine—is quite possibly the most liberating feeling the world can offer. Freedom of opportunity; freedom of exploration; freedom from fear, as long as you’re willing to let yourself go and have the city mold you, take you in directions you never thought you could go.

Step out of your comfort zone. Get to hiking. Bring the wine and cheese. Watch the moon go up. And as the city beneath you lights up, and you pick out from a distance your favorite spots in the place you’re calling home for two months, or three, or six, or an entire year, you’ll feel a ripple of goosebumps spread out over your body as you start to mouth “This is Africa.”

No. This is Cape Town. Celebrate.

7 RYAN CIARELLO, MAY 2012

WORDS OF WISDOM “My internships with TB/HIV Care Association and Ikhaya Le Themba After-School Program were educational and transformative. Volunteer Adventure Corps definitely “hit the head on the nail” with my internships. I was looking for an internship that would give me skills for identifying community public health needs and show me how a public health non-profit provides community public health in a developing country. My work with TB/HIV Care Association exposed me to the many health needs in South Africa and gave me so much insight into the challenges and suc- cesses of the non-profit. Each day, I was given the opportunity to go out into townships with com- munity care workers and home-based carers as they made home visits to patients suffering from TB, HIV, strokes, etc. I was able to see how they counsel patients, provide primary palliative care, and support a community’s health education, awareness, and efforts.

“After a few weeks of observing and taking notes, I assumed responsibilities of counting pills, performing home assessments with new patients, and providing education about TB, HIV, and disease prevention. My supervisor also gave me the opportunity to do in-service training with the community care workers. I was invited to attend wellness days for the non-profit and a quarterly review meeting, where I got to meet the CEO and upper management, as well as hear their goals. “My internship with Ikhaya Le Themba, which is a holistic after-school care program for vulnerable children in the township of Imizamo Yethu, was extremely rewarding and gave me hope for the future of South Africa. The staff took me in as one of their own, and I no longer felt like a strange intern from America. I supervised the children during play time and helped cook the children’s meals. I was given the responsibility of facilitating a newspaper program with the older kids. I grew a deep connection with the children and staff, and I believe whole-heartedly in the impor- tance of Ikhaya’s work.

“If you are looking for an internship in a developing country that will challenge your perspecitve and open your eyes to the other side of the world, then see what Volunteer Adventure Corps has to offer. I am so thankful for my experience in South Africa, and it is a platform from which I intend to build my post-undergraduate education and future career.”

RYAN CIARELLO, pictured LEFT during a VAC Friday excursion to the CAPE TOWN GOOD FOOD AND WINE SHOW.

8 WWW.VACORPS.COM HOW WILL YOUR ADVENTURE DEFINE YOUR STORY? 9 10 WWW.VACORPS.COM LIVING IN CAPE TOWN

CLIMATE The Cape’s climate is described as Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and mild, moist winters. The Cape has a mostly temperate climate. Near the coast, summer temperatures range from a pleasant low of 15°C (59°F) to highs of 27°C (80.6°F). Inland temperatures are some 3 to 5 degrees higher, making for gorgeous summer days and nights.

Coastal winters see the mercury dropping to a mild 7°C (44.6°F) at night – rising to a comfortable 18°C (64.4°F) by day. Away from the beach, morning arrives at an invigorating 5°C (41°F), with midday temperatures in the region of 22°C (71.6°F).

To many, March and April signals the arrival of idyllic Cape weather. Summer’s heat subsides, the wind settles, and autumn/fall casts its crimson, orange and yellow mantle over the vineyards, generating red, russet vistas spreading from the mountain tops to the sea. In winter (May – July), the snow-capped peaks of the Cape Winelands and the Cederberg, and the lush, moist earth inevitably lead to log fires and steaming cups of hot chocolate in cozy taverns, restaurants and coffee shops. This is the time of year that we get most of our rain so expect some cloudy days, interspersed with wonderful sunshine. A raincoat and/or umbrella will be very useful to you during the wet winters. Most buildings do not have central heating, so it may feel cooler to you than the temperature would indicate.

11 LIVING IN CAPE TOWN However, with the onset of spring (Aug – Oct), the fast-retreating winter gives way to the sun, awakening a riot of color from the spectacular wild flower displays and sending residents and guests back onto the Cape’s world-famous coastline of perfect beaches. This time of year is well- known for the Cape Doctor, the southeasterly wind that brings delight for surfers and windsport enthusiasts.

Summer is from November to February. Expect long warm days of up to 14 hours of sunshine each day. Beaching and other outdoor activities are at a peak – often starting early or in the cooler afternoons to avoid the heat of the summer sun.

HANDLING MONEY ABROAD

The currency in South Africa is the Rand. One Rand (R) = 100 cents (c). Bank notes currently available are R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10; and coins are R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency being brought into the country, as long as it is declared to the Customs/ Excise officers on ar- rival.

ATM/Debit Cards: Another common way to access funds in South Africa is with an ATM card from your bank account. With most U.S. banks, you are able to withdraw money from South African ATMs just as you would in the United States. Frequently there is a larger service charge for overseas transactions. It is a good idea to check with your U.S. bank before departure to see what their ATM policies are and notify them that you will be abroad for an extended period of time. The Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro systems are commonly used in South Africa.

We recommend that you only use ATMs inside malls, grocery stores, and banks. Never allow someone to “help” you with your ATM transaction.

There are many ATM’s to use around Cape Town. Upon ori- entation, we will recommend which are the most convenient, and safest, to use. Before leaving, work out a budget and plan how you wll handle your money while abroad. VAC Program Assistants have sample budget sheets to help you outline and estimate the basic costs you can expect while in Cape Town. E-mail your VAC Program Assistant for a “sample monthly budget.”

12 LIVING IN CAPE TOWN IMPORTANT TIPS • Not all merchants accept credit cards, regardless of name brand. Past participants have found it difficult using a Discover Card or American Express, as they are not widely accepted. • Be aware that credit card companies do charge a fee for “cash advances” if you choose to take money out of an ATM using a credit card. Be sure you know what these fees are before you leave the U.S. as well as the maximum daily withdrawal. • Before you leave for South Africa, make sure you get a confidential four-digit international identification number to use with your credit card while you are overseas. • Typically, the amount charged to your credit card bill is based on the exchange rate on the day that your bank or credit card company processed the transaction. • Keep in mind that as exchange rates fluctuate, so does the value of your travelers’ cheques. • Visit www.xe.com for the daily Rand to U.S. Dollar exchange rate. • South African electricity works on 220/240 Volts AC, 50 cycles (the US runs on 110 volts). If you want to bring any electrical appliances, make sure they can switch from 110 to 220/240 Volts.

RAND CARDS

Rand Cards are a special forex product offered to those living in South Africa for a short-to- medium term period of time. By using a Rand Card for the duration of your stay in the country, you will not have to use your credit cards and debit cards from home and as a result, will avoid paying the international credit/debit card transaction fees. The Rand Card, which is pin protected, is also the safest way to keep your money. If you accidentally lose the card, you can order a replacement within 24 hours and the amount on your card will be restored.

How does the Rand Card work? You change X-amount of Dollars/Pounds/Euros into Rands at a Bidvest Bank exchange bureau (there is one in the international arrivals area at Cape Town Inter- national Airport). You can then make purchases with the Rand Card at any credit card facility in South Africa by swiping the card and entering your pin. You can also use the card at any ATM and withdraw Rands if you need cash. When you have used up your balance on the card, you can return to a Bidvest bank to add more money to the card. Please contact a member of our staff for more information.

ELECTRICITY

Also know that the plugs in South Africa are shaped different and you will need to bring an adapter or purchase one when you arrive. Note that it is easy to find an adapter for the round-two- prong European style plugs in Cape Town, but NOT for the flat- two-prong North American-style plugs. If you are bringing a laptop, almost every new laptop has a power adapter built into the power supply. To insure that you won’t destroy your computer battery, double check to make sure the label on the power source reads: input AC 100-240 Volts-, 50- 60Hz.

13 LIVING IN CAPE TOWN TIME DIFFERENCE During the months April – October the South African standard time is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 6 hours of Eastern Standard Time (EST). Since day-light saving is not observed in South Africa, the time difference is 2 hours ahead of GMT and 7 hours ahead of EST from October – April. There are no zones or seasonal variations.

HOUSING

Finding suitable short-term, fully furnished accommodation in Cape Town is a great challenge without any local knowledge or assistance. When you join our program, we will help you locate Cape Town internship accommodation for the duration of your stay in South Africa. We have partnered with several local housing providers to offer a range of fully-furnished accommodation options suitable to any participant’s living needs, as your housing situation is an important factor in the overall enjoyment of your internship experience in Cape Town.

Prior to your arrival in South Africa, we will work closely with you to identify the type of internship accommodation in Cape Town that best suits your needs and budget. Most VACorps participants choose to live in their own room within a fully furnished house or apartment that is shared with other program participants. Some of our older participants or those who prefer living alone will choose more expensive accommodation options in the city center. Either way, our staff will help you find the accommodation option that best suits your living needs. PROGRAM HOUSING INFORMATION As a program participant, you will choose from one of the following housing options: Most VACorps participants select Program Housing because they will get to live with other interns in the program. Our general program housing is located in the colorful and vibrant neighborhood of Observatory, Cape Town. All houses are conveniently located close to grocery stores, restaurants and public transportation. Learn more about Observatory in our Local Lifestyle page. Please be aware that in our busiest season (May-July), we will arrange accommodation in alter- native areas of the city if we experience a shortage of program housing in Observatory. For this reason, we encourage you join the program as far in advance as possible so you can secure your first choice of housing.

Program Housing is clean, secure and will give you the opportunity to live with other interns in our program participants. The general atmosphere of Program Housing is friendly and social. When living in Program Housing, you will have your own fully furnished, private room (i.e., no room- mate) and will share the common areas of your house with other participants. When you first join our program, you will receive a program housing document that describes each house in detail. Program Housing is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, so participants who join the program well in advance of their intended starting date will often get their first choice of housing.

14 LIVING IN CAPE TOWN Participants who choose Private Housing will normally live in an upscale, fully furnished one or two bedroom apartment close to the city centre. These facilities are also fully furnished with mod- ern finishes.

Private Housing is anywhere from 2-4 times more expensive than program housing due to the nature of the lease and size of the apartment/house. Leases are negotiated on a monthly basis so you would have to time your stay carefully and arrive as close to the 1st of the month as pos- sible. This housing option would appeal to a participant with a larger budget and a preference for upscale housing. Please note that if you elect for non-program housing, you will be responsible for negotiating your own lease

FOR THOSE CONSIDERING CAR RENTAL Geographically speaking, Cape Town is a pretty big city. Take the following drive times for example: Driving from Kalk Bay, located on the False Bay side of the peninsula, to Observatory takes a good 40 minutes. Driving to wine country in Stellenbosh from Observatory takes about 50 minutes. Driving from Observatory to the popular Clifton 4th Beach takes 20 minutes. Driving to the city centre from Observatory takes 10 minutes.

Public transportation can get you to some, but not all, of these places and is unusable at night. Though it is not a necessity, renting a vehicle during your stay will give you much greater freedom and enhance the quality of your overall experience. There’s no better feeling than jumping into your car and driving to the beach to conclude a hard day’s work. Unfortunately, car rental does not come cheap and you’re looking at a monthly rate of approximately $350 - $500 per month. If you’re staying for longer than three months, your average monthly rate begins to drop a bit more. If you’re on a tight budget, this is going to be a difficult cost for you to shoul- der on your own. If you would like the freedom of a vehicle but have budget concerns, the most common solution is to share the cost with several other of our participants. Another compromise is to plan your weekend excursions that require a vehicle ahead of time and rent only for a few days at a time.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Most participants commute to work using the city’s public transportation grid. Minibus taxis, trains, and busses are the three forms of public transpor- tations used by VACorps interns commuting to work. When we design your internship, we ensure that your internship site is ac-

15 LIVING IN CAPE TOWN cessable by public transportation unless we have designed a placement for you that will require a private lift (see inset below). When participants arrive in South Africa, they will receive a thorough public transportation orientation from a member of our staff. This orientation includes a staff mem- ber accompanying you to and from your internship site on the public transportation system. SAFETY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Public transportation is safe and easy to use, provided that you receive an appropriate orienta- tion. Safety is a consistant theme throughout your arrival orientation, and transportation use is a subject explained in great detail by our staff. During your orientation, you will receive a public transportation demonstration whereby you will be accompanied to your internship site with a member of our staff. COMMUNICATING WITH HOME

We highly recommend that you get a South African cell phone number during your stay in South Africa. Most of our participants opt to purchase a cheap “pre-paid’ phone that costs around $20-30. In this way, you will not have to use your expensive phone from home. In South Africa, you only use your “airtime” (pre-paid minutes) to make calls and send text messages. Receiving incoming calls and text messages, both locally and internationally, will cost you nothing. Your phone is on a pre-paid airtime plan, and you can purchase airtime for your phone at any grocery store, pharmacy, petrol station or ATM. When you purchase airtime, follow the instructions listed on the receipt to charge up your phone with more minutes. You will either be on the Vodacom or MTN network. Contact your program assistant for more information about phone usage.

If your friends and family would like to phone you from the United States or Canada, they will need to dial the following number sequence:

011 27 ------

If your friends or family would like to phone or text you from Europe, Africa South America or Asia, they will need to dial the following number sequence:

00 27 ------

(you will get your phone number upon arrival)

Most of our participants choose to communicate with their friends and family by using Skype. The internet is readily accessible in Cape Town and Skype-to-Skype calls are free. If you are unfamil- iar with Skype, please visit www.skype.com to learn more about this wonderful service.

16 LIVING IN CAPE TOWN STAYING FIT IN CAPE TOWN There are a number of places to exercise in Cape Town. Here are a few of our favorite training spots:

HOT YOGA at YOGA ZONE YogaZone is the only hot yoga studio in Cape Town that offers a range of yoga style classes including: Bikram, Power Vinyasa flow, and Ashtanga. All classes are conducted in a heated room. Classes run seven days per week.

CITY ROCK City Rock is Observatory’s climbing gym and yoga studio. They have a large rope and lead climb- ing area, a premiere gear shop, a large bouldering cafe, and an in-house yoga studio. Introductory lessons are taught every week.

THE ZONE Many exercise conscious interns like to join this gym when they arrive. The Zone is situated in Rondebosch on Main Rd. (2.5 km away from Observatory). The Zone is a popular facility for students attending the nearby University of Cape Town. The vibey atmosphere will get your heart pumping and your body moving.

The Zone offers: A strength studio with a full range of strength equipment including an extensive free weight section, a 16-Station Super Circuit, a cardio area including treadmills, electronic bicycles, rowing machines, step machines and cross trainers; a 30 bike spinning studio and a 140 sqm aerobic studio. They also offer personal training services.

DRAGON POWER - MARTIAL ARTS AND FITNESS CENTER This fitness gym boasts a fully equipped martial arts gym as well as a full-sized competition ring. The school offers various martial arts classes including muaythai boxing and kung-fu (sanshou/ sanda and chinna/ kamla), a fully equipped gym and personal lifestyle advice. Dragon Power also trains individuals who wish to become amateur or professional muaythai fight- ers. The fighters participate in local events as well as tournaments abroad. Some of the top local and world champs have been produced at Dragon Power. Dragon Power is a personal favorite of several VACorps staff members and as a result, we have arranged a special gym membership discount for any interns in the program. Ask about this discount during your program orientation or send us and email for more details!

17 JEREMY HINTON, OCTOBER 2011

WORDS OF WISDOM ‘’I tried my best to prepare for my two months in Cape Town. I Google-Mapped South Africa and spotted out a few of the big cities, I wikipedia’ed Cape Town to get some high quality information, and I read 1001 Things To Do Before You Die’s section on South Africa. I knew that there was a mystical landmark called Table Mountain that had a tablecloth. I knew that people in Cape Town spoke a variety of English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa (a language that I am still trying to pronounce… mostly unsuccessfully). I knew that Nelson Mandela stayed on an island nearby for a long time. But of course, none of that really helped me when I actually got into the country.

The real experience in the country was made from the people I met there. My supervisor at the Athlone School for the Blind gave me just the right amount of support and freedom to grow as a future physical therapist. The friends I met and truly lived with were ever-present for every memorable experience I have: so many hikes, surfing in J-Bay, going to beaches, playing with el- ephants, tigers, or evil penguins, bringing the Jersey Shore to South Africa, walking Long Street, and so many more times that I hope to never forget.

And of course, there was the program that actually made this entire stay in paradise possible. From the time nearly a year in advance through the time I was there, the people at VAC were present and supportive that this would be an incredible time and I would never regret coming to Cape Town. Through the VAC activities on Fridays (VACtivities? Anyone?) I simultaneously got to have a fun end of the week experience and do so with old friends, new friends and the awesome program staff. I guess they count as friends. Having VAC around was like having a cool older sibling who knew the area and wanted to hang out but also wanted me to have a great time with my own friends. I’ve been trying to wrap my head around my time in Cape Town and it all seems surreal. It wasn’t everything I was hoping for. Cape Town gave me more than I could ever have asked. Wikipedia did not inform me about that.’’

18 WWW.VACORPS.COM HOW WILL YOUR ADVENTURE DEFINE YOUR STORY? 19 20 WWW.VACORPS.COM HEALTH

WHAT HEALTH RELATED STEPS SHOULD I TAKE BEFORE I LEAVE? All participants are required to complete a medical questionnaire during program orientation. The purpose of this questionnaire is to make our staff aware of any medical conditions you may have so we can better serve and support you during your stay in South Africa. If you have chronic illness that needs medical attention, have your doctor write a clinical report that can be given to a specialist in South Africa if necessary.

This should be done as soon as you are aware of any medical conditions that will require special attention. You should notify VACorps of any special requirements as early as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made on site. In addition, we strongly urge you to have a complete physical and dental checkup before departing.

Although no vaccinations are necessary, if you plan to travel to remote villages after the completion of your internship, you may want to get a hepatitis shot. Also, if you plan to travel through the outback of Africa, you should get vaccinated for yellow fever and carry a supply of malaria medication. While these health risks are not present in Cape Town, they are in other ar- eas of South Africa.

GENERAL WELLNESS

The following tips are offered in the hope that your participation in the program will be pleasant and free from illness!

Deal with common ailments. When you first arrive in South Africa, your body will take a while to adjust. You may experience stomach and intestinal disorders (traveler’s diarrhea) during the first couple of weeks, and these bouts may recur from time to time during your stay. Prepare yourself before departure for South Africa by purchasing over-the-counter medications for minor ailments. Be aware of the sun and respect it! Wear sunglasses and use sunscreen during prolonged

21 HEALTH exposure to the sun. Drink plenty of water and consume adequate amounts of salt to help avoid heatstroke.

For those participants arriving between the months of November and March, be aware that you arrive during the summer, when the sun is at its strongest.

What medical supplies should I take with me? If you take prescription drugs, take a sufficient supply with PLEASE NOTE: you for your time abroad (Be sure to take these in their YOU WILL NOT NEED original packages and with the original prescription). TO TAKE MALARIA Students who wear glasses or contact lenses should be sure MEDICATION WHILE to take an extra pair as well as a copy of their prescription. LIVING IN CAPE TOWN.

MALARIA This disease is not an issue in Cape Town, but if you are planning on traveling to the outback or other parts of Africa (e.g., on a safari after the conclusion of your internship) you may be at risk. Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Only certain types of mosquitoes can transmit malaria, but they are present in almost all countries in the tropics and subtropics. They are active from dusk to dawn. The symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, muscle ache and malaise. Early stages of malaria often resemble the flu.

Malaria symptoms can develop as early as six days after the first exposure to infected mosqui- toes or as late as several months after departure from a malaria area. Malaria can be treated effectively in its early stages, but delaying treatment can have serious consequences. If you are planning on visiting a malaria-area after your internship, here are some ways to reduce the risk of contracting malaria:

• Wear protective clothing from dawn to dusk, when mosquitoes tend to bite most. • Stay inside screened areas from dusk to dawn and use a netting over your bed if mosquitoes are present. • Use insect repellent with at least 30% DEET.

22 SAFETY GENERAL SAFETY IN CAPE TOWN VACorps conducts a thorough safety briefing during orientation that includes tips on reducing risk and handling difficult situations should they arise. Our program staff also continuously monitors local conditions in order to provide guidance to participants throughout their stay. Experience has shown that the single most important factor in assuring a safe internship experience is the sensi- ble and cautious behavior of the participants themselves. When traveling abroad, you will become familiar with your new surroundings. Always remain alert to what is going on around you, espe- cially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation. The danger of traveling in Cape Town has been greatly exaggerated, although you should still take certain precautions to avoid possible danger. You must always be careful about what you do and where you go, just as you would in any major city in the world.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES:

• Tourists are common targets for pickpockets. • Be aware of your backpacks and cameras, especially on crowded buses. • Don’t carry large amounts of cash or your passport with you. Never leave belongings in a parked car. • Keep a suitcase that can be locked and leave your money, passport, camera and other • valuables secured in it. • Lock your room when you are not home. • When carrying a purse or bag, be aware. • Never carry valuables in the pockets of your pants. • At night, don’t take shortcuts and don’t travel alone. Take a cab or walk on main streets. • Do not accept rides with anybody you do not know. • Keep a photocopy of your passport in a separate place. This will speed up the process of • replacing your documents should they be stolen.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS PLEASE NOTE: VACorps Office: 021 442 4970 WE WILL thoroughly VACorps Staff Members: address safety and • Vanessa (Program Manager): 076 588 6588 security during your • Andrew (Program Assistant): 073 465 5159 arrival orientation in • Sean (Director of Programs): 082 372 7797 Cape Town. • Oliver (Director of Applications): 076 588 6588 EMS(Netcare): +27 (0)82 911 Flying Squad (fast-reaction police unit): 10111 Doctor Roberts: (Observatory 61 Station Rd): 021 448 3710 Excite Taxis: 021 418 4444

23 THE COMPLETE CAPE TOWN CHECKLIST

DURING THE DAY Visit the World of Birds

Explore Museums in Cape Town Visit the Old Biscuit Mill on a Saturday morning Bo Kaap Museum Jewish Museum Visit the Bo Kaap District District 6 Museum Visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Visit The Cape Gallery Garden Visit Cape Town’s planetarium and Explore the Company Gardens observatory Explore the University of Cape Town Visit Nelson Mandela’s prison cell on campus Robben Island Take a hot yoga class at YogaZone Visit Simon’s Town Pet a cheetah at Spier See the African Penguin Colony Learn to surf at Muizenberg beach Boulder’s Beach Watch rugby at Fireman’s Arms Visit Cape Point Attend a concert at the Green Point Hike to Cape Point Lighthouse Stadium Stand at the most South-West point on the African Continent Watch a PSL Soccer Game at the Green Point Stadium Go Wine Tasting (3 areas) Stellenbosch Constantia 3 WINE TOUR SERVICES Franschhoek WE RECOMMEND: Visit a chocolate factory in Franschhoek Biking Wine tour: Bikes ‘n’ Wines Take a Big Red Bus Tour around Easy Rider Wine Tours Cape Town African Story Wine Tours

24 WWW.VACORPS.COM THE COMPLETE CAPE TOWN CHECKLIST HIKING

Hike from Table mountain to Cape Point (5 days)

Hike to the summit of Table Mountain

Climb Lions Head during a full moon

Hike Crystal Pools

Hike Devil’s Peak

Hike to Rhodes Memorial

NIGHTLIFE See a play at ArtScape Theatre Check out the Long Street hot spots Baxter Theatre Bob’s Maynardville Theater (Jan-April) Zula Enjoy a sundown cocktail on Sunday Purple Turtle evening in Camps Bay Waiting Room Have dinner and go belly dancing at Check out the superclub, Trinity Mesopotamia on Long Street

Enjoy dinner, ice skating, and movies at The Grand West Casino IF YOU WANT TO GO EXTREME Taste some of Cape Town’s finest food at: Go kloofing if it is hot enough... Mama Africa Try kite surfing Cafe Africa Try surfing Marco’s African place Try sailing The Hussar Grill Try scuba diving Arnold’s Try caged shark diving Bizerca Try paragliding off of Lions Head Try sky diving Play pool at Stones and enjoy nightlife Try mountain biking on Table Mountain in Obs on Wednesday night at participate in a half marathon Obz Cafe (there is one every weekend) Scrumpy Jacks participate in the X-Man South Africa Trenchtown competition

HOW WILL YOUR ADVENTURE DEFINE YOUR STORY? 25 JESSICA HADJIS, JULY 2010

WORDS OF WISDOM “My experience with VACorps was above and beyond any expectations I had. Knowing exactly what I wanted, I was very specific with my personal and professional objectives while in SouthAf - rica. The staff at VACorps did a great job of really listening to what I wanted and placed my intern- ship and housing accordingly.

My priority was to work for a well reputable NGO working both on International and local Human Rights Issues. Thanks to the consideration of VACorps staff, I was placed at Ilitha Labantu in the township of Guguletu. Ilitha Labantu is a non profit organization dealing with Human Rights Is- sues, primarily dealing with Women & Children. I worked alongside the Founder/Executive Direc- tor, the Chief Operations Manager and Paralegal. I worked on grant proposals, an Awareness Campaign on Human Trafficking, and HIV/AIDS awareness by visiting the youth in the commu- nity. I also worked on fundraising and invitations to Ilitha Labantu speeches at UN conferences.

I was happy to be given responsibilities from day one and I felt like I was making an honest con- tribution to a good cause. After almost ten weeks with Ilitha, I am still in contact with the organiza- tion, carrying on various projects I worked on while there and am excited to be returning to Ilitha and Cape Town in a few months.

While my professional experience was a success, my personal experience surpassed any expec- tations I had as well. I was placed at Milton House and was welcomed immediately. I can honestly say I made some lifelong friends which I look forward to seeing upon my return to the gorgeous city!”

26 WWW.VACORPS.COM HOW WILL YOUR ADVENTURE DEFINE YOUR STORY? 27 28 WWW.VACORPS.COM ABOUT VACORPS

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE VACORPS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

When you join the Volunteer Adventure Corps internship program, you join our South African fam- ily. While we are responsible for facilitating an internship experience that will one day benefit you professionally, we also give you an insider’s look at the city we know and love so dearly— Cape Town. Our program participants receive individual mentorship and support during the course of their stay in South Africa, though we provide assistance in a way that will not compromise your personal independence. The overall program experience with VACorps is a fusion of adventure, personal exploration and professional work exposure. It is the ultimate transition from the theoreti- cal confines of a classroom to the “real world” and an experience that could very well change your life.

We have a large in-country staff dedicated to supporting you from the very moment you set foot in South Africa. Unlike traditional internship programs, we will find you a custom internship place- ment based around your specific goals and objectives. At the Volunteer Adventure Corps, every intern has a name, story and unique series of internship objectives.

We only offer internships in Cape Town, South Africa. By limiting our focus to one city, we provide you with the highest levels of support and service because we know one city and we know it incredibly well—Cape Town! We are extremely passionate about this amazing city and have rightfully earned our reputation as the Cape Town internship experts.

During our evolution as a program, we have preserved the intimacy of the participant experience by resisting the temptation to expand to other cities, countries and continents. To do so, in our opinion, would compromise the quality of your internship experience in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Under our guided watch, you will not waste a single day in South Africa. Please read our many program testimonials to understand why this is the South African internship program that everyone is talking about.

29 VACORPS PROGRAM STAFF Our internship program is coordinated by an on-site staff, who assist participants with administrative, personal and internship matters.

SEAN WALPOLE

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS [email protected]

Sean Walpole graduated from the University of Cape Town in 2002 with a Bachelor of Social Science in Philosophy, Politics and Eco- nomics. Sean is a South African with extensive experience working with international students and university professors and describes his position at the VACorps as his dream job. Sean has a passion for travel and an insatiable desire for exploration. Since 2001, Sean has organized and led trips to Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Zim-

babwe and along the Garden Route in South Africa. He provides all logistical support for university faculty-led programs in South Africa facilitated by VACorps (see our Faculty-Led South Africa website for more information). In his spare time, Sean has also man- aged to teach more than 150 people to SCUBA dive! He is one of the most enthusiastic, hard- working individuals you will ever meet!

OLIVER HAGAN

DIRECTOR OF APPLICATIONS [email protected]

Oliver graduated from the University of Oregon in 2005 with a BA in Journalism and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa Society. Oliver’s path to Cape Town originated when he decided to spend his junior year studying abroad at the University of Cape Town through CIEE. From his first few days in the country, Oliver fell in love with his surround- ings and has been a resident of South Africa since 2006. It is for this very reason that he feels so strongly about providing VACorps partici-

pants with the necessary support and information to have a memo- rable overseas experience. His personal volunteer experiences include teaching English to fifth graders in the Khayelitsha Township and working as a writing tutor for students speaking English as a second language. When not engaged in VACorps affairs, Oliver can be found surfing one of Cape Town’s many amazing waves.

30 VACORPS PROGRAM STAFF

VANESSA RANDON

PROGRAM MANAGER [email protected]

Originally from Johannesburg and schooled in Grahamstown, Vanessa’s family lives in the small town of Plettenberg Bay. She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Cape Town in Marine Science and a Post-Graduate degree in Physical Oceanography. After finishing her studies, she worked as a PADI scuba diving instructor in the Bahamas and then moved to Mozambique, where she also lived and worked as an instructor for a year. She has been

with the program since March of 2010 and loves the work she does at VACorps! Vanessa designs internship placements for our program participants and is a key coordinator of our VAC Travel adventures. For all enquiries about internships, travel and adventure, feel free to contact her!

ANDREW NDWANYA

COORDINATOR OF LOCAL SUPPORT & COMMUNITY OUTREACH [email protected]

As a native South African, Andrew will become your guide to Cape Town. In addition to giving interns a public transportation orienta- tion when they arrive, Andrew is also the VACorps soccer coach and events planner. He is most famous among interns for coordinating weekend trips to Mzolis and other places in the townships. Andrew has a very easygoing and hospitable personality, and will go out of

his way to make interns feel comfortable in his home country.

31 VACORPS PROGRAM STAFF

TAKIYAH WHITE NDWANYA PROGRAM COORDINATOR [email protected]

Takiyah White Ndwanya, who is originally from Washington, DC, is a doctoral student currently working on her dissertation in Infectious Disease Epidemiology. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Biology and taught for years in the public school system on the middle and high school levels, as well as for various programs on the county and university levels, respectively. Takiyah obtained her Masters of Public Health (MPH) degree from

The George Washington University in 2004 and has worked in a con- sultant capacity for public health programs involving adolescent health/physical activity promotion, organ donation awareness, prostate cancer prevention, HIV/AIDs prevention, and Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Upon beginning her dissertation in September 2010, Takiyah decided to do an internship with the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) in Cape Town, South Africa through the Volunteer Adventure Corps (VACorps). While in Cape Town, she fell in love with the country and enjoyed her internship so much that she decided to stay until the completion of writing her dissertation. She is excited about working with VACorps to bring students from around the world to the program and to share her new adopted country!

MARVELLOuS HOMOI

PROGRAM ASSISTANT/ FACuLTY LED COORDINATOR [email protected]

Marvellous graduated from the University of the Western Cape, a school commonly known as “the bush”, in 2004 with a BA in Tourism. After finishing his studies, he worked with Cape Town Tourism for a period of 6 years. He joined VACorps in 2011 and has a passion for working with interns as they adjust to life in the Mother City. When not working at VACorps, Marvellous enjoys watching soccer or hosting a good braai! He is happily married to Ivy Ndwanya, who also works at VACorps.

32 VACORPS PROGRAM STAFF

IVY NDWANYA PROGRAM ASSISTANT/ LANGUAGE TEACHER & CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT [email protected]

Ivy was born and raised in Cape Town, and is proudly South Afri- can! She is famous among VACorps interns because of her amazing cooking skills, especially when it comes to preparing authentic South African meals. She is the coordinator of VACorps cooking classes and serves as the chef during VACorps faculty-led programs in South Africa. In addition to showing interns how to make fabulous South African cuisine, Ivy teaches VACorps Xhosa lessons (Xhosa is one of South Africa’s 11 official languages), hosted on a weekly basis at the VACorps office. Ivy’s great personality is contagious and she inspires every intern to dive into South African culture!

LEGEND PROGRAM MASCOT

Legend has been working at VACorps since July of 2011. He is a reg- ular on our Friday program activities and keeps morale high during the most difficult hikes! He enjoys shoelaces, so keep yours tucked in when visiting our office!

33 VACORPS ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS

As a VACorps program participant, you will be able to participate in our optional weekly program activities. The following is an overview of our weekly program activity schedule. Please note that participation in the following activities is included in your program fee. FRIDAY EXCURSIONS

Every Friday afternoon, we travel to a different location in Cape Town to give you a unique view of the city and its beautiful culture. The event will also give you the opportunity to meet and network with other program participants. Our staff announces the week’s activ- ity every Tuesday, as we must take weather conditions into account when planning each excursion. Some popular ac- tivities include: Surfing, hiking, wine tasting, volunteering at community gardens, sunset cruises in Table Bay Harbour, and more.

See our program galleries on Flickr or visit our Facebook Page to view photos from past excursions. Past participants have commented that our Friday excursions were the highlight of their experience in South Africa. See our program testimonials for more detail.

34 WEEKLY PROGRAM ACTIVITIES TUESDAY XHOSA CLASSES On Tuesday evenings, we offer a one-hour Xhosa class at the VACorps office. Xhosa is one of the most commonly spoken languages in the Western Cape (Xhosa is Nelson Mandela’s first language), the province in South Africa where Cape Town is located.

Accordingly, there is a strong likelihood that you will work with Xhosa colleagues at your intern- ship site. The purpose of our Xhosa classes is to teach you basic conversational expressions and greetings that you will be able to use both at work and during your exploration of the city. The Xhosa you will learn in our classes is also a great cultural souvenir that won’t add any additional weight to your suitcase when the time comes for you to return home!

WEDNESDAY RUNNING CLUB Over the years, we have hosted many passionate runners and quite a few of the VACorps staff enjoy regular runs. As a result, we formed the VAC running club, in conjunction with the Observatory Running Club (ORCS). We run for approximately an hour and more serious runners will have the opportunities to participate in races with the club (e.g., Cape Town Marathon, Two Ocean’s Marathon). Living abroad often interrupts your regular exercise routine, which is why we wanted to offer you the opportunity to get some evening exercise. The club will also give you the opportunity to meet other members of the local community.

THURSDAY VAC FC SOCCER Every Thursday, you will have the opportunity to practice with VAC FC, also known as “Amaphubezi,” which is Xhosa for “Lions.” VAC FC is a community team consisting of our program interns and members of the local community. The team will offer you the chance to get some exercise while meeting some new faces. When the coach feels the team is ready, we will schedule games against teams from the townships. Game nights are always a very exciting program event.

35 VAC TRAVEL

VAC Travel is a special division of our program that is devoted to helping our participants explore Southern Africa. Many VACorps interns decide to build additional travel into their Cape Town internship experience, often after the completion of their internship commitment. Through VAC Travel, we make it easy for you to explore the region.

Every month, a member of our staff will coordinate a trip to a special location outside of Cape Town. The itineraries of VAC Travel trips are carefully planned to provide you with a unique travel experience to one of the many beautiful destinations in Southern Africa. While the length of each trip is determined by the itinerary, international trips are usually 10 days in length and local trips often take place over a weekend. Each trip is announced in our weekly program newsletter, so please contact a program repre- sentative if you’d like to learn more about future trips that will be taking place during your stay in our program.

Through VAC Travel, program participants are also able to take advantage of discounted local tours and activities. We will help you design your own trips in consultation with one of our program representatives. This is a free service. Example day trips include shark cage diving, sandboard- ing and wine tasting.

Past VAC Travel destinations have included the following: Mozambique, Kruger National Park, Swaziland, Coffee Bay, The Garden Route, The Sardine Run, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

36 JULIANE HUNDT, JUNE 2009

WORDS OF WISDOM “VACorps was not the first internship program I participated in; however, the experience was one- of-a-kind. The organization was one of the few international placement agencies offering positions with a refugee service provider; an opportunity I was long looking for. The Cape Town Refugee Centre exposed me firsthand to issues surrounding forced migration and gave me a chance to work at both a refugee camp and the South African Department of Home Affairs. I could not have asked for a better introduction to human displacement than the responsibility of interviewing individuals from countries such as Zimbabwe, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The network of professional contacts I made paid off a few weeks after leaving Cape Town when I received an offer to be exposed to the work of the United Nations.

My experience living in Cape Town echoes the testimonies of many former VACorps participants. The program combines the liberty to explore with a strong support system. The outcome for me was some incredible adventures: snorkelling with a whale shark, playing in a polo tournament, partying at Mzolis, catching my first wave surfing…The people I share these memories with are friends for a lifetime.

I recommend VAC to anyone interested in clarifying their professional goals and learning about life in another country. Cape Town is a fascinating destination given its history, culture, and stun- ning scenery. Participating in the program opened new doors and taught me that I can succeed outside of my comfort zone; rewards that are priceless.”

Juliane poses at Cape Agulhas, at the point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, in March 2009. In 2011, Juliane started working for Canada’s Sudan Task Force, which is responsible for coordinating the country’s aid, diplomacy and security activities in the Sudans.

HOW WILL YOUR ADVENTURE DEFINE YOUR STORY? 37 38 WWW.VACORPS.COM HOW WILL YOUR ADVENTURE DEFINE YOUR STORY? 39 FLIGHT INFORMATION YOUR FLIGHT TO CAPE TOWN

The cost of transportation to and from the program is not included in the VACorps program fee. International flights to South Africa are generally routed to Johannesburg or Cape Town. Flights originating from the eastern U.S. to Cape Town range between $1,200-2,000, depending on the time of year you choose to travel, while flights from the western U.S. are more within a price range of $1,500-$2,300. Ticket prices are usually more expensive during the months of Decem- ber and January, which corresponds with the peak of summer and high tourism season, while June-August flights are often the cheapest because the South African winter is an off-peak tour- ism period. If possible, arrive before 3pm to move into your housing location the day you arrive in Cape Town.

Use one of the following “discount” booking websites to get an estimate for what tickets will cost during your stay. Cheap Flights is a website that will search through all the best available deals offered by airlines. Do note that many of the airfare specials are date-range specific. However we recommend that you book your actual ticket with the airline, because you will find it easier to change your ticket if you want to extend your stay in Cape Town.

Another potential strategy for saving money on your transit to Cape Town is to considering flying from the U.S. to Johannesburg, which happens to be a larger airport, and purchase a domestic flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town. A roundtrip domestic flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town falls within the range of $150-200. When searching for international flights to Cape Town, make sure you compare these prices against international flights to Johannesburg; the differential could save you a few hundred dollars.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a VACorps program assistant, who will be holding a sign that has your name on it. Identify yourself to him and he will take you to your housing in Observatory, Cape Town. Transportation from the airport is a service included in your program fee. It is not recommended that you try to make your own way from the airport to your housing location; you will have traveled a long time and are likely to be both exhausted and unfamiliar with the city.

TRAVEL WEBSITES: CHEAP FLIGHTS WITHIN SOUTH AFRICA: www.cheapflights.com www.flymango.com www.cheapairfare.com www.travelstart.co.za www.travelzoo.com www.kulula.com www.1time.co.za www.flightsite.co.za

40 PACKING SUGGESTIONS TO BRING OR NOT TO BRING? THAT IS THE QUESTION Many people traveling to South Africa for the first time are intimidated by the thought of packing for a voyage to the “dark” continent. If you think your experience is going to be one lived in the African bush, you’re in for a big surprise. Cape Town has the infrastructure of any first-world city and a climate that can be as mild as the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.The city is often described as a European city located in Africa.

Consider using a backpack or duffel bag as your primary suitcase, especially if you are planning to travel on your own after the program because suitcases can be quite heavy, even when empty. Backpacks that are used for long-range hikes are great because they have the capacity of a normal suitcase but offer much greater mobility. A knapsack or flight bag is great for carry-on luggage and for day trips. Baggage limits vary depending on which airline you are flying with. Read the weight limitation and baggage allowance information provided by your international air carrier. The allowance figures are forever changing, so make sure you don’t over pack!

Please note that if you are participating in our program during the months of June-August, you should bring a warm jacket and several extra pieces of warm clothing. During the winter months in South Africa, it can get cold at night! Temperatures can drop to around 10C / 50F on a colder evening and South African houses are not as well insulated because the climate is very Mediterranean.

Generally speaking, in most parts of South Africa, people wear exactly what makes them feel comfortable. Jeans, shorts and tee shirts are standard fare, so bring your regular clothes from home. It’s best if women not wear crop tops when jogging, but rather a tee shirt and longish shorts. Bring at least one dressy outfit for going out in the evenings, such as slacks and a nice shirt, or a dress. You’ll find that there is no real dress code at nightspots in Obz, although some of the more formal clubs in the city centre will have a dress code of collared shirts, no jeans and no sneakers. Resist the urge to over pack! Nothing ruins traveling abroad more than too much lug- gage, especially when you have to carry it yourself. Also keep in mind that even if you do forget something at home, you can just as easily purchase a suitable replacement at one of Cape Town’s many shopping centers. The two closest malls are the V&A Waterfront or Cavendish Mall.

41 PACKING SUGGESTIONS Here is our ultimate VACorps packing recommendation, though it may come as somewhat of a challenge. Start by packing all of your belongings into one suitcase. Next, take half of your belongings out of the suitcase and place them in a second suitcase. Finally, resist the urge to add anything else to your halffilled bags. It’s a virtual certainty that you’ll visit one of CapeTown’s markets and purchase several wooden carvings, stone sculptures and paintings. These items make for wonderful gifts but take up lots of baggage space.

If you’re not interested in taking our packing challenge, then considering packing some old clothes with the intention of giving them away to charity when it comes time to leave. If you plan on traveling outside of South Africa and find yourself in a local market, you can barter with items such as shoes, wallets, branded clothing (e.g., Nike swoosh, NY Yankee Logo, Man U, etc.), board shorts and sandals.

42 COMPLETE PACKING CHECKLIST

WHAT YOU NEED WHAT YOU DON’T NEED

Jeans Sheets and Pillow Skirts Comforter with duvet cover Hangers for clothes Cotton T-shirts or tank tops Bookshelf (for hot summer months November - March) Desk Long Sleeve T-shirts Lamp (for cool winter months April - October) Sandals/sports shoes/walking shoes Warm coat/jersey/jacket SHOPPING IN CAPE TOWN (preferably waterproof) CLICKS Health, Beauty and Pharmacy Cap (www.clicks.co.za) Scarf THE BODY SHOP Natural Beauty Products Towel (www.thebodyshop.co.za/) Toiletries GROCERY STORES: Umbrella/raincoat PICK N PAY (www.picknpay.co.za/) QUICK SPAR (www.spar.co.za/) Swimming suit SHOPRITE (www.shoprite.co.za/) (or “costume,” as they say in SA) CHECKERS (www.checkers. co.za/) Hiking boots (if an avid hiker) WOOLWORTHS Apparel, Homeware and Food You can easily purchase a plug adaptor for (www.woolworths.co.za/) your laptop and electronics at Clicks, Pick N Pay, or Quick Spar. MR. PRICE Clothing store (www.mrprice.co.za/)

HOW WILL YOUR ADVENTURE DEFINE YOUR STORY? 43 ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS PASSPORTS

You are responsible for obtaining a passport prior to the start of the program. You must have a signed passport, valid for a minimum of six months after the date you enter South Africa or for the duration of your internship program plus and travel, whichever is longer. If you do not have a passport, apply for one immediately as the process can take several weeks or even months. If you already have a passport, be sure that it is valid for the required period.

U.S. citizens applying for their first passports must apply in person at a passport agency or at one of the several thousand federal or state courts or U.S. post offices authorized to accept passport applications. Complete information can be found at the U.S. Department of State website (travel. state.gov).

Make sure your passport has at least two blank visa pages prior to your departure. You risk being denied entry to South Africa if you don’t have two completely blank visa pages. Some airlines will not even allow you to board the plane if you do not meet this requirement. If you are a frequent traveler and only have a few blank pages remaining in your passport, you should send your passport to the U.S. Department of State approximately four to six weeks prior to your departure to have new pages added to your passport. This service is free of charge.

VISA

You will NOT need a visa to enter South Africa if you plan to stay in South Africa for 90 days or less. When passing through South African customs, you will be issued a 90-day tourist visa af- ter presenting an immigration official a copy of your flight itinerary (which proves that you intend to leave the country at the end of your visit). If you participate in a 3-month program and would like to visit neighboring countries after your program is finished, you may apply for a 30-day extension at the South African Office of Home Affairs in downtown Cape Town. A 90- day tourist visa is free. The application for a 30-day extension to your tourist visa costs R270 ($45). If you would like to participate in our program for a period greater than 3-months, please contact your program representative for more information about this process.

IMMUNIZATION RECORDS

South Africa does not require vaccinations unless you are arriving from sites of disease outbreak or from countries where yellow fever is endemic. So, if you plan to travel to any other African or South American country on your way to Cape Town, consult the Centers for Disease Control or the South African Embassy for details; you may need to get a yellow fever vaccination. If you need to show proof you have been vaccinated against yellow fever and cholera, the most widely recognized document for this purpose is the yellow World Health Organiza-tion booklet, Interna- tional Certificates of Vaccination, which is available from most doctors and health centers. Carry this document with your passport.

44 BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME TIPS TO PREPARE FOR YOUR ADVENTURE

Preparing for an overseas internship entails a lot more than just packing a suitcase. In fact, the thought and effort you put into preparing yourself will largely determine the success of your internship experience. At VACorps, we will do everything we can to provide you with the information you require prior to departure.

But there is only so much we can do, and it is important for you to recognize your own responsi- bilities, which include:

•• Reading all of the information in this guide in addition to all the information on the VACorps program website. •• Doing additional reading about the region and country, in addition to the customs of South African culture.

While you couldn’t possibly be prepared for every new experience that awaits you, reading about your host country will give you a base of knowledge tthat will serve you well in the early weeks of the program (refer to our suggested reading list).

#1 EXPLORE OTHER RESOURCES

In addition to these required steps, there is a lot more we recommend you do to inform yourself before you go. Educate yourself about South Africa and begin now to learn about the history, politics, food, culture, religion, languages, customs, etc.

Some ways to begin to learn about your new home:

•• Seek out South Africans through cultural organizations, international student organizations and Africa area studies departments or centers at your college or university. •• Surf the web. Many websites, such as www.lonelyplanet.com, www.bootsnall.com and www.trekshare.com, offer travel information, slide shows and tips from other travelers. •• Check libraries for detailed information and keep yourself informed of current events through the news media.

45 BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME #2 PREPARE FOR CULTURAL ADAPTION

Adapting to a different culture can be exciting, frustrating, and challenging. No two interns adapt at the same pace or in the same manner; however, there are several phases that people living in another culture for extended period of time experience.

As an intern, you are granted the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of South Africa and begin to understand the varying dimensions of the culture. Several aspects of culture are easily visible, such as art, dress, literature, dance music, etc. Other aspects of culture are not immediately visible like roles related to ages, sex, clas, occupation, kinship, courtship, decision making, etc. During your time abroad, you will be confronted with various cultural interactions that can cause embarrassment and frustration.

You’ll find books relating to cultural adaptation and culture shock on the recommended reading list at the back of this guide. During orientation, the VACorps staff will discuss details about culture shock and give strategies for adapting to your new surroundings. Past participants have noted the greatest levels of culture shock at their internships sites.

Leaving Home (predeparture): Feelings of anticipation, enthusiasm, excitement, concern about leaving family desire to escape proplems, packing, celebrating, anticipation, lost of interest in current responsibilities.

Arriving in Host Country: Initial euphoria exhileration, excitement, exploration of sights and shops, tourist enthusiasm, sense of adventure.

Increasing Participation Everyday life, responsibilities in living arrangements, restlessness, impa- tience, frustration, loss of enthusiasm, skepticism, withdrawal.

Culture Shock: Impatience, irritation, aggression, hostility, discouragement, depression, suspicion, boredom, homesickness, anger, loneliness, comparing everthing to home.

Adjusting adaptation: Sense of comfort with surroundings, sense of belonging in culture, empathy, adjustment and/or recovery.

Arrival Home (reentry): Ambivalence and state of disorientation, wanting to tell others about experience and finding others generally not very interested, disconnected, disoriented, irritability, depression, desire to return to host country.

46 BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME #3 PREPARE FOR CULTURAL ADAPTION

“Africa Time” is best explained by the following story:

At some point during your internship you will find yourself in a situation similar to this story. Where “Africa Time” governs, time management is not essential. The prevalence of “Africa Time” is amplified the further you travel away from urban centers in SouthAfrica and you are almost assured of having several encounters with “Africa Time” here in Cape Town. You will find that internship sites orientated to business will expect punctuality and observe “1st world” time schedules, whereas NGOs typically have a more relaxed time management picture. You’ll most often feel the effects of “Africa Time” when using public transportation, so keep this in mind when you have to attend meetings or appointments. Resist the urge to decry “Africa Time” and under- stand that accepting its existence is essential to a successful internship experience.

Your meeting will take place in 45 minutes. You choose to ride a minibus taxi because experi- ence tells you it takes 25 min- utes to get to your destination using this form of transportation. Today is different. About halfway into your transit, the driver pulls over to the side of the road, shuts off the engine and walks into a convenience store. It’s lunch time and he’s hungry. After a five minute food break, the driver decides that he’d like a few more passengers in his taxi before proceeding. Of course, he doesn’t tell you this or make any apologies for the delay, but rather reclines his seat, pulls his hat over his forehead and folds his arms over his chest. As the time ticks away, your anxiety increases.

Looking at your watch, you now have 15 minutes to get to your meeting on time and there are approximately 10-15 minutes of travel time remaining - and your driver is napping! You can’t withhold your rage any longer and decided to say something. “Excuse me sir, but we’ve been waiting here for almost 20 minutes and I have a meeting to get to.” He shrugs and makes little acknowledgment of your plea. Your anger increases and malignant thoughts enter your head.

47 BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME “Back home our buses always keep to a schedule so why can’t South Africans learn about punctuality? This country is absurd! These people are lazy! This country is worthless!” As your rage reaches a boiling point, three more people enter the minibus and the driver decides he now has enough passengers to continue the journey across town. You arrive at your destination, out of breath with sweat pouring down your forehead, about two minutes behind schedule. Your apology is accepted because another important member of the meeting is stuck in traffic across town...

#4 MEETING AND WORKING WITH OTHER SOUTH AFRICANS Just as it is impossible to define a typical American or German, it is equally impossible to define a typical South African. You will meet many types of people in South Africa who have different opinions, attitudes, and habits. The more you interact with South Africans, the better chance you’ll have of forming relationships and understanding the culture. During your internship you will have daily interaction and contact with South Africans. They will be undoubtedly curious to know more about you. During your conversations, use common sense, intelligence and a sense of objectivity. Be prepared to discuss your views freely and openly, and try to listen with an open mind.

You may arrive in South Africa with some preconceptions about South Africans and may encounter some South Africans with preconceptions about people from abroad. Try to put aside stereotypes and make judgments based on real experiences. If you are confronted with what you feel is a false stereotype about the your home country, be frank and truthful, yet tactful in your response. Avoid refuting arguments with negative comparisons to South Africa. This type of response will only create bad feelings.

48 BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME #5 BUDGETING Besides inflation and currency exchange, another DESIGNING YOUR BUDGET variable cost that will affect your spending abroad is Contact your program your individual taste requirements. When creating a representative to request a budget, it may be helpful to consider how much you budgeting worksheet. normally spend in a semester/quarter and inflate it a bit. Although the cost of living for an individual of student- age in South Africa is less than that of a student in the United States or Europe, the added cost of independent travel along with the impulse to splurge makes careful budgeting imperative. We suggest that you bring extra money, if possible, for unexpected expenses.

If you cook most of your own meals, you can go a long way towards saving yourself money. You will find that fresh produce, meat, fish and dairy products are 10-20 percent cheaper in South African grocery stores, while imported goods such as pastas and certain canned foods are more expensive due to import duties and value added tax (VAT).

Restaurant prices are cheaper than in the U.S. or Europe, although beware of falling into the trap of eating out too often if you are on a tight budget. Someone on a tight food budget can budget as low as $350 per month, while someone who wants to eat out more and cook less should double this figure.

Other items to budget for include entertainment ($150-400 per month), travel ($500-1000 per trip) and local transportation ($30-80). Try and budget a few hundred dollars for miscellaneous and unforeseeable expenses. Also plan on spending a few hundred dollars for souvenirs and mementos.

49 JUSTIN DYBKA, JUNE 2012

WORDS OF WISDOM “I came to this country not knowing what to expect at all. After being here for four months I can honestly say that it was and will be some of the best times of my life. There was very rarely a dull moment. It seemed like there was always something to do and new things to explore. If you are an outdoors person you will love it here. I enjoyed hiking, surfing and going to the numerous beaches the most. The city is amazing, unlike anywhere I have ever been. The scenery is fan- tastic, the people are friendly and it is rich in culture. As great as Cape Town was itself, the many people I met here were just as big a part of making the experience so amazing. From the day you arrive to the day you leave you are constantly going to be meeting new people from all over the world. The program attracts awesome people who are very adventurous and you will always be able to find others who are willing to get out and do something.

The staff at Volunteer Adventure Corps (VAC) were very good. You could always count on them to help you out and they made the transition to life in Cape Town very smooth. They really do feel more like your friends than people who work for you. The weekly activities were a good way to get out and see the area. I would also highly recommend going on one of the trips that VAC organizes. My internship at a civil engineering firm was exactly what I was looking for coming out of college. It started out a bit slow but by the end of my time I had a lot of interesting work and responsibility on projects all across South Africa.

This was a great way to gain some valuable work experience and do some travelling before I look to find a permanent job. I am very grateful for having this opportunity and am left with so many amazing memories. I will miss my time here very much and hope to come back soon. I also hope to keep in touch with all the awesome people I met out here.”

50 WWW.VACORPS.COM HOW WILL YOUR ADVENTURE DEFINE YOUR STORY? 51 52 WWW.VACORPS.COM ARRIVAL ORIENTATION Upon your arrival, you will participate in an arrival orientation. Cape Town is an incredible venue for an internship, a fact confirmed by the surging number of individuals visiting CapeTown to gain professional work experience. This city is among the most beautiful in the world, and those who have traveled here instantly fall in love with the breathtaking views and fascinating local culture.

Of course, living and interning in Cape Town does not come without a unique set of challenges. Public Transportation can be unreliable. “Africa Time” keeps schedules in perpetual delay. Petty theft is not uncommon. To the newly-arrived intern, navigating this textured and occasionally mysterious environment is an intimidating experience. Months can pass before visitors begin to acclimatize, so we’re here to make the whole adjustment process safer, quicker and easier. VACorps participants make a serious investment in terms of time, money, education and experience.

Not a single day of this invaluable internship experience should be wasted. You should arrive in Cape Town with knowledge that will allow you to “hit the ground running!”

The goal of the VACorps orientation is to introduce you to South Africa and its culture, and to further provide practical information about living in Cape Town. You will be familiarized with the requirements of your internship site and learn how to maximize your time during your short stay. During orientation we will also have discussions about history, local politics and geography. Our staff will give you lots of practical information about living in Cape Town, including a review of emergency procedures and detailed information about health, well being and safety issues. You’ll go on a tour of the city to help you adjust to your new surroundings and environment.

ORIENTATION DAY 1 • Airport pickup • Move into accommodation • Introduction to housemates • Safety briefing • Neighborhood Tour

ORIENTATION DAY 2 • Big Red Bus City Tour • Time management briefing • Internship duties/expectations • Lunch with VACorps staff members • Communicating with home • Local transportation briefing

** Orientation schedules are subject to change depending on group size.

53 IMPORTANT: READ CAREFULLY UNDERSTANDING INTERNSHIP REALITIES

When it comes to applying for jobs or post-graduate programs, those who have internship experience often have a competitive advantage over those applicants who do not. The advantages of having professional work experience on your resume are countless. Internships give students exposure to real-time experiences that transcend the comfortable, theo- retical boundaries of a classroom setting. Interns work alongside established professionals and meet mentors. And most importantly, interns get to preview a potential profession that they would otherwise be committing to without any prior experience.

Yet, for the many professional and personal benefits gained from an internship, some participants don’t anticipate that an internship, like any job, has its highs and its lows. You may be asked to make the occasional cup of coffee or run the occasional errand. You may be asked to complete a task that is not the most exciting in the world. You may be given a challenging task with little instruction. Your work may be criticized. Your overall experience will be defined by a series of high and low points; of excitement and boredom; of inspiration and frustration.

During the placement process we take great care to ensure that you are not placed with an organization that views you as “free labour” or even worse, as an “office minion.” eW will match you with an internship site mentor who expresses an appreciation for the skills you will bring to the organization. At the same time, you must understand that working as an intern at your internship site is a privilege, not a right.

Often times organizations will divert their resources from important projects and tasks to make sure that you are acclimated to the working environment. Please do not expect to be immediately thrown into major projects and assignments.

There may also be days when your internship mentor is too busy to give you detailed marching orders, leaving you to improvise your own tasks.

Past participants have remarked that the first few weeks of an internship are often the most difficult. It takes time to find a comfortable place within your organization; meeting your fellow colleagues, adjusting to work flow and learning office procedures all while living in a foreign country is a lot for even the most mature and well-traveled participants to handle. Be patient, be flexible and be communicative. Practicing these traits during your internship will not only help you adapt to your new environment quicker but will greatly benefit your future employment prospects.

54 IMPORTANT: READ CAREFULLY HOW TO GET THE MOST FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE Keep a journal or blog and update it whenever you have the chance to do so. The finer details of your on-the-job experience will be forgotten if you don’t record them. A journal gives you a great opportunity to reflect upon daily events and to make general observations. Sometimes the les- sons you’ve learned in Cape Town won’t become evident until you’ve returned home and a jour- nal allows you to vividly recall the finest of details.

While it is not a requirement, we highly recommend that you attend the seminar we will run during the beginning of your internship. During the seminar we will discuss techniques for making the most of your internship experience, discuss your expectations and share stories about past interns’ successes and shortcomings.

It is further recommended that you attend our optional Friday afternoon excursions. During these scheduled activities, we will travel to an interesting location in Cape Town, be it a national park or a cultural center. These outings will give you the chance to interact with other interns and trade stories about your internships.

Take as many photos and/or videos as possible. Cape Town is one of the most picturesque cities in the world and you should spend your weekends exploring while visually documenting your experiences! Sharing photos is perhaps the best way for you to describe and summarize your overseas adventures to friends and family. There’s no better way to describe the feeling of standing at the famous Cape of Good Hope than by sharing of photo of you there in context!

55 RECOMMENDED READING VACORPS READING LIST

The VACorps Reading List promotes literature pertaining to South Africa. Although we don’t require participants to read the following info before arrival in Cape Town, these selected resources will go a long way to helping you understand the unique complexities of South African culture. It is particularly important for you to have a basic understanding of South African history, considering that this nation is just recently removed from a very dark political past. Names like Mandela, Biko, de Klerk, Tutu, Botha, Kruger, Mbeki and Rhodes should mean something to you when you set foot in this country. Know South African history. Know South African culture. Know South African politics. Place yourself in context with the past and the present.

NON FICTION Lonely Planet Guide to South Africa. This is the definitive South African travel guide. It’s depth and quality of information is unparalleled. Alexander, Neville. An Ordinary Country. Biko, Steve. I write what I like: Selected Writings. Breytenbach, Breyten. Return to Paradise. Goodman, David. Faultlines: Journeys in the New South Africa. Gordimer, Nadine. “On Being a Liberal White South African,” with Bill Moyers. Hadland, Adrian and Rantao, Jovial. The Life and Times of Thabo Mbeki. Krog, Antjie. Country of My Skull: Guilt, Sorow, and the Limits of Forgiveness in the new South Africa Malan, Rian. My Traitor’s Heart: A South African Exile Returns to Face His Country, His Tribe and His Conscience. Mandela, Nelson. Conversations with Myself. Mandela, Nelson. Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela. Pakenham, Thoman. The Boer War. Sindiwe, Magona. Living, Loving and Lying Awake at Night. Sparks, Alistair. Tomorrow is Another Country. Stevenson-Hamilton, James. A South African Eden. Suzman, Helen. In No Uncertain Terms, A South African Memoir. Thompson, Leonard. A History of South Africa. Waldmeir, Patti. Anatomy of a Miracle: The End of Apartheid and the Birth of a New South Africa.

56 RECOMMENDED READING FICTION Coetzee, J.M. Disgrace. Coetzee, J.M. In the Heart of the Country. Courtney, Bryce. The Power of One. Gordimer, Nadine. July’s People Head, Bessie. The Collector of Treasures. Matlwa, Kopano. Coconut. Mhlongo, Niq. Dog Eat Dog. Ndebele, Njabulo S. Fools and Other Stories. Oosthuizen, Ann, ed. Sometimes When it Rains: Writings by South African Women. Plaatje, Sol. Mhudi. Paton, Alan. Cry, the Beloved Country. Rive, Richard. Buckingham Palace: District Six. Sher, Anthony. Middlepost. Zakes, Mda. Ways of Dying or The Heart of Redness.

BOOKS ON CULTURAL ADAPTATION Kohls, L. Robert. Survival Kit For Overseas Living: For Americans Planning to Live and Work Abroad. Storti, Craig. The Art of Crossing Cultures. Yarmouth.

MOVIES A Dry, White Season. Directed by Euzhan Palcy. 1989. Country of My Skull. Directed by John Boorman. 2002. Director Leon Schuster’s Collection of movies. District 9. Directed by Peter Jackson. 2009. Hijack Stories. Directed by Oliver Schmitz. 2000. Invictus. Directed by Clint Eastwood. 2009. Red Dust. Directed by Tom Hopper. 2002 Stander. Directed by Bronwen Hughes. 2003. The Power of One. Directed by John G. Avildsen. 1992. The Road to Mecca. Directed by Athol Fugard and Peter Goldsmid. 1992. Tsotsi. Directed by Gavin Hood. 2005.

57 KELLY STONE, JUNE 2011

“I boarded a plane in mid-May having just finished my second year of law school. I left a great job and a set career path because I wasn’t happy. And even though it felt like the right decision, com- ing to South Africa was a huge risk... But it is the best thing I have ever done for myself.

“I interned at the Women’s Legal Centre, an NGO that investigates and litigates gender equality issues on behalf of indigent women. These women are some of the bravest people I have met, having risked their own lives for the advancement and protection of women in South Africa. My work ranged from strategic litigation to comparative law research to producing arguments against prescription of damages by analogizing forced sterilizations with child rape. I attended a murder trial in Khayelitsha and consulted with a pregnant woman in her prison cell before submitting a request for bail. I was challenged and invigorated with each passing day; my purpose in being there was constantly inspired.

“Beyond working for a great organization, VAC facilitated a smooth transition into South African society. VAC not only served as a security net, but also coordinated housing, activities on Friday afternoons, and opportunities to travel across southern Africa. The staff is simply amazing and extremely committed to making sure people get the most out of their time in Cape Town. It is a phenomenal program and I would recommend it without reservations to anyone (even graduate students, like myself) who is thinking of interning in Cape Town.

“My summer in South Africa put me on a path I was always meant to be on and VAC enriched the experience in ways I could not have imagined… It won’t be long before I return!”

58 WWW.VACORPS.COM HOW WILL YOUR ADVENTURE DEFINE YOUR STORY? 59 60 WWW.VACORPS.COM PRINT THIS SHEET

KEEP THIS DOCUMENT WITH YOUR PERSONAL BELONGINGS DURING YOUR TRANSIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT ARRIVAL INFORMATION.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a representative who will be holding a sign that has your name on and our program logo. Identify yourself to him and he will take you to your program housing. Remember that transportation from the airport is a service included in your program fee.

If you enter the arrivals area and do not find someone with your, wait approximately 30 minutes before phoning one of the following numbers.

VACorps Office: 021 442 4970 Vanessa (Program Manager): 076 588 6588 Andrew (Program Assistant): 073 465 5159 Sean (Director of Programs): 082 372 7797 Oliver (Director of Applications): 076 588 6588

* If your bags are missing, please use the VAC Office the contact phone number on the missing baggage form. We will communicate with the airlines to get your bags delivered to your residence.

* Should you miss any of your connecting flights, please notify our staff as soon as possible. If you are within South Africa, please phone one of the above numbers. If you are outside South Africa, please send an email to one of the following addresses: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Have a safe journey to South Africa and know that your adventure begins soon!