FAQs
All the answers you need to start your intern, study, or volunteer program in Argentina or South Africa
Intern / Volunteer Program Questions
Where will I stay?
In Buenos Aires, students can choose to practice their Spanish and live with a homestay family or share apartments with other program participants. In Cape Town, students stay in apartments in a large, centrally located residential building with 24-hour security, roof-top gym, pool, wireless internet access, and twice-per-month maid service. Depending on the apartment configuration, students share each apartment with up to three other Connect-123 students. For all programs, housing is flexible and you can choose to share with other Connect-123 program participants or live independently. For Study Abroad students, accommodation costs for the semester are included in the program fee. Intern and Volunteer program students should budget from $350 to $700 per month.
How much should I budget for living expenses?
For both Argentina and South Africa, depending on your lifestyle, budget between $250 and $500 per month for local transport, food, and nightlife. The Connect-123 team will recommend the best deals to ensure that your stay is both fun and within your budget.
Will Connect-123 help me arrange international flights and my visa?
Yes. Please contact us and let us know any specific questions you may have. We’re here to help.
What is there to do in Cape Town and in Buenos Aires?
An easier question to answer is “what cannot be done in Cape Town?” (like downhill skiing). Beaches, mountain hikes, ocean views, nightlife, hip music, great food, vineyards – Cape Town is truly one of the world’s great cities.
Similarly, in Buenos Aires, program participants are overwhelmed with a choice of museums, street theater, tango, live jazz and cafe orchestras. Further afield there are opportunities for whale watching, tours of the wine region, hiking in the Andes, and skiing in Bariloche.
How do I get around?
For Cape Town, with vineyards, whale watching, beautiful coastal drives, and nature reserves all within an hour of of the city, weekend trips are an important part of the Cape Town experience and many students opt to rent a car during their stay. Since car hire can be expensive, Connect-123 has arranged special discounts for our program participants. We can also help you find other Connect-123 participants who live and work near you, enabling you to share a car and share costs.
For Buenos Aires, the Subte is the best way to get around and, in a pinch, taxis are also quite affordable. In addition, the bus system between cities in Argentina is an efficient, comfortable and affordable way to get around.
Our Cape Town and Buenos Aires teams will help with any logistics-related questions you may have, from the best way to get to your internship or volunteer project site to advice on regional travel and weekend getaways.
Are Cape Town and Buenos Aires safe?
You have to be careful in any big international city and Cape Town and Buenos Aires are no exceptions. Does it feel more dangerous than New York City or London? No. Do you need to use common sense, go out in groups at night, and stick to good neighborhoods? Yes. The Connect-123 teams in both South Africa and Argentina are always available to answer any questions you may have – both prior to and especially during your stay.
Will Connect-123 meet me at the airport, ensure that I settle into my accommodation, show me where the shops are, provide a campus orientation, introduce me to my host organization and help solve any problems I may have?
Yes. Your responsibilities: work hard, learn, explore, and have fun. Our responsibilities: everything else. We are passionate about providing a high quality service. Put us to the test.
Do you arrange social events so that I can meet other Connect-123 program participants?
We specialize in organizing after-work drink nights and other events so that all students can get together, meet, and share experiences. Feedback is critical to us so that we can improve our service and these events provide a great opportunity for you to let us know how we’re doing.
back to top
How long are Connect-123′s Study Abroad programs?
All programs, which are fully accredited by the University of Cape Town, run for one semester. Semester One (UCT’s Fall Semester) runs from early February to late May and Semester Two (UCT’s Spring Semester) runs from mid July to late November.
How many credits will I earn?
The University of Cape Town recommends 16 academic credits for each semester-long Study Abroad program.
What is the selection criteria?
We carefully select applicants from diverse backgrounds with energy, drive, and a healthy sense of adventure. Students from all majors are encouraged to apply. In general, criteria includes: 3.0 GPA, Junior or above, exceptional letters of recommendation, excellent communication skills, strong letter of motivation.
back to top
Intern / Volunteer Program Questions:
How long are Connect-123’s Intern and Volunteer programs?
We can arrange programs of any duration and the length of your stay is entirely up to you. Most programs range from two to six months with an average duration of three months. As our program fee is the same, without regard to duration, it’s more cost-effective to come for longer durations.
Can I get paid for my internship?
Connect-123 arranges unpaid experiential learning opportunities for students and professionals looking to gain valuable work experience in Cape Town and in Buenos Aires. Unfortunately, the laws in both Argentina and South Africa prohibit non-residents from receiving any income during their stay without a valid work permit.
Can I earn academic credit for the Internship or Volunteer program?
Absolutely. If your university or college offers an independent study, internship, or service learning course, then often you can earn up to 4 credits for your international experience. Please let us know your requirements.
back to top
