From my first chat with Steven on the phone I knew that Connect 123 and South Africa was exactly what I was looking for - a serious internship experience in which I could not only learn a lot and gain professional experience but also in a place full of culture, history and adventure that I could explore. Professionally, I couldn’t have been more pleased with the my internship placement - as it was spot-on my interests and how professional yet easy-going the placement process was. Steven and Lea and the gang are so helpful and always around to make your life more easy no matter what your question is - they’ve turned into quite the travel guides and have a wealth of knowledge of the area. I learned more than I could hope for and made a wonderful work-family over in Cape Town that has left the door open for future employment. If you are looking to gain great experience in your field and to explore a wonderful place then this is it. Hands down. Get on the phone, book your tickets and pack your bags.

Organising my internship through Connect-123 was the best thing I could have possibly done. At first I thought they only organised events and an internship, but they have provided so much more. Going through Connect made this summer the time of my life! All Connect-123 students live in the same building so it couldn’t be any more social. Also the Connect office is in the same building, so the staff is very accessible and they were always more than happy to advise me.

I absolutely loved my internship in Cape Town (I worked with an email marketing company) since the attitude is very laid back and the people at work were so friendly.

The Connect-123 social events were always a blast. Lea, Mel, Steven and Gabby always pick a new place to visit and this is a chance for the Connect staff to find out how you’re finding your internship if you haven’t already let them know what you think of it. It is also a great way to meet everybody during your first week in Cape Town, and this is where you make your friends for the trip — in my case and everybody else’s case, friends for life!

This summer has been fantastic, and I would say to anybody who wants an internship to go through Connect because you will have such a better experience. For me, this has been the best two months of my life.

Connect-123 provides an excellent service. Lea and Steven were able to quickly find an internship for me in the field of gender rights and I worked in offices located right across the street from my apartment! Though my stay was short, I found my internship meaningful, my coworkers pleasant, my friendships long-lasting, my jaunts around the Western Cape extraordinary and my expectations fulfilled. I would recommend — and have recommended — Connect-123 to anyone looking for an internship in one of the world’s most vibrant and genuinely remarkable cities. I know I will value my women and governance internship in South Africa as one of the most vital experiences of my life and of my career.