Zahra Nealy

Public Relations Intern | Cape Town
University of Southern California
3 January 2011

My short time in Cape Town has made an everlasting impact on my life. Flying for 26 hours and landing in the Mother City was the most amazing feeling of accomplishment and belonging I have ever felt. Not only was the landscape amazing, but the people are what made my trip great. South Africa has the nicest, most humbled people I have met.Being able to see them come together during the World Cup was a momentous occasion and hopefully that will last.

All the people I met welcomed me with open arms and that meant a lot. I was able to meet people who were like me at the Centre of Science and Technology (COSAT) in Khayelitsha. Seeing them come from adverse living conditions and being the smartest, brightest people I have met is a true testament to the human spirit.  The way of life in Cape Town really made me realize that it’s okay to sit back, relax, enjoy life; yet work hard and get things done all the while. That is some thing I think Americans have forgotten. Also, going to Cape Town showed me that people share more similarities than differences; something that the media doesn’t equally portray.

Also, I was  able to apply my skills and interests in the internship I had with fashion designer Thulare Monareng. For example, I was able to organize events and photo shoots, create press kits and a strategic communications plan for her, as well as help her with scouting her new retail location on Long Street. In return, she showed me so much about the industry; introduced me to others in the industry; and really listened to and considered the suggestions I recommended for her work.  I was able to come home with a sense of contribution, as well as experience no book could ever teach me. Equally important, because of that experience I am using it as the basis for my thesis.

Two-and-a-half months went by so fast. All I know is  that won’t be my last time in Cape Town. Thanks to Erna Smith, USC Annenberg and Connect 123 for making my first trip abroad unforgettable

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More Reviews for Communications, PR and Event Management Internships in Cape Town

Donald LeCompte

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Washington and Lee University
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Connect-123 was great! They took the time to connect with us before we arrived to ensure that our internship placements were ones that matched our skills and passions. They were also a great go-to resource if we had any issues or if we had questions about things to do and the best way to go about doing them. Many of the events we attended and excursions we went on were...

Kiera Collins

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I decided to intern abroad in Cape Town, South Africa for my last semester as an undergraduate, and I can honestly say it was a decision that has forever changed my life, in the best way possible. I came to South Africa with high hopes and my experience has far surpassed them! From waking up to the most beautiful view every single day just out my bedroom window to walking...

Isabella Alvarez

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6 October 2016

I interned in Cape Town the summer after I graduated from college, and I could not be happier about my decision of going to South Africa, and postponing the job hunting. While I was in Cape Town, I learned more about myself, became friends with people from all over the world, and immersed myself in a country with a complex history -- an experience I believe everyone should have before jumping...

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I went into this experience unaware of what living in Cape Town would entail. I assumed it would be a good time, as did my roommates and other friends I met along the way, but I don’t think any of us had a clear idea of what to expect when travelling to South Africa. Despite this, working and living in Cape Town turned out to be two of the most...

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Shelby Moran

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I couldn't have asked for a more rewarding experience in Cape Town - and a lot of it is thanks to Connect-123 and my host organization. Between the two, I feel like I learned to know the city and understand it's unique perspective, both culturally and professionally. Connect-123 did a great job at encouraging program participants to get out of their apartments and experience they city - whether that be...

Allyson Flak

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The three months that I was able to spend in Cape Town taught me so much about myself and provided me with an experience that will undoubtedly stick with me for the rest of my life. While living in Cape Town, I had the opportunity to do a marketing/communications internship with a small fashion website as well as a larger fashion organization, both of which worked to help promote the...

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Marina Cardona

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