Reviews

Daniel M

My favorite pre-internship experience in Cape Town with Connect-123 was amazing! I had a great time learning under the supervision of my preceptor at two different hospitals in the Western Cape. I also got to experience some amazing sights that South Africa has to offer. This pre-internship was like no other and I would definitely recommend this experience for anyone in the Child Life field.

Abby F

This child life practicum experience was such an amazing opportunity. I was able to see the world while also learning about child life and how to be a better professional. The instructors made sure I was on the right track but while also bringing fun into the experience. I grew not only in my knowledge and understanding of my field but also in my personal life. This experience has changed my life.

Breanna M

My entire experience in Cape Town, South Africa was incredible to say the least. The people, culture and hospital settings taught me so much that I will use for the rest of my life. I learned so much about the Child Life profession through play that created a solid foundation for my future in this career. I learned so much about medical terminology, different diagnoses, play interventions, and theories/theorists that will help me become successful in this field. Interacting with pediatric patients and their families left an everlasting impact on my life. I am so grateful for this experience and everyone I met during it.

Elizabeth K

Choosing to complete my Child Life Practicum in Cape Town was by far the best decision I could have made. The practicum is a play-based learning experience and gave me real hands-on opportunities to work with children in the hospital environment. Working through a group practicum was amazing as well because I was able to observe others in the field and we could learn from each other. Not only was I able to learn about the field of Child Life but I was also able to see Cape Town and experience things that are not only beautiful but a learning opportunity as well. This was truly a life-changing experience, and I would recommend it to anyone!

Alyssa W

Noeli D

I am so grateful for Connect-123 and the opportunity it gave me to complete my practicum abroad. The program was well organized and supportive all throughout the 4 weeks I was in Cape Town, South Africa. Having the opportunity to complete my practicum abroad gave me a unique perspective on Child Life. My family and I felt at peace knowing we had someone like Carla to support me and help me navigate being in a new country! Connect-123 provided us with a safe and reliable driver to get us to the hospital and back home. Our assigned preceptor was amazing! We learned so much about Child Life through her and we all got to connect on a personal level when we were off work. Connect-123's program allowed us to complete our practicum and explore a beautiful country by organizing excursions on the weekends. It was all around an incredible learning experience!

Annalisa L

For those who don't know, child life bridges the communication gap between patients, their families, and medical professionals by using language that is developmentally appropriate. We can minimize medical trauma through play by offering support prior to, during, and following procedures. To emphasize family-centered treatment, we also offer support for siblings and parents. During my international practicum, I worked in a variety of settings including inpatient oncology, inpatient orthopedics, a general inpatient ward, an HIV clinic, and a behavioral/developmental health clinic in three different pediatric hospitals. These environments gave me the chance to develop better rapport-building skills, support developmentally appropriate medical play, prioritize care, promote child-directed play, offer normalization and peer-oriented activities, and collaborate with a team on care. The practicum provided me with the skills I needed to be successful in my future work as a child life specialist, and I had the chance to interact with a diverse range of patients on several wards. During my time in Cape Town, I was undoubtedly pushed but also developed a ton of confidence. I built ties with patients and their families and saw the challenges they face every day. While in Cape Town, I gained a lot of knowledge about the child life field and myself, as well as made incredible friends that I will always treasure. Thank you!!

Samantha Y

Completing my Child Life Practicum in Cape Town, South Africa was a pivotal experience both professionally and personally. Initially, I was hesitant about completing an international practicum, but in retrospect, it was one of the best decisions of my life. Completing my practicum abroad allowed me to learn and grow in ways that would have never been possible in the United States. Through this opportunity with Connect-123, I was able to broaden my clinical knowledge and skills and build friendships that will last forever. I spent time at three hospitals which each provided very different experiences of the healthcare setting and the field of child life. This practicum showed me the true meaning of play as a universal language, and I am confident to use the knowledge I obtained in my future as a child life specialist. In addition to clinical experience, learning sessions and planned activities were also provided. Altogether, this was truly a well-rounded opportunity. Outside the hospital, I spent time immersed in the culture and building relationships within the community. It is so easy to fall in love with Cape Town. The opportunity was incredible and undeniably worth it. I am forever grateful for Connect-123, the countless children and families, my preceptor and peers, and Cape Town as a whole.

Kelly M

Connect-123 gave me the most life-changing experience. Thanks to Carla and the Connect-123 team all of my questions were answered prior to the experience so I felt confident going into it. The Child Life Practicum gave me child life skills I’m confident I wouldn’t have been able to learn through just a typical Child Life Practicum. I gained life-long friendships, lessons and had a great time experiencing the South African culture. We were able to volunteer at multiple locations, with several different types of situations and it was so eye-opening and will certainly benefit me going forward in this field. This program gave me a new perspective and so many new skills. I’m forever grateful. After completing this program I feel much more confident in my skills in this field and am so excited to continue my career in this field. Thank you Connect-123 and everyone a part of the team. I am forever grateful.

Amelia H

Connect-123 provided the opportunity for a life-changing experience. Their program was so much more than just a practicum. Through them, I gained child life skills I couldn't have learned anywhere else and developed life-long friendships. We were able to volunteer at several locations, building connections with the community and providing the students with diverse experiences. In addition to hospital settings, we got to visit a school for children with autism, a day center for children with a wide variety of disabilities, and serve at a local foster home. The two hospitals we volunteered at gave us experience in a pediatric clinic, a pediatric ward, and an oncology unit. This program enabled me to learn so many new skills and develop a culturally diverse perspective. I loved experiencing a different culture and getting to know the people. We had the unique experience of getting to advocate for child life in an area where it is not prevalent and see firsthand just how effective these principles are. After completing the practicum, I feel so much more confident in my child life skills. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience in one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Connect-123 provided an exceptional learning experience as well as memorable activities that allowed us to really experience Cape Town. If you have the chance to participate in a program with them, it's absolutely worth it!

Emma O

As a young and newer child life student, I was looking for a program that offered a very diverse, authentic experience of what Child Life is truly about. Connect-123 provided me with that and so much more. During my time in Cape Town, South Africa I gained skills and developed great confidence in observing, documenting, and carrying out therapeutic play sessions with children of various ages and diagnoses. Outside of time spent at the two hospitals, we got to attend workshops that helped build communication and knowledge about Child Life, resumes, and interview skills. On top of all these wonderful experiences, we also had many opportunities to explore the beautiful country of South Africa! The girls I met were amazing, my preceptor prepared and helped me in more ways than I can count, and the program provided me with the well-rounded, enjoyable experience I set out to find! I would recommend this program in a heartbeat.

Alyssa L

As an aspiring Certified Child Life Specialist, I am incredibly grateful I chose to complete my Child Life Practicum through Connect-123. This program provided me with the once in a lifetime experience, and I  learned so much in just a short four weeks. During my time, I volunteered with two hospitals in South Africa, worked with many different children and families, and met so many warm-hearted people that I will never forget. Connect-123 is a helpful program that will support and help you even after you complete the program. Completing this program through Connect-123 helped me step out of my comfort zone in the right direction and prepared me for my future in more ways than I can imagine. I will never forget this experience of a lifetime and the friends I made during my practicum. I highly recommend Connect-123 to everyone, and I hope others choose this program to study internationally!

Logan Kaifes

Completing the Child Life practicum abroad helped me grow as an individual and in my future career. I was able to experience Child Life in a different culture, working with various patients and their families in a healthcare setting different than I was used to. It helped me to step out of my comfort zone and realized how important the power of play is for all kids! I made so many memories and lifelong friends while studying in Cape Town that I’ll cherish forever! It was truly the best experience I have ever been given and thank you Connect-123 for being there every step of the way!

Brooke Hauser

This past summer I had the amazing opportunity to complete my Child Life Practicum with Connect-123 in Cape Town, South Africa. I was able to not only expand my knowledge in the field of child life but I was able to expand my experience. The opportunities I was given to support not only children through their unique healthcare journeys, but their family members as well, gave myself the confidence and skills I needed to continue to pursue the wonderful child life field. The most memorable day I had included, preparing and supporting a 6-year-old girl for day surgery. With the guidance of my amazing preceptors, I witnessed the little girl's fear, stress, and anxiety slowly start to decrease. On top of all of the incredible experiences I had within the hospitals, I managed to meet the most supportive and wonderful group of girls that I still talk to every single day. We had the best times together, taking advantage of all the trips Connect-123 offered to us, like the beautiful Safari weekend. Cape Town, South Africa will always have such a special place in my heart, and of course all the incredible people I shared this life-changing experience with. I know I will be back in beautiful Cape Town one day!

Abbey Vacca

Morgan Braun

Reflecting upon my time in Cape Town, South Africa has been bittersweet! Following this amazing opportunity, I can say whole-heartedly that I do not have any regrets about committing to a month abroad for a child life practicum. Through this practicum, I felt that I received an extremely well-rounded and layered learning experience. As a student, I was quickly immersed in a variety of pediatric health centers that allowed for a great opportunity to observe preceptors engaging in therapeutic play and procedure prep while quickly turning around to providing me with the personal opportunity to practice these skills under supervision. This truly was a practicum that provides students with great exposure and space for doing much more than simply observing and taking notes; you are truly supported and encouraged to be hands-on and try new and existing skills in a safe and supportive environment. The children and families you meet while in these health care settings help you learn, and also show you why so many of us are aspiring to be child life specialist. Even with plenty of time spent in healthcare settings it does not mean there is any lost time exploring the motherland. Connect-123 hosted many AMAZING events while allowing a very gracious amount of time to explore the culture for what it truly is. Don’t be afraid to take a chance and fly across the world to visit one of the most amazing places in the world while learning and growing in the child life profession; you will NOT regret it. My life is forever changed through the many amazing women I grew close to and the culture that helped me become enlightened in both my personal and professional life.

Lindsay Hohlbaugh

Cape Town was nothing I could ever imagine. It taught me not only about myself but the capability I have with my future careers and goals in life. Being a part of Connect-123 made it much easier to adjust to the culture change and experiences I was about to endure. The people were extremely helpful and welcoming to all questions and new ideas. Being a part of the Child Life Practicum allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and be open to new opportunities. The child life specialists recruited for the practicum sessions were nothing short of amazing with the knowledge and background experience they have had within the child life profession. Not a day goes by that I am not thinking about Cape Town and the incredible people I met during this journey. Connect-123 is a fantastic organization that is determined to provide the best education and resources for their students and professionals. I'll be back soon, Cape Town! Cheers!

Ashley Camden

During September, Connect-123 provided me with an unforgettable experience to complete a child life practicum abroad in Cape Town, South Africa. This opportunity was completely out of my comfort zone, but I was so excited to take a leap of faith. I was able to work in multiple children’s hospitals that are very different from the United States to gain valuable healthcare experience and truly see cultural diversity between people, hospitals and language barriers. I had the privilege to see play as a universal language that helped breakdown those barriers and any stress. I saw medical play being used to let the patients explore and ease the fears a hospital can bring. The practicum gave me the tools I needed to succeed in my career as a future child life specialist and I was given the opportunity to see a wide variety of patients on different wards. I was definitely challenged but gained so much confidence throughout my time in Cape Town. I formed relationships with patients and their families and saw what struggles they go through each day. We also had ample time to explore the city and really experience South African culture. I learned a great deal about myself and the child life profession while in Cape Town and found amazing friends that I will cherish forever.

Brooke Frix

My time in Cape Town, South Africa for my Child Life Practicum was like no other. I am not even sure where to even begin about my journey in Africa. From applying to this practicum, to getting accepted, I was over the moon excited. It was definitely a big step out of my comfort zone to get on a plane and go all the way to Africa by myself without knowing anyone. I was definitely stretched in so many ways there! I was able to rotate between three different hospitals, learn about the culture and work with children of all ages. During that time, I was able to experience hands-on and sharpen my skills in Child Life. I confirmed on this trip, that Child Life is definitely what I am called to do! Outside of the hospital, I was able to go and explore the beautiful city of Cape Town and do things I would not have been able to do in the United States! So... If this opportunity opens up for you, I say go for it! Your life will forever be changed!

Rachel Zich

My child life practicum was absolutely amazing! It has given me the opportunity to take the next step towards my goal of becoming a Child Life Specialist and it was amazing to have done it in such a unique, diverse country. I learned so much about not only South Africa and the people who live there and their culture, but I also learned a lot about myself on this trip. I stepped out of my comfort zone and did things I never would have imagined myself doing like shark care diving and ATVing. I got to spend my time at two amazing and completely different hospitals while working under inspiring supervisors. The friends I have made on this trip have had a huge impact on me and I know we will continue to be friends even though we are from all over. I would recommend doing this program to anyone wanting to complete a child life practicum. This was one of the best experiences I have ever done in my life!