Reviews
Real stories from real participants, parents and university partners who share their experiences as well as their advice. Learn more about the benefits Connect-123 interns and volunteers receive on our programs around the world!
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Ashley S
My time in Cape Town has been nothing short of an unforgettable experience. I am incredibly grateful for this experience, especially as a first-generation Hispanic college student. I felt extremely supported throughout this experience, especially by our Connect-123 advisor, Carla. Carla made me feel welcome and cared for from the very beginning. This experience not only helped me in my professional development, but it also helped me learn more about myself.
Internships in Cape Town
Julia T
I am very grateful for the opportunity to work in Cape Town with the support of Connect-123. Our program coordinator, Carla, was welcoming and supportive, which gave me a real sense of ease. They helped me explore my interest in working with a creative agency that made every day feel exciting. I left with new skills and amazing memories that I will cherish forever.
Internships in Cape Town
Sofia S
My experience in Cape Town was great! Carla is extremely helpful and was always there for anything I needed. She made me feel so comfortable and taken care of. I also really enjoyed all the planned activities!
Internships in Cape Town
Fernando V
Cape Town! Cape Town! What can I say, such a beautiful and wonderful experience overall. So many fun adventures with friends and outings on my own. I was hugged by the tastes and music of South African delicacies and culture, overall, an incredible opportunity. At my internship, I worked in the psychosocial department as a counselor and I have gained so much experience and wise advice from colleagues and supervisors. I created a family in such little time. Thank you Connect-123 and thank you Carla for being so reliable, kind, and respectful, always being there when I had questions and giving me support when I got sick, needed cellular data, to learn about cool places to visit, and the list never ends.
Internships in Cape Town
Kiah G
During my four-week live-on-site practicum in Cape Town, South Africa, I experienced significant personal and professional growth. The practicum challenged me to be flexible and constantly be thinking. I observed a certified child life specialist (CCLS) educating children and families about medical procedures, providing trauma-informed care, and offering preparation and support for procedures. The CCLS guided post-procedural play in both outpatient and multiple inpatient settings in a developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed manner. When appropriate, I supported children and families through caregiver respite, normalization play, and post-procedural play. I learned and practiced communicating with children and families from diverse backgrounds, which led me to examine my biases, identify areas for growth, and establish personal and professional boundaries. I learned to grow from feedback, be flexible, and approach new situations with respect and confidence. Our group of 18 started out as strangers, but we left with lifelong friends with many shared experiences.
Internships in Cape Town
Avonleigh B
My internship in Cape Town was an experience of a lifetime. I met so many great friends in the program, and my internship taught me so much beyond the surface. Being a well-traveled person, I can confidently say that Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve been to.
Internships in Cape Town
Leana G
My time in beautiful Cape Town has been thrillful and a memorable experience. From the cultural food, to the amapiano music, to the life lessons I have learned from my fellow colleagues at my internship. Observing and also having the opportunity to work with not only adults with disabilities, but adults with diagnosed mental disorders has truly helped me gain knowledge and experience I will need to continue on to the next steps in my career. I also felt welcomed by our Connect-123 advisor, Carla, whom I felt supported by and she was able to help me in any way she can. This experience was truly unforgettable, and a great start to solo travel for me.
Internships in Cape Town
Alex H
I learned many valuable lessons from this experience and the practice as a whole. During my time, I engaged in developmentally appropriate play in an urban setting through a live on-site program, Connect- 123, in South Africa. Throughout my 4-week intensive, I gained important knowledge related to cultural humility, the scope of practice, applying theory during play, and overcoming communication barriers or difficulties in the hospital environment. I was part of a group of 16 people, which was then divided into cohorts of 8, as the locations changed every 2 weeks. This program aims to help students (like me) excel in areas such as providing emotional respite for caregivers (if applicable), planning interventions for children, and giving Child Life education to hospital staff through modeling. I also had the opportunity to grow personally, as it was my first time being alone internationally. Relying on peers during both stressful and successful times was a skill I needed to develop. Additionally, I gained knowledge by observing my preceptor during interventions and procedures. Given this opportunity, my heart was reinforced in the belief that play is universal and that everyone deserves space to engage in it! I will forever be grateful for this place and the wonderful friends I made in it <3.
Internships in Cape Town
Lillian D
I’m so glad that I chose to complete my practicum abroad. It is an experience that will stay with me for so long and taught me so many valuable things pertaining to child life. It was amazing to make friends with the same passions as me and the mentorship I received and still receive after the trip from my preceptor is incredibly uplifting and crucial to my journey.
Internships in Cape Town
Rokia K
Connect-123 made my time in Cape Town unforgettable! The city is vibrant, full of culture, and there's always something to do. I gained hands-on finance experience through an internship that perfectly matched my goals thanks to Carla, the Program Coordinator. I was initially nervous about finding the right fit, especially in a field like finance, but they really delivered. Plus, exploring Cape Town with other students made it even better.
Internships in Cape Town
Nevaeh S
I had a wonderful experience getting to work hands on in a field I want to spend the rest of my life in while immersing myself in a new culture of it. I loved meeting all the people from the program and I’m sure they will be lifelong friends whom I have lifelong memories with.
Internships in Cape Town
Nabeel A
The experience was an immersion of cultural awareness and both academic and career skills. The internships we were placed in really supported us in building critical skills for our careers and the environments we constantly found ourselves in and were very motivating.
Internships in Cape Town
Fuad D
Connect-123 made it possible for me to gain hands-on international experience while reconnecting with the continent that shaped me. From professional growth to personal clarity, this program has been a defining chapter in my journey. Thank you for the support and opportunity!
Internships in Cape Town
Astrid B
I loved my experience in Cape Town! I am so grateful for this experience in Cape Town and that I got to do it with Connect-123. All of the Connect-123 staff was so helpful in my preparation to get there, and Carla in Cape Town helped us navigate the internship process and the city. My internship was great, and I learned a lot about how an NGO works. I also learned a lot about myself and what field I want to go in. Outside of work, the other Connect-123 students in the program were great to be with. All of us became friends, and we were always able to get a group together for activities. The Connect-123 events also helped us become closer, and all of the events were extremely fun. I will never forget this amazing experience.
Internships in Cape Town
Anusha R
Traveling to South Africa was my first time abroad, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience than the one I had with Connect-123. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with warmth and hospitality by one of the best advisors I’ve ever worked with. During my internship, I had the privilege of meeting incredible people and learning so much from their knowledge and guidance. Beyond work, the group trips were an absolute highlight—fun, well-planned, and filled with unforgettable activities. I loved exploring new experiences and bonding with my peers along the way. This journey is something I’ll always treasure, and I truly hope everyone gets the chance to work with someone as exceptional as Carla!
Internships in Cape Town
Cole J
Cape Town is a beautiful city nestled between tall mountains and a vast ocean whose beautiful views pair perfectly with its endless activities. The diverse city has allowed me to gain different perspectives, lifelong memories, and new friends along my journey. I highly recommend Cape Town for any student who wishes to study abroad, especially in the hands of Connect-123.
Internships in Cape TownDaniel 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.
Internships in Cape TownAbby 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.
Internships in Cape Town
Ingrid O
Visiting South Africa for the summer, as a medical student was an amazing experience! With the help of Connect-123, I was able to transition into my clinical experiences with no issues. While maintaining a good balance on tourist fun! Their organized events were some of the best parts of my trip! Their suggestions of local events made me love the culture even more. The people of South Africa were very welcoming and kind to me throughout my whole experience. Their rich and diverse culture, allowed me to learn both in clinic and on excursions. I will definitely be returning one day!
Internships in Cape Town
Nheriessa M
I had a phenomenal experience with Connect-123 global programs. Through this program, I was fortunate enough to conduct research at a prestige University in the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology Department. I also had the opportunity to observe Pediatric Reconstructive Surgery at one of Cape Town's biggest public Hospital's. As a pre-med student it is almost essential to have a background in research. I am grateful to this program and my principal investigator because I gained technical skills and knowledge in the subject. I regained my love for science because of my work at the University. It is my goal to become a surgeon and I got the distinct opportunity of observing surgical procedures I was never previously exposed to. I am tremendously grateful for the people I met along the way, administration, physicians and patients. I am grateful for Carla and the program, who worked hard on my placements to make it unique to my needs. Connect -123 has a large variety of weekly activities that they provide students with. As a student who has done study abroad previously, I can say that Connect-123 goes above and beyond to make sure students are engaged and that they have opportunities witness the beauty of Cape Town. There is nothing I would change about my trip and if I could have extended my stay, I would :)
Internships in Cape Town
