Reviews

Bradley Wilson

My time in Cape Town, South Africa was a fantastic experience that I will remember fondly for the rest of my life. Working the the human rights sector, I was able to be an active part of helping local communities work through the ongoing issues of xenophobia, racism, and equality. Over my two months in Cape Town I gained comprehensive human rights education, a broader understanding of African culture, insight into how the non-profit sector operates, and lots of new friends and memories. Connect-123 helped match me up with a perfect host organization, provided opportunities for local travel, and allowed me to share the experience with other interns from all over the world! Reflecting back on the two months, it is evident how this experience is shaping my career goals in the future. While I do not know if I will pursue non-profit work, these two months sparked my interest in digital communication, relational work, and global cooperation. My technical education and background gave me a unique perspective and background in addressing human rights issues this summer, and will continue to do so as I continue my education. I am incredibly thankful for Connect-123 in helping to make this opportunity possible!

Zakiya Atkinson

Connect-123 gave me just the connection I was looking for. As an artist, educator, and writer, I was seeking an opportunity to expand my mission of arts outreach and social development for underserved youth.  I opted to travel to Cape Town, South Africa and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.  The Western Cape was perfect for my interests. It was full of culture, diversity, historical prominence, and need. Connect-123 placed me with an NGO; whose mission revolved around providing recreational, emotional, and social development to youth and adolescents. The connection was perfect! Everywhere I went the people were welcoming and kind. My placement with the NGO allowed me to travel throughout various areas and encounter the wealth and disparity of the Western Cape. This allowed for an authentic perspective of the political and historical effects on the culture. I was given the opportunity to interview locals, volunteers, and employees of thriving corporations. My host organization was very open and welcomed my ideas and perspectives on how to expand their work. I also learned a great deal from them on how to expand my mission. I spent one month implementing a dance/ theatre workshop for teens whose communities had been affected by HIV, in addition to serving as a volunteer for children in various townships. Connect-123 was also very helpful in making my living experience a success. They were readily accessible for any questions and concerns and very informative about how to navigate around the area. Although I spent a great deal of time with my host organization; I still managed to do lots of sightseeing, soak up the arts scene, and attend a few performances. I even produced a showcase myself with the youth I’d been working with. My connections and friendships I’m sure will last a lifetime. I’m already planning and anticipating my next trip to South Africa.

Martin Iroche

Doing an internship this summer in Cape Town was one of the best decisions I have ever made.  More specifically, doing this internship through Connect-123 was the perfect way for me to experience all that Cape Town has offer and at the same time complete an internship that will hold me in good stead for the future. The Connect-123 staff was always very helpful and were ready to offer advice or just have a casual chat with you whenever you stopped by at the office. I spent my summer working at a Non- Governmental organisation not too far from where I lived. Admittedly, it was a bit slow to start, but after about a week, I got into the flow of things and started to thoroughly enjoy working there. I worked with a diverse group of people, which added to the great experience as I headed a number of projects, set up various meetings and visited local townships as part of the internship. The people at the office were very friendly and helpful which made working there all the better. Cape Town is a beautiful city and there is always something to do, as there is an activity for everyone. If you are into food, the arts, drama, sports or just relaxing and having drinks with friends then Cape Town has all that covered. I was never bored during my stay in Cape Town as the Connect-123 team were constantly organising different activities that we could partake in. I would definitely recommend doing an internship in Cape Town through Connect-123 as it was an interesting and beneficial experience that will only enhance ones chances it today’s tough job market.

Audra Richards

It's difficult to find words to explain my Cape Town experience. It was life-changing, enlightening, and truly the best five months of my life. My internship was more than I could have hoped for. I didn't imagine that I would be attending Parliament sessions, meeting ambassadors, and interacting with Members of Parliament. I also gained invaluable research skills, critical writing skills, and knowledge on pan-African and global issues through my work at a top-notch NGO.  My experience has undeniably boosted my resume, and it definitely solidified my interest in international relations and human rights. Cape Town itself is a wonderful place to live - beautiful, vibrant, exciting, and full of great people. Connect-123 made my time there easy and worry-free, and were always there to help. I highly, highly recommend doing an internship with Connect-123!

Daniela Juzl

Interning in Cape Town was definitely the best decision I have ever made! It was a life changing experience, not only did I learn at my internship and strengthen my professional resume, but I also enjoyed a cosmopolitan and multicultural experience offered by this amazing city! Through Connect-123 I was able to secure a great internship in an organization of my choosing, which helped me gain hands on experience in a career in my professional field. I worked at an organization that worked with refugees from all over Africa, which was a very enriching experience. Connect-123 was very helpful throughout the whole process, from helping me choose an organization to intern at, all the way to making sure that I was enjoying and making the most of my work abroad. Making the decision to go to Cape Town was easy, because I knew that I had people that I could count on for the duration of my trip! The people at Connect-123 were not only friendly, helpful and reliable, but they also gave great advice on what to do while we were there! Besides giving us accommodation with other students our age, Connect-123 also organized various excursions and activities, which allowed everyone on the trip to view more of this magnificent country, experience local wonders, and make lasting friendships with fellow Connecters. I would definitely recommend Connect-123 for anyone looking to find a professional internship abroad, as well as an amazing experience in a foreign country.

Sam Goldberg

My time in Cape Town for two months was one that I will never forget. The city is so diverse ranging from areas like the Waterfront, Long Street, and Table Mountain. It has all of the resources of a city, everything that you could ever want, and is small enough that you see locals that you know walking past you on the streets. I played tennis, went to see movies, went to the beach etc., and every day was an excursion. The best part by far regarding my time in Cape Town however was the people who I met, locals including, but especially the other Connect-123 interns. We still keep in touch and plan to keep in touch for years to come. These are some of the best and most friendly people I have ever met, and we did everything together, not because we needed to, but because we truly wanted to. Connect-123 did a very good job getting all of the interns together, picking us up from the airport, and setting up weekly events. Without that pickup from the airport, I am not sure I would have been able to find my way to the apartment complex. They set up weekly events comprising of a drinks night to hang out and get to know other Connect-123 interns, and weekend excursions that were fun and exciting. Without Connect-123 putting together these trips such as the one all the way to the Cape of Good Hope, I don’t think I would have gone, despite it being something that I have always wanted to do. My internship this summer was an amazing experience and really gave me an understanding of what a true business environment is all about.  Despite long hours, every day was different, and I got valuable experience in my field. The bosses were really nice, wrote a recommendation even after I left Cape Town, and really made sure that we were never bored. They were flexible, good at what they did, and taught us how to do our job as interns effectively, which provided good experience for the future.

Zephia Ovia

My Cape Town experience was definitely the highlight of my summer! Leaving my comfort zone and taking the adventurous risk to live in a different country where the culture is somewhat different from what I am used to was worth it. Connect-123 helped in bringing young vibrant people together to have a summer experience like never before. From hosting various activities such as a wine tasting and karaoke nights to hiking up table mountain. I also managed to establish the most amazing friendships with people from different places. Connect-123 also gave me the opportunity to engage with the local Cape Tonians and not just others on the programme through the various recommended trips. Two places in Cape Town that I will recommend to future interns has to be the Old Biscuit Mill, which is a food market open every Saturday, and Mzolis which is a Braai (BBQ) hosted in the Guguletu township every Sunday. You get to see another side of Cape Town and experience the oh-so-glorious beef and house music. The most important aspect of the Connect-123 experience is the internship programme. The Connect-123 team was helpful in placing me in an organization which mirrored what I was interested in and helped me gain more insight into what the working world is like. This was such an exciting opportunity as I got to work with other international people as well as the local South Africans. I worked for an organization which monitored Parliamentary meetings. I typed up the minutes of these meetings and through this experience I was able to network with many different Parliamentary members, for me this was very vital as such connections go a long way in the future. The Connect-123 team were able to make each and every one of us feel at home. I can confidently say I am more street wise. Most importantly if there were any problems, someone on the Connect-123 team was always willing to help to make my experience worthwhile. Cape Town is a place that everyone must experience and of course you have the awesome Connect-123 team to guide you every step of the way.

Tobi Onasanya

My experience in Cape Town can only be described in one word – awesome. I enjoyed almost every moment. It was a great chance to meet people from different parts of the world, and form connections with people I would never have come across on a normal day. Living with 3 girls that all already knew each other pretty well, I felt like a new girl in boarding school. Being thrown in the deep end, I have to say I loved it. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. The Connect-123 team did everything to make my internship as fun and as insightful as possible, whilst still giving me the opportunity to be independent and learn to use my own initiative and be resourceful. My street skills have improved as well which is always good; walking to work everyday made me more aware and cautious. I worked as an accounting intern for a rather small accounting firm. At first the small office and the jail like door took me aback. However, working there proved to be a worthwhile experience. The people are very welcoming and the warm, the friendly environment makes you feel at ease almost immediately. Also, everyone has a nice ‘African’ sense of humor, thus working hours were rather enjoyable. Unlike other firms I worked at, I actually was given a lot of responsibility and I felt that my time was valued. I worked on both the accounting and tax side of things, as well as, had a lot of contact with clients, which improved my interpersonal skills in a professional manner. All in all I can say that my experience in Cape Town is not one I will forget. I love the people I met and have made what I think as life-long friendships with some very amusing individuals. The Connect-123 team were amazing and my program coordinator, Simone, was incredible - the guidance was endless, which is something I think one can’t get enough of.

Stephen Gildea

I really enjoyed my time in Cape Town, the city is vibrant and exciting and the surrounding area is beautiful with endless things to see and do. The most striking thing about Cape Town is how imposing Table Mountain is, it is literally in the city! Table Mountain is definitely worth climbing and the Robben Island tour is not to be missed. I am studying economics at university and it was important for me to find an internship that would allow me to apply some of the skills and knowledge I have acquired at university. The internship Connect-123 found me was amazing, from day one I was involved in working on real projects and given real responsibility. I had been concerned that companies would use interns as free labour and I would end up doing filing and photocopying etc. but thankfully that could not be further from the truth. I would recommend Connect-123 and Cape Town to anyone looking for internship that will be interesting and rewarding and truly further their career prospects.

Melissa Carr

My recent trip to Cape Town was definitely a trip to remember! Thanks to Connect-123, I was able to live with other students my age, and had a great time getting to know them by living together as well as through events organized by Connect-123. They put together some awesome activities to complement bi-weekly drinks nights, such as wine tasting, hiking, a trip to cape point and kayaking among other things. If we didn’t fancy any of the activities or trips that Connect-123 offered, they also provided suggestions and links with companies that provided various tours. It was extremely useful because it helped point us to the best that Cape Town has to offer! Connect-123 also helped place me in a great internship position! Through my internship, I was really able to get involved in local organisations and learn about Cape Town and South African culture in a way that many tourists are not able to. Not only did I get to experience life in the city, but also life in the townships and various other suburbs of Cape Town. Everyone at work was very excited to have an intern from abroad and they embraced me with open arms. Overall my experience was amazing and I will always look back on my time with Connect-123 and the city of Cape Town with fond memories. It was baie lekker!

Emily Bunn

It is difficult to compare Cape Town to any other city on earth. The dynamics of the city are so captivating that there was never once a dull moment. The city has so much to offer. It is adventurous with its mountains and excursions, low key and relaxing with its beaches, winelands, and the Waterfront. If you are looking for a night out on the town, Long Street is always a good time.

Overall I was very impressed with the sincere kindness and gratitude offered from both Connect-123 and my host organization during my stay in Cape Town. It was comforting to know I had people I could trust and rely on when I was in a foreign country. I learned a great deal from my internship, where I worked as an event management planner. My job placement was on point and I have Connect-123 to thank for that.

I feel so fortunate that I was able to fulfill my dreams of traveling to South Africa. I could not be more pleased with the experience in Cape Town and would highly recommend Connect-123. Upon my return to the States I am pleased to have made both friendly and professional connections with people in the Connect-123 program, in South Africa, and all over the world.

Heather Wenzel

Cape Town was completely different than I expected, and something I couldn’t have actually prepared for. The culture is rich, and the people are so proud of their heritage. I am so lucky that I can take this sense of belonging back home with me to America. I have never felt so immediately accepted and a part of a community as quickly as I was in Cape Town. My co-workers made me feel at home and took it upon themselves to show me how they lived, where they were raised, and how they became the people they did. It was fantastic to see parts of myself in these people across the ocean from where I have grown up my entire life. The opportunity to work in my field of study while experiencing a culture so different and yet so similar to my own could not have been found anywhere else. Though Cape Town was different than I had imagined, it will be something I remember for the rest of my life and look back upon fondly as the greatest growth point of my college career.

Victoria Parker

I really enjoyed my trip to Cape Town and can say that it was one of the most inspiring, educational and life learning experiences that I have ever had. The country is beautiful in every way; the mountains, beaches and bay, people, culture, food and way of life. Beauty at its best is an understatement.

I would suggest any student to look into interning or volunteering through Connect 1-2-3 if they were given the chance, Connect-123 really helps to open the door for a whole new experience. This experience has added so much value in my hopes of eventually earning a Ph.D in Psychology.

Tricia Tongco

Staying in a building named “Perspectives” is ironic yet appropriate, since I’ve gained so much perspective during my two and half months in Cape Town. Connect-123 made my transition to a new country smooth, which allowed me to truly focus on this new, intense place. Instead of spending my first week frantically searching for accommodation, I could go on tours, try the delicious food and explore this vibrant city. As for my internship, I couldn’t have wished for a better experience. As a broadcast journalism student, I had an opportunity to start producing my host organization’s weekly segment on my own by my second week. They trusted my abilities and gave me big responsibilities from the beginning – which was exactly what I wanted! I had a chance to meet interesting people and visit places that even Capetonians have never been. My coworkers were incredibly warm, encouraging people and were always there for support. I learned so much from them and feel more confident in my own abilities than ever before.

Emily Woo

After working 5 years in the corporate environment, I knew that I wanted to find more meaning in my work. I found Connect-123 online and they connected me with a consulting company in Cape Town. This company focuses on bringing inclusive business models into the low-income environments. I found fulfillment in taking my previous work experience and applying it to real-life needs and problems. I fell in love with the City of Cape Town, it truly is beautiful and has so much to offer, with endless sunshine. The creativity of the City and my work propelled me to start a new venture making bags with single mothers from low-income areas and selling them to my friends at home. In Cape Town, I felt like I was able to pursue my passions unbound.

Saachi Sadchatheeswarm

After four years in undergrad I realised that not only was I not ready for graduate school, but that I also had very little experience for a career in science, despite a double major in Zoology/Human Biology. Luckily I happened upon an internship at home in Canada which gave me training in scientific publishing and literature research, but I still needed experience working with animals in some form.  After some searching I found Connect-123’s website, and I decided to take the chance at an internship in Cape Town. From the very start the agency went above and beyond my expectations. They answered my tentative inquiry email promptly, and from there everything went very fast. They not only found me an internship outside of their usual placements, but helped me find a place to stay at Stellenbosch University for two months, and even placated my mother when she became nervous about me going to and staying in South Africa all by myself. During this internship, I not only gained a wide set of skills needed to become a real researcher of marine biology (a childhood dream), but also got to experience campus living for the first time, I learned how to cook rice properly from a mycology professor and quiche from my ecology supervisor, and indulged in the best pasteries ever whenever I wanted. The end result of my internship, which I worked hard and happy at, was a successful chance at  continuing it as a Masters of Science project at the University of Cape Town come this September (2012). In addition, I received the references necessary for a summer post as Assistant to the Curator of Amphibians & Reptiles and Curator of Mammals at the Toronto Zoo in Canada. Connect-123 provided me with a very rare chance to intern with lovely people within my chosen profession, and realise that it would actually be possible to be a Marine Biologist. Although the people at Connect-123 had to make special arrangements for me for nearly all aspects of my 2 months in Cape Town, they did so without fuss and made me feel incredibly welcome and safe. They were with me every step of the way, checked on my progress often, and took a real vested interest in how and what I was doing. I highly recommend this program to all hard-working (yes, I even worked on weekends and loved it) young folk that want to realise the possibilities offered in other countries. Stellenbosch was a jewel of a place to study and research and I felt properly apart of an academic community. The surroundings were beautiful and the people were always cheerful and polite. I really can’t wait to be back in South Africa, this time for 2 or more years.

Sarah Lucey

My time in Cape Town was life changing. I had a lot of wonderful experiences around the city and the beautiful country of South Africa. In my free time I went skydiving, surfing, wine tasting, hiking and so much more. My most rewarding of activities however was my internship at a human rights organisation, working in the Education Programme. I worked with a really great team of social workers, programme officers and other interns who work hard to advocate for the rights of and raise the standard of living of the refugees and asylum seekers that came in for our assistance. Under the supportive supervision of the staff at the centre, I learned how to assess our clients for vulnerability to assist with school fees, uniforms and stationary for their children. I also implemented a new advocacy program, called Peace Through Play for primary schools as an integrative way to teach respect and love for different cultures. I recognized a lack of actual programs with the children, and suggested this one for grade 3 learners in schools we knew to have a mix of local and refugee students. The program was well received by the students, the schools and the organisation, and I am proud to hear it is still thriving after I left my placement there. The work wasn't always easy, but the successes we witnessed were amazing to see and learn from. The shear strength that our clients possess to have managed escaping war ridden countries, and living in families torn apart in a new home who's people don't fully accept them is the most admirable thing I have ever seen. I will never forget and always be grateful for this opportunity!

Jenny Reader

I recently spent two months on a volunteering program in South Africa, organised by Connect-123. I can honestly say it was an amazing, once in a lifetime experience which I would recommend to anyone! I spent my time there working in a Primary School and with a Foster family. I learnt so much from this experience, so much of which I was able to take back home with me and I am sure will stay with me for a very long time. It was great to have Connect-123 to organise my accommodation which was in a great location, right in the middle of Cape Town and so easily accessible to shops, the train station, nightlife, local markets and my workplace. They also organised my placements for me which matched closely to the type of work I said I wanted to experience during my time in Cape Town. Connect-123 also organised some great day trips which gave me the chance to visit some of the amazing ‘must see’ sites of Cape Town whilst socialising with others on the Connect-123 Internship program.

Megan Petrous

Coming to South Africa to intern for three months was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Not only was I able to explore the beautiful city of Cape Town, but also got to meet wonderful friends, make great memories, and gain valuable work experience. As a marketing intern for an environmentally focused social enterprise, I was part of several unique projects that allowed me to explore different career fields and gain a better understanding of my interests and strengths. I was entrusted to take on challenging tasks that helped me develop the skills that I will need as I continue in my career. Overall, I was grateful with the amount of responsibility that I was given, as I felt I was able to truly make a difference, while learning new things daily. None of this would have been possible without the help of Connect-123. Living in a foreign country can be challenging and overwhelming. Having the Connect-123 team to handle all of the legwork that comes with finding an internship, arranging housing, etc., allowed me to focus on making the most out of my time in Cape Town. Furthermore, it was great to have Connect-123 as a resource to answer any questions or concerns that I had.  I couldn’t have asked for a better experience in South Africa and I highly encourage everyone to participate in the wonderful program that Connect-123 has to offer.

Ashleigh Lovette

Coming back from a summer in Cape Town, South Africa was full of bittersweet moments. My summer, or winter in South Africa, was more than words and more than photos. It was filled with real moments with real people that, thanks to Connect-123, I will never forget. Upon return, I told my co-workers about my internship, where I helped plan an event, wrote press releases, and designed publications to be sent to media. I shared pictures with my family of the trip I took along the Garden Route. I informed them of the new perspectives I gained and how I was now open to the opportunity of working abroad in the future. Finally, I shared with friends the kindness of the people I encountered on a daily basis. None of these stories or images did my experience justice. Connect-123 provided helpful and friendly guidance throughout my entire two and a half month experience. After a survey of my interests and professional goals, I was placed at small event planning and marketing agency. Helping to ease any nerves, the staff at Connect-123 made sure to accompany me on my first day of work. Each of the Connect-123 staff members shares a genuine concern for the well being of all program participants. In addition to advice, Connect-123 also organized social events and weekend trips for participants. These events and trips allow you to truly experience the city of Cape Town and its surrounding area. Cape Town and its residents will always hold a place in my heart. Not only did I gain professional experience, but I gained lifelong friends as well.  I will always be thankful that Connect-123 allowed me to have the experience of a lifetime!