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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Antonina Hassouni
I was part of the Connect-123 program in Cape Town for two months where I was an intern at a children’s hospital. The experience I had - I unfortunately cannot describe in words since that would not suffice. Firstly, the organization of the program was flawless – I felt at ease all the time because I knew that any little problem I may have, one of the Connect-123 representatives would fix it as soon as possible. I also felt at home instantly due to the welcoming nature of everyone on the program – the interns, volunteers and the whole team! The activities they had were great for meeting people such as the many drinks nights or trips around Cape Town. That also made it a safe way to travel around. Secondly; the hospital I worked in was technologically advanced with all the staff there very welcoming and friendly – from the cafeteria staff to the surgeons. It was great being around them every day and I have made long-term friends whom I intend to visit more often. That being said, I would love to eventually return to Cape Town and work there for some time again....the scenery is breathtaking and I felt like I was living in a scenic postcard for most of the time. I must say that I definitely loved my whole experience not only with my internship but in the country, and all of that is truly because of the amazing job that Connect-123 did ; their ongoing support and care, their organization and their concern for each and every intern / volunteer in their program! Thanks Connect-123 for everything and for making me feel at home...away from home!
Internships in Cape Town
Patrick Corcoran
I worked with former President FW de Klerk at his foundation: FW de Klerk Foundation and the Center for Constitutional Rights. I worked side by side with South African scholars who sought to ensure the Constitution was respected by all levels of government and that all minorities within South Africa were treated fairly under the law. Some of the major issues the Foundation focuses on include: Affirmative Action or Cadre Deployment, The Afrikaans Language, and Voting for citizens abroad. Patrick is now working as a research associate at the Public Affairs Council. In addition, he was granted a research assistsantship for Dr. Maryann Cusimano Love at the Institute of Policy Research and Catholic Studies. Patrick is also an adjunct consultant with Consultancy Africa Intel and an international political consultant with Influentials Network.
Internships in Cape Town
Sarah Plumb
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 local fashion industry in Cape Town as well as educate local designers. Some of my responsibilities included writing blog posts, editing website content, and assisting with the planning required for designer workshops and the fashion organization’s Annual General Meeting. My working experience in Cape Town was extremely positive and provided me with invaluable work experience that I am continuing to benefit from. Throughout my internship and time in Cape Town, Connect-123 was with me every step of the way. They ensured that my living and working experience exceeded my expectations, and were extremely helpful with any questions that I had throughout the process. They also made sure that all program participants were provided with plenty of additional opportunities to travel, volunteer, and get to know the city. Each month they would send out an events calendar highlighting the different trips they had planned for us as well as contact information for additional places to visit and organizations that are looking for volunteers. Cape Town and South Africa as a whole has such a wide variety of activities, there really is something for everyone. With plenty of beautiful beaches, hiking opportunities, shopping, museums, landmark locations, thrilling adventures, and a lively night life, the possibilities for things to do are endless. Living and working in Cape Town was a truly unbelievable experience that surpassed my every expectation, and I can’t thank Connect 123 enough for providing me with this wonderful opportunity.
Internships in Cape Town
David Frank
I was fortunate enough to spend three wonderful months in Cape Town. In retrospect, it was really the time of my life, and that's not only because I got to propose to my girlfriend on the top of Table Mountain, but I also met so many nice people, made friends for a lifetime and last but not least did a perfect internship thanks to Connect-123. I was working for an investment boutique in downtown Cape Town. Due to my prior knowledge in finance and statistics, I was lucky enough to get my own project. I was mainly responsible to develop an econometric model that would be able to predict the earnings growth of local companies. During my three months, I not only familiarized myself with the South African capital market and investment environment, but I was also able to build up a solid skill set in financial and statistical analysis which I'm sure will help me a lot after my studies. I'm especially thankful for the joy my colleagues showed to help me to turn my project into a great success. But it wasn't only a pleasure to work together with such great people. It was also phenomenal to see how they integrated me into their community. No matter if climbing Table Mountain or watching a rugby match at the stadium, grabbing a sandwich for lunch or getting advices for the perfect engagement ring, I knew that I could always count on my fellow colleagues. All in all, I can only say that I would do everything all over again.
Internships in Cape Town
Don Gilbert
I don’t know which emotion is stronger, the pride you feel in your daughter’s adventurous spirit or the trepidation you feel in having her half way around the world in a country that is unfamiliar. In any case, Melanie Martin and the people at Connect 123 made the experience absolutely perfect…for my daughter and for me. I traveled to Cape Town in order to help get Jenny settled into her new surroundings…and to check things out first hand. It is clear to me that Melanie Martin has a lot of experience with anxious dads as she showed patience with my many questions about security, dealing with every one of them with grace and professionalism. Seeing Cape Town for the first time was a wonderful and reassuring experience for me. The people are warm and engaging, and the city felt safe to me. For Jenny, the experience in Cape Town (her second time there) was nothing short of life changing. She was able to absorb the rich culture of South Africa in a way that will benefit her throughout her life. Her time there was the final step of her Masters Degree in Social Work at the University of Texas, and the knowledge and life experiences she gained will no doubt better prepare her for the career she has chosen. Thank you Connect 123…for the experience of a lifetime and for giving an anxious dad the comfort of knowing that my daughter was in good hands! Thanks especially to you Melanie, you are the BEST!
Internships in Cape Town
Sam Imbeault
When I began to think about my plans for the summer I wanted to make sure that they met certain criteria I had laid out for myself. I wanted to gain some real world work experience, travel, network and have something to add to my resume. In reality, my experience with Connect-123 in Cape Town was so much more! I was able to not only visit, but live in one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. Traveling from North America, and having never set foot in Africa, there is nothing that truly prepares you for what you will experience during your time there. On one hand, Cape Town is a picturesque, culturally rich, electric city which is almost surreal. On the other, it is still facing many issues such as poverty, inequality and other socioeconomic challenges. However, this mix of both only adds to the uniqueness of this incredible place and allows you to truly appreciate it. As for my internship, once again my expectations were far surpassed. Despite only being able to spend 6 weeks at my host organisation, a research and consulting firm, I was able to get a taste of life after university. From the get go, I was given the opportunity to earn additional responsibilities and play a larger role within the organization. I was involved in various projects with varying levels of importance and complexity. This gave me the chance to apply many of the concepts and skills which I have learned throughout my years at university. In addition, learning how to work with people including co-workers and clients will definitely help me in my future career as I truly believe this isn't something which can be learned in school. The people I met during my internship were truly amazing and genuine. From day one they were very friendly and made me feel part of the organization. I was invited to each meeting and treated as an equal, not as an intern. Even three months later I am still in contact with those people I met at my host organisation. I have no doubt I have made longtime friends which I hope to visit again in the near future! In summary, I embarked into the Connect-123 program with a simple set of expectations, which turned out to be completely overshadowed by what I actually experienced during my short 6 week stay. In addition to my initial objectives, I was able to experience something unique and incredible, which will not only impact me professionally, but has also impacted me personally. If I had an opportunity to go back, I would do it in a heartbeat.
Internships in Cape Town
Jeff Steiner
My experience in Cape Town far exceeded any expectations I had prior to arrival. The close friendships I formed, business experience attained, and the immersion to a new culture and city all helped make this experience the best three months of my life. As an intern with the southern African office of a global microfinance NGO, I attained a greater understanding of development, business at the Base of the Pyramid, and more specifically insight into the microfinance sector. Connect-123 worked with me to find a company that fit my needs, and in turn, my host organisation involved me in projects related to my field (Human Resources). This was an extremely valuable and unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend an internship in Cape Town to all those seeking a unique experience.
Internships in Cape Town
Francesca Pastore
I am an italian student and I came to Cape Town to volunteer at a refugee NGO in the city bowl! I was a bit afraid when I first arrived in Cape Town, because I expected a completely different environment and I didn’t know what I should expect from my day to day life. But fortunately my experience was amazing, thanks also to the marvellous staff of connect-123 that welcomed me and helped me for all the three months in South Africa!!! I suggest everyone who wants to come to CT to join connect-123 to find amazing friends from all over the world to share your experience with!!!
Internships in Cape Town
Segolene Savoye de Puineuf
I just got back from 6 months in the beautiful Cape Town and one thing is sure I would not mind going back tomorrow. During that time I was an intern at a National Human Rights Institution constitutionally mandated to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights in South Africa. I worked on different reports, attended Parliament meetings and conducted a survey with refugees and people from the townships. These different tasks confirmed my interest for the human rights field. My experience also gave me the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds (members of parliament, refugees, ordinary citizens), which improved my ability to work with people from overseas. In addition to the professional experience gained I got to visit an amazing city. There is always something to do in Cape Town whether during the day or during the night. I met so many incredible people from South Africa and from other countries. I will never forget my time there and it taught me some valuable lessons. I cherish all those South African memories and I am very much looking forward to going back one day. Once again thank you to Connect Staff for giving me this opportunity and for being there no matter what (wounded finger, accommodation…). Merci.
Sharon Riley
My experience in Cape Town was amazing and life changing. I always had a passion for helping others but after working in the corporate world for the past 7 years I lost sight of my purpose and meaning in my life. After returning back to the United States after my 30 day volunteer experience at a creche, I have a new outlook on life and have learned to appreciate even the small things that I have. I worked in a creche in a very diverse neighborhood outside of Cape Town and was assigned to work with 3 and 4 year old children from all different races and backgrounds. I was surprised at the differences between the classroom environment in the United States and South Africa, such as the discipline, the teaching methods and the overall demeanor of the children. I learned new things about the children every day and they learned new things about me. Since there were approximately 30 children in the classroom at one time, I believe my ability to spend one on one time with each child made a huge impact on them. The most memorable experience of my volunteer position was the children's hugs and smiles when I left every day. In addition to the children, the teachers and administrator at the creche are the most inspirational and kindest people I have ever met. I only had a limited amount of exposure to the cchildren and this experience taught me very valuable techniques on how to interact with children as well as how to keep their attention. In addition to learning about teaching, I learned a significan amount of information about South Africa's struggle with Apartheid and the current social and economic structure of the country in general. The experience changed my life so much that I am making plans to return to Cape Town to volunteer for a longer period of time. I thank Connect-123 for giving me the opportunity to connect with such fantastic children and staff and finding that sense of purpose that I had lost.
Internships in Cape Town
Ellen Teel
My 3 months in Cape Town were absolutely amazing. Connect 123 supported me throughout the whole process – from setting up my internship to acting as a resource throughout my stay. I found that interning through Connect provided a great balance of the saying, “work hard, play hard.” My internship was a rewarding, learning experience that opened my eyes to new people and a new culture. Connect set up many social events throughout my time in Cape Town which was a great way to get to know the people and city around me. I thrived off of the adventure that living in Cape Town brought to my life every day. I enjoyed hiking, cliff jumping, bungee jumping, shark cage diving, traveling, and so much more. Cape Town is a beautiful city with so much to offer – never a dull moment! The only thing I regret is not staying longer, but I guess that means I’ll have to start planning my next trip to South Africa!
Internships in Cape Town
Kevin Murphy
My internship in Cape Town, South Africa last summer, the Summer of 2010 was an extraordinary experience. The social interactions and cultural observation were invaluable. Not only was the cultural transformation occurring from the World Cup occurring, but I was able to participate in some very socially valuable activities. My day-to-day activities in South Africa consisted of going to the University of Cape Town Law School. Specifically, I worked under the supervision of Professor Debbie Collier, who works in the Department of Labor and Development. Debbie also sits on the board of a non-profit organization that specializes in community farming. I assisted Debbie with a lot of her research, and was lucky enough to co-author an article that examine a new personal information privacy law and our article focused on this law’s impact on employee privacy in the workplace. In addition to that wonderful opportunity, I was able to assist the non-profit in assessing whether they should apply to be approved through what is known as the “Black Economic Empowerment Program (BEE).” This program allows companies and non-profits to basically gain points through the amount of empowerment their company provide to minorities in South Africa. We ultimately decided not to, but it was not a waste of time. They saved considerable resources by having me do it as opposed to an attorney and also by not following through on what we found would ultimately not provide them with the level of BEE certification that they wanted.
Internships in Cape Town
Shamsa Suleiman
The experience I had with Connect-123 and the human rights organisation where I worked will be something that I will remember for as long as I live!! Despite working five days a week and volunteering to teach in Gugulethu on Saturdays I still managed to surf, bungee jump, hike Table Mountain, swim, learn Xhosa, go to the World Cup matches, facilitate human rights workshops and tour the city. I learnt that there are those who have very little but appreciate and live everyday to the fullest! I will be forever grateful.
Internships in Cape Town
Greg Goldstein
I can honestly say that I could not possibly have hoped for a better internship experience than the one I got in Cape Town with Connect-123. Volunteering, especially internationally, is always a scary experience. You never know exactly what to expect but Connect-123 was there for me every step of the way. Even before I left the States they were there to help me with everything: from my initial internship offer, to the best way to get to Cape Town, to where to stay there was always someone I could ask questions of and who would help me find out the answers. However, it was my internship that made my experience so incredible. My work at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital remains one of my most significant experience and the deciding factor in my decision to peruse a career in pediatrics. The surgeries and procedures I observed there were truly eye opening and the research I was involved in made me a very real part of them. I was only a college junior and I was not only relaying important information about patients to anesthesiologists but I was also helping surgeons understand how they could communicate more effectively with their patients. My work not only took me into the operating room on a daily basis but it also facilitated regular interaction with nurses, other volunteers, heads of departments and specialists. The bonds I formed with these professionals and the things that I learned from them remain with me even to this day, over a year after I left the hospital. No matter what brings you to Cape Town, once you arrive it’s impossible not to fall in love with the city. Cape Town is not only breathtakingly beautiful but it is full of countless cultural, athletic and just plain fun opportunities and Connect-123 really helps its interns take advantage of those. My time in this incredible city was filled with day trips to the Cape of Good Hope, hikes of the iconic Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, cruises on the harbor, sunset cocktails, or “sun-downers”, on Signal Hill with other interns and Connect staffers, shark diving, beautiful beaches, a wine festival, rooftop “braais” (think delicious BBQ) and even a pot-luck Thanksgiving dinner. As I approach medical school and continue on the long journey toward becoming a doctor, I find myself thinking back on the time I spent in Cape Town and I feel incredibly thankful for my experiences at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital, experiences I would have never had without Connect-123.
Internships in Cape Town
Audrianna Sibiski
Connect-123 made my experience in Cape Town phenomenal! I cannot thank Gabby and the rest of the Connect staff enough for providing me with such an amazing opportunity. Connect-123 was there every step of the way from arranging a ride from the airport to accompanying me on the first day of my internship. Connect-123 staff and interns become the family you left at home and the best friends you acquire for a lifetime! I interned at a small marketing/pr firm founded in 2007. As successful as it already was, there was still plenty of room to grow and improve which provided me with a tremendous work opportunity during my internship. As the social media wave has become such a dominant factor in the business world here in the US, and not so prevalent in South Africa, I was able to structure and introduce a social media campaign for one of our luxury clients. I provided a platform for the other interns to follow and it has been a success! The MD was so impressed she asked me to create one for her firm. I was also given the responsibility of managing the guest list for a penthouse luxury event that included famous celebrities from South Africa, the US and others abroad! Not to mention the perks of the internship, which included tickets to Cape Town Fashion Week! Connect-123 does a wonderful job matching you up to prospective internships that comply with your interests. As an advertising graduate interested in marketing and public relations my internship was a perfect match! With work comes play. Connect-123 did a fantastic job keeping us interns busy. The monthly schedule sent electronically provided us options to participate on group trips and ideas to create our own trips around South Africa. My favorite excursions were Wacky Wine and the Garden Route. If you’re an adrenalin junkie, well this trip is certainly for you. Shark cage diving with great whites, bungee jumping from the world’s longest jump, playing with elephants, riding an ostrich, hiking Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, even skydiving! If you need any advice or help planning trips Connect is there to help. Connect also provides volunteering opportunities through host organizations. I was able to volunteer with an organization called Sisanda Fundaytion. As a volunteer we had the chance of visiting orphanages in various townships and taking children out for a day of fun. In most cases this is the first, and maybe only, time the children leave the township and enjoy simple pleasures such as going to the movies or riding a ride at an amusement park. Needless to say, it was an experience I will never forget. I chose to intern in Cape Town as a personal and professional growth experience and what I received was so much more. I met South Africans and other international travelers that I still maintain close contact with. I’m passionate about my experience, as it has positively impacted my life in many ways. This will prove to be a valuable contribution to my future endeavors. I recommend the Connect-123 internship experience vigorously!
Internships in Cape Town
Zahra Nealy
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
Internships in Cape Town
Jeffrey Ryan Goldmintz
I want to start off by thanking Sydney McNally, Beth Watson, and Eimear Costigan; if it were not for them I would never have had this amazing opportunity; or made the decision to come from Canada to Cape Town. To make a long story short I cannot begin to express the gratification I have towards the whole team at Connect 123. They were exceeded all my expectations, were very accommodating, and extremely helpful for whatever problem or concern I encountered. They are basically your guardian angels. Just ask my roommate who fell down a flight of stairs at a World Cup game and got picked up at the hospital by the team at Connect 123! Bottom-line: they will always be there for you! Not only that, they knew how to organize spectacular events that gave all interns the opportunity to explore a distinctive cultural understanding Cape Town had to offer. These events were offered bi-weekly and provided a great time to meet new people and unfold new friendships. Whether it was climbing to the top of scenic Cape Point, camping out at the Wacky Wine Festival, or spending a day in the winelands at Franschhoek. The team at Connect knew exactly how to provide exciting adventures and memorable entertainment for all interns to experience. I worked at a social profit organization in Cape Town, as a student intern from June 2nd to August 26th 2010. The organization offers a friendly, accessible walk‐in environment where aspiring and operating entrepreneurs can come to access information and receive support relating to small business. I was tasked with searching for general, as well as industry specific business information from local sources; with the objective of compiling an electronic resource list for entrepreneurs. These resources would be available on computers in the information centre; and in hard copy format. With most entrepreneurs visiting centre having only very basic computer literacy and a poor educational background, this resource would facilitate and greatly reduce their search time. I delivered a comprehensive and well‐structured product that is currently in use to great effect. I fulfilled various other roles, such as switchboard and reception duties (as circumstances demanded) and integrated well with a multi‐cultural team; in general I felt to be a great asset to the organisation. It has been almost 5 months since I left Cape Town but I feel like I left a part of me there forever. To have been in Cape Town during the World Cup I felt as if I were in a dream, a dream that I never wanted to end. I consider myself truly blessed to have participated in this extraordinary internship; while simultaneously experiencing the world’s greatest sporting event. Looking back on it now, I am left with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia, incredible memories with incredible individuals that I will cherish forever, and an undeniable love for the beautiful city of Cape Town. Thank you so much Connect 123, you guys have changed my life, taught me so much about myself, and I wish you nothing but the best!
Internships in Cape Town
David Switzer
It would be impossible for me to describe my time in Cape Town in a few sentences because the memories could fill a book, but I will try. I worked for a technology start up organization. The company had just transitioned from a non-profit to commercial in nature. The company had just moved into some nice new offices, and my bosses brought me out for a beer to just shoot the breeze for the first afternoon to get to know me better. I worked directly for the directors of the organization which gave me an excellent opportunity to brainstorm with them some ideas about the company should go forward. My bosses were really great guys. One of them had over 20 years experience as an entrepreneur and he is smart as hell. The company’s president was a young guy in his early thirties and we really hit it off and got along great. We would bounce ideas off each other a few times a week to make sure that we were all on the same page. Going to work was a pleasure. The hours were flexible but consistent, and they gave me some time off to travel and see some of South Africa’s beauty outside of Cape Town. Specifically, I had an opportunity to work with the company at a time when it was growing really fast. While the directors were taking care of the wheeling and dealing I basically just helped them with all the nitty gritty stuff they didn’t have time to do. It was a really excellent way to put my business/ entrepreneurship degree to practice. I collaborated with the company’s president and developed the company’s marketing strategy. I also completed financial projections and wrote a comprehensive business plan for the company. In addition, I helped them to rewrite the website. The company was open to flexibility and new ideas, creativity and efficient research were helpful skills. The other people in the office were really nice and the atmosphere was relaxed. I had a blast and I would recommend the job to anybody. OK, so now the really fun stuff. CAPE TOWN IS AMAZING. I have been lucky enough to travel to every continent except Antarctica, and Cape Town is the only place I have ever travelled to that I did not want to leave and I felt I could live there forever. I fell in love with Cape Town and Africa. the people are amazing (all of them). The nightlife is great, the food is great, the booze is cheap, the people are beautiful, and the city is stunning. If you like doing stuff outside, Cape Town is for you. That’s all. If you want to work for the company I did and you have any questions get my contact info from Connect-123 and I will get back to you. Connect-123 was a great help. Eimear helped me get the perfect internship for me. They hooked me up with a great place to stay and some really awesome roommates. They organize some really fun social events that were some of the highlights of the trip. The Connect-123 crew is really cool and helpful in general, and I would definitely recommend it to anybody! Cheers!
Internships in Cape Town
Amy Caporello
Working at a Salvation Army hospital in Cape Town was an amazing experience! From the minute I walked onto the floors of the hospital, I felt welcomed and trusted. As a nursing student I was able to work alongside staff and be a part of the team caring for a variety of patients in rehabilitation. I learned about the differences in international healthcare and also spent a lot of time talking to and comforting the patients, along with getting to know the staff that I worked with there. The hospital is Nurse-led and focuses on creating a plan of care for each individual patient, regarding realistic goals and abilities in order for them to be strong enough to go home. I helped the Nurses and staff with dressing changes, morning care, feeding, occupational therapy, physical therapy and transport. I knew after a couple days that this was not your average internship; this was a chance to care for others and to learn from them as much as they learned from me. Not only did I enjoy experiencing the medical aspect of the hospital, and the different cultures in the area, but I also made a lot of friends there, and fell in love with the kindness and generosity demonstrated by the people I worked with. It is here that I learned the meaning of Nursing, and the compassion and intelligence needed to truly care for someone. In addition to such a wonderful internship, the city of CapeTown is thriving with culture! There is so much to do and see, and Connect-123 made it easy by organizing events and gatherings to not only meet other interns and students, but to get involved and out of your shell. I met many friends, and used my free time to explore, have fun, travel the area and learn about an amazing country. I will be graduating this spring from Nursing School, and am so glad that I took the opportunity to do something so different and exciting! I hope to one day work internationally again, and if I had it my way, I’d go back to Cape Town in a heart beat.
Internships in Cape Town
Annie Berger
My first day at a leading children’s hospital in Cape Town marked the true beginning of my push towards a career in medicine. While I already had a bachelor’s degree under my belt and had been accepted to a Physician Assistant program back home, I lacked the experience that was necessary to succeed in the healthcare field. When I stepped into the operating theatre on my first day, the attending anesthesiologist waved me over and instructed me to assist in holding the child’s mask in order to administer the initial anesthetic. 5 minutes later, I was inserting an artificial airway. Throughout the day, I ended up doing a few more of the same, along with some attempts at endotracheal intubations. While I wasn’t immediately successful performing the procedure, the doctors had enough patience and trust in me by the end of my time at the hospital for me to complete an intubation successfully on my last day. Throughout my time there, I was able to stand immediately next to the operating table to watch procedures such as liver transplants, resection of tuberculomas from the brain, and open-heart surgeries. More importantly, I was able to complete hands-on research regarding communication between consent-givers and their providers, as well as help change hospital protocol regarding their pre-operative fasting policies. It is now one year later. In one month, I will begin my clinical year of PA school. Had I not gone to Cape Town and worked in such a phenomenal teaching hospital, I would not feel nearly as prepared for my rotations. The doctors and nurses in Cape Town helped me feel more comfortable with procedures, equipment, and seeing blood and guts day in and day out. They helped me realize the value of patients as people and not just diseases. They fostered an attitude of 'see one, do one, teach one' and truly inspired me to make the most out of my experience at their facility. With the experiences I had in Cape Town under my belt, I now have the confidence to enter my clinical rotations and to get the most out of each day that I am in a hospital or clinic here in the US. I know that I wouldn’t feel this prepared had I not worked in Cape Town, and I am excited to complete my training so I can someday go back to practice medicine where it all began.
Internships in Cape Town
