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!

Scroll down to view all – or filter by destination, opportunity or both.

Destination

Opportunity

Katie Sumpter

Health Care Intern | Cape Town
University of Iowa
18 September 2014

My experience in Cape Town is something I would never trade. I had a better time there than I could have imagined. I was able to work side by side with doctors who were very willing to teach me anything and everything. There was a lot of medical students as well, which just showed how great a teaching environment the hospital had. There was some great hands on experience as well as plenty of time to observe. Even if nothing too exciting was going on in the hospital, someone was always willing to help us find something new and interesting to see. I liked learning about the differences between government hospitals and private hospitals and comparing them to ones back home. Going to a different continent on my own was a new adventure for me. I was  a bit nervous. But Connect-123 provides a great way to meet people, and I made friends in no time; because after all, most everyone is in the same boat. We all were excited to explore a new place and squeeze as much fun as we could in the short time we had. I was able to travel around on the weekends and see and do things I don't get to see at home in Iowa. I bungee-jumped of the highest bungee in the world; I visited the southern most tip of Africa where two oceans meet; I saw penguins; climbed mountains and watch the sunset AND sunrise. The scenery in South Africa is absolutely stunning. There were definitely challenges along the way and I really learned to get out of my comfort zone and see what kind of person I can be when thrown into a whole new way of life. I can't wait until I have another chance to get to travel abroad!

Internships in Cape Town

Laurie Green

Public Health Intern | Cape Town
University of British Columbia
26 August 2014

I came to Cape Town in order to accompany my husband on a medical residency elective, and chose Connect-123 in large part because - being a large organization - they seemed well-resourced, and very experienced in placing visiting students. I wasn't sure whether my one-month opportunity would be as fruitful as my husband's, but was pleasantly surprised at how much I was taught. During my placement, he and I were able to better dialogue about hospital-based stroke care (my interest) as well as general differences in health care education between South Africa and our home country. We learned much, and were humbled by the broad set of skills/knowledge many of the clinicians in Cape Town had/have. In the end, it was one step in the direction of potentially serving a health care system outside our own in the longer-term, and seeing where our home country's system fits into the global health care community. I would encourage future volunteers to really dive in to the health care placements with a posture of humility, an eagerness to learn, and an excitement for what is - truly - a good experience. Come with a good attitude, and you'll really be rewarded. Thanks, Connect, and thanks to my host hospital.

Internships in Cape Town

Brooke Axness

Health Care Intern | Cape Town
University of Iowa
11 August 2014

Spending my summer in Cape Town was one of the greatest decisions I have ever made. I remember looking into programs for months, trying to decide where to go and what program to go through. With so many options out there it was pure luck that I came across Connect-123’s internships in Cape Town. As a Biology major, I was looking for something healthcare-related to gain experience in. My internship was with a Hospital doing research and doing some shadowing. It was a great fit! I was very happy with the opportunity I was given, and can honestly say I learned SO much! I felt as if I walked away with so much new knowledge that will definitely give me an advantage later. As for my free time, I was not even bored for one second during the entire two months I was in Cape Town. There is so much to do and see that you always have options. One of my favorite things I did was the Garden Route with my friends. We saw so much in one weekend that it was almost exhausting!! We also were huge fans of the Old Biscuit Mill, which we regularly attended every Saturday. Food was phenomenal- I no doubt gained weight while there! They have everything and its ALL GOOD. I highly recommend considering Cape Town if you are looking to do an international internship, you will not regret it I can promise you that! Best summer of my life hands down.

Internships in Cape Town

Antonina Hassouni

Medical Intern | Cape Town
University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
31 August 2011

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

Greg Goldstein

Medical Intern | Cape Town
Dartmouth University
8 February 2011

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

Amy Caporello

Nursing Intern | Cape Town
Northeastern University
14 December 2010

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

Medical Internship | Cape Town
Gustavus Adolphus College, Graduate
7 December 2010

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

Tyler Maiers

Medical Internship | Cape Town
Iowa State University
2 December 2010

My summer medical internship at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital was simply amazing.  With the help of Gabby, a very helpful member of the Connect-123 staff, I was able to find an internship as part of the largest tuberculosis diagnostic study ever conducted.  Workdays typically involved seeing patients alongside my supervisor and aiding with the collection of sputum and blood samples from patients that were suspected of having tuberculosis.  I travelled between two different hospitals throughout the week and was able to learn about measles, HIV/AIDS, and drug-resistant tuberculosis by actually seeing patients with these diseases.   By merely asking questions about how to get more involved and taking advantage of every opportunity, my single internship evolved into three as I began to spend three days each week at Red Cross, one day at a Doctors Without Borders clinic in a nearby township called Khayelitsha, and one day at diagnostic microbiology lab at Groote Schuur Hospital. In addition to my internship, Connect-123 did an incredible job of organizing large group activities on weekends, and I especially liked the Wacky Wine Festival in June.  Most other students were also very motivated to plan weekend trips, so shark cage diving, safaris, bungee jumping, wine tasting tours, and trips to nearby suburbs were all possibilities as each weekend approached.  Cape Town also has such a vibrant nightlife that any night of the week can be exciting, and like many others, I took full advantage of this during my stay.  The Connect-123 staff was also knowledgeable enough to help me and were very comforting when I came to ask for help after failing to make my flight home on time.  All in all, I enjoyed my Cape Town experience so much and met so many friendly and passionate people while there that I am hoping to return next summer to find medically-related work for a year before entering medical school.  This was truly a life-changing experience and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great alternative to a traditional study abroad while also enjoying every moment of being in one of the world’s most beautiful and multicultural cities.

Internships in Cape Town

Justin Baum

Medical Intern | Cape Town
University of Cincinnati
23 September 2010

My experience in Cape Town over the past summer was my most enjoyable and fulfilling summer vacation I ever had. I was excited that I was given the opportunity to volunteer abroad and pleased with how much I learned. I took a job at a children’s hospital that involved spending time with the patients in order to make their stays more enjoyable. Although any stay at any hospital for whatever reason is most likely not enjoyable in the slightest, I was content with just seeing them smile. I also received the chance to work with the anesthetics department of the hospital, view surgeries, and work on any projects that were available at that point in time. Along with volunteering at the hospital, Connect-123 also informed me of other opportunities during my stay, such as volunteering at SHAWCO clinics, attending lectures from top physicians around the world, and tutoring children at nearby schools. Gabby was extremely helpful throughout the trip as well. She was always there to tell me what taxi to take, where banks are at that will exchange currency, and where to go in the unfortunate circumstance that you acquire pharyngitis in an unfamiliar foreign country. The people there were amazing. There is simply no other words that can describe everyone that I met. I have made many friends from not only all over the United States, but also Canada, England, and South Africa (but that last one is a given). From the Lion’s House guests to the Lion’s House guard and maid, Steve’s DJ skills to Mickey’s basketball skills, Ursula and Professor Thomas at the hospital to every intern and volunteer from Connect-123, and everyone in between, Cape Town was one trip that will be impossible to forget. It was very hard to leave after such a short stay, but I am thankful I got to meet such remarkable people in person and proud to call each and every one of them my friends.

Internships in Cape Town

Prabhat Dhar

Medical Intern | Cape Town
Boston University
13 September 2010

As far back as I can remember, I knew I wanted to go to South Africa and the wondrous city of Cape Town. Being close to wrapping up my undergraduate college career, I felt it would be a great place to spend some time during my summer/their winter before I decided upon my next steps. For this reason, I ultimately landed upon interning through Connect-123 for three months and can honestly say it was the greatest experience I could have ever wished for. Gabby and the rest of the Connect-123 team played an instrumental role in helping me find my internship and then also easily integrating me into my work environment. My internship was at The Children’s Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Unit (KIDCRU) in Tygerberg Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals situated in the Cape Town area. I primarily worked under the assistance of Dr. Barbara Laughton on a research study aimed at monitoring and comparing the different psycho-developmental tests used for children in South Africa with HIV. Besides analyzing data and authoring a research article that is now in the publication process, I was also able to assist various doctors in the unit on patient visits and ward runs as I got exposed to the many facets of hospital life. As a person who was unsure about whether I wanted to continue into the field of medicine, my internship helped me realize that this type of work is meant for me and I can only thank Connect-123 for helping me obtain such a rewarding opportunity. I urge any person interested in the medical area to get in touch with Connect-123 and look at the possibilities of working in Cape Town, as its an area that has need for such assistance. I believe the work you do will be beyond gratifying and there are definite opportunities for you to help make a difference. Besides my work, I got to attend multiple World Cup matches in both Cape Town and Johannesburg while soaking up the atmosphere of the world’s most popular tournament, which is something I had always dreamt of. I was also able to explore the diverse areas and cultures of Cape Town, which is easily the most beautiful and captivating city I’ve ever been in. In addition, I had the chance to travel to different parts of Africa including Botswana and Zambia, with the highlight being my conquering of the Victoria Falls Bridge as I bungee jumped over the rapids of the Zambezi River. All in all, I’ll definitely remember Cape Town for the work I did, but more importantly for the friends and connections I’ve made. I believe Cape Town is a city that every individual should immerse himself or herself in and there is no better program than Connect-123 that helps one in doing so. I already know I will be back to the mother city once again in the near future and can only hope my second time there was as great as my first.

Internships in Cape Town

Leah Casanave

Public Health Intern | Cape Town
University of Kentucky, College of Public Health
3 September 2010

I am currently a doctoral student in public health and had just finished my Masters when I headed to Cape Town. The summer I was in Cape Town was probably the best two months of my life. Connect-123 set up a wonderful internship that allowed me to work on items that I was interested in. I worked for a research council that is currently surveying 12,200 babies and testing them for HIV. My focus has been in HIV epidemiology and this internship fit perfectly with what I wanted to do over the two months. The best part was probably the friends I have made along the way. I would have never thought I would make such good friends in two short months. I met people from across the United States, as well as the world (Spain, Italy, Brasil, Canada and Ecuador). Gabby and the rest of the team are wonderful to work with and are always there to help if something arises. There are several opportunities to volunteer outside the internship, which provide a great experience to those who participate. I would recommend this program to anyone who has wanted to travel and work abroad. I can honestly say that I was sad to leave Cape Town, but can’t wait for future opportunities to take me back.

Internships in Cape Town

Kristin Bonello

Medical Intern | Cape Town
Dartmouth College
31 August 2010

Cape Town is one of my favorite places I have ever visited, and not just because of the beautiful scenery or the breadth of outdoor activities. The people in the city are some of the most friendly, welcoming men and women I have ever encountered. The South African culture is vastly different from any I have ever experienced, but in a truly eye-opening way. But what really made my experience in South Africa special was the work I was doing. Interning with the Neurosurgery Department at one of the largest hospitals in South Africa has to be the most incredible opportunity I have ever had. This group of doctors welcomed me into their family and taught me everything, from how to take a patient history to how to drill holes in a person’s skull. No question of mine was ever too big or too small, and everyone went out of his or her way to make sure my experience was all I had hoped for. My internship culminated with a large department dinner in the city one night, and the doctors each made sure to impart one last bit of wisdom before I left to go back to the States. I also have all of their email addresses and they made me promise to keep in touch. One of the hardest parts of leaving was knowing I probably wouldn’t see any of them again. Connect-123 made finding this internship so easy. Gabby was instrumental in setting up my job with the department, and also in providing the medical interns with different opportunities to learn; whether it was attending a talk by any one of the doctors in the area or volunteering with different clinics, we certainly had a ton of exposure to medicine in Cape Town. The hands-on experiences I have gained, the friends I have made, and the adventures I have been on will never be forgotten. Thank you Connect-123, for a truly wonderful summer!

Internships in Cape Town

Laura Socha

Nursing Intern | Cape Town
Northeastern University
24 August 2010

Volunteering in Cape Town was probably the best experience I have ever had. My internship was at a small rehab hospital dedicated to the poor population. The people I worked with were amazing, friendly, and took me in with open arms. By working closely with the nurses, and showing my interest, I was able to function as a nurse myself. My hospital did everything to help me have a good experience and even offered for me to travel with patients to some of the big hospitals and day clinics. By doing so, I learned a lot about HIV/AIDS, TB, and the poor population. Working at a small hospital helped me to feel right at home. The city of Cape Town alone is breathtaking. There are numerous opportunities for fun activities including hiking Table Mountain, enjoying the beach, wine tours, safaris, and bungee jumping! The shopping is fun, whether at familiar stores down at the Waterfront or at Greenmarket Square bargaining with locals for a good price. There are plenty of things to do in and around the city, so there is no chance to be bored. Connect123 made traveling to South Africa and finding an internship very easy. They offer you enough freedom to be off on your own but give significant guidance throughout your stay so that you know you are well taken care of. Gabby, from Connect-123,  gave me extra opportunities beyond the rehab hospital to experience South Africa’s health care, such as clinics in the townships and volunteering at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital. These combined experiences were invaluable and really helped me shape my future nursing career. I made lifelong friends with the people I met through the program and locally, and I eagerly look forward to an opportunity to visit South Africa again.

Internships in Cape Town

Cara Magarian

Medical Intern | Cape Town
American University of Antigua
3 August 2010

For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to become a physician. Throughout my years in college I dedicated a huge amount of time to volunteering at different health facilities and this was very rewarding for me. I’ve spent years preparing for medical school and before heading on this long journey, I wanted to make good use of my time and venture off to Cape Town, South Africa. I fell in love with this wonderful city, mostly because there was so much to offer and since I am a thrill-seeker, I was able to engage in many intriguing activities. For my internship, I was given the opportunity to observe live surgeries and take part in many different research projects at a pediatric hospital. Each and every morning I would wake up, I couldn’t wait to begin my day at the hospital.  The people who I worked with were very helpful and I formed excellent, everlasting relationships with them.  Now, as I begin my journey as a medical student, I will always look back on my experience in South Africa and maybe even decide to be a surgeon! I definitely recommend anyone who’s interested in a health care internship to take the first step and be a participant of the Connect-123 program.  Thank you to the wonderful staff at Connect-123 for providing me with this exceptional experience!

Internships in Cape Town

Chris Androski

Physical Therapy Volunteer | Cape Town
Northeastern University
7 July 2010

My experience in South Africa was truly amazing. The country was beautiful and my internship was awesome. I actually had an internship where I felt that I was truly making a difference. The people at Connect-123 were extremely helpful and made sure we were comfortable with both our living accommodations and volunteer experience. The best part about the entire trip was the people I met, both native South Africans and other volunteers. They made the experience all that it was. I can’t wait to get back to SA.

Internships in Cape Town

Michelle Eichhorst

Public Health Intern | Cape Town
Michigan State University
9 June 2010

The three months I spent in Cape Town were some of the most rewarding of my life!  I interned with a child accident prevention organization.  There, I was able to research children’s safety and help conduct community workshops.   Not only did this internship fulfill my university requirements, but it gave me valuable real-life experience.  My co-workers were welcoming and eager to share all that South Africa had to offer.  I also really enjoyed living with other interns from around the world.  There was never a dull moment with all that there was to do in Cape Town! I was ready for an adventure, which is precisely what I got.  The Connect-123 staff were helpful and guided me throughout my time there, ensuring a positive experience.  I find that I am eager to share my time with others and enjoy reminiscing with those who were there.  I recommend interning in Cape Town for anyone who is outgoing, wants to gain valuable work experience, and is eager to meet wonderful new people.  I know I will not soon forget my time in South Africa!

Internships in Cape Town

Mischelle Nelson

Public Health Intern | Cape Town
Michigan State University
21 May 2010

The time I spent in Cape Town was invaluable. Connect-123 offered the perfect amount of structure, from going on excursions to planning group social events. But at the same time I had the opportunity to explore the city for myself. I worked at an HIV mobile clinic that services greater Cape Town. It was an amazing experience that allowed me to interact with people from all walks of life; from residents in informal settlements to medical students at UCT. Learning more about HIV testing and counseling has aided in my understanding of South African HIV policy and will help me with the work I will do in the US. I encourage anyone that has the slightest interest in this program to check it out. I fell in love with the city and will definitely be returning soon.

Internships in Cape Town

Annie Berger

Medical Intern | Cape Town
Gustavus Adolphus College
27 January 2010

My four months in Cape Town were best described as an incredible learning experience. I learned so much about myself and the world around me – especially through my internship experience. When my initial internship assignment turned out to be something different than what I expected, Gabby and the Connect-123 staff took immediate action to find something for me that fit my personal and professional needs. Within two days, I had a new assignment that I ended up being MUCH happier with. My first day at my new internship at a leading pediatric hospital, involved me being asked to help with an anesthetic induction within about 30 seconds of walking into the operating theatre. Needless to say, I got some pretty amazing medical experience, not only with the scientific aspect of medicine but the social aspect as well. I learned to communicate with parents and caregivers (especially those who didn’t speak English as a first language) as part of my research project and continued to gain knowledge and skills in the anesthetic arena, including completion of a successful intubation during my last week at the hospital. I now feel incredibly prepared to be in a clinical setting as I begin Physician Assistant school. Outside of work, I formed some pretty amazing lifelong relationships with other program participants and was able to explore many different aspects of South African life, thanks to the Connect staff. I can’t express the true value of the things I learned in Cape Town, but I know that I will carry them with me for the rest of my life and have become a better person because of them.

Internships in Cape Town

Broghan Cully

Biomedical Engineering Intern | Cape Town
Dartmouth College
9 December 2009

The past 3 months I spent in Cape Town were nothing short of amazing. Connect-123 not only set me up with a biomedical engineering internship and great housing, but also provided me with weekly optional activities such as wine tasting, hiking, and African drumming lessons. Every week was a new adventure because Cape Town and its surroundings have so much to offer. Also, the weather was perfect, the people were friendly, and the food was exceptional! With that said, my time in this wonderful city would not have been half of what it was had I not come through Connect-123. The Connect-123 staff made my stay here just that much more comfortable. They were there to greet me when I arrived, they took me to work on my first day, they introduced me to all the other students visiting, they showed me the ins and outs of the city, and they were readily available to help me with anything throughout my entire visit.

Internships in Cape Town

Samu Pelkonen

Medical Intern | Cape Town
University of Helsinki
17 November 2009

In January, my friends and schoolmates started looking for their regular summer jobs whereas I started thinking outside the box, stumbled upon this website and applied for a medical internship in Cape Town. The whole application process was smooth sailing; I got the type of an internship I wanted most, when I wanted it and over 10,000 kilometres away from home. I knew I was in for a real view-expander. During the course of roughly eight weeks in July and August I interned in a private clinic for orthopedic surgery. My average work week consisted of three days in an operating room having the privilege to witness top-tier shoulder surgery and two days of working on my own clinical research project. On the office days I also got to observe patient consultations and minor procedures done under ultrasound guidance. Despite the surgeons being busy beyond recognition at times, I feel that I got enough instruction on how to conduct the research. Also, worth highlighting is how well we interns were treated as a part of the staff and the creativity of the managing surgeon in, for instance, coming up with fascinating research topics out of which I could choose the most tempting one. All in all, the work schedule and how time was split between ‘theatres’ and office space was an optimal mix for an eager intern with a specific interest in orthopedics. Naturally an integral part of the whole internship experience was the innumerable evenings, nights and weekends spent meeting new and interesting people, going out and just having the time of my life – partly on the expense of my liver. In retrospect and amidst the lethargy-inducing Finnish fall weather it is invigorating to savor the afterglow of such South African outdoorsy activities as mountaineering, road tripping, bungee jumping and going on safari. The drinks nights and excursions organized by Connect staff deserve two thumbs up for bringing the Connect interns together every once in a while. As a non-native speaker of English I immediately realized I was in an obvious minority so my internship had one more dimension as opposed to that of a, say, Brit. I did find myself delving deeper in the de facto world language in two different registers that would have been hard to even graze had I stayed in Finland. Firstly, the refined medical lingo of surgeons and other healthcare professionals and the blatantly contrasting jargon of mostly American college students. Some of the more peculiar colloquialisms will undoubtedly linger in my mind for long… In short, the friendly Connect-123 staff enabled me to have the best summer of my life. The downright flabbergasting internship and everything it entailed also were the final incitement for me to strive for an international career. Apparently, I was the first Connect intern from Finland and coming somewhere ‘exotic’ only added to the value. The summer when I felt more alive than ever will definitely be remembered.

Internships in Cape Town
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