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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Adam Hewson
Oh how the time flies… It’s been a whole two months since I first walked in the doors of my internship with a refugee advocacy organisation, and on that day I had no idea what kind of a job I was getting into. The first big surprise which I encountered here was how much I was turned to for my knowledge and experience. In Canada, an intern is essentially the bottom of the food chain in any given office. Interns are told to write reports, get coffee, and maybe hunt down some information or a file. That is to say, we get the jobs that are brainless enough that they don’t need someone experienced, and are the jobs that the experienced neither have the time nor the desire to do. Here on the other hand… My first day my fellow intern and I were tasked to design a number of pamphlets to educate different sections of society on Xenophobia (a word which will come to dominate my professional life for the next two months). Of course, Xenophobia is a concept which is quite foreign to Canadians. Not to say that it doesn’t exist in Canada, just that the effects are minimal and we tend to pretend that it’s not there. This meant that from day one I was tasked with the job of teaching others about a concept which was somewhat foreign to me. This challenged me to step up, and I very quickly learned about the specifics of South African Xenophobia, its history as well as its effects on society, and transfer that knowledge on to others. The next task I was given was to design a programme to be presented at schools to teach children about Xenophobia. Fortunately I have a fairly substantial background in African current events (at least for a Canadian undergrad student), so I stuck to what I knew and decided that the best way to build empathy for refugees would be to show children the kinds of situations from which these people are fleeing. This has been a bit of a personal struggle for me. On the one hand, anyone who studies war extensively knows that it is not a fun situation, and would completely understand the desire to leave areas in conflict. On the other hand, these are children which I’ve been teaching this to, and I know that when I was a child, I would not have been mentally prepared for the knowledge of many of the things which go on in the world. This has resulted in a balancing act of the twin purposes of teaching about conflict in order to build empathy, and leaving out enough detail so as not to terrify the children. My time here has also given valuable experience in a number of other ways. I’ve seen firsthand the effects of different organizational structures and how that affects how a job gets done, as well as frustrations which can arise when these types of organizations interact. I’ve visited my first refugee camp (which officially did not exist) near Paarl, a rather eye opening experience. What shocked me most was that despite the poor conditions in the camp, all the refugees asked for was to help them return home. Not one asked for meals, warmer or softer beds, or entertainment; they just asked to return to their community. I was inspired by them, to say the least. I’ve also had the privilege to see many of the idiosyncrasies of South African, or at least Capetonian, life. Contradictions between government rhetoric and actions, problems in humanitarian coordination, public misconceptions over many issues and how these misconceptions and beliefs can vary drastically even between neighbouring communities, how the root cause of a social phenomenon may manifest itself in surprising ways, et cetera, et cetera. To say the least, it’s been an amazing learning experience. I’m not sure if I’m actually able to articulate the full impact of what I’ve seen and done here has had on me, nor am I sure if I will ever be able to. All I can say for sure is that these last two months have gone by far too quickly, but that even from such a short time working here I will be far more prepared for any future career which I undertake in this field, as well as future studies which I may conduct. My most sincere thanks go out to all of the staff, who have welcomed me with open arms into their organization, as well as the many other people whom I have worked with, who have all given me two of the best months of my life.
Internships in Cape Town
Leah Casanave
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
Magdalena Niestrata
The internship in Buenos Aires was one of the best experiences I’ve had. It allowed me to combine excellent work experience in a public hospital with exploring the city and nightlife porteño style. Everyone I met was very friendly and helpful and made me feel at home in Buenos Aires very quickly. Connect-123 organized a bunch of great social events with Argentine spirit and although it was winter there when I did my internship, it immediately warmed up the atmosphere and outweighed the ‘polar cold’. I highly recommend it to everyone. Buenos Aires is really as great as its said to be if not better and Connect-123 team know how to help you make the most of it. Just be careful, once you go, you won’t wanna leave!
Internships in Buenos Aires
Kristin Bonello
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
Veronica Salas
I was born in Durango, Mexico and I am a Child Life Specialist with a BA in Child Development and a specialization in Hospitalized Child from California State University, Los Angeles. Making the world a better place; this is something that we may all want to accomplish. As a Child Life student in Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital I had the opportunity to work in the ICU/Burn Rehabilitation unit. Working with children and helping them develop cognitively, physically, and emotionally while in the hospital is what I enjoy doing the most. Having the support of the medical team and the Connect-123 staff made me feel comfortable both in the hospital and in the city. Being in Cape Town also gave me the opportunity to explore the city and its surroundings. I met wonderful people that were part of the program as well as outside the program, and developed great friendships. While I was in Cape Town I learned a couple of words in Afrikaans and Xhosa. Over all I had an amazing experience and it made me grow both professionally and personally. By volunteering I may not be able to change the world, but I am able to enhance the life of a child.
Laura Socha
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
Frank Neufeld
When I started looking into intern opportunities I was very open to options. My preference was interning at a design firm, but I was open to anything remotely related to the art and design field. I knew the experience would be amazing regardless, and I was not disappointed in the least. Connect-123 found me a terrific position as an intern with an NGO focusing on the rights of the disabled. My role was to rebrand their organization. I started from the core with a new logo and brand image, applied the new image to existing print media and also created new materials providing my opinion on ways for them to promote their organization. Being the sole person in charge of their rebrand provided me with a lot of responsibility and creative freedom that I would likely not have had at a design firm where I would have been at the bottom of the “food chain.” It was also very rewarding being able to use my skills to help such a great NGO. Having the whole identity package for my portfolio and the international experience for my resume are just more benefits of an amazing experience. My internship was terrific, but that is just one aspect of the overall incredible experience. Cape Town is just as beautiful in real life as in the photos and provided a stunning environment to practice my photography and fine art hobbies. It provides sharp cultural diversities and an eclectic array of activities to suit anyone’s tastes from fine dining at the world class restaurants, letting loose on Long Street with the numerous bars and clubs, to hiking up Table Mountain or lounging at the Camps Bay beaches to name a few. Cape Town will always hold a special place in my heart, but it is the people I met there that I will miss the most. The only negative part of my experience there was having to say goodbye to the great friends I had made. It was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had and I want to thank Connect-123 for making it possible.
Internships in Cape Town
Lee Weinberger
I was in Cape Town with Connect-123 for June and July of 2010. I cannot say enough about how amazing my experience was and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a valuable internship abroad and cultural experience. Cape Town is an amazing place for people seeking adventure, great culture, beautiful landscapes, and history. Whether you want to go hiking, bungee jumping, sunbathing, or go on a safari, there is something for everyone in Cape Town. It is also full of a variety of cultural heritage and backgrounds. The Connect staff is always available to help with any of your needs along the way, and they also organize monthly and bi-weekly events and trips for all of the interns to meet each other and experience South Africa together. The variety of internships available to students is incredible. During my internship I went to small businesses, like craft shops and agricultural farmers, to provide business consulting for how these companies could be more efficient, organized, and sustainable. It was a truly rewarding and valuable experience passing on the knowledge I had to others that needed it. Gaining hands on business experience in a foreign country during a summer internship was nothing short of priceless and I have the Connect-123 staff to thank for making it all possible.
Internships in Cape Town
Diane Zhang
After deciding to take a year off before work after I completed law school in May of 2009, I decided to look at legal internship opportunities in Cape Town, South Africa. Connect-123 found an internship for me where I could use my legal writing and research skills—as well as work in an area of law in which I have much interest but rare opportunities to work with in my future career. For six months, I worked at the Cape Town office of a human rights commission. The commission was created by the Constitution of South Africa and established to entrench constitutional democracy through the promotion and protection of human rights in the nation. During my time there, I was involved in both parliamentary and monitoring projects. I had the opportunity to attend many meetings of Parliament, in which bills addressing issues from personal privacy to domestic violence were debated. The commission works closely with government in commenting and advising on various human rights issues present in new legislation, and being able to be involved in these new bills were highly rewarding. On the monitoring side, I was involved in monitoring a temporary safety site for approximately 2,000 Zimbabwean nationals that have been forcibly displaced in the rural town of De Doorns as a result of xenophobic violence. I worked on a report detailing conditions at the camp and making various recommendations concerning site facilities, safety, and security. Connect-123 enabled me to pursue my interest in constitutional law in the context of a foreign country’s history and culture. To do this in South Africa was particularly exciting, as it is a country that has made great transformations over the past few decades. To be able to witness the country’s preparations for an international celebration as it hosted the World Cup in 2010—while being involved in human rights laws seeking to redress its legacy of apartheid—was extremely rewarding.
Internships in Cape Town
Katie Jhanke
My experience with Connect-123 was wonderful. I would recommend interning in Cape Town and the program to any law student (or other student). Planning my summer abroad, the staff at Connect-123 was fabulous. With the tough legal market, I knew I needed a placement that would provide me with substantive and practical legal research and writing experience. After conveying that sentiment to my assigned Connect-123 team member, she sought out and provided me with wonderful options. The placement process went smoothly with Connect-123 facilitating communication and helping to ensure that all necessary paperwork was in order. Additionally, before I even got to Cape Town, the Connect-123 staff was organizing group outings and other logistics. I still remember getting an e-mail about one of the outings while sitting in the library studying for final exams and getting so excited for what was waiting for me on the other side of finals… While many people kept saying, “You’re going where this summer?” I knew that it was gearing up to be a summer of a lifetime. My summer in Cape Town was phenomenal. My internship placement Connect-123 helped arrange was a perfect fit for what I was looking for. I was able to attend court, perform research for cases the organization was considering taking on, provide advice for issues arising in the walk-in legal advice clinic, attend advocacy events, and even go to a protest with youth speaking out against sexual violence! The work I did was life changing and will undoubtedly affect me throughout my legal career. Additionally, the attorneys and staff I worked with were amazing people who I continue to keep in touch with long after my departure from South Africa. In addition to the great internship placement, the Connect-123 program provided me with an instant network of friends and activities to take part in. The staff made sure that participants did not miss out on the Cape Town “essentials” (the penguins, seals, etc.) and was open to organizing other events that people suggested. Everything ran incredibly smoothly and I could not imagine trying to plan my summer without Connect-123’s help. Finally, since returning to the United States, my experience in Cape Town continues to have a positive impact on my life. Professionally, interviewers ask me about my summer in Cape Town during each and every interview I have. Additionally, researching an entirely different country’s legal system has sharpened my legal research and critical thinking skills. Personally, I made some wonderful friends while in Cape Town who I am sure will remain in my life for a long time to come. Since returning to Chicago, friends I met through Connect from as close as Southern Illinois and Michigan to as far away as Ireland and Scotland have come to visit. No matter how long it has been, we always reminisce about our times in Cape Town and what a remarkable summer it was.
Internships in Cape Town
Grace Sharp
I had a great experience in Cape Town. Connect-123 helped me find housing, food and a car to transport me to my volunteer program. They were my go-to for anything I needed and they planned fun outings that allowed us to explore the area and meet other people in the program. One of my favorite events was taking a bus to Franschhoek to celebrate the Bastille day festival and attending a local wine tasting. I also enjoyed the hiking and sightseeing in the local area. There are numerous museums and fun restaurants in and around Cape Town, and hiking trails can be reached within a 15 minute taxi ride. I volunteered with an after school marching band program that seeks to help children in the townships. Melanie helped establish a connection with the organization, although Connect-123 had not worked with them previously. She escorted me to my first rehearsal and facilitated my initial communication with the program director. Connect-123 took care of my needs in a generous and professional fashion and made my Cape Town experience one I will never forget!
Internships in Cape Town
Danielle Surprenant
When people ask me now, “How was South Africa?” I try and switch it up (at least for my own amusement) each time. There are so many words to describe my experience. “Incredible”, “amazing”, “absolutely wonderful”, “life changing”, “truly a learning experience”, “interesting” and the list goes on. But one reaction that is consistent in every conversation and recollection of my experience is a ridiculous grin on my face. Besides being all of the things I described, at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital I found happiness in working with amazing people both foreign and native; in applying my skills where they were essential and beneficial; in learning about cultures I knew very little about; in being welcomed to, immersed in, and a part of those cultures, in working with the most adorable and remarkable children, and most importantly, in being a child life specialist. I volunteered with Connect-123 to bring something to Cape Town; to give my skills and my resources to those who would benefit from them. In return, Cape Town gave me so much more than pictures, t-shirts and wooden souvenirs. It’s more than I could ever put into words and something that will remain a part of me forever. After serving with Connect-123, I am not only proud of what I have accomplished, but I am proud of who I have become. If you’re reading this and trying to decide if volunteering is right for you, it would be unfair for me to say yes or no. What I can say is that, for me, the hesitation came only in what I would be sacrificing. I had to give up all that was familiar to me to go to a foreign country. I traveled to Cape Town knowing that it was the path for me; that everything would fall into place. Now I know that what I gave up was insignificant compared to what Cape Town and The Red Cross Children’s Hospital gave me in return. It is not tangible, but within me. I share it in my interactions in both social and professional arenas. It comes through in my smile.
Alex Han
I started out feeling anxious and unsure about my trip to Cape Town. On the one hand, I was excited to see Cape Town and experience a new place with new people; on the other hand, I was nervous about how I would get around and how I would take care of myself so far away from home. However, I soon found out how helpful Connect-123 was, and I discovered that Cape Town is a vibrant city with great people. I was able to do many things that I wouldn’t be able to do anywhere else as easily such as shark cage diving, monkey forests, elephant sanctuaries, and even zip line tours through beautiful forests. I also met many friends that I know I will stay in touch with for years to come. Not only was this trip fun and exciting, but I also learned a great deal from my internship. Learning in the field is very different from learning in a classroom: having real-life experience is invaluable as you really learn what skills are important. I was given a lot of responsibility over the accounts of the company and their books. I learned how balancing accounts and compiling income statements actually took place in the real world, and I learned many skills that will help me in the future. Connect-123 really helped me to find an internship that was suitable to my future goals. All-in-all, my time in Cape Town will be one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
Internships in Cape Town
Hugh Moore
The Social Entrepreneurship program with Connect-123 was nothing of what I expected to say the least. The first thing I learned is that you can’t guess what the experience is going to be like until you get out there and do it. Learning business in the class room is one thing, but getting into the real world and facing real challenges is another. Through the program’s real life experiences coupled with the classroom training, I feel much more prepared to enter the business world for myself than ever before. The guidance I received along the way gave me the confidence to take on business ventures without fearing being left out in the dark. If you have any interest in going into the business world, I would definitely recommend spending a semester in Cape Town to prepare yourself to face the challenges the world has to throw at you.
Internships in Cape Town
Jane Sanders
I’d had it in my head since first visiting Africa in 2007 that I wanted to make it back before too long. I had no idea that I’d be able to be back in Cape Town just three years later. I had a lot of expectations for my trip. I wanted to feel connected to the city. I wanted to meet people from all over. I wanted to feel like the work I was doing was worthwhile. Most importantly, I wanted to feel like I was challenging myself and also “making a difference.” Having arrived safely back in the States, I can say that I did all of these things. My internship was organized by Mel and I began June 3rd working at a Secretariat representing those with disabilities. I struggled somewhat with selecting an internship, as most of the volunteer work I’ve done in the past has been charity-oriented. As much as I love the hands-on, one-on-one contact with the disadvantaged, I wanted this summer to be a more development-oriented experience. I worked with two other interns on a couple of different projects. The Secretariat was interested in re-branding the organization, making it more appealing to policy makers and government officials. We also worked in the communications sector of the organization, improving the website and publications. My favorite projects involved working with my boss, Thomas, on developing information on “Ambassadorial Countries.” Thomas travelled a lot to visit countries that could serve as models for other African nations to create, implement, and enforce policy that would best serve the disabled peoples of the country. I loved getting to see his first-hand interactions with the government officials and his intense interest in developing the policies of the developing African continent. Connect-123 was supportive and involved from Day One. I enjoyed being in touch with Mel, and it was nice to have someone constantly on my side during the experience. The office was also very helpful in planning extracurricular activities and fun excursions for my friends and I. On behalf of both my sister (who worked with Connect-123 in 2007) and I, I’d highly recommend Connect-123 to anyone looking for a different type of internship experience in an unbeatable location. Cape Town will not disappoint you!
Internships in Cape Town
John Nelson
I had an absolutely great experience during my three months in Cape Town and with Connect-123. I worked for a local microlending institution, supporting their operations. My work revolved around improving and establishing their loan application and collections processes. The work experience was great: I learned a lot about an MFI’s workings as I delved into the operations specifics; I was given a lot of responsibility and ownership with my projects; and I was exposed to a fun and vibrant work culture. I’m grateful that Connect was able to provide me with such a great volunteering experience. What initially drew me to Cape Town were the pictures of Table Mountain and its stunning scenery. At the risk of sounding cliche, the city was even better than I imagined. Cape Town offered plenty of extra-curricular activities to complement my volunteer work: hiking up and rapelling (abseiling) down Table Mountain, volleyball and surfing at the beach, wine tours and festivals in the surrounding wine farms, shark cage diving, botanical gardens, nearby safari tours, and the Garden Route (which includes bungee jumping, sky diving, and…ostrich racing). Cape Town was affordable, the locals very hospitable and friendly, and, contary to popular belief, the city was not unsafe. As with any big city, you just need to be vigilant. Connect-123 did a great job making sure we were getting the most of our stay: they had bi-weekly networking events, they set up hiking and wine tours, and notified us of any local events. I made many lifelong friendships during my stay in Cape Town and it’s an experience I’ll never forgot; I have Connect-123 to thank for this. I hope I’m able to return one day for vacation, or if possible, a long-term work assignment!
Internships in Cape Town
Cara Magarian
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
David Hakan Bjornhage
Currently in Geneva, Switzerland and contemplating and gathering my thoughts concerning my stay in South Africa and my work at the refugee centre. Almost 6 months have passed since my arrival in Cape Town in February 2010 and it is a bit hard to believe that time can have passed by so quickly. When I now look back to what I’ve learned and experienced there are a few things I would like to highlight. First of all, I am pleased that I chose Cape Town as the destination of my internship. The primary reason for this is the combination on the one side of its truly amazing natural surroundings and leisure activities which comprise an excellent tourist destination (the wineries of Stellenbosch and hiking excursions up table mountain being some of my favorite activities!), and on the other hand its pressing and difficult social and economic issues which affect so many people’s lives; South Africans and foreigners alike. The myriad of these issues and the pot-pourri of Cape Town in terms of cultural diversity have made the city a very interesting place of study and I believe that the refugee centre was a very suitable place of departure for such a study. The refugee centre gave me the opportunity to become engaged in different aspects of its organization with the result of not only providing me with an understanding of the organization itself (the important role that NGOs play in filling social gaps in society), but also of the many difficulties facing asylum-seekers and refugees. Challenges and difficulties that these people perceived on a daily basis could consist of discrimination and xenophobia; issues which infiltrated their workplace, their residential areas, or social networks. My main work with the Employment Help Desk (EHD), but also through teaching, specific projects and research, gave me valuable insights into these challenges. The interaction with the clients provoked a great deal of interesting discussion and thought and it has also provided me with new problem-solving tools in dealing with people. But the refugee centre has more importantly left me with exceptional memories of strong and skilled individuals struggling to create new lives for themselves in a new country and in the face of adversity. And this is inspirational. Well, I would just like to end by conveying a big thanks to everyone once again for my time there.
Internships in Cape Town
Caroline Stone
Everyday I wake up and miss Cape Town. I miss the adventures I had and the people I met. I loved the last few weeks I had travelling throughout Africa. I was with Overlanding Africa on my trip through Tanzania and Kenya – everything about it was breathtaking. I now understand what people mean when they say that once you leave Africa a part of you will always feel as though it was home. My pictures are priceless and looking at them brings mixed emotions, a longing for a place that changed me, mixed with joy and awe that I was ever there. Everyone at Connect-123 did an amazing job making me feel welcome, comfortable, and most importantly home when I was so far away from everything I know. I can never thank you enough, Africa was everything I’d hoped it would be and more and nothing can compare. As for the internship, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment when I helped the ladies of the refugee organisation put together their volunteer workshop which helped bring together everyone who wanted to be a part of the project and gave them the information they needed to get involved. Gayle and Gahlia welcomed me into the organisation in a way I never could have imagined – I felt needed and significant, I wasn’t just an intern, I was a member of their team and a person who was given the chance to make a difference. The people who are part of the refugee project are inspirational beyond words, they are dedicated and hard working and some of the most caring people I’ve ever met. They inspired me to do and be more, and I can only hope that came through in the work that I did while there. Working closely with refugees made me nervous at first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to be a reliable source of aid, but arriving there put my nerves at ease, every day is a gift there. Every person I met had a strength and hope that encouraged me to do as much as I could to make a difference for them. The boys at the refugee house are so loved, and working there gave me the chance to foster that love and care, work to make their lives better, and hopefully create chances and opportunity for anyone else that came there for help. My trip has made it clear to me that I want to go back to graduate school and study international relations or political science and hopefully follow that with a law degree focusing on International and/or Human Rights law.
Internships in Cape Town
Camilla Johnson
My experience in Cape Town surpassed anything I had imagined beforehand. I was more than pleased with my internship at an HIV/AIDS organization–I was able to gain experience in various parts of the non-profit, working both in the central office as well as in the townships surrounding the city. I formed lasting relationships with co-workers and locals that furthered my understanding and love of South Africa. I really feel that I would never have been able to make an experience like this happen without the facilitation and help of Connect-123. Connect-123 offered the right amount of support while giving program participants personal space and independence to really experience life abroad. Cape Town itself is a unique and special place that I encourage everyone to visit – make the most of your time abroad in every way possible and you’ll undoubtedly have an eye-opening and formative life experience.
