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
Amanda Kaspar
Deciding to spend my summer in Cape Town with Connect-123 as a child life intern was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I had a great supervisor and a fantastic staff to work with at the hospital. Anytime I needed assistance or help there was always someone around. Working as a child life intern with the children made going to work everyday fun and enjoyable. Whether it was assisting a patient through daily procedures, preparing for surgery, or helping a child to have fun playing in the hospital the days were always fun. Seeing the joy on a child’s face when I came in to prepare them or play with them is indescribable. I was able to gain first-hand experience in an area that I want to continue to work in. It was a great opportunity to see child life in Cape Town and to help make a difference with the patients there. Weekends in Cape Town were never boring. There is always something new to see and explore with the other amazing interns. We went on a safari, walked on the beach with penguins, had braais on the roof of the apartment, hiking, skydiving, and so much more. The people I met through Connect-123 came from around the world and I consider myself lucky that I was able to work and live with such incredible people. If you are looking for an amazing summer with great experience and opportunities to explore a beautiful city then go to Cape Town!
Isaiah Leiva
My experience in Buenos Aires was one that I will never forget. The people of the Connect-123 program: Daniela, Vanesa, Katie and Lea were all extremely helpful and polite when it came to getting around the city and learning about cool and fun new things to do in Argentina and they were fun to hang out with. I would say what I loved most about my entire experience down there was meeting new people. I met amazing people that I will remember for the rest of my life and I can now officially say I have friends from different countries, yes! The Connect-123 events were great as they really helped me loosen up and relax when it came to being introduced to a big city, in which I knew absolutely no one. One piece of advice I would give to the Connect-123 traveller would be to go to these events if you are feeling a bit homesick. All in all, the Connect-123 experience in Buenos Aires was an amazing one I will never forget.
Internships in Buenos Aires
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
Jacob Southard
It’s nearly impossible to capture my entire experience in Cape Town in just a few paragraphs. The experiences I encountered, the things I learned about myself, relationships I’ve established, and experiencing life outside my familiarity, is something I wouldn’t trade for anything. I cannot thank Connect-123 enough for my time in South Africa. From accommodating me in a great location, to walking me through all necessary paper work, providing any assistance and reference, and giving me the peace of mind that there are people there responsible for my well-being, Connect-123’s program was perfect for an inexperienced traveler like myself. I served a purpose in Cape Town as an intern for an architecture firm. When Connect-123 asked me what I was looking to take away from the internship, I told them I was looking for a firm where I can learn more about the business side and basically how things work in the real world – as opposed to theory, which is taught in university. Connect-123 was able to place me with a company that educated me not only in what I was looking for, but so much more then I could have imagined. While I was an intern, I became skilled in many computer programs, which before then, was unfamiliar with. I was privileged enough to be taken to project sites (working and completed), as well as observe meetings with engineers and clients alike. Part of my responsibility at the firm, was to research materials from how its made, to how its disposed of, and everything in between; as the firm is at the forefront of sustainable, eco friendly, and earth building in South Africa. As a result of these tasks, I was exposed to a vast amount of materials unknown prior to, and spoke with company representatives all over the country and continent. Because the firm was relatively small, work was effectively distributed and I was unveiled to every aspect of the industry and the responsibility that follows, which I found beneficial as well. I’m certain that I will use many of the things I learned at the firm throughout the rest of my career and life. The city of Cape Town is extremely easy to fall in love with. During my time in Cape Town, I was fortunate enough to bear witness to the winter and summer months as well as travel its surroundings. Pictures don’t do a justice as far as capturing its natural beauty, and it’s severely difficult to try and explain how extraordinary and fun the city really is. What I am trying to say is: one has to go and experience it for themselves. There’s no doubt in my mind that Cape Town is one of the greatest cities in the world. The diversity, weather, (especially) food, scenery, nightlife, countryside, and people really made it hard to leave Cape Town. Thanks to the residence, I found it very welcoming. It was easy to establish relationships with the locals, also. In fact, I’m still in contact with many of my close South African friends and plan on seeing them sometime in the near future – whether here in America, or back in South Africa. Any and everyone I come across that asks me about my time in S.A., I tell them all the same thing: Do whatever you need to do, to get there at some point in your life. I would like to tell Connect-123 thank you one more time, and see you guys in Cape Town soon! Aweh!
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
Stuart Hendry
At SASDI we are very pleased with the relationship we have with Connect-123. It is a very well-run organisation that consistently delivers high level students, that are committed, motivated and eager to make a difference.
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
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
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
Liz Schneider
For my Gap Year, I really wanted to combine travelling, experiencing other cultures, work experience and of course, fun. Which is what Connect-123 offered. Connect-123 placed me in a fantastic Architecture firm. They gave me a lot of responsibility and therefore, it was a great experience learning how to use programs like Auto CAD, SketchUp and Photoshop. Having just come out of High School, I was introduced to the architecture world which was fascinating and always took me by surprise. I had to pick up skills fast and very often had to use my initiative to be able to keep up with the pace of the architecture world. I got the pleasure of working alongside a senior architect and being able to visit a variety of architectural sites. As for the living experience, I couldn't have chosen a better city than Cape Town. Living in the Perspectives building means that you're part of the intern community. I made great friends and was able to explore and experience this incredible, new city with them. It offers so many unforgettable activities; Shark Cage Diving, Sky Diving, Bungy jumping, surfing, wine-tasting, safari, hiking, the list is endless. The accommodation is well equipped and perfectly located. As well as placing me in a fantastic Architecture firm, Connect-123 were a great help from the first day. They were the support I needed while I was there and were always very happy to answer questions and help solve any problems I had. I tried to have few expectations before going but I could never have expected that the whole experience would affect more aspects of my life than just my work and I’d say I had the best three months of my life there.
Sara Khodair
I spent a little over a month in Buenos Aires. By far that has been one of the best experiences yet. The city is absolutely beautiful. The people were amazing. There was always something to do. I thought the volunteer program was lots of fun. I'm very grateful for Connect-123. Best summer ever.
Internships in Buenos Aires
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
