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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Destination

Opportunity

Claire Kinnison

Medical Internship | Cape Town
Smith College
24 August 2007

My internship at the hospital was extremely rewarding. The doctors with whom I worked were wonderful and very willing to teach and explain abstract ideas. During surgeries, the doctors made sure I understood their procedures and they explained the most effective techniques. My research was also quite rewarding. I interviewed patients’ families and interacted with the children at the hospital. This allowed me to see firsthand the extreme bravery with which these children and their families conduct their lives. I would not give up my experiences at the hospital for anything! They taught me about myself as well as about the sometimes emotionally draining ways of the world which have in turn made me a stronger person. I highly recommend this hands-on program.

Internships in Cape Town

Ben Ogden

Film Internship | Cape Town
Rutgers University
17 August 2007

Connect-123 is a truly extraordinary organization. In the service they provide, they somehow manage to strike the perfect balance between hands-on assistance in practically every aspect of your experience in Cape Town (from finding you the perfect work experience to planning weekend trips to pristine wineries) and giving you the freedom to travel and explore the most gorgeous country on the planetl. Steven and Lea are both wonderful resources for anything you might want to do during your stay, and their warmth and friendliness really make for a sense of community among all the students and young professionals working through Connect. My own internship experience was remarkable. As an aspiring writer, I wanted to come to South Africa to engage in the more creative and artistic communities in Cape Town. They managed to find me a position working for a respected film production company, and within six weeks I had already been asked to begin my own project adapting a novel into a feature film. Now I am going to continue working on this project even after I leave Cape Town. Their persistence in finding me the perfect internship has lead directly to the best creative opportunity I’ve ever had! Connect-123 is far and away the best study abroad organization out there. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Internships in Cape Town

Morgan Sanders

Business Consulting Internship | Cape Town
Duke University
9 August 2007

My time in South Africa with Connect-123 turned out to be one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had! My internship in small business consulting allowed me to work with several entrepreneurs from townships in and around Cape Town. My task was to refine my clients’ business ideas and write up business plans, but in the process I really developed a close rapport with them and genuinely wanted them to succeed! It was such an incredible opportunity to be there for the start-up of their hopefully successful business ventures. I also benefited a great deal from the support and guidance of my boss, who was equally practical and passionate about the work we were doing. In addition, I’ll take home wonderful memories of my time when I wasn’t working. There were constantly social events and day trips planned for us, so there was never a dull moment! Last but not least, I’m happy to say that I made the most incredible friends in South Africa! We had an absolute blast together and I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard in my life! There wasn’t a single moment that I wanted to go home, and I’d go back in a heartbeat!

Internships in Cape Town

Simone Stephenson

Journalism Internship | Cape Town
Howard University
5 August 2007

Connect-123 was great! After I applied, they found an internship for me that was absolutely PERFECT for my major. I got to travel, sightsee, write, and photograph a totally new country…which was an amazing opportunity. The great thing about Connect-123, is that they really make an effort to bring everyone together. There were many nights where we went out to dinner in an organized outing. Another great thing is that most of the housing is in buildings with several other Connect-123 students. It allowed me to meet lots of other people, which made going out a lot easier! I would absolutely recommend Connect-123 to all of my friends…who are already completely jealous of my awesome experience!!

Internships in Cape Town

Jared Brown

Medical Volunteer | Cape Town
University of North Carolina
1 August 2007

I had always wanted to visit South Africa and found that Connect-123 was the most impressive group out there. My expectations were far exceeded throughout my interaction with Steven and the gang. Not only did Steven call me almost immediately after my application, but he quickly replied to all questions I had in my preparations for my trip. From picking me up from the airport, to ensuring that my work at the hospital went smoothly, to arranging excellent and affordable accommodations; I was continually impressed by Connect-123. I wouldn’t travel to Cape Town any other way.

Internships in Cape Town

Nyasha Mvenge

Biology Internship | Cape Town
University of Manchester
1 August 2007

I asked for a placement that involved research and lab work which was exactly what I got when I arrived. However, I’ve since also received training at a hospital which was my number one goal. So all in all I have gotten back far more than I had originally expected. I am super thrilled that not only am I achieving what I set out to do but I will leave with totally new skills. The location of the placement is also a bonus. Not many people can say they conducted their work with stunning scenery of a mountain and animals like wildebeest and impala right in front of them. On weekends there is so much to do, you truly never get bored. I am certain I made the right choice choosing Connect-123.

Internships in Cape Town

Ashley Nelson

Business Consulting Internship | Cape Town
Texas State University
31 July 2007

My experience with Connect-123 significantly impacted my life. From the second I applied to the program until after I returned home they were in constant communication with me making sure everything went smoothly. I loved how the program participants were from all over the world, offering different experiences, opinions, and areas of interest. The dynamic environment of South Africa was something so incredible and so very different. The food, people, and surroundings were like nothing I had ever seen before. The culture is so unique and there is always something new to experience in Cape Town. The responsibilities given to me during my internship made me really feel like I made a difference in my company, something not always the case at home. I learned an immense amount, but also was able to contribute information I have studied but have never been able to apply in the real world.

Internships in Cape Town

Elizabeth Fiala

Journalism Internship | Cape Town
The American University of Paris
31 July 2007

The two months I spent in Cape Town, South Africa were by far the best two months of my life. I had a wonderful internship, superb housing, and incredible roommates. I met some amazing people while I was there and gained invaluable work skills and knowledge that can be applied towards my career in the future. Not to mention the social life that Connect-123 hooks you up with! I highly recommend this experience to anyone who has the opportunity to enjoy it.

Internships in Cape Town

Kelly Paradis

Law Internship | Cape Town
George Washington University
31 July 2007

Connect-123 is the most organized and efficient program that I have ever been a part of. They put a great amount of time and thought into every detail, helping you instantly feel at home. The program’s small numbers and planned group outings create an intimate, fun environment and opportunity to meet new people. My internship applied to my studies more than I ever anticipated, and I was given tasks and responsibilities that taught me so much and greatly expanded my interests. On top of that, Cape Town is truly an amazing city with so much to offer. I did everything from shark cage diving to wine tasting and constantly found myself wishing for more time. I feel extremely fortunate that I was given this opportunity, and I know that it will be a life changing experience that I will never forget.

Internships in Cape Town

Kelly Neel

Medical Internship | Cape Town
McDaniel College
31 July 2007

I honestly don’t know where to begin. If I tried to say all the amazing things I gained throughout my experience with Connect-123, I’d end up with a novel the size of the latest Harry Potter. One thing I had asked Steven was “How did I stumble across this program while surfing the internet, and have it COMPLETELY change my life?” Not only did I gain experience from working in the hospital, but I gained an overwhelming appreciation for the people and world around me. There are just no words to explain how much I have grown as a person by simply being immersed in the culture that surrounded me. To find beauty in a place with such devastating poverty is beauty in and of itself, if that makes any sense at all. I highly recommend Connect-123. They make the best team and are super supportive of every participant in the program! Steven and Lea were there for us at the drop of a hat, as professionals and as friends and I wouldn’t trade my experience for the world!

Internships in Cape Town

John Hawley

Sustainable Development Internship | Cape Town
University of Guelph, Ontario
31 July 2007

To be totally honest, this internship is exactly what I was looking for. Not only am I going to be able to make a significant contribution to the pollination programme but, I’m also going to help put together another research paper with the head of the division…i.e., if I do a good job over the next little while I get PUBLISHED in an academic journal as full co-author! Pretty sweet man. This is really just a cool place to work with a wicked location and tonnes of other scientists doing all kinds of interesting things. The work is relatively hard, but the experience is proving itself to be more than I could have hoped for. Guess this is a good time to say thanks for doing a great job hooking me up with this opportunity.

Internships in Cape Town

Byung Kang

Human Rights Volunteer
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York
29 July 2007

One word. Impeccable. Connect-123 will match you up with an ideal internship! I had an invaluable experience volunteering with an influential human rights NGO in Cape Town, where I had the opportunity to help with their work in the townships. Through Connect-123, I truly had a life changing experience.

Alia Tanko

Youth Leadership Volunteer
University of Pittsburgh
13 June 2007

I wish I found a way to stay in Cape Town because I truly enjoyed the work that I was doing and the opportunities that Connect-123 provided me. The organisation where I volunteered is on its way to accomplishing great things and I feel fortunate to have been a part of that growth!

Elizabeth Boyer

Physical Therapy Volunteer | Cape Town
Franklin & Marshall College
23 May 2007

I had the time of my life in Cape Town. My internship was exactly what I was looking for, and helped me make some major decisions concerning the career that I would like to pursue. I was able to meet South African students and get to know more about their culture. Everyone was so welcoming and interested in helping me learn more about them. Lea and Steven are amazing. Their pure passion for their work and their city makes this program a once in a lifetime experience. They showed us all the hot spots around Cape Town and were always willing to help out. Our apartment had an amazing view, and living in the same building as other participants allowed me to get to know other students from all around the world. Between the internship, the city, and people, I could not ask for a better experience than what Connect-123 has shown me!

Internships in Cape Town

Isabelle McKusick

Youth Leadership Volunteer
Hamilton College
1 May 2007

My experience in South Africa has been remarkably eye-opening. I had the perfect internship that gave me the opportunity to dive right into South African culture and make significant differences in the lives of those I worked with. After studying abroad in Cape Town I wanted to do something to give back to the place that I had grown to love. I was able to live in a high quality and safe setting as well as be a valuable addition to an organization working with students in townships. Steven and Lea are so obliging and supportive in every area. They have an expansive network and give interns the chance to explore South Africa’s culture, nightlife, and natural beauty. Connect-123 opened doors that offered me the internship of a lifetime and the experiences I have had will be extraordinarily beneficial to whatever I choose to do in the future.

Richard Glover

Journalism Internship | Cape Town
University of West England, Bristol
20 April 2007

Being thrown in at the deep end with the newspaper was the best possible way for me to start my journalism internship in Cape Town as it gave me an insight into a part of the city that very few people, even locals, know about. In terms of my goals, I’ve always wanted to write for newspapers, get decent experience of the world of newspaper journalism and have a good time whilst doing it. I can safely say that my time as an intern has given me all of that. I have had in excess of 20 bylines which is more than I could ever have hoped for and everyone in the newsroom has gone out of their way to help me. As a result I have had an amazing internship.

Internships in Cape Town

Alyson Venti

Marine Sciences Internship | Cape Town
Amherst College
5 April 2007

Connect-123 provides an incredible opportunity to gain a unique experience in a remarkable culture. Traveling as a tourist is limited by achieving only a surface knowledge of a country, whereby living and working there offers an insight into a country’s distinctive features. Through Connect-123, I was able to spend six weeks working in marine conservation. My office was square miles of protected beach fronts and hiking trails, my desk a twin engine rubber duck (zodiac). My co workers were an accurate representation of the diversity that makes Cape Town so special. I was awoken to a truly remarkable place that everyone should get a chance to see. Connect-123 provides this unique opportunity.

Internships in Cape Town

Kelsey Puuri

Medical Volunteer | Cape Town
Grand Valley State University
4 April 2007

My internship has been great! I have a nice variety of things to do at the hospital. I’ve been able to care for children, observe surgeries, and shadow some very interesting hospital personnel. I’d say the internship has more than met my expectations! The housing is also great, in a good location in the center of the city, with lots of things in the surrounding area to always keep us busy. It’s also great that Connect-123 makes recommendations of places to go that you might not think of going to.

Internships in Cape Town

Andrew Thuss

Business Consulting Internship | Cape Town
London School of Economics
31 March 2007

After graduating from the London School of Economics I was not particularly sure what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to work internationally, but I did not want to stay in Europe. Connect-123 paired me with a great multi-national company that provided me with a great internship experience. Combined with the spectacular setting of Cape Town, my experience with Connect-123 helped me develop both professionally and personally. I was hired soon after by a great company in Singapore as a direct result of my professional exposure in South Africa. I cannot thank Steven and Lea enough for their help in providing a fantastic experience in one of the world’s most unique places.

Internships in Cape Town

Jon Duplisea

Medical Internship | Cape Town
Dalhousie University
20 December 2006

My internship with Connect-123 was a phenomenal experience, one that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Every morning I woke up excited to see the children at the hospital. The staff were extremely helpful and took me in as one of their own. While interning in South Africa I had the opportunity to observe many surgical procedures and conduct research within the Department of Surgery. The events organized by Steven and Lea were always a blast. Cape Town is beautiful! If the opportunity arises to do an internship with Connect-123, DO IT!!!

Internships in Cape Town
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