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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Treasure Inyang
For 2 months, I had the wonderful experience of working in a day hospital in Cape Town. The staff at the hospital were very welcoming and accommodating to any of our needs. They really included us in the day to day running of the hospital and I’m happy that I was able to contribute in the little way I could. It was a very hands on internship and I was able to gain clinical experience which would have been a lot harder to get in the UK. I’m very grateful to all the clinical staff at the hospital and also the Connect organisers for being so warm and checking in with us regularly. Cape Town is such a beautiful city and I hope to visit again very soon! Thank you so much for all your help and making this experience so memorable!
Internships in Cape Town
Jack Herstam
My internship has been a bit different than what I expected. There has not been much direction in terms of how I am supposed to organize the event, which is not a bad thing. My supervisor simply instructed me to “go crazy” with sponsors, advertisement, and endorsements. It was difficult making connections and networking in a city that is completely unknown to me, but the challenge has been rewarding. I have found many individuals who are willing to support the company's work in reducing homelessness, gangsterism, and incarceration by making contributions to my efforts. I have also learned to communicate a non-profit business model, something I had no prior experience with. My program coordination in Cape Town has been nothing short of fantastic. I have two coordinators who work with me. Both are natives of South Africa (Cape Town and Johannesburg). They have been wonderful, providing enough guidance to see me through my first days while giving me the space to grow and discover on my own. They have planned social events with other students in this summer’s group on a weekly basis, from cooking events to countryside expeditions. I have been so fortunate to find friends here, both in my program and outside of it, who I believe will be comrades long after our time here is complete
Internships in Cape Town
Brielle Johnson
Interning at an orthopedic hospital in Cape Town was one of the most rewarding and amazing experiences of my life so far. As a nursing student, it provided me with a deeper understanding of the culture and healthcare system in South Africa, and at the same time I could explore my passion for pediatric nursing. The nurses and doctors alike were all extremely kind and helpful, and allowed you to get up close to any surgeries and procedures that were happening; they would let you help out with essentially anything you were comfortable with. Connect-123 was incredibly helpful with organizing housing, as well as planning events to help you get familiar with the city. There are endless adventures to be had in Cape Town, and my weekends were packed full thanks to the information provided by Connect-123. Being able to live and volunteer in a city as beautiful and diverse as Cape Town will be an experience that I will carry with me for a lifetime.
Internships in Cape Town
Jessica Gonzalez
Cape Town is remarkable for its beautiful scenery, its people, culture and history. As a Connect-123 intern, I had the privilege to work with an educational non-profit whose goal is to affect educational change in Philippi ( a predominant black South African township). Before coming to Cape Town, my hope was to learn as much as I could about the South African education system and how it has shaped its country today. I was fortunate enough to be placed in an internship that educated me through numerous interactions with South Africans and many articles given to me by the organization. This internship gave me the experience that I was hoping to have. I loved Cape Town but most importantly, the friendships I formed were the highlight of my time in the city. I truly believe that their existence was an asset as I navigated through Cape Town.
Internships in Cape Town
Haley Fricke
Connect-123 gave me the amazing opportunity to complete my child life practicum in South Africa for the month of July. South Africa is a gorgeous country. The natural beauty seems to be everywhere you look. I interned with an amazing group at a children's hospital in Cape Town. Working at the children's hospital was a moving experience. I loved meeting new families and children every day, but also forming relationships with patients. These are some of my favorite memories from the hospital. I like using art activities in my child life practice. I was drawing with a patient that did not speak English but understood English. He was the only child not sleeping and was full of smiles. He drew me an intricate picture with different boxes to explain to me how he got his injuries. His determination was apparent because it took us quite a long time to sort out the drawing. He was so creative in communicating with me the story of how he came to be in the trauma ward at the hospital. I was glad he was able to express himself and share with me. I asked him how he is now and he gave me a thumbs up and smiled. We talked about how although he was in that accident he now feels he is good. I was glad I was able to be there for him as he coped and shared his experience. There are so many memories I could share, but the last will be of a girl I worked with in the burn unit. I was able to work with her multiple times and form a relationship with her, her mom, and younger sister. Although she does not have fingers because of her previous burns she does not let this limit her while she was playing. We did many activities, but she really wanted to draw. She used her wrists to hold the markers, and could draw, but was becoming frustrated and sad it was not coming out how she wanted. We kept practicing and OT came in to give her a wrist cuff they designed for her. The cuff allows her to hold objects such as eating utensils and a toothbrush. Since we were drawing she asked if she could use it for the markers too. They said she could and she was able to draw a picture on her own. She was so excited. Being a part of her processes towards recovery was beautiful. I will never forget the children I worked with and am grateful to have had this experience.
Internships in Cape Town
Carlee Stanton
My three-month stay in Cape Town was nothing short of life-changing — and it would not have been possible without Connect-123’s organization, support and accommodation. I had an incredible experience as a Connect-123 intern at a local NGO. My internship challenged me as a public policy student, in my awareness of local community and organizational issues, and my understanding of South Africa’s complex politics and culture. My internship allowed me to link much of my academic theory to practice, identify my professional direction, develop strong networking and mentoring relationships, and acquire new learning through challenging and meaningful assignments, such as designing and implementing new community development initiatives to address issues of unemployment, HIV/AIDS, and rural flight amongst South African youth. I feel like my professional goals have been re-energized and re-shaped, and I will return for my last semester of university with renewed passion. Outside of work, I loved exploring Cape Town - hikes in the mountains, zip lining, safaris, visits to the wine country, exploring local eats and shops - there is so much to see and do! Thank you, Connect-123, for making my experience one to remember. I am grateful for the professional and personal experiences that have shaped me into the person that I am. I encourage anyone who is considering this program, to seize the opportunity.
Volunteer in Cape Town
Danielle Michaels
Spending the past few months interning in Cape Town has been such an amazing and fulfilling experience. My nerves of being so far away from home quickly faded after meeting the Connect-123 staff, they were incredibly helpful and really have a way of making you feel welcome and accounted for. During my time here I worked as an assistant dietitian for a non-profit organization. I learned so much while also being able to contribute some of my own knowledge to such an inspiring company. Besides working, I was able to spend my summer climbing mountains, going on safaris, taking surf lessons, bungee jumping along the garden route, and so many more incredible experiences were crossed off the bucket list. I have formed a countless amount of friendships here and it’s going to be so hard to say goodbye to such a beautiful city. Cape Town is a melting pot of cultures, a city with so much history and so much beauty I am already planning on coming back for a visit. So incredibly thankful for the opportunity that Connect-123 has provided.
Internships in Cape Town
Brianne Heney
Being in Cape Town, South Africa as a part of Connect-123 was by far the best 4 months of my life thus far. I was fortunate enough to be able to split my time between two pediatric care facilities. The two hospitals were incredibly different, and allowed me to gain a broad understanding of Cape Town’s health care system. I had the opportunity to observe surgeries, cast a clubbed foot, join the doctors and nurses on ward rounds, assist with the placement of feeding tubes, and provide compassionate, comprehensive care to sick children. Outside of my internship, I had plenty of time to explore the beauty that is South Africa. Our weekends were spent hiking, going to the beach, touring vineyards, sand boarding, sky diving, shark cage diving, going on safari, touring the Garden Route, eating at phenomenal restaurants, and visiting incredible markets. Our program coordinators were available to help us plan excursions, ask questions, or to just say hi! They are always willing to listen and were extremely resourceful with any question brought to their attention. I still cannot believe that I was lucky enough to call Cape Town my home for 4 months. The friendships and memories I made here are some that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I cannot think of a better place for an internship and am already looking forward to the day when I can make it back to visit!
Internships in Cape Town
Elizabeth Keller
Without Connect-123, I would not have been given the once in a lifetime opportunity of completing my Child Life Practicum abroad. I played and loved on the children and families at a pediatric hospital for the month of July. My time in Cape Town was filled with joy, love, and so many wonderful people and experiences. Connect-123 allowed me to gain experience in a government run hospital and even provided an incredible service opportunity in one of the townships. We spent a day loving on the children in an orphanage in the township of Khayelitsha and I left a piece of my heart behind that day. Between the children at the orphanage and the children I played with each day on the wards at the Children’s hospital, it was easy to fall in love with Cape Town. During my last week of my practicum experience at pediatric hospital, I spent a few days in a row with a preschooler in the trauma ward. This three-year-old had one of her legs in traction and could not be up and moving around like most three year olds. During the first two days of playing and engaging with this child, she acted so uninterested but desperately wanted to feel like a kid again after her traumatic experience. When I walked into trauma on the third day, her father said to me how she recognizes me and is so excited to play today. This preschooler that once seemed so uninterested had warmed up to me and giggled the rest of the day as we played. I'll never forget when she started laughing and her dad smiled and said to me "That's the first time I have heard her laugh since we got here" I'll never forget this moment I helped this sweet child feel like herself again and even being a smile to her father's face. I would not have had those special moments with children and their families without the support of Connect-123. I am forever grateful to Connect-123 for giving me this life changing experience by providing the opportunity for me to learn about another culture's healthcare system.
Internships in Cape Town
Clarice Brambilla
My two-month internship in Cape Town was by far one of the most fulfilling, satisfactory and productive time of my life. What I value most about my Connect-123 internship is the fact that I was assigned a task I had no experience in: fundraising. My original goal was to do an internship in which I could help make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children, but I didn’t know exactly what I could do as I am a philosophy student, and my studies have no direct relation with this field. Connect-123 was able to find a job for me, allowing me to both challenge myself and make a difference. As a result, I gained experience in a field I knew nothing about and I even found out I really enjoy fundraising and I am good at it too! For Connect-123 my passion and my strive to do good was enough, and I proved them right. To all of those who are still seeking a path in their lives, who want to make a difference for the good, but still don’t know exactly what skills they have or what profession fulfills them and makes them happy, an internship such as mine is by far the most enlightening and eye-opening experience!
Internships in Cape Town
Sophia Busacca
Connect-123 was very well organized and extremely helpful. They helped me find a nursing related internship and organized my living arrangements. As a nursing student the internship was exceptional! I had a great experience shadowing doctors and nurses and learning from them. I was able to see a wide variety of patients and understand their needs clinically and emotionally. It was interesting to compare the needs of different patients. I was able to work on the Labor and Delivery Unit, Well Baby Clinic, Postpartum Floor, Emergency Room, and the Pediatric Emergency Room. This experience has helped prepare me for my senior year in nursing school. I was able to narrow down the fields that I am more passionate about. As well, Cape Town is a phenomenal city to explore. I had so much fun meeting other interns and exploring Cape Town with our shuttle driver who took us on a tour of the Cape and a township. The museums, ocean, and city in Cape Town are great for a college student. Thank you Connect-123 for the awesome experience.
Internships in Cape Town
Julianna Choi
I had an incredible experience as a Connect-123 intern. My internship pushed me as a nursing student and provided opportunities that were unique and specific to my interest in Midwifery. After one month working in a township clinic, I helped deliver over twenty babies. Outside of work, I loved my time living in Cape Town. I met some amazing people, visited the safari and wine country, hiked mountains, browsed markets and museums, and through it all developed a good understanding of South Africa’s complex politics and culture. Everywhere you turn, there is something new to learn in Cape Town!
Internships in Cape Town
Mackenzie Jones
I interned for 2 months at a children's hospital in Cape Town. To summarise such an incredible and action-packed experience is a challenge with so many highlights to pin-point. From the beautiful mountainous views and sights of South Africa to the adorable little faces at the hospital, every moment has left a great impact on my life. Interning with Connect-123 was such a safe-place for me. Any fears I had regarding traveling were eased by the warm welcome by the Connect staff and their continuous support throughout my internship experience. Interning with Connect-123 has given me a new found confidence to take up opportunities presented no matter how daunting. At my workplace, I got a chance to challenge myself, to use my creativity, to be hands on with policy analysis, policy creation, and meetings and to make a difference to the lives of the infants at the hospital. I have gained a new love for South Africa, South African culture, their food, their music and the smiles and joyful spirit of the people there. It became a home away from home. This internship has given me the mindset and courage to aim high, to travel, to explore, to connect with new people, to network, and to live fearlessly seizing all opportunities and challenges presented throughout my academics and later life. When you look over Cape Town from the highest peak of Table Mountain or fly over the continent of Africa, it is humbling to realize how small we are. Yet the impact we can have on each other's lives is so big. It is amazing what one person's willingness to help can do for an organisation. Interning with Connect-123 at a hospital reinforced to me how great it is to just help out selflessly. I am sure your internship will greatly impact you also as you impact others with your willingness to volunteer your work. The whole experience was a blessing. I would do it all over again. My career ambitions have been given an extra dose of energy, passion and enthusiasm. I'm grateful.
Internships in Cape Town
Lisa Au
I am so grateful to have the opportunity to do an internship in Cape Town. Initially, I was a bit nervous about going somewhere completely new but the Connect-123 staff are very supportive and accommodating and have made sure everything went smoothly. An internship here allowed me to try something I never thought I would be able to do and explore the energy sector a little more. Learning more about energy in the unique context of South African history and culture gave me a new perspective on energy issues. Also, Cape Town is the place with a bit of everything. One of the best things about Cape Town is the close proximity to breathtaking views. Whether it’s up on the mountain or right by the ocean, there is always something to do. Thank you Connect-123 for finding me a great internship and making sure my stay in Cape Town was wonderful.
Internships in Cape Town
Ashley W
My internship in Cape Town was truly amazing! I worked at an arts and culture governmental organisation that has a legal mandate to identify, protect and conserve heritage resources, of which, can be both intangible and tangible. My department was responsible for ensuring heritage resources are not altered in anyway but are preserved and passed on to future generations. I visited various heritage sites and, as part of my outcome based tasks, produced site visit reports. I also responded to permit applications to alter protected sites; but my core project was to update my department's operational policy which was about 10 years old. Here I learned so much-and so fast-about the department, the organisation, and the country as a whole because I was engaging with a variety of documents. I am particularly happy that all my tasks, and policy updates in particular, were an integral part of my department and therefore I contributed to the organisation in a meaningful way. The balance between working indoors and outdoors was perfect particularly as the sites I visited are also tourist sites. However, all this was made so much easier because, outside of work, things were also really wonderful. I was also very happy with Connect-123's hospitality. From the many socials activities like Vineyards Tour, Comedy Night, Braai that they organised, to the simple tips on where to go exploring, they were always available! I enjoyed my internship so much, I decided to extend my stay until end of summer!
Internships in Cape Town
Matthew Garcia
It seems just yesterday I was stepping off the plane as a nervous teenager ready to start my adventure. As my journey now comes to a close, I can't help but look back and think how fortunate I have been during my time in Cape Town. I know I had the preconceived notion- as many visitors have with Cape Town- that it is a slightly dangerous city due to crime. While I won't deny that crime happens in any major city, I could not disagree more with my prior assumptions of Cape Town. On the whole, the city is a remarkable place and anyone who has the chance to visit should consider themselves fortunate. Although my time here has been short, I have explored the city each week and still find unique, incredible things to do. For people who love the outdoors, there's the opportunity to hike some of the most beautiful natural geography in the world; for people who love history, Cape Town offers fascinating museums and township tours on their cultural history; for those who love adventure, look no further than shark cage diving or a Garden Route safari. As for my internship, I have been blessed with wonderful experiences and opportunities during my time working with a non-for-profit. I cannot fully express my gratitude for Connect for the work they put in to secure my internship, as well as the entertaining social events they put together. I can say, without a doubt in my mind, my experience in Cape Town would have been significantly less fulfilling if not for the work of the Connect team. While I am happy to be heading home to family and friends, I will miss this city and its people tremendously.
Internships in Cape Town
James Bradley Minton
My time as an intern with Connect-123 was an experience that helped give me experiences and skills that will be extremely useful for my future employment. Every day there were many opportunities to learn something new, and the work was so much fun. The people who I interacted with; other interns, Connect-123 employees, drivers, and supervisors at work were very influential, helpful, and became friends. The logistics involved in traveling and living locally were arranged and easy for me to keep up with. The city of Cape Town has most everything anyone could be looking for. If you like night life or shopping there are opportunities all over down town. The mountains provide great hiking. The ocean is cold and fun. If you're willing to go out and have adventures you will find them in Cape Town for sure.
Internships in Cape Town
Jamie Martin
My time in Cape Town, South Africa was nothing short of a dream. I spent the entire month of June completing a Child Life Practicum at a first government pediatric hospital. Getting to know the hospital staff and patients was an exceptional experience, as I spent my days preparing children for procedures and encouraging developmentally appropriate play within the facility. I want to thank Connect-123 for introducing me to such incredible and driven individuals. I never imagined that I would spend the summer in this beautiful city exploring the land each and every day. Everyone with the Connect-123 team did such an amazing job helping me adapt and feel comfortable in my temporary home. I would recommend this program to everyone and am so glad I made the decision to attend, despite having not known anyone beforehand. I am already looking forward to my next trip to Cape Town.
Internships in Cape Town
Anita Baratti
My teaching internship in Cape Town was life-changing. I shared this adventure with an incredible bunch of people from my university in England, who showed my same passion to engage with South African culture and history, making this experience even more amazing. Connect-123 played a huge role: besides being extremely helpful and supportive, they were able to perfectly understand my interests and to find the right internship for me. Tutoring and teaching in a high school in a township, I was immersed in a reality where kids often remain trapped in their disadvantaged background. My students in Langa High were doing something almost revolutionary: finally totally free from Apartheid, they were finishing their last year of high school and were about to step into tertiary education. Assisting them in this passage was a privilege and something I will always keep close. I lost my heart in Cape Town, in everything I did and saw and the people I met. I loved my job, which helped me grow as a person and a professional and tremendously clarified my future career path and choices. Someone once said: 'we meet to part and we part to meet' and I like thinking that this will be my first but not last time in this wonderful country.
Internships in Cape Town
Giulia Monteleone
The time I spent living and working in Cape Town has proved to be the most powerful and intense experience abroad of my life up-to-date. When I first put foot in South Africa little I realised how much I had to learn about this country and how complicated and contradictory its everyday reality was. The support provided by the Connect-123 staff was invaluable – our program coordinators guided us through life in South Africa, making sure that each of us were getting the most out of our experience whilst staying safe and keeping an eye on budget! There is just so much the city has to offer: within a two-month period I climbed Table Mountain, hiked up Lion’s Head, went paragliding, spent a whole day in Khayelitsha, spent time by the ocean, went on a safari, and visited local markets and art galleries! Working as a journalism intern at a popular community radio station granted me an unequalled platform from where to observe and discover the fast-changing dynamics and phenomena underpinning the South African society. I was able to develop a first-hand knowledge of community media and to interact with a multitude of organizations on the field operating in the areas of the Cape Flats. A piece of advice: make the most out of it, because time will fly past you before you know it!
Internships in Cape Town
