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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Allen Hu
The month I spent in Cape Town really was the time of my life. The city and the surrounding environment was absolutely beautiful, the food was delicious (also cheap), and the South African people were so kind and friendly! I woke up every day excited to explore the city and learn something new about South Africa's history and culture. In addition, my internship was so eye-opening, because I got to go out into the townships every day and see a different way of life, as well as the challenges of providing healthcare to impoverished areas. That's not something very many people get to do, and I consider myself so lucky to have been able to go to Cape Town for an internship. I'm so grateful for all the people I met and all the experiences I had. If you're having trouble deciding whether or not you should go abroad for an internship with Connect-123, let me just say: take the leap. Just go for it. You absolutely won't regret it. I certainly didn't!
Internships in Cape Town
Maggie Crowell
Picture this: a stunning, palm-lined coastal city that bustles in the shadow of Table Mountain -- a city filled with diverse culture and friendly people. Then, add a knowledgeable team of individuals dedicated to assisting you with everything, from finding the perfect weekend brunch spot to sourcing the best guide for a Cape of Good Hope tour with penguins. You're looking at an internship in Cape Town with Connect-123, and if your experience is anything like mine was, you'll never look back! During my time in South Africa, I was fortunate enough to intern in a local human rights organization, which helped me realize my passion for social justice and human rights issues. In addition to great experiences through my job, I was able to participate in some fantastic weekend activities such as cage diving, paragliding, and feeding elephants on safari. Connect-123 helped make this one of the best and most memorable summers of my life, and I would recommend this program to anyone looking for adventure, learning, and a whole lot of excitement!
Internships in Cape Town
Drew Peth
It’s amazing what can happen in just a short month, and it would not have been possible without Connect-123. This became evident from our very first meeting, and I knew I had made the best decision to spend my summer with them. Their grasp on Cape Town life and connections around the city are unparalleled. We were connected with some of the best doctors and mentors in Cape Town. Rotating through a community day clinic, secondary hospital, pediatric care center, and touring a first tier government hospital, where the first heart transplant took place, as well as a private hospital, we gained well-rounded insight into the healthcare of Cape Town. Connect-123 made sure we not only had an incredible internship experience, but also amazing opportunities to see the beauty of Cape Town. They gave fantastic recommendations, listened to what we wanted to do, and took the stress of planning, scheduling, and arranging accommodation away, allowing us to more fully enjoy ourselves. The staff at Connect-123 go above and beyond to not only ensure you have an excellent experience, but also work to foster a relationship with you. I can honestly say Connect-123 shaped my time in Cape Town, and for that I am forever grateful. My only regret is that I didn’t stay longer! Thanks again for everything!
Internships in Cape Town
Chelsey Daval
While doing my Child Life Practicum at a children's hospital in Cape Town, South Africa I gained once in a lifetime experiences far different than anything at home. My time in Cape Town and at the hospital helped me learn more about myself as a person but also about my chosen profession. I always knew that I wanted to travel around the world in my chosen profession, doing the internship in Cape Town gave me a glimpse into what that would be like and only made me want to do it more. The staff who work for Connect-123 were amazing. They went out of their way to assist the connectors in anything and everything that came up and always had a smile on their faces and a kind thing to say. In addition to always being there to help the Connectors with anything, the staff of Connect-123 also went out of their way to help us Connectors get to know each other and never feel alone. The Connect-123 international programs are wonderful, once in a lifetime experiences that I am ecstatic that I took the chance to experience. Thank you to the staff at Connect-123 for helping make my experience what it was!
Internships in Cape Town
Lory Wong
Through my university’s partnership with Connect-123 I was able to intern in Cape Town for two months. I interned at an afterschool care organisation based in schools in underprivileged areas. As some days were spent in the office and others, at the school, I was able to understand the processes and policies involved within the NGO, as well as gain first-hand experience teaching the charity’s learners and organising holiday programmes for the youths involved. At the office, I wrote fundraising proposals for the charity, planned the annual general meeting and its report, wrote ideas and articles for the charity’s website, edited policies, completed general administration tasks, observed some social auxiliary worker training, and helped screen potential workers in interviews. At the schools, I was able to lead a cooking programme, facilitate a leadership one, and observed and evaluated the charity’s ‘Big History Programme’. My time in Cape Town, and at my internship, enabled me to experience what it would be like working in the education sector, the challenges involved when dealing with youths from disadvantaged areas, and more importantly, what we can do to combat this. I would like to thank Connect-123 for giving me this opportunity and being so welcoming during my stay at Cape Town.
Internships in Cape Town
Spencer Minnich
As a Public Health intern at a community healthcare clinic in Cape Town, South Africa, I was able to grow tremendously as a student, a public health professional, and a person. It is all thanks to the Connect-123 program. As a MPH student, I knew I wanted to travel abroad to complete my practicum requirement, but I never imagined walking away from Cape Town wanting to work there full time. Not only was I able to work on multiple public health projects including increasing contraceptive services and Pap smear screenings, the clinic also trusted my opinion and insight on existing programs to make the clinic as efficient as possible. Throughout my journey, the Connect-123 staff was always right by my side and advocated for me every step of the way. I never once felt alone because I knew the Connect-123 team would make sure everything was going to work out. My advice to you, as a future Connector, is to go for it. Take the chance and see the world because we grow the most when we step outside our comfort zone. Thank you Connect-123 for the once in a lifetime opportunity and I hope I will be integrated into South Africa's health system one day as a full fledged staff member!
Internships in Cape Town
Cassidy Lawrence
From before we even arrived in Cape Town up until we left for the journey home, the Connect-123 staff was extremely accommodating, supportive, and communicable. I am sure that without the hard working and knowledgeable staff we would not have had even half the experience during our month in Cape Town. They planned many excursions for us, taking a huge burden off us by contacting companies and setting up transportation and meals. In addition, they arranged beneficial experiences based on our professional interests and organized fulfilling community service days throughout our trip. One of the most impressive things about the Connect-123 staff is their genuine passion and care for all their students. They truly wanted us all to have the best trip possible and were always open to feedback on how they could make that happen. I would absolutely recommend Connect-123 to any student looking for a great experience in Cape Town!
Internships in Cape Town
Myranda Castanon
Cape Town is a very special place. There is a beautiful beach, a lively city/night life, and mountains that offer some really spectacular hiking routes. It is a city with much diversity and rich history. I worked for a social enterprise, and it was a place that began to feel like home to me. The tasks were challenging at times but they also provided the freedom to design and create in my own way. I was able to set up a crowd-funding video and create new catalogue layouts for their wholesale and retail items. This internship experience showed me that I'm going into the right field of work, and I am very grateful for that because some of us often feel unsure about it. Overall, I am beyond satisfied with the whole experience Connect-123 has provided - a lovely foundation of friends and extremely dependable advisors who always show that they are there for us.
Internships in Cape Town
Ezra Sergent-Leventhal
I am a history major with a minor in educational studies at university, and I was hoping to explore the realm of education policy through my internship provided by Connect-123. After deciding on Cape Town as a destination, I was quickly offered a three month internship in education as a general intern and program facilitator. The organization fit my needs as an intern perfectly, as they are a non-profit that specializes in giving support to underprivileged communities in the townships outside Cape Town. Additionally, they do quite a bit of research and fundraising in order to find the best methods to uplift the career paths of the children of the townships. Since day one in Cape Town, this internship has exceeded my expectations in every facet as well as given me invaluable experience in the realm of education that I truly could not get anywhere else. Connect-123 paired me with an organization that needed my assistance, and exactly met my desires in terms of work place environment and goals. Cape Town itself is truly one of the most unique cities in the world, and it has been a very eye opening experience to explore and learn about. The history and politics of Cape Town alone has been an extremely eye opening and enriching. The convergence of cultures and backgrounds in Cape Town has created one of the most diverse and vibrant cities in the world, and I've learned an immense amount. This, combined with the spectacular views surrounding the city, has made for a once in a lifetime experience. Whether it be a hike up the beautiful Table Mountain, or an evening spent watching the sunset on one of Cape Town's spectacular beaches, there is always something to do in Cape Town. Being able to experience such an amazing city and environment while also doing important work for a non profit that mirrors my career goals has really been a privilege, and Connect-123 has excelled at facilitating this process.
Internships in Cape Town
Carly Hume
I just want to say thank you so much for this wonderful experience, it truly has been a month of a lifetime. Going on this trip was quite a risk as I knew absolutely no one and had never traveled alone but I couldn't be happier that I made the jump. I have made great friends and learned so much. Doing my Child Life Practicum abroad has provided me with experiences that I never could've had in the United States. It is evident that the Connect-123 team really has a passion for their jobs and care about each and every one of us. Thank you for providing me with great opportunities and wonderful memories!
Internships in Cape Town
MaryJane LaSala
My participation with Connect-123 has been one of most unique experiences of my life. Connect-123 gave me the opportunity to go to a place I never would have thought to visit on my own. The city of Cape Town is so beautiful and filled with thousands of activities to enjoy. Before coming here, a friend described it to me as "the best place in the world" and she was not exaggerating with that statement. The combination of ocean, mountains, and city life is one I had never seen before and I have been able to do incredible things from shark cage diving to paragliding. Connect-123 made me feel safe in a new city and it was so comforting for me and my family that I had a contact person who I could express any concerns to. They also paired me with an incredible company filled with wonderful people who are truly inspiring. Their passion for wanting to help other people makes me excited to go into work every day because I know I am contributing to such a great cause. Overall, my experience in Cape Town, with my internship placement, and with Connect-123 is one I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life.
Internships in Cape Town
Maria Spano
I came to South Africa, Cape Town more specifically, to have a direct vision of the reality of a country which underwent recent internal struggle. Being interested in political risk and emergency and conflict situations, I decided that a country like South Africa was the place for me to be in. I wanted to have an unbiased view of the everyday life of the population, their way of thinking and their interesting culture. Thanks to my internship with Connect-123 at a leading human rights organization, working for both the Legal and Advocacy Departments, I managed to have exactly the insight I first aimed at, and more. For instance, I was able with my internship to consult with people from various backgrounds about their human rights abuses and to help the planning of in-loco interventions in different locations aimed at, more generally, increasing awareness of human rights. This internship showed me that there are people who work hard to improve the lives of others and that the ignorance on the knowledge of human rights is still very present, which makes these jobs even more essential. I would have never imagined how much I would have ended up getting involved in all of it: the country, the culture, the people and the issues regarding human rights. This involvement was also helped by the side activities organized by Connect-123 with their impeccable organization and personal involvement, and by the events present in such a beautiful city full of history. For instance, if you ever have the chance don’t miss the lecture on South Africa’s history and culture at UCT, the Township Tour, and the Mandela’s Day Walk for Freedom. Finally, the only negative point is the time length: two months is too short. This is why, if the opportunity presents itself again, I wouldn’t miss the chance of coming back here for longer.
Internships in Cape Town
Emily Mayfield
My three months in Cape Town were the best of my life thus far. As a transfer student taking a gap year, I wanted a rewarding internship experience overseas where I would not only learn a lot about the culture of the country I was living in, but also about myself. Connect-123 set me up with a fantastic internship at an LGBTI non-governmental organization. There, I conducted research on hate crimes legislation and post-rape care and learned about the South African government and how NGOs play an important role in getting legislation passed. I became more educated on South African politics and was even given the opportunity to attend a meeting at Parliament. My coworkers were great, and I became good friends with the other intern I worked with. When I was not working, I was soaking in all the amazing activities Cape Town has to offer. During my three months there, I sky-dived, bungee jumped off the highest bungee bridge in the world, snorkeled with seals, went surfing in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, went paragliding, hiked mountains, canoed through a national park, went zip-lining, explored the beautiful Garden Route, went on safaris, relaxed on the beach, went on wine tours, and had a blast at several concerts. Connect-123 also organized events, including going to a rugby game, cooking a meal with other interns, eating at a restaurant in Bo-Kaap, taking a sunset cruise, and volunteering at a soup kitchen. Connect-123 did a great job checking in to make sure I was happy at my internship and in Cape Town. They were always there if I had a question or needed something in my apartment fixed. They also made great recommendations for things to do in South Africa and they really helped me make the most of my time there. The other interns with Connect-123 were some of the coolest people I’ve ever met. I definitely developed lifelong friendships and I am already planning future trips with my Connect-123 friends. If you are looking for a meaningful internship experience in one of the greatest cities in the world, I highly recommend looking into Connect-123’s Cape Town program. You will not regret it!
Internships in Cape Town
Kimberly Cohen
My experience with Connect-123 in Cape Town, South Africa has been one of the most valuable takeaways of my education. I was given the opportunity to split my time between two separate pediatric hospitals; an orthopedic, public hospital and an intermediate, public care facility. This pairing of independent care providers allowed me to get a broad understanding of the healthcare system in South Africa. I learned to be resourceful while still providing compassionate and thoughtful care, which is a mindset I can bring back to my nursing education at home. Connect-123 offered endless support through every step of my experience. They made sure my internship gave me every experience that I asked for. In addition to pairing me with a valuable volunteer opportunity, the Connect-123 office planned weekly or biweekly activities for the interns. We were able to go sand boarding one week and go to a traditional African dinner the next. They gave us information regarding upcoming events in the city and travel trips we could access at a discounted price. Cape Town is the perfect city for an array of activities. The city has mountains, beaches, vineyards, gardens, arenas, museums...all in one place! No length of time would be long enough to cover all that you can do there. I wholeheartedly recommend to consider interning in Cape Town, since there is no experience like it.
Internships in Cape Town
Katherine Thomas
My experience with Connect-123 in Cape Town was amazing. I spent the best four months of my life in this city meeting the most wonderful people, eating and drinking at the most fantastic restaurants and bars, exploring countless activities in and outside the city, and learning at two exceptional hospitals. As a nursing student, I was able to gain new nursing skills, shadow during surgeries, participate in ward rounds, help and eventually do my own castings, and learn about a completely different healthcare system than my own. The pediatric patients and other healthcare workers we spent our time with were extremely welcoming, enthusiastic, and dedicated. When we weren’t working, we were taking advantage of the many attractions Cape Town has to offer, with tons of help from Connect-123. The program coordinators helped us with everything from figuring out how to turn on the hot water in our apartment to taking us out on a sunset cruise and sand boarding in the dunes outside Cape Town. I got to know amazing interns from all over the world and made lifelong memories and friendships. Cape Town allowed me to adventure more than I ever have before – we skydived, bungee humped off the highest bungee bridge in the world, traveled along the Garden Route, went on safaris, crawled through caves, hiked mountains, swam in waterfalls, shark cage dove, and paraglided. When our adrenaline wasn’t pumping, we were wine tasting, relaxing at the beach, hanging out on the rooftop pool, swimming with penguins, going to beautiful markets, watching rugby, attending the awesome museums, listening to live music in the gorgeous botanical gardens, and taking in the incredible views. I cannot imagine a more fun and interesting place to intern or a better program than Connect-123 in Cape Town!
Internships in Cape Town
Kiera Collins
I decided to intern abroad in Cape Town, South Africa for my last semester as an undergraduate, and I can honestly say it was a decision that has forever changed my life, in the best way possible. I came to South Africa with high hopes and my experience has far surpassed them! From waking up to the most beautiful view every single day just out my bedroom window to walking with lions and diving with great whites, I have experienced things that I never thought possible. Connect-123 was there every step of the way from beginning to end, always available to help when needed, and making sure each person’s internship is what he or she hoped it would be. I have met amazing people, made once in a lifetime memories, and absolutely fell in love with Cape Town. If you are reading this review, and considering Connect-123, I am so jealous of you - I cannot recommend it enough. If you have the chance to go to South Africa - DO IT! I promise you will not be disappointed. South Africa will forever hold a piece of my heart, and I am certain it will steal a piece of yours as well. I cannot wait for the day that I come back. No one can describe the beauty of Africa through words and do it justice, to truly understand and appreciate this amazing continent; you must experience it for yourself.
Internships in Cape Town
Ryan Coats
Leading into my last summer as a college student, I was seeking a life-changing experience and South Africa gave me exactly that. I was happy to be placed in an internship at a technology start-up company located in the up-and-coming Woodstock neighborhood. My internship was challenging and provided me with unique international business experiences; it has already contributed to my career. Many times, I would get out of work and go surfing and other fun activities with the group of interns in the program; I was doing something new almost every day. Throughout the twelve weeks I spent abroad, the Connect-123 team was there for any question or concern I had. I appreciated the Connect-123 staff and their level of interest in making sure I got the best out of my internship and travel experience. They provided us with the guidance to navigate through the city like true Capetonians. From a simple search, you can tell Cape Town is a second to none travel destination. Looking back, I could not have predicted all the memories I made with an incredible group of interns. My network has now been expanded globally thanks to my summer in Cape Town. I interned in Cape Town the summer after I graduated from college, and I could not be happier about my decision of going to South Africa, and postponing the job hunting. While I was in Cape Town, I learned more about myself, became friends with people from all over the world, and immersed myself in a country with a complex history -- an experience I believe everyone should have before jumping into a full-time job. To put things in perspective, I befriended a local family who taught me the ins and outs of Cape Town, and who provided me with a firsthand perspective of South Africa's history and culture. Two of my closest friends there also happened to be British, allowing me to better understand the culture of the UK without being there. While in South Africa, I abseiled down Table Mountain and traveled through its Garden Route where we took part in an elephant encounter and crept through some caves. I went on a safari in Kruger, and even had the opportunity of exploring the country's neighbor, Namibia. In all, I had an amazing time and feel fortunate to have such good memories of the summer after I graduated from university. Connect-123 is unique because you also gain a unique outlook in regards to the country's work culture. I interned at a startup, an experience I absolutely loved! My supervisor allowed me to take plenty of initiative, and I found myself creating a variety of projects for them. During my interviews today, this experience is always a talking point, and I feel better prepared to take on a full time job. Before deciding on going, I constantly thought about how I should have already gone abroad, and about how I was pushing back on two months in which I could already be working. I took a step back though, and realized that in the scheme of things, two months is really not a lot -- especially since those two months would provide me with memories and lessons that would last me a lifetime. If you are having these same kinds of doubts, my advice to you is to just go. You'll be glad you did.
Internships in Cape Town
Chad Allen
My experience in Cape Town was absolutely incredible, and I’ll try my best to shorten the best three months of my life into just two paragraphs. I had never traveled outside of the U.S. before, and everyone told me that Cape Town would spoil any future destinations I had in mind. There are countless things to do in your spare time. South Africa is incredibly diverse and there is plenty of history to take in at local museums, landmarks, and of course Robben Island. I love hiking and Devil’s Peak, Table Mountain, and Lion’s Head are all beautiful hikes. Some of the incredible things you can do and see include but are not limited to; penguins at the beach, wine country, lion walks, shark cage diving, cave tours, feeding elephants, catching some waves, rugby games, shenanigans on Long Street, the massive botanical gardens, eating a burger the size of your face (Dog’s Bollocks, go there), or, you know, just jumping off of the second largest bungee jump bridge in the world. No big deal. The list goes on and on. My internship was with an international non-governmental organization devoted to devoted to building decent, affordable housing. I worked with their digital marketing, social media marketing, analytics and website content. Connect-123 did a great job finding a perfect internship opportunity for me. Everyone in my office was friendly and worked well as a team. It was enlightening to know I was a part a non-profit organization that was helping make a difference in the lives of less fortunate South Africans. The people I met both at my internship and at the informal settlements we visited were so uplifting and inspirational. I was truly blessed to have such an amazing experience during my visit.
Internships in Cape Town
Diya Khullar
My stay in Cape Town with Connect-123 was truly priceless. I entered with overwhelming anticipation and left with unimaginable clinical experience, bucket-list attractions checked off my list, and lifelong friends. Being a pre-med student did not pose an issue for me at the hospital as the surgeons and other interns were constantly encouraging questions and eager to teach. Not only did I get the opportunity to shadow cardiothoracics, I also ended up viewing general surgeries and neurosurgeries! The environment truly fosters your interests as long as you pursue them, whether it's spending all day in operating theater, focusing on ward work, or visiting other departments. Furthermore, Connect-123 was always there for me outside of the internship, from when I was sick as a dog to when I needed instructions on how to reset my electric power! Furthermore, the social events that Connect-123 set up for us allowed us to experience the various facets of Cape Town while CONNECTING (pun intended) with other individuals from all around the world! Overall, I highly recommend this experience to anyone who is willing to step outside of his/her comfort zone and seeks growth outside of the typical educational/career path; you will not regret it.
Internships in Cape Town
Feyi Awofala
My experience in Cape Town from start to finish was amazing. From the first day I was welcomed with such warmth all the Connect-123 staff were so kind and helpful. From organizing great events and activities to being a constant line of support and advice. Yet most importantly my internship was valuable and I really appreciated connect finding me a great internship with a very well respected architect like Andy Horn who was a great mentor. Overall I loved every second of my time in Cape Town and would like to say cheers to all the people who made it so special.
Internships in Cape Town
