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.