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!