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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Sangeeta Sharmin
If you’re reading this and considering doing an internship with Connect123 in Cape Town…definitely do it! I had an amazing and unforgettable experience in Cape Town, both from a personal and professional perspective. My internship exceeded all of my expectations and I strongly recommend others to take the chance. I worked at a human rights law firm that specialized in refugee law, constitutional issues, gender violence and land law to name a few areas. Tasks I helped with included client intake and interviews, research, drafting legal documents, negotiations with Government departments and the police, as well as attending court hearings. The team I worked with was supportive, fun and absolutely inspiring. I was given real work and responsibility from literally Day 1! Overall, the work experience I obtained was more than I had hoped for and completely relevant to my future aspirations. The team at Connect123 were amazing! Their help before and during my time in Cape Town allowed me to make the most of my internship opportunity. They offered a placement that suited my needs, organized logistics prior to my arrival, prepared great social events, provided support as well as an instant network of friends and activities to take part in. Cape Town is a beautiful city and I encourage everyone to visit. There are so many incredible things to do – hiking, beaches, safari and shark-cage diving just to name a few! I met some amazing, fun and incredible people and together we fully immersed ourselves in the beautiful culture and lifestyle of South Africa by trying something new almost everyday. You will not be bored while in Cape Town! I strongly recommend the Connect-123 program to anyone who would like to experience more than just an internship. I had an unforgettable international internship experience that opened doors for my professional future and also allowed me to personally grow as a person. As they say: “I came here to change Cape Town, but Cape Town changed me”.
Internships in Cape Town
Bradley Wilson
My time in Cape Town, South Africa was a fantastic experience that I will remember fondly for the rest of my life. Working the the human rights sector, I was able to be an active part of helping local communities work through the ongoing issues of xenophobia, racism, and equality. Over my two months in Cape Town I gained comprehensive human rights education, a broader understanding of African culture, insight into how the non-profit sector operates, and lots of new friends and memories. Connect-123 helped match me up with a perfect host organization, provided opportunities for local travel, and allowed me to share the experience with other interns from all over the world! Reflecting back on the two months, it is evident how this experience is shaping my career goals in the future. While I do not know if I will pursue non-profit work, these two months sparked my interest in digital communication, relational work, and global cooperation. My technical education and background gave me a unique perspective and background in addressing human rights issues this summer, and will continue to do so as I continue my education. I am incredibly thankful for Connect-123 in helping to make this opportunity possible!
Internships in Cape Town
Audra Richards
It's difficult to find words to explain my Cape Town experience. It was life-changing, enlightening, and truly the best five months of my life. My internship was more than I could have hoped for. I didn't imagine that I would be attending Parliament sessions, meeting ambassadors, and interacting with Members of Parliament. I also gained invaluable research skills, critical writing skills, and knowledge on pan-African and global issues through my work at a top-notch NGO. My experience has undeniably boosted my resume, and it definitely solidified my interest in international relations and human rights. Cape Town itself is a wonderful place to live - beautiful, vibrant, exciting, and full of great people. Connect-123 made my time there easy and worry-free, and were always there to help. I highly, highly recommend doing an internship with Connect-123!
Internships in Cape Town
Daniela Juzl
Interning in Cape Town was definitely the best decision I have ever made! It was a life changing experience, not only did I learn at my internship and strengthen my professional resume, but I also enjoyed a cosmopolitan and multicultural experience offered by this amazing city! Through Connect-123 I was able to secure a great internship in an organization of my choosing, which helped me gain hands on experience in a career in my professional field. I worked at an organization that worked with refugees from all over Africa, which was a very enriching experience. Connect-123 was very helpful throughout the whole process, from helping me choose an organization to intern at, all the way to making sure that I was enjoying and making the most of my work abroad. Making the decision to go to Cape Town was easy, because I knew that I had people that I could count on for the duration of my trip! The people at Connect-123 were not only friendly, helpful and reliable, but they also gave great advice on what to do while we were there! Besides giving us accommodation with other students our age, Connect-123 also organized various excursions and activities, which allowed everyone on the trip to view more of this magnificent country, experience local wonders, and make lasting friendships with fellow Connecters. I would definitely recommend Connect-123 for anyone looking to find a professional internship abroad, as well as an amazing experience in a foreign country.
Internships in Cape Town
Sarah Lucey
My time in Cape Town was life changing. I had a lot of wonderful experiences around the city and the beautiful country of South Africa. In my free time I went skydiving, surfing, wine tasting, hiking and so much more. My most rewarding of activities however was my internship at a human rights organisation, working in the Education Programme. I worked with a really great team of social workers, programme officers and other interns who work hard to advocate for the rights of and raise the standard of living of the refugees and asylum seekers that came in for our assistance. Under the supportive supervision of the staff at the centre, I learned how to assess our clients for vulnerability to assist with school fees, uniforms and stationary for their children. I also implemented a new advocacy program, called Peace Through Play for primary schools as an integrative way to teach respect and love for different cultures. I recognized a lack of actual programs with the children, and suggested this one for grade 3 learners in schools we knew to have a mix of local and refugee students. The program was well received by the students, the schools and the organisation, and I am proud to hear it is still thriving after I left my placement there. The work wasn't always easy, but the successes we witnessed were amazing to see and learn from. The shear strength that our clients possess to have managed escaping war ridden countries, and living in families torn apart in a new home who's people don't fully accept them is the most admirable thing I have ever seen. I will never forget and always be grateful for this opportunity!
Internships in Cape Town
Nathan Seef
I knew going into my senior year I wanted to do an internship abroad to gain experience in the human rights sector. Choosing to go with Connect-123 to Cape Town, South Africa, as a human rights intern for two months made this decision easily the best I have ever made. I can’t say enough good things about my experience working towards and in Cape Town. Connect-123 made the pre-trip process quite easy. They were extremely helpful in understanding the type of internship that I wanted to have and how to get me there in the most effective way. The experience in Cape Town is beyond anything I can explain. Work was extremely interesting. I always felt a part of the team when working with my NGO whether I was doing research, doing interviews at service centres or going into the townships to run educational workshops. What I quickly realized was that while I had gone to Cape Town for work experience the whole living experience was incredible. There is never a dull moment in Cape Town and the surrounding areas. Connect-123 was great at planning fun activities for us including but not limited to wine tours, township tours and kayaking with the whales. All of this while gaining valuable work experience. Other activities I did on my own and with friends that I met in Cape Town (some of which will most definitely be life long friends) were bungee jumping, safaris, many beach visits, restaurant tourism (amazing seafood!), climbing mountains, shark cage diving and so much more! Even the small things make you smile on a daily basis. Walking home from work, no matter how busy or hectic my day was, walking home with a beautiful mountain staring at you just puts you to peace. The scenery and lifestyle on a daily basis is just a pleasure! There is a lot of work to be done in Cape Town to improve the living conditions of many and with Connect-123 you can help make a difference in any way you find most interesting and really gain experience in every facet of life while doing it. I will always look back fondly with at my time in Cape Town and Connect-123 was a huge part of making it happen. Saying thank you could never encompass it properly but, THANK YOU!
Internships in Cape Town
Patrick Corcoran
I worked with former President FW de Klerk at his foundation: FW de Klerk Foundation and the Center for Constitutional Rights. I worked side by side with South African scholars who sought to ensure the Constitution was respected by all levels of government and that all minorities within South Africa were treated fairly under the law. Some of the major issues the Foundation focuses on include: Affirmative Action or Cadre Deployment, The Afrikaans Language, and Voting for citizens abroad. Patrick is now working as a research associate at the Public Affairs Council. In addition, he was granted a research assistsantship for Dr. Maryann Cusimano Love at the Institute of Policy Research and Catholic Studies. Patrick is also an adjunct consultant with Consultancy Africa Intel and an international political consultant with Influentials Network.
Internships in Cape Town
Francesca Pastore
I am an italian student and I came to Cape Town to volunteer at a refugee NGO in the city bowl! I was a bit afraid when I first arrived in Cape Town, because I expected a completely different environment and I didn’t know what I should expect from my day to day life. But fortunately my experience was amazing, thanks also to the marvellous staff of connect-123 that welcomed me and helped me for all the three months in South Africa!!! I suggest everyone who wants to come to CT to join connect-123 to find amazing friends from all over the world to share your experience with!!!
Internships in Cape Town
Segolene Savoye de Puineuf
I just got back from 6 months in the beautiful Cape Town and one thing is sure I would not mind going back tomorrow. During that time I was an intern at a National Human Rights Institution constitutionally mandated to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights in South Africa. I worked on different reports, attended Parliament meetings and conducted a survey with refugees and people from the townships. These different tasks confirmed my interest for the human rights field. My experience also gave me the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds (members of parliament, refugees, ordinary citizens), which improved my ability to work with people from overseas. In addition to the professional experience gained I got to visit an amazing city. There is always something to do in Cape Town whether during the day or during the night. I met so many incredible people from South Africa and from other countries. I will never forget my time there and it taught me some valuable lessons. I cherish all those South African memories and I am very much looking forward to going back one day. Once again thank you to Connect Staff for giving me this opportunity and for being there no matter what (wounded finger, accommodation…). Merci.
Shamsa Suleiman
The experience I had with Connect-123 and the human rights organisation where I worked will be something that I will remember for as long as I live!! Despite working five days a week and volunteering to teach in Gugulethu on Saturdays I still managed to surf, bungee jump, hike Table Mountain, swim, learn Xhosa, go to the World Cup matches, facilitate human rights workshops and tour the city. I learnt that there are those who have very little but appreciate and live everyday to the fullest! I will be forever grateful.
Internships in Cape Town
Rebecca Sloan
My name is Rebecca Sloan and I was in Cape Town with Connect from the beginning of May to the end of August 2010. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget. I met some incredible people and saw things that I couldn’t even imagine. Cape Town is the city with endless possibilities and things to do. You definitely have to go to Camps Bay, drive the coast, do as much traveling as possible and meet as many people as you can. Connect 123 was a great program to go through because it made meeting people easy and the transition into a whole new world seamless. I definitely recommend Connect and Cape Town for the experience of a lifetime.
Internships in Cape Town
Elizabeth Tswana
My time at a gender advocacy organisation was amazing because I sharpened my research, communication and networking skills. I really wish I could have extended my stay because there was so much to learn. The staff were very friendly and the Connect-123 team were always ready to help. I personally volunteered soon after graduating because I wanted to gain relevant working experience in something I am passionate about. If you want to volunteer in the best city in South Africa with the best entertainment and great people, Connect-123 can make it happen!
Internships in Cape Town
Marni Salmon
I don’t think there are words that can adequately describe my experience in Cape Town. I’ve heard people talk about “life-altering” experiences, and my internship with Connect-123 gave me mine. The work I did over the course of my three-month internship will play a defining role in my professional life. Working in Cape Town not only gave me the opportunity to be a part of an incredible, grassroots civic education project, but I also learned a great deal about the culture and history of Cape Town. Connect-123 is always putting together amazing daytrips, and the staff is always there to help make your time in Cape Town as rich as possible. It is an experience you will never forget!
Internships in Cape Town
Steve Hopwood
I came to the refugee center in Cape Town expecting to be around every type of person this world has to offer. My goal was just to have overseas experience to have on my cv. I got so much more out of my volunteer experience than simple overseas experience. At the refugee center you sharpen communication skills, research skills, networking skills and gain friends. The best part for me was the people. I’d walk down the street and see friends and co-workers as well as the refugees. Most of the refugees help you more than you help them. Many come in with advanced degrees and are willing to help you as well.
Internships in Cape Town
Brad O’ Neil
I came to Cape Town not knowing what to expect. What I experienced, however, far exceeded any expectations I could have had. Connect-123 not only places individuals in internships that suit their unique interests, they constantly strive to provide their interns with as broad a perspective of Cape Town as they can. From organizing day trips to popular tourist destinations and local events to providing a constant flow of volunteer opportunities, Connect-123 always has the best interests of their interns in mind. I would encourage anyone who is interested in performing meaningful work, learning about different cultures, and interacting with a diverse group of wonderful people to seek out a placement with Connect-123!
Adam Hewson
Oh how the time flies… It’s been a whole two months since I first walked in the doors of my internship with a refugee advocacy organisation, and on that day I had no idea what kind of a job I was getting into. The first big surprise which I encountered here was how much I was turned to for my knowledge and experience. In Canada, an intern is essentially the bottom of the food chain in any given office. Interns are told to write reports, get coffee, and maybe hunt down some information or a file. That is to say, we get the jobs that are brainless enough that they don’t need someone experienced, and are the jobs that the experienced neither have the time nor the desire to do. Here on the other hand… My first day my fellow intern and I were tasked to design a number of pamphlets to educate different sections of society on Xenophobia (a word which will come to dominate my professional life for the next two months). Of course, Xenophobia is a concept which is quite foreign to Canadians. Not to say that it doesn’t exist in Canada, just that the effects are minimal and we tend to pretend that it’s not there. This meant that from day one I was tasked with the job of teaching others about a concept which was somewhat foreign to me. This challenged me to step up, and I very quickly learned about the specifics of South African Xenophobia, its history as well as its effects on society, and transfer that knowledge on to others. The next task I was given was to design a programme to be presented at schools to teach children about Xenophobia. Fortunately I have a fairly substantial background in African current events (at least for a Canadian undergrad student), so I stuck to what I knew and decided that the best way to build empathy for refugees would be to show children the kinds of situations from which these people are fleeing. This has been a bit of a personal struggle for me. On the one hand, anyone who studies war extensively knows that it is not a fun situation, and would completely understand the desire to leave areas in conflict. On the other hand, these are children which I’ve been teaching this to, and I know that when I was a child, I would not have been mentally prepared for the knowledge of many of the things which go on in the world. This has resulted in a balancing act of the twin purposes of teaching about conflict in order to build empathy, and leaving out enough detail so as not to terrify the children. My time here has also given valuable experience in a number of other ways. I’ve seen firsthand the effects of different organizational structures and how that affects how a job gets done, as well as frustrations which can arise when these types of organizations interact. I’ve visited my first refugee camp (which officially did not exist) near Paarl, a rather eye opening experience. What shocked me most was that despite the poor conditions in the camp, all the refugees asked for was to help them return home. Not one asked for meals, warmer or softer beds, or entertainment; they just asked to return to their community. I was inspired by them, to say the least. I’ve also had the privilege to see many of the idiosyncrasies of South African, or at least Capetonian, life. Contradictions between government rhetoric and actions, problems in humanitarian coordination, public misconceptions over many issues and how these misconceptions and beliefs can vary drastically even between neighbouring communities, how the root cause of a social phenomenon may manifest itself in surprising ways, et cetera, et cetera. To say the least, it’s been an amazing learning experience. I’m not sure if I’m actually able to articulate the full impact of what I’ve seen and done here has had on me, nor am I sure if I will ever be able to. All I can say for sure is that these last two months have gone by far too quickly, but that even from such a short time working here I will be far more prepared for any future career which I undertake in this field, as well as future studies which I may conduct. My most sincere thanks go out to all of the staff, who have welcomed me with open arms into their organization, as well as the many other people whom I have worked with, who have all given me two of the best months of my life.
Internships in Cape Town
David Hakan Bjornhage
Currently in Geneva, Switzerland and contemplating and gathering my thoughts concerning my stay in South Africa and my work at the refugee centre. Almost 6 months have passed since my arrival in Cape Town in February 2010 and it is a bit hard to believe that time can have passed by so quickly. When I now look back to what I’ve learned and experienced there are a few things I would like to highlight. First of all, I am pleased that I chose Cape Town as the destination of my internship. The primary reason for this is the combination on the one side of its truly amazing natural surroundings and leisure activities which comprise an excellent tourist destination (the wineries of Stellenbosch and hiking excursions up table mountain being some of my favorite activities!), and on the other hand its pressing and difficult social and economic issues which affect so many people’s lives; South Africans and foreigners alike. The myriad of these issues and the pot-pourri of Cape Town in terms of cultural diversity have made the city a very interesting place of study and I believe that the refugee centre was a very suitable place of departure for such a study. The refugee centre gave me the opportunity to become engaged in different aspects of its organization with the result of not only providing me with an understanding of the organization itself (the important role that NGOs play in filling social gaps in society), but also of the many difficulties facing asylum-seekers and refugees. Challenges and difficulties that these people perceived on a daily basis could consist of discrimination and xenophobia; issues which infiltrated their workplace, their residential areas, or social networks. My main work with the Employment Help Desk (EHD), but also through teaching, specific projects and research, gave me valuable insights into these challenges. The interaction with the clients provoked a great deal of interesting discussion and thought and it has also provided me with new problem-solving tools in dealing with people. But the refugee centre has more importantly left me with exceptional memories of strong and skilled individuals struggling to create new lives for themselves in a new country and in the face of adversity. And this is inspirational. Well, I would just like to end by conveying a big thanks to everyone once again for my time there.
Internships in Cape Town
Caroline Stone
Everyday I wake up and miss Cape Town. I miss the adventures I had and the people I met. I loved the last few weeks I had travelling throughout Africa. I was with Overlanding Africa on my trip through Tanzania and Kenya – everything about it was breathtaking. I now understand what people mean when they say that once you leave Africa a part of you will always feel as though it was home. My pictures are priceless and looking at them brings mixed emotions, a longing for a place that changed me, mixed with joy and awe that I was ever there. Everyone at Connect-123 did an amazing job making me feel welcome, comfortable, and most importantly home when I was so far away from everything I know. I can never thank you enough, Africa was everything I’d hoped it would be and more and nothing can compare. As for the internship, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment when I helped the ladies of the refugee organisation put together their volunteer workshop which helped bring together everyone who wanted to be a part of the project and gave them the information they needed to get involved. Gayle and Gahlia welcomed me into the organisation in a way I never could have imagined – I felt needed and significant, I wasn’t just an intern, I was a member of their team and a person who was given the chance to make a difference. The people who are part of the refugee project are inspirational beyond words, they are dedicated and hard working and some of the most caring people I’ve ever met. They inspired me to do and be more, and I can only hope that came through in the work that I did while there. Working closely with refugees made me nervous at first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to be a reliable source of aid, but arriving there put my nerves at ease, every day is a gift there. Every person I met had a strength and hope that encouraged me to do as much as I could to make a difference for them. The boys at the refugee house are so loved, and working there gave me the chance to foster that love and care, work to make their lives better, and hopefully create chances and opportunity for anyone else that came there for help. My trip has made it clear to me that I want to go back to graduate school and study international relations or political science and hopefully follow that with a law degree focusing on International and/or Human Rights law.
Internships in Cape Town
Persis Eskander
Before I left for my internship a lot of people were shocked to hear that I was planning on spending three months in Cape Town. They had heard and believed only the negative information that reached them. I know I won’t be the first to proudly dispel your fears (if you have any). South Africa is a beautiful country, full of culture, adventure, and excitement. Cape Town is without a doubt stunning. I don’t recall ever feeling quite as happy as I did waking up to look out at Table Mountain and the striking city below. But if mountains aren’t your thing, Cape Town is rich in beaches, bars and clubs, restaurants, and of course shops! I interned with a non-governmental human rights organization that specialized in economic and social rights for women and children, and all I can really say is that three months were not long enough. The ladies that run the office are fantastic, great minds and even greater hearts. Working at the regional office meant there was a lot of work to offload and from day 1 I was given responsibilities and tasks, so that I never felt like I was wasting time. Although it takes many years to be able to reap the rewards of your work in human rights, I was truly made to feel that I had contributed greatly. Working there strengthened my desire to pursue a career in human rights, and the ladies I worked with won’t be forgotten easily! Of course, what would a testimonial be, without a huge word of thanks to Connect-123 for organizing and facilitating the whole internship. They were at hand, providing assistance as soon as I expressed an interest in taking an internship, and their fastidious support was immensely relieving. They had an answer to every question and a solution to any problem. They were also fantastic in organizing weekly events, whether they were drinks at a cozy bar, or a great day out to see the sights on the weekends. Connect-123 gave me the opportunity to experience what will assuredly be one of the best summers of my life.
Internships in Cape Town
Esther Irving
My time in South Africa was inspiring as I worked government bodies, an advocacy NGO as well as helped run a workshop in an informal settlement while I was there. Despite my short period with Connect-123, they were extremely helpful in all matters and helped make my experience in Cape Town as fulfilling and rewarding as possible. The city is beautiful, the people welcoming and warm and there is so much to do! My favourite part of my time in South Africa was the warmth with which the people welcomed me and the multitude of jazz clubs and quirky little restaurants speckled around the city. It is a wonderful place to do an internship and I would highly recommend it.
Internships in Cape Town
