Getting your dream internship all starts with you saying hello! Just pop your details into our enquiry form and we'll reach out to schedule a conversation with you that we call a 'discovery call'.
In your discovery call, you can ask us any questions you still have. We'll talk about your options in the career fields you've told us you're interested in to help you imagine your placement and decide if our service is right for you.
If everything sounds good to you, complete your application to put into words your dream programme. This forms the basis of the 'design' of your customised placement and will be the primary framework against which we validate potentially suitable opportunities.
We maintain a large and varied network of the best organisations in Cape Town. We will identify the best potential fits for your programme goals and preferences and reach out on your behalf to assess those organisations for suitability (learn about their current projects and initiatives).
Once you've confirmed which placement offer you prefer, we'll start helping you plan the rest of your trip. We'll book your accommodation, help with your travel arrangements, provide you with information on our set arrival dates and offer extensive advice on how to get ready for your time in Cape Town. Your Bridging Gaps mentor will be on hand to make sure you're fully prepared for your placement.
FEATURED INTERN & VOLUNTEER ALUMNI NETWORK
A BG representative will be waiting for you at the airport on your specified arrival day to take you to your accommodation and they will make sure that you have everything you need for a comfortable first night in Cape Town.
We'll get you orientated with your surroundings and generally do all we can to make sure that you are happy and secure in your new Cape Town pad. We'll help you get set up with Wi-Fi and assist you with purchasing a local sim card, so you can easily stay in touch with your friends and family back home.
One of the most valuable parts of a programme abroad is meeting like-minded people to share your experiences with. We'll introduce you to the community of Bridging Gaps interns and we'll help you get your bearings of the city. We love showing visitors our favourite local spots through our group orientation days.
It's crucial to us that you get the very most out of your placement. We'll give you workplace training, help you with skills development and learning plans and make sure that you are thriving in every aspect of your programme.
We will always be on hand to give you placement advice, provide guidance on things to do in the city, arrange appointments or help you overcome any challenges you might have. 24/7 support means we're here for you whenever you need us.
Once you've had a good read through of our website, including testimonials from previous Bridging Gaps interns, get in touch via our enquiry form so that we can tell you more about how we can help you design a tailored programme to meet your personal and professional goals as well as your travel aspirations.
A member of our team will arrange a time to chat with you so that we can get to know you and understand your exact requirements from an experiential and educational perspective.
We’ll cover:
• What you want to gain from the experience
• Your ideal organisation
• Your ideal Cape Town experience
• How our application and placement search process works
• How we can assist you with your whole trip
• Our two programme packages and all costs
• Timings of when it is best for you to come
We will then send you some more information so that you can take the time you need to decide whether you'd like us to have a go at finding you a suitable placement. You'll receive our;
• Programme Application
• Accommodation Information
• Programme Specific Information (Bootstrap and Concierge)
If you decide that we're the right provider for you, you'll need to complete our application form so that we can begin designing your perfect programmes. Our application process is very straightforward and you'll have a Bridging Gaps mentor to help you whenever you need it.
You'll receive an invoice for a fully refundable deposit which you can request back if you are not happy with any of the placement opportunities that we find you.
Once we receive your completed application and your deposit payment, we will start our detailed search across more than 450 local organisations and contacts, to find you the most suitable internship or volunteer placement.
Our search for the best placement for you sometimes may result in a combination of different opportunities, to make sure we get you the experiences you are looking for.
We aim to have your first placement offer to you within 3 weeks but we'll continue exploring opportunities for you until you are 100% happy that we've found you the right one. We'll provide you with all the information you need to make a well informed and confident decision.
Once you have accepted a placement with a local organisation we will help you arrange your travel plans. We'll work closely with you to decide which accommodation option meets your personal preferences and needs and we'll arrange everything for you.
We'll provide you with an extensive information pack to help you prepare for your time in Cape Town which covers everything you need to know about life in the city. We'll also provide workplace and placement specific training to make sure you feel confident and equipped to start your placement.
*The level of assistance you receive prior to your trip is dependent on the package you choose.
We have written a PDF guide that talks more about what to expect. You can download it for free:
SHOW ME THE GUIDEWe have specifically designed our programmes with YOU in mind! To make the arrival process as easy and enjoyable as possible, we suggest arriving in Cape Town on one of our recommended arrival days!
These arrival dates coincide with our group orientations and airport collection services.
This will give you the opportunity to join our group orientation and meet like-minded interns who are also new to Cape Town.
You will take part in our group orientation where we will tell you about the best shops, restaurants and cafes to visit and given information on amazing local spots in Cape Town.
We'll tell you everything you need to know about transport, health and safety, tipping, local culture and events in Cape Town. We'll make sure you have all the information and resources you need to feel confident and safe during your time here.
We arrange your first day of placement and will ensure you are 100% comfortable with your transport route so you are comfortable enough to handle it on your own.
We have written a PDF guide that talks more about what to expect. You can download it for free:
SHOW ME THE GUIDEYou will greatly benefit from regular check-ins to ensure you are learning and benefitting from your placement in line with your programme objectives. We will support you to make sure you thrive in your host organisation and feel confident in overcoming any challenges you face.
Your satisfaction is also ensured by our Re:Placement promise for total peace of mind.
Following your placement, you will receive professional letters of reference and we provide continued career advice and support.
Hang out with other interns and volunteers during our social events and excursions.
Concierge Only: Make full use of the discounts we have secured for you on lots of attractions and activities.
We'll be nearby and ready to respond to whatever request you have.
Call, text, meet – whatever you need, wherever you are, whenever you need it!
You'll be part of a supportive and friendly community to share your experiences with and you'll make life long friends from around the world.
