Angeli Damodaran: Human Rights internship programme review and rating.

Angeli Damodaran: Human Rights internship programme mid programme update.

star rating of our programmesstar rating of our programmesstar rating of our programmesstar rating of our programmesstar rating of our programmesstar rating of our programmesstar rating of our programmesstar rating of our programmesstar rating of our programmesstar rating of our programmes

In , Angeli (from Australia) completed a 8 week internship programme with Bridging Gaps in the amazing city of Cape Town, South Africa. The primary career area of Angeli's internship programme was Human Rights.

Angeli's mid stay check in!

SUMMARY

Overview of Angeli's internship programme:

Year:
Duration:
8
weeks
Location:
South Africa
Prog Choice:
CareerFocus:
Social justice, Refugee work
Nationality:
Status:
Undergraduate
Institute:
University of Adelaide
checkmark
KEY INSIGHT

Angeli's detailed ratings

See a breakdown

Here's how Angeli rated the different aspects of her Human Rights internship programme.

Overall Rating: 10/10
star rating of our programmesstar rating of our programmesstar rating of our programmesstar rating of our programmesstar rating of our programmesstar rating of our programmesstar rating of our programmesstar rating of our programmesstar rating of our programmesstar rating of our programmes

Angeli's detailed review of her experience.

01
Placement & programme experience
02
Location experience
03
Bridging Gaps' services & support experience
Placement & Programme
What were your reasons for wanting to complete a Human Rights internship programme in South Africa?

I studied international development so I wanted experience in an organization based in a third world country. Cape Town for me was by chance since I had researched every country in the world and the opportunities available. I researched Cape Town and decided that was the one. It seemed like a nice atmosphere, there’s heaps to do and so many opportunities internship wise.

What kind of internship experience were you initially looking for?

I was looking for an internship that was human rights related so either children or anti-human trafficking. I really wanted to do human trafficking and you guys found a few possible organizations to work with but they were mostly research-based which was not what I was looking for. I decided to go with Regency who works with kids and I’m really glad I did.

How did your actual internship placement compare to your ideal internship experience? ?

A lot better than I expected. Especially changing from when my mind was set on human trafficking, but I am so glad I did this one instead. I don’t think I would have enjoyed the work and environment as much as my current internship.

Did you receive sufficient levels of supervision and guidance from your colleagues at your host organisation?

Were you given adequate responsibilities during your internship?

Yeah. They would give you all the jobs they would like you to do and leave it to you to just to it. If you need help you could ask, but you just made it happen.

Did taking part in your internship challenge you and help develop your skills?

Yes. I think I got very good with communication and dealing with different types of people. Working with the CEO, negotiating, communicating via phone and email.

Do you feel that you were given the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to your local host organisation?

Overall, was this international internship a worthwhile experience that will help you achieve your career goals?

Yes. They just offer so many things, I was able to be involved with so many areas of the company.

Location
What fears did you have before coming to with Bridging Gaps?

I wouldn’t say fear but a little hesitation around safety. If I was by myself, how would I handle that?

What do you think about those fears now?

I don’t think I’ve had an experience where I was genuinely concerned for my safety. I’ve never experienced that in Cape Town. You’re very safe if you are aware and everyone is very friendly. That’s what shocked me the most. Every morning people greet you on the street, they’re so lovely and sweet here.

After spending some time in the city, what is your impression of Cape Town?

It's so diverse. There are so many different things, different people, different areas. If you go to Woodstock it's very artsy, the waterfront is a bit posher and then down the road is Bo Kaap which is so cultural. There are just so many places to explore. You won’t get bored.

Would you recommend Cape Town as a worthwhile and enjoyable place to visit?

Yeah!

Service & Support
Did Bridging Gaps help you prepare for your trip sufficiently? E.g. placement search, communications, mentoring?

Communication was really good! Lucie was really helpful especially when finding the internship, she kept giving me options and options. It was good I think it was what I needed. All the opportunities were so different but also what I wanted at the same time. She was also helpful in letting me know what to bring and how to plan.

How was your experience of Bridging Gaps while you were on the ground in ?

It was good. I was on the program with less support on the ground so I arrived knowing I would be very independent. It was nice that you guys were always checking in on me. It was nice to have someone genuinely asking how I’m going and helping to offer things to do

What was the best feature of the Bridging Gaps Bootstrap internship programme?

Did Bridging Gaps help you prepare for your trip sufficiently? E.g. placement search, communications, mentoring?

Communication was really good! Lucie was really helpful especially when finding the internship, she kept giving me options and options. It was good I think it was what I needed. All the opportunities were so different but also what I wanted at the same time. She was also helpful in letting me know what to bring and how to plan.

Would you recommend pursuing a Human Rights internship programme in Cape Town with us to others?

Yes. When I booked with you I had already spoken to most internship companies globally. I thought you were really great in the services you provide and also the option of the different packages you offer which really makes you stand out.

In what ways could our internship programmes be improved?

Before you applied, how did you feel about the programme fees?

Having completed your placement and had the experiences you've have, what do you think about the fees now?

What would you say to someone that is considering an internship here but is concerned about the fees?

Anything else you would like to add?

I really like the Bootstrap package. I think it's a nice level of support. If you pick that at the start you know you want to do the internship a bit more independently. We know you’re there if we need you and the option for activities is there. So it's up to the intern to decide how much support they’d like which worked well for me.

I really like the Bootstrap package. I think it's a nice level of support. If you pick that at the start you know you want to do the internship a bit more independently. We know you’re there if we need you and the option for activities is there. So it's up to the intern to decide how much support they’d like which worked well for me.

Check out our Human Rights programme

Click below to see more a more detailed description of our programme to see if it can give you the career boost you're looking for.

Human Rights Internship Programmes

Challenge yourself, work on your personal development, learn from dedicated and passionate colleagues and assist an inspirational organisation in their work towards social justice and the promotion of human rights. Our human rights internships give you the chance to make a genuine difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of South African society whilst gaining a valuable insight into what daily life working for NGOs or advocacy organisations is really like.

Internship Focus Options:

Social justice, Refugee work

Women’s rights

Healthcare

Youth empowerment

Human Rights Internship Programmes
IN PERSON
REMOTE
Download and read a free guide.

13 Essential Insights for a Fulfilling and Safe Internship in Cape Town

TAKE ME TO THE GUIDE