There were three or four countries that I wanted to go to! But after researching a bit, Cape Town won! Firstly because it was cheaper and secondly because there were so many things to do. I could work and gain experience, and also have a lot of things to do, so it would be like a holiday. I didn't want to spend the money and only work all the time.

I wanted management consulting and I wanted a practical hands-on experience where I was actually involved in cases to learn what casework actually involved.

They were super eager and very helpful, but they weren’t very organised. I ended up doing a lot of small tasks - I still learned a lot but it wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for.

I wouldn’t say it challenged me, but I would say I learned a lot. I got to shadow most of the people working there. Initially, if I had been told I was only going to shadow people, then I would have said there's no point, but I did end up learning a lot. They were very very open so I could ask anyone anything. I had sitdowns with the CEO and the Managing Director and they explained a lot of stuff to me, and they involved me in all their meetings so I got insight just from listening. So in that regard, I developed my knowledge, but not so much a skill set.

Yeah. I do think so yes. Just being in the consulting world was very helpful. It could have been better, but it was still definitely worth it.

I didn’t really have any fears. I knew there would be a bit more poverty and lower living standards, but I wasn’t actually too scared of anything. I did get a bit of a shock on my first day, just how much poverty exists here, but I got over that quickly.

I think I’ve been in poor places before, but I assumed it would be the same. It was maybe a bit more intense than I thought it would be. I don't really know how I could have prepared for that more or how you could have prepared me for that more. Maybe I should have just researched it myself.

I think it really is so diverse. It's really nice to see so many different cultures existing in one small area and also mingling so well. Cape Town is a really cool city with a really cool vibe!

Yes, absolutely! I’d probably warn them a little bit about the culture shock but yes absolutely.

Yeah, absolutely I was actually so impressed by Lucie. This was one of the reasons why I chose Bridging Gaps. I was actually looking at another well-established company. Then I had one phone call with Lucie and I was like, yes absolutely! And then the whole way through, she constantly checked in, nearly answered all my questions before I even got to ask them. She always gave me information when I needed it.

Yeah, I think you guys were really good! Whenever I needed you, you were always there!

I was really impressed with the organisation and how you helped me when I arrived in Cape Town, and I think that was the biggest role you had to play. But also just the general insight and being available when we need you, and trying to cultivate a nice atmosphere for all the interns were great.

Yeah, absolutely I was actually so impressed by Lucie. This was one of the reasons why I chose Bridging Gaps. I was actually looking at another well-established company. Then I had one phone call with Lucie and I was like, yes absolutely! And then the whole way through, she constantly checked in, nearly answered all my questions before I even got to ask them. She always gave me information when I needed it.

Yeah absolutely!

I think from my experience, it would be good to check with the company beforehand whether they have a plan beforehand for what they are going to be doing, especially if its a new company you’re working with. But other than that I can't think of anything.

Well, this is one of the reasons I went with you; because Bridging Gaps is a very good value for the money. I thought it was a really good price.

I do think in hindsight, that the concierge is almost double the price, for the extra services. These are really good services, the accommodation and the social stuff, and what I absolutely wanted. But I’m not sure that there should be such a big difference between the two programmes.