I had started changing my career path and wanted to step into education in more developing countries. When I initially looked into options abroad, I thought I would love to work with an education non profit to get more into the ground level work. I really just wanted to come and have the opportunity to be on the ground doing grassroots work since in school I studied more high level stuff. I also wanted to be in Cape Town since it looked like such a nice place.

I was initially looking for an education nonprofit that did grass roots development work as well as advocacy. After completing my internship I realised that the advocacy level of nonprofits I’m used to in the US doesn’t really exist here in the same realm. It was really great to speak to my team to implement advocacy as a new program for them, which was really cool.

Yes!

When I arrived the whole team was busy with preparation for a new program, so we did a lot of monogamous work at first. But towards the end, they had me develop an entire new program for students and I was able to really put my hand in things. It was tricky because some days the wifi would go out which affected work but that was not a reflection of the company but the circumstances and it was eye opening of how dependent we are of our environment. It was such a rewarding experience.

Part of me thought it could have been a scam and was really nervous. I got in touch with a former intern beforehand to learn more about Bridging Gaps which helped put me at ease. I also didn’t know what to expect with safety.

I feel a lot better, if you are smart and know the basic rules and take extra precautions you are totally safe.

It was amazing! You could wake up in the morning and go hike, then go to work, then go home and go to the beach for a few hours, then go for a sunset hike. There's so much to do all the time. I definitely enjoyed being in a city and having the mountains nearby.

Definitely! Things I would recommend doing is hiking, getting to know the locals. I joined an online group called chicks who hike which was really cool. That’s something if I stayed longer, I would try to do more of- trying to get to know the local people. I would also recommend staying at the Bridging Gaps house because it made it so easy to find things to do and people to hang out with.

Yes everything was so easy.

Honestly, I thought you guys were great. When I arrived there was a big sign and I felt like this is exactly where I’m supposed to be, so thank you! I think back to when I had an ear issue, you guys dropped me off, waited for me and got me coffee. When I first arrived there was an immediate wine tasting event which was great so I could meet people. Overall you guys were really really helpful.

You guys literally found me the perfect internship which is crazy!

Yes everything was so easy.

Yes, definitely! My advice would be to do what I did and speak to someone who’s been on the programs before so you can get an understanding of how everything works.

Honestly, I don’t really know – I thought you guys were great! I did think there would be more social events but Freeland definitely provided that. The wine tasting we did with Bridging gaps was so fun!

It’s so long ago I don’t even remember! I do remember thinking it was funny to pay to go work, but then I realized I’m actually paying to be in Cape Town and have that abroad experience. That’s what I’m really paying for. Realistically though, I thought the fees were really reasonable considering all they included. Bridging Gaps made things so easy I was willing to pay for that ease. I remember there being two program options and that was also great to be able to choose what worked for me.