I was looking for a chance to build on my CV. I knew I was going to a country with an emerging economy with development issues, so I was looking at working on that at the same time. I wanted an internship in an NGO focused on development basically.
It was a lot better than I expected, because I was allowed to use my own initiative. I got to work on projects by myself. I was given a lot freedom to do thinks how I wanted to. I really felt like I was a team member, not an intern.
Yes, I was seated opposite my boss for marketing, so it was just a case of him calling me over for things throughout the day. And If I did a piece of work or assignment I could just walk over and ask him to go through it with me on the spot. They were always very responsive.
Yes, I was! I was actually promoted to research coordinator. I started as the Junior researcher, and then got promoted to research coordinator.
Yes, especially with marketing. I’ve also greatly improved my writing skills and communication skills. I learned how to properly write emails, and I realized how awful my grammar was and have made a point of working on improving it. My mentor would always check through my work and make a few changes and then advise how to improve. I’ve learnt a lot that I can take back to the UK.
Yes, because I was given projects to work on, and then took part in implementing the projects within the community. For example, “Responsible Me” is a huge syllabus at Regency Global, because the HIV Aids program in South Africa. We took the syllabus apart and turned into a life skills course. Then I went to the townships in my last week of my internship and implemented it.
Very much so, especially because working at an NGO in the UK is a lot harder. It is really hard to get an NGO/charity sector job in the UK. I feel like I’m already ahead, and with the promotion I’ve got, I can show that along with my CV.
Making friends. I was really scared about it, I thought I was going to be very lonely. But I made friends so quickly and it ended up being so hard to say goodbye to everyone!
I’m always my happiest when I’m in Cape Town, I’m always in a good mood here!
Very much so. Its so much fun I love it! It’s so vibrant and very balanced. You can do your job and then after that just go to the beach. And there’s hiking and everything.
Yes. I really enjoyed my time with Bridging Gaps! Everyone else I met who was working through a different internship provider was envious that we were on this program in comparison to theirs. My placement search was easy. Communication was great, yip Luigi you were fantastic!
Fantastic! No really, I don’t feel like I was ever alone for the entire time I’ve been here. You’ve been so quick and helpful and efficient, and friendly!
The N2. That’s all I have to say. The day you saved us.
Yes. I really enjoyed my time with Bridging Gaps! Everyone else I met who was working through a different internship provider was envious that we were on this program in comparison to theirs. My placement search was easy. Communication was great, yip Luigi you were fantastic!
Yes, I’m going to be an ambassador for Bridging Gaps back at Uni. I’ve decided.
None really, just keep doing what you’re doing. You’re just not doing anything wrong, you’re all really helpful, it’s been really good.
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.
Social justice, Refugee work
Women’s rights
Healthcare
Youth empowerment