Kitty Ive: Human Rights internship programme review and rating.

Kitty Ive: Human Rights internship programme mid programme update.

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

Kitty's mid stay check in!

SUMMARY

Overview of Kitty's internship programme:

Year:
Duration:
8
weeks
Location:
South Africa
Prog Choice:
CareerFocus:
Wildlife
Nationality:
Status:
Undergraduate
Institute:
University of York
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KEY INSIGHT

Kitty's detailed ratings

See a breakdown

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

Overall Rating: 10/10
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Kitty'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?

What kind of internship experience were you initially looking for?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Were you given adequate responsibilities during your internship?

Yes, I was! I was actually promoted to research coordinator. I started as the Junior researcher, and then got promoted to research coordinator.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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!

What do you think about those fears now?

I’m always my happiest when I’m in Cape Town, I’m always in a good mood here!

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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!

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

The N2. That’s all I have to say. The day you saved us.

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

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!

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

Yes, I’m going to be an ambassador for Bridging Gaps back at Uni. I’ve decided.

In what ways could our internship programmes be improved?

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.

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?

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
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