The main reason for my decision was that my father is originally from Cape Town. I have had the opportunity to visit Cape Town a few times, mostly to spend time with family. However, I never truly felt like I was fully connected to my South African heritage. Therefore, I had a strong desire to experience what it would be like to live there. The fact that South Africa is a completely different country, geographically distant and with its own unique culture and environment, was also a significant factor. I was eager to immerse myself in a new setting and believed that undertaking an internship abroad would provide me with a much deeper understanding than if I were to stay in the Netherlands.

Initially, my search was focused on finding an internship in the field of human rights, which eventually aligned with my final choice. However, I was open to various possibilities within the realm of human rights. My primary goal was to observe and experience the application of human rights principles in Cape Town. During my exploration, I became particularly fascinated by the empowerment of sex workers, which also resonated with my studies back in the Netherlands. It was an ideal match for me, as it allowed me to delve into a subject that truly interested me and aligned with my academic pursuits.

The supervision during my internship was excellent, particularly with Megan, who was incredibly kind and supportive. They entrusted me with significant responsibilities, such as managing all their social media accounts. I had full control over their social media presence, and they provided assistance whenever needed. Megan, in particular, offered substantial guidance and support throughout the process. Overall, it was an incredibly positive experience.

I wanted to develop my skills and gain new experiences, and this opportunity allowed me to do just that. It was fascinating to work in a different culture and environment and witness their unique approach to workshops and local government organizations. Seeing firsthand how they conducted their activities was truly interesting, as it diverged from what I'm accustomed to in the Netherlands. Being a part of an organization that undertakes such actions and activities was already highly intriguing to me.

Regarding my Cape Town experience, to be honest, I was quite nervous. However, I tend to feel this way before embarking on any new endeavor. So, I believe that nervousness was the main emotion I experienced. Additionally, everything was arranged in the last two weeks before I actually arrived, leaving me little time to overthink it. Despite the nerves, I was also filled with excitement and didn't have any specific fears, even once I arrived in Cape Town. I approached the experience with an open mind, eager to embrace whatever came my way.

Yes, I was definitely nervous, as I tend to be when faced with new experiences. However, I soon realized that my apprehension was unnecessary. Throughout the evening, I learned a great deal, understanding that it is normal to observe before fully participating in all the activities. Everything went smoothly, and I fell in love with Cape Town. My impression of the city was truly incredible. I would definitely recommend visiting Cape Town. As I mentioned earlier, while there can be occasional safety concerns, I personally did not encounter any significant issues and had an absolutely fantastic experience.

I absolutely adore this city. It has everything one could possibly desire - incredible nightlife, perfect commuting options, and a wide array of activities. I had the convenience of walking to work, which was truly fantastic. Even when I had to take an Uber, it didn't cost much, making transportation easily accessible. The city is brimming with delightful bars and amazing venues, and there is an astounding variety of activities available. I found myself engaged in numerous activities almost every day for the duration of five months, and yet there was still so much left to explore. It was an absolutely amazing experience.

The main goal was to bridge gaps, and you played a significant role in helping me prepare for the entire trip. Your assistance in finding a local organization was particularly invaluable to me. It was something I genuinely desired but would have struggled with on my own. I'm extremely grateful to Bridging Gaps for guiding me and enabling me to connect with the most authentic local organization possible. This experience was truly amazing for me.

The on-ground experience and support I received were also exceptional. I vividly remember our first coffee together, just on the second day of my arrival. It was a comforting encounter that helped ease my initial nervousness and allowed me to relax. Additionally, having you accompany me to various places was incredibly beneficial. Your presence helped alleviate my anxiety, and I believe it contributed to a more positive experience overall. Furthermore, you provided valuable insights about Cape Town, including important information about safety and other relevant matters. Your guidance and explanations were truly helpful.

The main goal was to bridge gaps, and you played a significant role in helping me prepare for the entire trip. Your assistance in finding a local organization was particularly invaluable to me. It was something I genuinely desired but would have struggled with on my own. I'm extremely grateful to Bridging Gaps for guiding me and enabling me to connect with the most authentic local organization possible. This experience was truly amazing for me.