Initially, I was not looking at Cape Town, I was only looking to do an internship that would give me an edge in the market. Then my friend recommended Bridging Gaps as he was also on the program, so I went with that.

The main thing for me was to get experience in the financial sector. I wasn’t very sure what I wanted to do, as it’s a very broad field, so I spoke to Lucie about being very open to the market and she set me up in wealth management and took it because I love working with people and I saw an opportunity to try something new.

I think it was pretty much what I wanted. I knew I was only coming for 6 weeks so I didn’t expect to go to deep into things or have too much responsibilities, But I learned more than I could have hoped for. You just don’t learn this sort of stuff from a book. I got good experience to take home and I now know what I want to do and what direction to take for the future.

Yes I did, I actually started the same time as a new full time employee, so it was nice to start with someone. We received constant guidance from our supervisor and I felt that was very good, he was always available to answer our questions.

The position I had did have a few responsibilities, as we are working with people and need to give them good service, but because I was not there for very long I never had a large long-term project to do. But this was fine because I learned other important skills simply from being in a working environment.

I think actual skill wise, yes! For example, I’m usually a confident guy, but I quickly realised how uncomfortable I am speaking on the phone. I was very concerned about making mistakes and giving incorrect information, but as time went on I really gained confidence in this and I can do this without any concerns. I also got to practice other skills that that I’ve learned but have never had the opportunity to put into use, and that was great too!

I got value out of my internship. But I was not there for long enough to really bring a valuable contribution to the organisation.

100 percent! I think working internationally is such a different environment compared to working in the UK. Initially I was looking for an internship in the UK but couldn’t find something. But coming here was a blessing in disguise, it’s a new environment, different people, and working in a new country teaches you new soft skills like working with people from different cultures.

I was worried about whether I’d be good enough for my internship. I was also worried that I would not enjoy myself and be a little lonely.

Well I feel the opposite now! I met so many incredible people here and made close friends with other interns at Bridging Gaps and even at work. I know if I came back here, I’d be sorted!

Its an amazing place! I never researched Cape Town before I came here because it was a last minute decision, and when I got here and saw all the stuff that was available to do like skydiving, hiking and many other things, I thought “wow I can do all this!” It has everything, it’s so diverse! It’s a beautiful place!

Yes Definitely, I am definitely coming back!!

So my internship was very last minute. I contacted Lucie and she was able to sort me out very quickly. I was very happy with the service.

I think your service was really good! At first, I was a little concerned about the fees and was questioning what I was paying for. But now I see just how valuable the service is that you provide. Bridging Gaps was always available to help me with any issues I had. They also organised social events that encouraged me to meet new people and make friends quickly. If I never had that, I would have probably just gone to work and back home each day. You guys are all fun people and very helpful!

Just always being there when we need you. Not only for me but looking at the other interns who needed help sometimes, like when an intern lost her phone, you guys provided her with a new phone so quickly. Things like that, I just feel you guys go the extra mile.

So my internship was very last minute. I contacted Lucie and she was able to sort me out very quickly. I was very happy with the service.

Yeah I would, It just makes it more enjoyable. Like I said earlier, if I was doing this on my own I would not have been able to do all the fun things I did. Just the extra exposure to other interns who are going through the same stuff as you, and the guidance and support you give is invaluable.

That’s a hard one. There’s nothing for me personally. I really enjoyed my time with you. I would recommend that you give interns more warning before doing devils peak. I never realized how dangerous it was.

I was wondering what the money goes to and if its worth it to pay for this, or to just come on my own. But after arriving I very quickly realized it’s the service you provide!

I realized very quickly how important it is to have a team who knows south Africa really well, available to help me when I needed them. And the stories I’ve heard from other interns where you have helped them out even when they directly went again your initial advice, for example going to dangerous areas or renting cars, you still helped them out of trouble even when you warned them.

I would recommend using Bridging Gaps. You will enjoy your trip more, make friends faster and you will actually be able to be together with other people who are doing what you are doing and you can experience this all together!