Sara Ferraiuolo: Social & Youth internship programme review and rating.

Sara Ferraiuolo: Social & Youth internship programme mid programme update.

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In , Sara (from Italy) completed a 8 week internship programme with Bridging Gaps in the amazing city of Cape Town, South Africa. The primary career area of Sara's internship programme was Social & Youth.

Sara's mid stay check in!

SUMMARY

Overview of Sara's internship programme:

Year:
Duration:
8
weeks
Location:
South Africa
Prog Choice:
CareerFocus:
Renewable energy
Nationality:
Status:
Post Graduate
Institute:
University of Milan
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KEY INSIGHT

Sara's detailed ratings

See a breakdown

Here's how Sara rated the different aspects of Social & Youth internship programme.

Overall Rating: 9/10
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Sara's detailed review of 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 Social & Youth internship programme in South Africa?

I wanted to gain some professional experience abroad, and I thought that Cape Town would be the perfect city to do that.

What kind of internship experience were you initially looking for?

I was looking for a Sustainable Development internship. I told BG that I would be open to every opportunity, but that I would have preferred to do an internship in a big company instead of an NGO, as I already had some experience in NGOs.

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

BG didn't manage to find me an internship in a big company - I applied very late, so they had a minimal amount of time to look for internship opportunities - but now I think that my internship in a local NGO was the best thing that I could have asked for. Having the possibility to go to different communities and see with my own eyes what the NGO is managing to do to help these communities was one of the highlights of my time here.

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

Absolutely. The organisation’s staff helped me so much whenever I needed it.

Were you given adequate responsibilities during your internship?

Yes. Here in South Africa - or at least in the NGO with whom I worked - they treat you more like a colleague than an intern.

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

Absolutely. I got out from my comfort zone and now I feel much more confident in myself. As I had many different tasks to achieve, I think I've developed many skills.

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

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

Absolutely. I've learned so many things since I've started my internship, and I've had the opportunity to work with people from very different backgrounds from me, and I think that this is one of the most important things nowadays.

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

I was afraid I wouldn't settle in well in a new country and in the new workplace.

What do you think about those fears now?

I think that I shouldn't have had those fears, and this experience was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

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

It's such a beautiful city and so glad that I've chosen Cape Town for my international internship. The city can be a bit dangerous, but I've stuck to the advice that BG gave to me and nothing wrong happened to me :)

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

Absolutely! It's one of the best places I've ever visited, and I would recommend doing an international internship here to anyone.

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

Yes, they gave me all the information I needed since I applied for the internship, and anytime I needed something they were always ready to help.

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

It was great!

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

It’s excellent value for money.

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

Yes, they gave me all the information I needed since I applied for the internship, and anytime I needed something they were always ready to help.

Would you recommend pursuing a Social & Youth internship programme in Cape Town with us to others?

Absolutely!

In what ways could our internship programmes be improved?

I think that the only thing that I would improve is to organise social events every Saturday as it can be difficult to organise something on your own if most of your flatmates have already made plans for the weekend.

Before you applied, how did you feel about the programme fees?

I was so happy that I could find the possibility of doing an internship paying a fee like that.

Having completed your placement and had the experiences you've have, what do you think about the fees now?

I think that BG fees are the best value for money here in Cape Town.

What would you say to someone that is considering an internship here but is concerned about the fees?

I would say that even if it seems to cost a lot of money, it's really worth it, you will do a fantastic experience and it will improve your resume.

Anything else you would like to add?

Check out our Social & Youth 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.

Social Work & Youth Development Internship Programmes

We collaborate with some incredible local organisations including NGO’s, care facilities and schools to provide a variety of meaningful social work and youth development internships. Our social work and youth development programmes are the perfect opportunity for you to build relationships with amazing children who are desperately in need of your support and care, whilst gaining practical experience to help you further your career.

Internship Focus Options:

Social work

ECD

Youth empowerment

Childcare

Social Work & Youth Development Internship Programmes
IN PERSON
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