I loved my experience in Cape Town! I am so grateful for this experience in Cape Town and that I got to do it with Connect-123. All of the Connect-123 staff was so helpful in my preparation to get there, and Carla in Cape Town helped us navigate the internship process and the city. My internship was great, and I learned a lot about how an NGO works. I also learned a lot about myself and what field I want to go in. Outside of work, the other Connect-123 students in the program were great to be with. All of us became friends, and we were always able to get a group together for activities. The Connect-123 events also helped us become closer, and all of the events were extremely fun. I will never forget this amazing experience.

Traveling to South Africa was my first time abroad, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience than the one I had with Connect-123. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with warmth and hospitality by one of the best advisors I’ve ever worked with. During my internship, I had the privilege of meeting incredible people and learning so much from their knowledge and guidance. Beyond work, the group trips were an absolute highlight—fun, well-planned, and filled with unforgettable activities. I loved exploring new experiences and bonding with my peers along the way. This journey is something I’ll always treasure, and I truly hope everyone gets the chance to work with someone as exceptional as Carla!

Visiting South Africa for the summer, as a medical student was an amazing experience! With the help of Connect-123, I was able to transition into my clinical experiences with no issues. While maintaining a good balance on tourist fun! Their organized events were some of the best parts of my trip! Their suggestions of local events made me love the culture even more. The people of South Africa were very welcoming and kind to me throughout my whole experience. Their rich and diverse culture, allowed me to learn both in clinic and on excursions. I will definitely be returning one day!

Cape Town was a great opportunity for me to become more culturally competent in healthcare, and Connect-123 provided a fantastic opportunity and location for me to learn from. They provided excellent recommendations for education and entertainment as I became a local and embraced South African culture! This was a great step in medical journey to understand the societal effects of medicine and how it affected the communities. It was great to hear patient stories about their experience growing up there as well as their opinion of the Western World.

This child life practicum experience was such an amazing opportunity. I was able to see the world while also learning about child life and how to be a better professional. The instructors made sure I was on the right track while also bringing fun into the experience. I grew not only in my knowledge and understanding of my field but also in my personal life. I was able to embrace a different culture and see the world through my own experiences. This experience helped me gain a better understanding of myself and just how AWSOME our creator is. None of this would be possible without him.

Choosing to complete my Child Life Practicum in Cape Town was by far the best decision I could have made. The practicum is a play-based learning experience and gave me real hands-on opportunities to work with children in the hospital environment. Working through a group practicum was amazing as well because I was able to observe others in the field and we could learn from each other. Not only was I able to learn about the field of Child Life but I was also able to see Cape Town and experience things that are not only beautiful but a learning opportunity as well. This was truly a life-changing experience, and I would recommend it to anyone!

This experience with Connect-123 was amazing and was everything that I hoped for. I was nervous about the internship placement at first however, my final internship placement was amazing and I loved the organization and their work. The tourist events that Connect-123 planned were also incredible; the variety of restaurants, the safari tour, and extra excursions we could sign up for. I enjoyed everything and I will add that I loved having my own space, as I got an Airbnb. However, Connect-123 and Carla really made this dream come through and made it easier than I could imagine!!

Reflecting on my time in Cape Town and the amazing opportunities that Connect-123 provided, I can proudly say that coming here has been the best decision I have done during my time at Penn State. From the instant I set a foot in this amazing country, every single person has made me feel welcomed and loved! Regarding my internship, my placement was an absolute game-changer. Not only for my personal growth, but also because I was able to work alongside talented and passionate people that pushed me to become a better version of myself! Beyond the professional aspect, the trips and activities sponsored by Connect-123 have been nothing but exceptional. From having the time of our life at Food Jams with our program coordinator, Carla, to having a breathtaking safari through the Garden Route. Overall, this has been an unforgettable journey and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity. This has been a wild experience and Connect-123 and this place will always hold a specially place in my life!