During my four-week live-on-site practicum in Cape Town, South Africa, I experienced significant personal and professional growth. The practicum challenged me to be flexible and constantly be thinking.

I observed a certified child life specialist (CCLS) educating children and families about medical procedures, providing trauma-informed care, and offering preparation and support for procedures. The CCLS guided post-procedural play in both outpatient and multiple inpatient settings in a developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed manner. When appropriate, I supported children and families through caregiver respite, normalization play, and post-procedural play.

I learned and practiced communicating with children and families from diverse backgrounds, which led me to examine my biases, identify areas for growth, and establish personal and professional boundaries. I learned to grow from feedback, be flexible, and approach new situations with respect and confidence.

Our group of 18 started out as strangers, but we left with lifelong friends with many shared experiences.

Connect-123 exceeded every expectation in helping me secure a transformative remote internship with a Constitutional Law, Governance, and Human Rights-related non-profit organization in Cape Town, South Africa. Thanks to the incredible support of professionals like Carla and Xena, I landed my dream role as a Policy, Research, and Advocacy Intern. This experience deepened my passion for international law and public service. The internship not only sharpened my copyediting and research skills, but also clarified my career path in global policy and human rights. Connect-123’s personalized guidance and commitment to meaningful placements truly set them apart. I’m deeply grateful for their role in launching my professional journey.

My internship in Cape Town was an experience of a lifetime. I met so many great friends in the program, and my internship taught me so much beyond the surface. Being a well-traveled person, I can confidently say that Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve been to. Connect 123 organized so many great events for us throughout my stay, ensuring that we truly experience the country. We did things such as go on a safari, see the Cape of Good Hope, some great restaurants, a wine tasting, and the District Six museums. And there’s so much beyond just the activities with the group to do. If you have the opportunity, this program is amazing to participate in.

It is an experience that will stay with me for so long and taught me so many valuable things pertaining to child life. Including clinical experience, cultural humility, how to apply developmental theory, and hoe to prioritize in the medical setting. It was amazing to make friends with the same passions for child life as me. Exploring the country was so much fun, from hiking, ti beach walks, to safari they were all beautiful. the mentorship I received and still receive after the trip from my preceptor is incredibly uplifting and crucial to my journey.

I am grateful for the experience I had in Cape Town. The Connect-123 staff was great to work with, and Carla was a great help in navigating my internship and had great advice about what to see and do in the city. My internship allowed me to work at a NGO and gain hands on experience while also learning about the local culture and community. The other connect 123 students were great and we were able to organize fun activities. Cape Town has been an amazing experience that I highly recommend for students looking to study abroad.

Cape Town is a beautiful city nestled between tall mountains and a vast ocean whose beautiful views pair perfectly with its endless activities. The diverse city has allowed me to gain different perspectives, lifelong memories, and new friends along my journey. This trip was also my first experience traveling abroad, which went smoothly due to a combination of the students who were in my program and my supervisors at Connect-123. I highly recommend Cape Town for any student who wishes to study abroad, especially in the hands of Connect-123.

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!