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Bridging Gaps

Why choose Bridging Gaps?

Bridging Gaps is a facilitator of customized, professional internship programmes, volunteer projects and educational courses in the dynamic city of Cape Town. All our programmes are tailored to meet your specific interests and goals and we provide a wide range of opportunities in many different inspiring local organisations. We are committed to providing each of our participants with a personal and holistic experience of the vibrant Mother City, as well as being dedicated to ensuring your adventure runs as smoothly as possible, from start to finish! We are an organisation that cares as much about your career as you do!

Reviews

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Angeli
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Cape Town is a must!

Bridging Gaps is definitely the program of choice! They offer so many different programs, I did the human rights program with Regency Foundation Networx. Bridging Gaps did everything possible to make the lead up to my internship as smooth as possible and it was reassuring to know they were there to support me while in Cape Town. They are such lovely people and are always there to help. I learnt so much while doing my internship and there is no better place than Cape Town, a city full of life and activities.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
There are so many things to do in Cape Town and it's really the best time to experience as much as possible. From shark cage diving, snorkelling with seals, safaris to sky diving. I went paragliding off of Signal Hill and it was one of the best experiences I had.
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Demitria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I wish I could have stayed forever.

Bridging Gaps was the perfect program for me. They took out the stress of finding housing, an internship, and they provided the basic necessities for becoming acclimated to a new area. They also provided additional support during unforseen troubles, such as medical visits, flight issues, or safety concerns. I found my experience with the Bridging Gaps team excellent. Each member was super accommodating and compassionate. Also, the team is always looking to improve their services and asking for suggestions, which was so refreshing and speaks to the goals behind Bridging Gaps. Importantly, they also gave you space. As I transition from university life to full-on adulthood, I did not want someone to hold my hand the entire trip. Bridging Gaps doesn't, but they are always there when you need it. Basically, it was like having a family that lives close nearby. Cape Town, on its own, is fantastic. I promise you will not regret your experience with Bridging Gaps.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Overall, Cape Town is a unique region that really has something for everyone. Every day is different, and each person's experience is what they make of it. In one day, you could go for a sunrise hike, then work at a fantastic internship, then go to the beach in the afternoon, watch the sunset on Kloof Corner and then maybe partake in the fantastic nightlife. I personally had the time of my life!
1. Do not hesitate to reach out to Bridging Gaps; they are always helpful and accommodating.
2. Try and meet locals. There are a lot of opportunities to become involved with locals if you try-hiking groups, soccer groups, ultimate frisbee teams, etc.
3. Safety does not have to be a worry. Security was my biggest concern before arriving. Fortunately, Bridging Gaps properly gave me enough tips for me to become acclimated. After a few weeks, you begin to really understand the way the city works, and safety does not have to be an issue.
3. If you are considering going, ask Bridging Gaps to speak to a couple of interns who have gone through in the past. I am happy to talk!
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ILAYDA
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Most amazing experience of my life!

I cannot recommend Bridging Gaps enough!

I completed an internship with The Underdog Project through Bridging Gaps for a month in 2017 and it was the most rewarding experience. Lucie and Julian were so helpful from the beginning. It was my first time travelling alone and my longest ever flight. Since the moment I arrived, the met me, and always checked with me how was I doing. Every weekend, they took all of the interns/volunteers to trips, sightseeing, and wine tasting events. They provided me with the appropriate information, made sure I was safe all the time, and even made sure I got a backup phone. Even after I returned to England, both of them emailed and asked me how I was getting on with things.

For the time I had with The Underdog Project, I gained my first insight into the behind-the-scenes aspect of an NPO, met with the founder, Jenna to discuss the work and helped her with administrative support. Moreover, I assisted Anya, the lead facilitator, with delivering school and holiday workshops for underprivileged and vulnerable children. We gave educational workshops and advice for children along with dog training courses. I also helped her with research on “Masculinity and Dog Fighting” to present in a conference. Most importantly, I gained an amazing friend, Anna whom I recently met up in London and we caught up.

Since my time with the Bridging Gaps, I've gained self-confidence and my overall experience helped me to be more flexible and open-minded. I still want to go back to Cape Town, and hopefully one day I will have the chance to meet up with Julian and Lucie again :)

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Peter
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Truly life changing

Interning at the Cape Argus through Bridging Gaps is hands down the best thing I could have done for myself and my career.

As a small, new-ish company, Bridging Gaps have absolutely nailed how they create personal and impactful experiences for all of their interns.

They invest countless hours into all of their interns throughout the application and pre-internship period, so when you actually touch down in Cape Town, they already know exactly what you’re looking for from your internship and what they need to do to help you get the absolute most out of your time there.

Once you’re there, the lovely Lucie and Julian help you get settled in straight away. Whether it’s a tour of the city, a meet and greet with all the interns or giving you the lowdown on the local lingo, the team are committed to helping you get your internship off to a great start.

My internship (Cape Argus) was absolutely full-on and pushed me completely out of my comfort zone. After feeling a little unsettled at the very start, Bridging Gaps were only a phone call away, and soon made me feel much more relaxed about getting well and truly stuck into it.

And that’s the best advice I’d give to anyone considering an internship with Bridging Gaps: grab every opportunity you’re offered with both hands. You’ll get everything and more from your internship if you’re prepared to completely immerse yourself in everything Cape Town has to offer.

For me, that was 60+ published articles, an interview with Francois Pienaar, three trips up Table Mountain, a golden ticket for the job market, and countless memories with the most fantastic people.

So, what you waiting for? Send your application in and get ready for the time of your life!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Definitely stay in shared accommodation, so you can get to know other Bridging Gaps interns. Having that support network is great, particularly when you’ve not had the best of days. Sharing time with people who are going through a very similar experience makes your time in Cape Town even more magical.
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Shannon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CHOOSE BG

Having the opportunity to travel overseas and work in Cape Town for six months was the highest of privileges and I can easily say that that's where I lived the best six months of my life. Bridging Gaps went above and beyond to accommodate me in every way possible, whether it was setting up fun social trips with other BG interns, being there for emotional support if I was missing home, or making sure my internship was the right fit for me. I discovered new interests and made lifelong friends from all over the world! I highly recommend Bridging Gaps to any person hoping to take advantage of all that Cape Town has to offer.

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