Unforgettable Experience with GVI Cape Town

I spent six months as a volunteer / intern at GVI South Africa Cape Town and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
I was exposed to a different lifestyle and culture in a new setting while on project, but also had the luxury of feeling 'at home' in our apartments. Throughout my time there, I learned so much about South Africa, it's history, life in the townships, and South African school and healthcare systems. I got to experience life as a childcare worker, teacher, sports and surfing coach, and so much more. I was able to interact with so many people from the local community and learn about what they value in their culture. The experience helped me broaden my perspectives as an educator and opened my eyes to the impact of poverty in educational settings. The children that we worked with are absolutely amazing (albeit crazy at times) and I've missed them every day since I left. Their way of life, their sense of humor, their appreciation for small things, and their excitement to interact with the volunteers - they all leave a lasting impression on your heart. They might drive you insane but be prepared for an overload of cuteness!

When I wasn't working on project, I was able to explore my surroundings - Gordon's Bay, Cape Town, and other areas within driving distance. I frequently used uber to get around because it was safe and affordable. There was always something to do on the weekends - beautiful beaches, scenic hikes, outdoor markets, shopping, cultural activities, and abundant nightlife. There were also so many opportunities for thrill-seekers like myself. Over the course of my six months, I was able to go shark-cage diving, go sand-boarding, walk with elephants, go on safari, explore a cave, and jump off of the highest commercial bungee jump in the world. It's safe to say that there was a never a dull moment in South Africa!
The living conditions and accommodations met or exceeded my expectations in most aspects. We had running water and hot showers. We had bunk beds and some personal storage space. The kitchen and living room spaces were communal and comfortable enough. No wifi, no TV (which I think are GOOD things) and no air conditioning (just a little sweaty at times in that South African heat). Any issues that I faced with cleanliness or hygiene were usually the result of some messy housemates. There was basic food items available to us, homemade dinner 4 nights out of the week, and the option to walk to the supermarket or restaurants (all of which were right down the road). We weren't living in luxury by any means, but I was overly grateful for the place I got to call home for six months (especially in comparison to the community in which we were working in - looking at it in that perspective always helped me stay grounded).
One of the best things about the program is that it hails volunteers and staff members from all over the globe. As an American, I didn't want to have a typical "study abroad" type experience with people who were all my age and from my similar background. GVI was amazing because I got to live and work with people who came from all different backgrounds. There were people younger than me, my age, and people much older than me. Everyone had their own story and had something interesting to contribute to our group. I learned a lot by interacting with all of these different types of people and I am so happy to say that I made some amazing life-long friends along the way.