GBG Fall 2022: A Summer in South Africa
A Summer Internship in South Africa
By Catherine Vasquez
Why South Africa?
Before going on this trip, I got a lot of questions regarding why I chose South Africa as opposed to the more popular countries, such as Spain or Italy. I had seen a posting about doing an internship in Cape Town my freshman year and was something I quickly grew an interest for. I also wanted to steer away from the more popular places people tend to go to and experience something less familiar. Cape Town was also a place that I knew would push me well out of my comfort zone, which was one of my main goals.
Day-To-Day in Cape Town
Every day I would get up early to go to my internship. One upside of it was that I could work from home two days a week. The days I’d go into the office I would have to walk about 15 minutes to get there, which was a nice way to start my mornings. The workplace was very laidback, so I was able to leave whenever I got my work done. After work, I would usually spend time with the friends I made, all from the US, and would usually get dinner with them.
Unforgettable Experiences
Despite this being an internship program, I also had a good amount of free time and activities organized by the partner organization (Connect 123). My top three unforgettable experiences would have to be visiting Cape Point and Boulders Beach, going on a safari, and going on a hike on Table Mountain.
Despite this being an internship program, I also had a good amount of free time and activities organized by the partner organization (Connect 123). My top three unforgettable experiences would have to be visiting Cape Point and Boulders Beach, going on a safari, and going on a hike on Table Mountain.
Cape Point is the most southwestern spot at the tip of the African continent. This was the very first activity we did, which allowed everyone in the group to get closer to each other. We got to see baboons sitting on cars and ostriches running around us. Boulder’s beach is a beach inhabited by penguins, something that is not common to see.The safari was also an amazing experience, as we got stay in little bungalows and learn about all the different wildlife and see them in more of a natural habitat.
My last most unforgettable experience would have to be hiking up Table Mountain with my roommate, only to have to run back down because we had scheduled a cruise. We had planned on taking the cable cars back down. However, as we reached a map, we realized that we were on the other side of the mountain and would have to walk about 4 more hours to get to the cable cars. With about an hour left until our cruise, we decided we would have to run down the mountain to make it in time. Although I was dying and out of breath, I would not change a thing about that day.
My last most unforgettable experience would have to be hiking up Table Mountain with my roommate, only to have to run back down because we had scheduled a cruise. We had planned on taking the cable cars back down. However, as we reached a map, we realized that we were on the other side of the mountain and would have to walk about 4 more hours to get to the cable cars. With about an hour left until our cruise, we decided we would have to run down the mountain to make it in time. Although I was dying and out of breath, I would not change a thing about that day.
From Cape Town to Boulder- Lessons Learned
Overall, Cape Town taught me how to make my home away from home and how to build long lasting relationships in a short amount of time. I think it is important to jump into new experiences with an open mind and not judge things based off of stereotypes. Through my internship, I learned how to take initiative in a workplace, and how to communicate best, especially in an environment I am not used to. The only thing I regret is not doing another study abroad program during my 4 years of college because it truly is an experience that I will cherish forever.
Last Updated November 2022