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| Social Volunteer -Child and Youth Care Centre, Hout Bay
(06.2006)
Volunteering in the Child and Youth Care Centre was a great experience in my life.
I was welcomed very warmly by Abigail, who was in charge of all the volunteers, and
she explained the centre with all its different programmes. Within a few days I felt
involved and part of the team. |
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I started working in the Life Centre programme, which is a programme for young adolescences
doing three months training to get their school certificates. I helped to organize the
meetings, assisting the group discussions, as well as doing everyday tasks such as buying
food for lunch for example.
After a few weeks I moved over to the Isibindi Programme and began work assisting the
childcare-workers in the
department. |
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I accompanied the childcare-workers to the townships
to gain more information about the children's family situation, background and related
problems. These experiences were very important and I started to learn to understand a
lot more of this new, totally different world.
We made breakfast for the kids, helped them to get cleaned and provided them with food
parcels for school. I especially enjoyed playing with the kids, who gave me the nickname:
white lady. They were very open-minded and curious to learn more about my home country,
Germany.
Some days we went to the children's school to speak with the teachers and try to solve
problems that came up. |
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The highlight of my time was a three-day trip with 66 children from the township.
The trip was designed to help the children escape some of the problems they face in the
township, at least for a short time! Though I had some communication problems, as most of
children and staff speaks Xhosa, I had an amazing time. |
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Most of my time at the Child and Youth Care Centre I could structure the day as I wanted
and helped out where help was needed.
My internship and life in South Africa has certainly been an unforgettable experience!
Louisa Berg, Germany |
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Marketing internship - Three month internship at a Cape Town Estate Agency (12.2006)
Q: How would you rate your completed internship on a scale 1 to 10? (1poor; 10-excellent)
A: 9
Q: Did your internship match your expectations? And, were you able to gain the work experience you wanted?
A: Yes, my internship met my expectations and I know that the knowledge I gained will help me achieving my next and future steps. I learned new techniques as well as gained new skills.
Q: Outline the tasks and functions of your internship in two or three sentences.
A: I was assisting the German International Division at the company in terms of marketing strategies, designing of advertising material, translation of information material as well as liaising directly with clients. Furthermore, I did general admin work and even taught some of the admin staff certain computer literature.
Q: Would you recommend this placement? And, why?
A: Yes, I definitely would recommend this placement, but you should be fluent in both English AND German. It is great as you learn new perspectives and get directly involved with customers and clients. The property industry is very interesting and exciting and new tasks always evolve.
Q: Other comments related to your internship.
A: I really enjoyed my internship, but I would have not complained if I could have done a few more tasks. Unfortunately other agents from different branches did not get back to me with work.
Q: Did Cape Life offer you the assistance and support you required to live and work in Cape Town?
A: Yes, they found the perfect internship for me. I was offered their help for accommodation, visa issues, etc, but I did not need their help as I knew my way around.
Q: How do you feel we could improve our services?
A: Cape Life is doing a great job in my eyes so keep up the good work. ?
Q: How did you enjoy Cape Town? And, would you recommend it to other international students?
A: I have been living in Durban for the past four years and have seen different places in
South Africa but nothing can top Cape Town. It is the best city to be at and once I have completed my studies in October 2007, I will definitely go back to Cape Town and live there!
It is an amazing and beautiful place with so many things to do.
Sebastian Zinke, Germany |
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Business and Event Management - Three month internship at a Publishing and Event company (02.2007)
Q: How would you rate your completed internship on a scale 1 to 10? (1poor; 10-excellent)
A:8
Q: Did your internship match your expectations? And, were you able to gain the work experience you wanted?
A:The internship was a big asset as I continued working in Europe in conference management business.
Q: Outline the tasks and functions of your internship in two or three sentences.
A:Partners identification for the international conference; Telephone research for publications; Formulation of campaign texts for publications; Analysis of best customers.
Q: Would you recommend this placement? And, why?
A:I would recommend it for those who would like to be involved in publications and conference business. If you are proactive, there is always a chance to contribute to one of the great projects.
Q: Other comments related to your internship.
A:South African companies very much welcome cooperation with Europe. They foster diversity in their companies and welcome innovative ideas. Because it is a growing market, they are in need of experts in various areas. This is when your knowledge comes into play.
Q: How did you enjoy Cape Town? And, would you recommend it to other international students?
A:Cape Town is really one of the most beautiful cities in the world. If you are looking for a new start in your life - go Cape Town. I'll be back one day.
Anastasia Zagorni, German |
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Social Volunteer - Five weeks at a Township school (07.2007)
Q: How would you rate your completed internship on a scale 1 to 10? (1poor; 10-excellent)
A:8
Q: Did your internship match your expectations? And, were you able to gain the work experience you wanted?
A:Yes, it did. The school allowed me to do what I wanted to do. I have learned a lot from the teachers and the children. I have also learned that I don’t want to be a teacher in the future. I also thought it was really nice to see the differences between the schools in Holland and South Africa.
Q: Outline the tasks and functions of your internship in two or three sentences. |
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A:The day would start with a teachers metting about what needs to be done that day at school. I would then go to the class with the teacher and the children would sing a few songs.
The teacher would explain a mathematics assignment to the children and i would help those who did not understand. Usually the children go to have lunch before the first break.
After the first break the teacher will explain a writing assignment. The children will be busy with this the rest of the afternoon. |
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During this assignment I will also help the children that do not understand the assignment. Some children finished the assignments very quick and I could help them with reading.
The children talk and walk a lot during the assignments which is why I had to tell them to be quiet very often as well. About 1:20 PM there will be a second break for 10 minutes. After this the children come back to the class and pray. After this the I could walk with the children to the road so they could go home.
Q: Would you recommend this placement? And, why?
A:Definitely! Because the teachers are really nice and interested in you. They are also telling a lot about themselves and their experiences of being a teacher. The children are really nice and open as well. They feel really special if you are there. The fact that the teachers give you the space to do your own thing gives you the possibility to really teach the children something.
I also learned a lot from the fact that this school is placed in a township. I really got to know a different culture.
Q:Did Cape Life offer you the support you required? |
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A:Yes, they did. They picked me up form the airport and brought me to work the first day. And during the internship (me and Sandra form Cape Life) stayed in contact. I called her about a few problems and she tried to help as good as she could. And Cape Life organized a night out for the people of Cape Life so we good meet new people. And before I left we had a drink together which was really nice. So I as really satisfied with the services of Cape Life. |
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Q: How did you enjoy Cape Town? And, would you recommend it to other international students?
A:I think Cape Town is a really nice city and it has a beautiful landscape. There is so much to do and to be seen in Cape Town and the surroundings. What I did not like about Cape Town was that there was a lot of crime. You really need to have a car to go anywhere and you have to be really careful and you can not wear anything valuable.
Inge Renckens, Holland |
