What inspired you to travel abroad?
After a few years of studying in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, I felt the need to have a new experience abroad. Moving to a new country and the "getting out of my comfort zone" feeling that comes with it felt like the right step.
I chose South Africa specifically because some of my closest friends and my sister had been living there for a while and always spoke very highly of it.
Why did you choose the NGO Event Coordination Internship in Cape Town program?
I had been interested in experiencing the NGO industry for quite some time, so when I saw the possibility of combining my passion for event organisation with NGO work, it seemed like the perfect fit.
Projekt Ubuntu's mission of helping communities of different townships in Cape Town through development and events really resonated with me.
Playing with the kids at the Ubuntu Center in Masiphumlele.
What was your favorite part about South Africa?
One of my favorite parts about South Africa is its people. Despite all the difficulties they face, the generosity and happiness they spread are beyond inspiring.
Furthermore, I find the diversity of cultures within the same country fascinating. Lastly, the beautiful nature that the country has to offer is definitely one of its biggest highlights.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
Many things made my experience abroad extraordinary, first of all, the beautiful people that I have met.
From the staff of the organisation where I did my internship, to the Masiphumelele community and all the different friends I made along the way, made my experience absolutely special.
Another aspect is the internship itself. Helping an organisation grow through my work in events and interacting with the community has taught me so much about myself, and through them, I have been able to get a different, more meaningful perspective on life.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
Throughout my program, I was always supported by my organisation, Projekt Ubuntu, by giving me the freedom to take initiative when it comes to the different tasks ahead.
They also provided me with the necessary help whenever I encountered difficulties. They made me feel at home from the very first moment, which is something truly special considering that I moved to Cape Town without knowing anyone and being on the other side of the world, far away from my family and friends.
While staying at the Yoga Shala, the venue hosting Projekt Ubuntu's interns, I felt like I had found a home away from home.
Helping with homework.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I could have done a bit more travelling around South Africa. However, I did experience the Garden Route when my dad and aunt visited me during my internship, which was a beautiful experience.
Another thing I would have done differently is try a bit harder to learn the local language, Xhosa, spoken in the township where Projekt Ubuntu operates, Masiphumelele.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
My day would start with waking early and going to the gym or for a swim in the ocean. Afterwards, I would have a meeting with my manager from the organisation to plan the day ahead, upcoming events, or evaluate my work.
After a nice lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area, I will drive to the township to spend a few hours of the afternoon with the kids, doing all kinds of activities.
The evenings consisted mostly of a shared dinner with the other residents of the Yoga Shala, and ending the day with a drink somewhere or a pool game.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
During my free time, I would exercise, go for a swim in the ocean, or drive to Cape Town's city center to meet with friends that I made over the weekend while going out or walking around the city.
I feel like I found a great balance between work and free time which definitely made my overall experience more enjoyable.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
As mentioned earlier, I stayed at the Yoga Shala during my internship with Projekt Ubuntu. This beautiful house is situated 5 minutes away from the township of Masiphumelele and hosts not only Projekt Ubuntu interns but also those from other organisations.
Candi and Sidney, the owners of Yoga Shala and founders of Projekt Ubuntu, ensure that everyone feels at home by cooking delicious food that we all enjoy together at dinner time. They also always make sure to provide help when needed and share their fascinating life stories.
They played a massive part in making my experience so incredible, and I will forever see them as my South African parents.
Distributing winter clothes in the township, Masiphumelele.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
The NGO industry is a tough one, and saying that it is an easy job would be lying. There are many challenges, and frustration can build up when not being able to achieve certain things due to the limited resources.
However, it is the most fulfilling and meaningful experience one could have, as you truly feel a real purpose behind all your work. Moreover, having those limited resources allows one to use creativity and problem-solving mentality to the fullest, which are two extremely important skills to develop, in my opinion.
Additionally, the great support you will receive from the organisation will help tremendously and make your integration much quicker than you might think. Lastly, the life lessons you will learn from this experience are precious.
Would you recommend your program to others? Why?
Yes, definitely. As I just mentioned, this program offers the possibility of making a real impact on people with your work and skills.
Moreover, it allows you to engage with a community rich in culture, values, and many other aspects. You will learn so much about yourself and get to meet extraordinary people on the same journey as you are.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of travelling abroad is getting to know yourself through the meaningful experiences and challenges you face. By leaving your known environment, you can only expand your views on things and learn through all the different types of people you meet.
Next to this whole self-development aspect of it are the amazing memories that will be carried on with you forever.
Giving a lesson on sexual education and awareness at the Ubuntu Center in Masiphumelele.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Having this experience has allowed me to look at life through different lenses. Being grateful for all the things in my life that I would take for granted, such as being healthy, having a home, food, or being able to go to school.
Another aspect is developing a problem-solving mentality. The people from the township have to face many challenges daily. However, you would barely hear them complain but rather see them taking action towards finding solutions to the problems they are facing, and that was very inspiring.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel means travelling with a purpose, whether that purpose is clear—like doing these kinds of internships—or travelling to find a purpose.
While travelling, many valuable lessons can be learned through experiences such as meeting other people and trying to integrate into different cultures. These can then be processed and applied when returning home.
