Staff Interview with Kelsey Stephenson

What inspired you to work for Bridging Gaps?

Bridging Gaps creates such an incredible platform for individuals to invest in their future while experiencing one of the best cities in the world- Cape Town, South Africa. Being an organization that puts high emphasis and values the individuals. We are passionate about each intern who comes through our doors, we work to ensure that they are able to reach their personal and professional goals through us. Being part of a team who actively works to support local causes and have a high level of impact in the lives of our interns is incredible. 

Why do you do what you do?

I have a passion for travel and for education. I've spent many years in the sustainable travel industry and also have spent some time travelling as a student and as an intern myself. This is something that greatly impacted my life and I am passionate about helping others on their similar journeys!

What is your favorite part of your job?

I love getting to know each of our interns. Joining an international internship is something that is incredibly exciting. Each of our interns come with unique backgrounds and stories, as well as different learning and professional aspirations. I enjoy getting to learn from them and show them the hidden gems of my favorite city. 

How do you use your education and international background in your current role?

I studied community development and spent time interning and working with different NGOs in a few locations around Eastern and Southern Africa. I use the skills I gained from this time every day in my current role. Understanding development and travel is so crucial to help maximize the impact our interns can have on the ground. 

What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?

Just go for it! There is so much to discover about yourself and the world. Investing in travel is one of the best things you can do. Try to put yourself out there and meet as many people as you can along the way. You never know, they may become lifelong friends!

What makes your organization special?

Bridging Gaps offers a high level of support for our interns, including academic and professional coaching, travel advice and support, and fantastic internship placements in various fields all over Cape Town. 

We are a Cape Town based organization, all of our staff live and breathe this city, and we are so passionate about sharing this with others!

What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work towards it?

Our aim is to create excellent, personalized internship programs in Cape Town which are custom tailored to each intern's needs and requirements. Equal to that, we hope to actively support local businesses and initiatives to help them achieve their overall mission. 

We do this through valued and meaningful relationships built with both our interns and our host organizations. 

What do you hope participants take away from your programs?

We hope our participants are able to walk away with the confidence and experience to go after their professional and personal aspirations. We also hope they leave with a greater understanding of the world and knowing the value in experiencing new cultures. 

How do you help support participants?

The Bridging Gaps team offers 24/7 support to each of our interns. This starts before arrival and goes on long after departure. 

As all of our programs are custom tailored to the individual’s needs, we really get to know our interns even before they arrive. On arrival, we are here to give them an in depth and insider's guide to Cape Town and all to expect. As well as ongoing support and check-ins during the duration of their internship. We also set up fun and informal social events to make sure everyone has the opportunity to connect to like minded, international travelers! 

What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?

Once interns and volunteers arrive we often get asked what is the best thing to do or see in Cape Town? The answer is everything and anything! This city will never lack amazing activities and sights. There is something for everyone here. We have so much to offer from food and culture, to beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities, historical sights, trendy bars and cafes. The list is endless. 

Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?

Travelling abroad and experiencing new cultures is such a fun and exciting way to get to know yourself and the world around you. 

Having international work experience through an international internship program, is a huge step ahead of other applicants and will make you stand apart for future employment opportunities.

What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?

For anyone thinking of going abroad, I say do it! You will never regret investing in travel! If going through an organization such as Bridging Gaps, or any others, make sure you do some research to ensure that they are able to offer the level of support and interests you are looking for.  

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

Meaningful travel is such a powerful and important tool for transforming the lives of individual travelers, as well as the communities they visit. Meaningful travel to me, means intentionally investing in the local community and adding benefits wherever you go. It also means allowing yourself to be open minded and learn from new circumstances and from the new people you come across. 

What qualities in Bridging Gaps’s community relations are important to you? 

It is important to get to know the communities and host organizations which travelers engage in. One of Bridging Gaps most important values is ensuring that our host organizations receive support in the areas they need it most. We spend time nurturing these relationships with our partner organizations in Cape Town, that's how we are able to determine their needs and how we ensure that our interns can contribute in a meaningful way.