What inspired you to work for Connect-123, considering your background as a successful producer?
I was looking for a new challenge! I had been involved with Connect-123 from the sidelines ever since the company opened 12 years ago, including accompanying the company directors, Steven and Lea, when they first moved to open the Buenos Aires offices. So whilst visiting them in Barcelona I mentioned that I was interested in a change of scenery, and here we are!
Saskia with Connectors at a Cooking Lesson
How has your background as a producer influenced your position as the South Africa Program Manager with Connect-123?
A lot of the work dealt with being resourceful, managing logistics, people and things - so not much different to what I’m doing now!
What makes South Africa a good location for volunteers and interns?
Not only is Cape Town THE most beautiful city in the world (I know I’m biased, but its true!), there are also so many diverse opportunities here - medical, business, human rights etc. etc. etc!
South Africans are warm and friendly and we love showing foreigners our beautiful country, sharing our knowledge and unique experiences with them. But it’s not all work and no play. There’s always something to do after hours - whether you are a hiker or adrenaline seeker, or prefer a great meal with a glass of wine, there’s so much to do and see!
Enjoying the view of the beautiful Table Mountain
Describe a typical day of work for you.
There’s no such thing! Some days I’m in the office all day replying to participants emails and doing calls with them. Other days I’m out and about meeting someone who’s just arrived for their orientation or going to meet with a host organization about a new exciting opportunity for someone. It’s never dull!
How do you support the South Africa Connectors?
We support the whole process! From the initial interview and application process, pre-trip information, right through the whole time they are here and even the alumni network. I personally love interacting with the participants so any time I get to have a one-on-one catch up and do an event with them, those are my favourite parts of the job. I know Cape Town and South Africa quite well, so giving them tips about things to do and places to go always makes me jealous to go, too!
Fun with the Connectors!
What makes volunteer and internship opportunities with Connect-123 unique?
Every opportunity is tailor made for the participant to help them with their career and study goals. But it’s not just an internship program. We go through great effort to also expose participants to our local culture through events, optional lectures and excursions.
Why do you think travel and experiencing new cultures is important?
It’s important to challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone. Traveling opens your eyes to different ways of doing things, not always better or worse, but different, and its important to have those experiences to learn from, even if the learning is affirming what you may already know. That’s valuable, too.
I’ve never come back from a trip with the same perspective on things.
What is one piece of advice you would share with potential Connectors?
The experience is what you make of it. So take on ever opportunity, say yes, get involved, take initiative. What you put in is what you get out, so make the most of it!
More fun!
If you could participate in one of Connect-123’s programs, what would you do and where would you go?
I’ve never been to Asia before, so Shanghai would be my first choice to really go experience a culture and city completely different from what I’ve done before.
What are your hopes for the future of your role and Connect-123 as a whole?
To have more and more students join our programs, travel, learn and explore!
The final product! Yum!
Are there any exciting new projects or programs that Connect-123 is developing?
Absolutely! There’s always something brewing, but you will have to wait and see . . .
