Child Life Practicum in Cape Town

My time in Cape Town is something I will treasure forever. Working at the Red Cross Children's Hospital not only gave me valuable experience in a different healthcare setting, but also cultural experiences I would not have had in the USA. Coming home I feel like a better professional who is aware of culture differences that can be found in a health care setting. Although every week we had group meetings, one on ones, and time in the hospital/service sites we still had plenty of time to have fun! My favorite thing we experienced was the safari!

August 2018 will forever be one of my favorite months! Not only because I got to spend 3 amazing weeks in the beautiful Cape Town, South Africa; but also, because I was able to spend it doing what I love most - working with children. During my child life practicum, I observed an experienced Certified Child Life Specialist within a Children’s Hospital. I was able to grow as a child life student, learn from her knowledge, and invaluable advice; while independently performing procedural preparation, and implementing developmentally appropriate activities for children of all ages. I also experienced the power of play as a universal language and gained a better overall understanding of the purpose behind child life in an international setting. Not only was I able to provide child life services for hospitalised children, I also made life long friends and we were able to experience the beauty of Cape Town. During our free time, we hiked mountains, went sightseeing, went skydiving, and thanks to Connect-123, we were able to go on a once in a life time safari right in the heart of Africa! If you are ever presented with an opportunity to intern or study abroad, my advice to you is to go for it! Before I left on this journey, I was expecting to make an impact and possibly change lives in Cape Town, but it turns out, the people of South Africa changed mine.

My child life practicum in Cape Town, South Africa was unmatched to any traditional practicum in the United States. Under the supervision of a CCLS, I was given the autonomy to practice hands-on therapeutic interventions and procedural preparation to meet the diverse psychosocial needs of hospitalized children and their families. I was able to collaborate with other practicum students for ideas, and work together to do activities at bedside and in play areas that incorporated the whole family unit. These unique opportunities allowed me to work with other healthcare professionals and interact with children with a variety of diagnoses. Both professionally and personally, I gained cross-cultural competence that will translate in all areas of my life. Additionally, we were able to see how child life is utilized in alternative settings, and we were also given ample time to explore South Africa on our own personal time. I have gained friendships within my practicum group and other students through Connect-123 that I will forever cherish. I couldn't have asked for a better practicum experience and I feel more than prepared for my child life internship. My child life practicum in Cape Town, South Africa has been one of my most favorite and best experiences of my life!