After being
here for 3 weeks I can say I feel like I’m finally starting to feel like a
local Capetownian and less like a tourist. I’m becoming familiar with the
routes to take to get around Cape Town and am no longer getting ripped off by
taxi drivers, woo! I can also see the formation of long lasting friendships
from my internship as I’ve only been there for 4 days and am already getting to
know people’s backgrounds. Also one of my co-workers is teaching me Afrikaans
in exchange for me teaching him a bit of Spanish which I think would help me
fit in more as a local since everyone tells me I already look like one!
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| Amelia's first visit to Parliment |
I have noticed how the work environment here
is extremely different from the US in so many different ways. Firstly,
everything is much more relaxed where especially in terms of dress code. I
visited Parliament on Friday with Africa Unite since we are going to
be honorary guests for the State of the Nation address by President Zuma next
Thursday so naturally I thought I would dress up for the occasion but even
in the state building everyone was casual, wearing jeans and tee shirts. I love
dressing up so I’m not sure if I entirely love this difference however I think
it definitely has something to do with the socioeconomic issues in South Africa
because if people barely have enough money to acquire the necessities how would
they have enough to purchase a whole business wardrobe?
Another
difference I’ve noticed is that you must ask for work in order to keep busy.
I’m unsure if this is because I’m new or if it’s an NGO thing but the only time
I really get assignments is when I’m constantly asking for them. In my previous
internships I’m used to being trained on how to do the basics of my job and
then given a few assignments to start with to test my abilities. However so far
I’ve been given random assignments when I ask for something and they just throw
you into things with strict deadlines, which I do enjoy. Additionally, the
casualness extends to our conversations at work where in the US discussing
politics at work is taboo however here I’ve discussed American, South African,
and Swedish politics almost every day. It’s interesting because everyone here
is so knowledgeable about American politics and is also keeping up with our
presidential elections since it affects their country as well so it was cool to
listen to everyone’s opinions on our candidates.
Overall, I
love my placement because I think it’s such a significant organization that
keeps true to their mission and makes an impact in the community. I’m over the
moon excited for our Human Rights weekend that my organization is conducting
because it’s going to give all of my co-educators an opportunity to interact
with youth from around the world and give them practical knowledge and
experience dealing with human rights and how they can make a difference to
create a better world.
I’m super excited because I’m attending the University
of Cape Town Big Bash concert tonight which I’ve heard is one of the biggest
events for UCT students so hopefully I’ll get to meet more UCT students while
enjoying some amazing music.
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