Daniel in South Africa

Participant

Daniel

Programme

Internship

Country

🇿🇦 South Africa

Short bio

I’m Daniel Rasche, 20 years old and from Amsterdam. I’m currently studying Sport Studies at InHolland University. I’m very sporty myself, and back home in Holland I also work with children (babysitting). In the third year of my course I had to do a six-month internship, and I got the opportunity to do it abroad. I decided to find out about different internship placements all over the world, and through The Power of Sports I ended up at United Through Sport in South Africa.

My story

“I arrived in South Africa and immediately noticed that the atmosphere at the accommodation was really friendly.”

Daniel · internship in South Africa

The coaching was really special. The age group you coach ranges from 10 to 13 years. The children generally listen really well, are motivated and are also very grateful and respectful towards the coaches. What’s striking is that when you come to South Africa to coach rugby, for example, you have to assume the children are at the very lowest level in terms of understanding the game. You have to start from scratch. Personally I really enjoyed this challenge; you could compare really well the difference between the first week you started with the group and the last week.

“The progress you’ve made with them is fantastic to see.”

Twice a week I worked in the office on my school assignments and on events. During my in-depth assignment I got a lot of support and help from the organisation. The support from Holland was also really good. Ruben (my contact person in Holland) was very friendly and helpful. Whenever I had questions I could speak to him straight away via Skype and/or Whatsapp. He informed me about the internship, passed on contacts who were in South Africa at the time and helped me book a cheap flight.

At the weekends UTS organises lots of activities, such as bungee jumping, safaris and swimming with sharks. During the week there are several nightspots that are great fun.

Best wishes,

Daniël