My American Internship: Maefo S. of South Africa
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Our "My American Internship" series features CIEE BridgeUSA participants who submitted entries to our photo essay contest. Maefo S. of South Africa served as a culinary intern at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
My American internship was more than just a career opportunity. It was a defining chapter in my journey as a chef and as a person.
As a culinary intern at The Broadmoor, a AAA Five-Diamond resort in Colorado Springs, I was immersed in a fast-paced, world-class kitchen that challenged and inspired me daily.
From prepping for fine dining banquets to plating for high-volume events, I sharpened my technical skills and developed a deeper appreciation for precision, consistency, and creativity in the culinary arts.
But beyond the kitchen, the real magic was in the people. I connected with fellow interns from around the world, many of whom became like family. We explored mountain trails, shared late-night kitchen laughs, and grew together through both pressure and pride.
One of my favorite moments? Stepping onto the line for my first high-profile service, feeling nervous but ready. That night, I realized how far I’d come from a culinary student in South Africa to a confident young chef making her mark in a foreign land.
This experience taught me that courage opens doors, and growth lives just outside your comfort zone. I’ll carry these memories and lessons with me forever as I continue chasing excellence, one plate at a time.