During my last year of undergraduate studies at Eastern Washington University I decided that I wanted to work and gain experience abroad. I searched through hundreds of programs that provided assistance to students like me with finding internships abroad. I finally, after 2 months of searching found Connect-123. This program was a great fit for me because it wasn’t to expensive and allowed me to stay as long as I wanted without having to pay additional costs for staying a certain period of time. The staff were very helpful and provided all of us with everything we needed. Melanie set me up with the biggest coffee chain in Ireland and next thing you know I’m on a plane to Dublin.

My process of going to Dublin was a little different than the rest of the group because I stayed 5 months and Connect-123 was helpful in giving me information about the visa process. It was a very difficult process but in the end it all worked out.

I learned a lot about my field (marketing) and gained some experience within the coffee sector. The people I worked with were amazing and I will never forget them. I loved going in to work everyday because it was a blast. The good thing also was free coffee and lunch, not to mention all the treats I got to taste from prospective clients wanting to put their treats in our stores.

Outside of work was an amazing experience too. I loved hanging out with my roommates and getting to know them. I had roommates from Italy, America, France. I also met a ton of amazing people along the way and got the chance to see them again after my internship was finished. Dublin for me was great because I just loved the culture and the atmosphere. Everyone was so nice and welcoming that it allowed me to just relax. Melanie and Daniela made sure our group got to see most of Ireland which was amazing and beautiful. I also did other trips with friends outside of our program as well. I had an amazing time in Dublin and I don’t think words can really describe it, you have to just go and see for yourself.

At the end of my internship I was fortunate enough to get the chance to travel to Italy, Spain and Belgium. My roommates from Italy showed me around and I also did some couch surfing which was really great. I encourage everyone to try it.
Overall my time spent in Dublin was truly life changing and I will never forget it.