Having the opportunity to live in Barcelona for three months was nothing short of a dream. The things I learned both in and out of my internship will last a lifetime, and I owe a large part of that to Connect-123.

From the very beginning, the Connect-123 team helped me outline my goals and ensured that I would receive an experience that aligned with my interests. Any questions that I had were quickly answered, and anything I was apprehensive about was reassured. Just a few short weeks after I began the application process I had secured an interview with an international public relations agency, where I went on to intern this past summer.

At the agency I was quickly integrated into the team and given numerous projects. I worked right alongside my colleagues and was never treated as an outsider. I sat in on brainstorming sessions, and listened in on conference calls. I wrote, edited, pitched, and researched, sometimes all in one day. I have no doubt that my short time with the company will lead to a prosperous future. Before I had even finished I was offered a paid internship back home in the States, where I’ll work throughout my senior year of college.

As for life in Barcelona…it’s hard to even put it into words. The friendships, the food, the culture, I felt as if everyday were an adventure. There’s a pulse that vibrates throughout the city and makes it come to life. Although it took awhile to adjust to the Spanish lifestyle, it didn’t take long before Barcelona felt like home.

In the end, the hardest part of my entire experience was leaving. I wouldn’t trade my time in Barcelona for the world. I owe a lot to Connect-123, and I encourage all who have the opportunity to take a chance and apply. You won’t regret it.