Reviews

Real stories from real participants, parents and university partners who share their experiences as well as their advice. Learn more about the benefits Connect-123 interns and volunteers receive on our programs around the world!

Scroll down to view all – or filter by destination, opportunity or both.

Destination

Opportunity

Lena F

Finance Intern | Dublin
University of Colorado Boulder
6 September 2023

I had a great experience during my internship abroad in Dublin! The finance internship that Connect-123 found for me was a really good fit. Our housing at UCD in Dublin was very nice, and I enjoyed most of the group activities too. I am thankful to leave with quality work experience, new friends, and a new appreciation for Ireland.

Internships in Dublin

Marko Jurkovich

Finance Intern | Buenos Aires
Carleton University
4 August 2019

My eight weeks in Buenos Aires were more rewarding than I could have hoped for, in no small part due to Connect-123. I interned at a small women's microfinance organization, to which I was matched through Connect-123. I came in with much uncertainty, lacking technical skills and high-level Spanish, so I was concerned about my role in my internship site. However, a great work environment and amazing coworkers made coming to work every day a privilege. I learned so much during my work experience while also making tangible contributions to my organization. Connect-123-led cultural events also helped fellow interns and I get a feel for the city, especially during the first few weeks. Through my time in Buenos Aires, I was able to make connections, improve my Spanish, better clarify career goals, and experience life in a vibrant, unique city. Additionally, it was a singular opportunity to improve interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, while growing personally. To those considering interning via Connect-123 or in Buenos Aires, I wholeheartedly recommend it!

Internships in Buenos Aires

Danielle Hamersley

Finance Intern | Shanghai
The University of Nottingham
3 October 2018

I honestly cannot fault Connect-123 at all. When I initially looked at the fee it seemed a lot and I thought how am I going to raise this money; I can honestly from my heart say it has been worth every penny and the many, many long shifts I worked at my part-time job! Lea was assigned to help me plan my internship and I could not have asked for anybody better. No-one could have done a better job... it isn’t possible! Everything I ever asked for was always catered for and I never had any worries. When planning my internship I was studying in my third year at university but I knew Lea had everything under control I could trust her 100% to solve any problems or answer any questions I had. She was so efficient and my emails were often answered within minutes. Even when I was abroad she often messaged to ask how I was doing. Nothing was ever too much bother and the experience turned out to be so much more than what I ever imagined. I was also lucky enough to be housed with very fun housemates and we are even now still in contact. I would highly recommend for anybody who is considering joining Connect-123 to do it - it is an experience you will not forget!

Internships in Shanghai

Melissa Osorio

Finance and Credit Intern | Dublin
University of Texas at Dallas
13 July 2018

I participated in Connect-123’s internship program this summer. I enjoyed every second of my time in Dublin, Ireland. Dublin is a city that I’ve always wanted to live in and all my expectations were exceeded. The city is filled with many wonderful things to do and there is something in the city for everyone. I enjoyed my time with the program so much that I decided to extend my time in Ireland by a month after my internship ended. The price for the extension was reasonable, the process was hassle-free, and I was able to stay in the same lovely accommodation. I was still invited to every event and the program continued to look out for my well-being. Trust me the events can be amazing! I was able to visit Giant’s Causeway and cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge for one of the trips. I have been left with a positive impression of my experience with Connect-123 itself. The program is most definitely legit and well-organized. The program’s coordinators and advisors are wonderful people; I could always count on Rosie, Nikki, and Lea to be there for me if ever I needed them. I would recommend the program to anyone who would like to attain an international experience that will bring memories of a lifetime.

Internships in Dublin

Bryce Berry

Finance intern | Cape Town
Rhodes College
11 July 2018

My experience in Cape Town will never be forgotten. As this was my first time out of the country, I was pretty anxious about traveling. However, the amazing Connect-123 family made my transition smooth. I was able to relax and focus on experiencing Cape Town for its greatness. This city had so much to offer because of the endless things to see and do. Every day as I looked up Table Mountain I was reminded that I am in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Every site and every adventure were breathtaking. My internship here was everything I asked for and more. I met tons of nice people with big hearts and bigger laughs. The experience at my internship was than just work. It was an office filled with different cultural perspectives and personalities that enabled me to form a bond I will never forget.

Internships in Cape Town

Prashant Tiwari

Finance and International Trade intern | Dublin
University of Texas at Dallas
10 July 2018

I really enjoyed my finance internship in Dublin, where I worked as an International Trade Associate. Initially I was very nervous and not quite sure what to expect, but as I progressed in the internship my confidence grew and I was able to perform all my tasks easily. The office environment in which I worked was amazing – my boss and supervisors were really nice and if I ever got stuck on anything they had no problem assisting me with the issue. I think I really grew both personally and professionally and really benefited from the experience. Dublin is a very small city, almost everything is within walking distance of St. Stephen’s Green. That was pretty cool because if I ever missed a bus or if it would take too long to get there, I could just walk instead. We visited a lot of pubs, restaurants and cool historical sites and museums around Dublin. Connect-123 took us on a hike from Bray to Graystone, which was really fun, as some of us decided to hike over the mountain rather than around it. We also had dinner at the Hairy Lemon, and went on a day tour that included an adventure course where we did zip lining, rock climbing, rope courses and a lot of other fun stuff. The Dublin Program Coordinators also kept us updated on all the events happening around Dublin that we might be interested in, which was really handy. Me and my roommates also visited the Cliffs of Moher, which were really cool, and went on a day tour to Cashel, Blarney and Cork. Overall I really enjoyed my experience in Dublin. It is a really interesting city, and Ireland has a lot of sights to see and things to do. I liked experiencing a completely different culture to my own and exploring the city. I’m looking forward to visiting Europe and Dublin again.

Internships in Dublin

Jincheng (George) Zhang

Finance Intern | Shanghai
Georgetown University
30 September 2017

I had an incredible internship experience with Connect-123 in Shanghai. As a finance major student, I was able to leverage the platform Connect-123 provided to work in an elite boutique investment bank. I enjoyed this investment banking internship experience, as the assignments and projects I worked on were both challenging and exciting. I was given a lot of responsibilities in assisting my supervisor in analyzing various industries and I had opportunities to attend meetings with top executives from some of the largest companies. I am grateful for this meaningful experience. It provided me such an important foundation for my future career endeavor. Besides work, Connect-123’s program coordinators are super friendly and helpful. They provided us guidance on everything we needed and arranged us for lots of fun activities over the course of the internships. I strongly recommend students to leverage this unique internship platform to advance their careers and studies.

Internships in Shanghai

Matthew Garcia

Accounting Intern | Cape Town
Michigan State University
10 August 2017

It seems just yesterday I was stepping off the plane as a nervous teenager ready to start my adventure. As my journey now comes to a close, I can't help but look back and think how fortunate I have been during my time in Cape Town. I know I had the preconceived notion- as many visitors have with Cape Town- that it is a slightly dangerous city due to crime. While I won't deny that crime happens in any major city, I could not disagree more with my prior assumptions of Cape Town. On the whole, the city is a remarkable place and anyone who has the chance to visit should consider themselves fortunate. Although my time here has been short, I have explored the city each week and still find unique, incredible things to do. For people who love the outdoors, there's the opportunity to hike some of the most beautiful natural geography in the world; for people who love history, Cape Town offers fascinating museums and township tours on their cultural history; for those who love adventure, look no further than shark cage diving or a Garden Route safari. As for my internship, I have been blessed with wonderful experiences and opportunities during my time working with a non-for-profit. I cannot fully express my gratitude for Connect for the work they put in to secure my internship, as well as the entertaining social events they put together. I can say, without a doubt in my mind, my experience in Cape Town would have been significantly less fulfilling if not for the work of the Connect team. While I am happy to be heading home to family and friends, I will miss this city and its people tremendously.

Internships in Cape Town

Dan Venker

Finance Intern | Shanghai
Rhodes College
30 July 2017

My summer internship in Shanghai was an absolutely incredible experience and it would not have been possible without Connect-123! They were with me every step of the way to ensure that my summer abroad went as smoothly as possible. This being my first time outside of the United States, Connect-123 put everything in place for me to enjoy my time in China. One of the great perks was having a local representative to help you settle in as well as organizing events throughout the summer. Connect-123 set up trips to tourist sites, dinners, and even a Chinese cooking class! Finding me an internship on the other half of the world is amazing on its own, but Connect-123 is much, much more than that. When looking for possible positions, Connect-123 took into account all of my interests and let me decide what was best. I ended up taking a position at a local financial consulting firm that works with international companies. My role was to jump start their effort to gain more American clients who are operating, or want to operate, in China. As a part of my eight-week internship, I talked with a person at the US Consulate General in Shanghai and also attended a meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. In addition, I also interacted with the Australian and British Chambers in Shanghai to truly gain exposure to the world of international business. My internship gave me meaningful and important work that I enjoyed doing and I also felt that I was able to make a difference while I was there. Outside of my internship, I was able to travel to eight different cities throughout China. While Shanghai and other large cities have a more westernized feel in some sections, seeing and participating in Chinese culture for an extended period of time is an experience I will never forget. I absolutely recommend Connect-123 to anyone interested in traveling or working internationally. You get the great combination of experiencing a new culture while also differentiating your resume. I cannot thank Connect-123 enough for their service and making my experience possible!

Internships in Shanghai

Madeline Sanchez

Finance Intern | Buenos Aires
Michigan State University
28 July 2017

I wasn't nervous to study abroad. I've traveled alone before and feel pretty comfortable wherever I go—so my biggest fear of coming to Buenos Aires was that the experience wouldn't live up to my previous ones. When I arrived in Buenos Aires, I was lucky enough to have two incredibly kind and hilarious host sisters that happened to be the same age as me. They immediately welcomed me into their circle of friends and always pretended to understand my Spanish. Looking back, I can't even compare this experience to my others. I may have only been here for 3 months, but they truly feel like sisters to me. My internship with Connect-123 gave me a unique perspective of Argentina, because I was able to work outside of the "bubble" that is Buenos Aires. I didn't want an internship where I would be stuck in an office each day, and Connect-123 somehow found the perfect opportunity for me. A few days each week, I was able to work in Tigre and the poorer neighborhoods north of the city, helping out in my nonprofit's financial literacy and business development classes. The best part about Connect-123 is that I didn't have to sacrifice anything—a good host family, time to travel around Argentina, local friends, a relevant internship—somehow I got all four.

Internships in Buenos Aires

Camille Falezan

Economic Development & Microfinance Intern | Buenos Aires
Harvard University
21 July 2016

As I drove away from the airport and as my gaze fell on the city of Buenos Aires, I immediately knew that this experience would be eye-opening and unique but I was far from imagining to what extent it would be! Buenos Aires is a dynamic and fascinating city, beautiful during the day and frantic during the night. There is so much to do that you cannot possibly get bored and you will never have enough time to get to fully know it; from museums to parcs, cemeteries to “ferias" and from your office to the “boliches”, be ready to have an amazing time. And this experience could not have been smoother and as well orchestrated as with Connect 123! The team is fantastic, responding really quickly to emails and questions, helping me find the best and most suited internships, and helping find an accommodation As soon as I landed in Buenos Aires, I had the confirmation I had made the right decision: a ride had been organized to my accommodation, the next day I had an invaluable orientation during which my amazing (I cannot stress it enough!) program coordinator, told me about the DOs and DON'Ts of the city, and finally, during my entire time in Argentina, there were weekly events (wine tasting, shows, tours and so many more) to get to know other Connect-123 interns! I really enjoyed the city and the experience as a whole. I had two internships, one with the Province of Buenos Aires and the other one in a NGO giving business classes to small entrepreneurs and supporting them with microcredits. I really enjoyed both of them as they allowed me to explore and have firsthand experiences in fields I was interested in. My work at the NGO, in underprivileged neighborhoods, led me to see another facet of Buenos Aires that usually gets ignored by tourists and even by locals living in the “microcentro”, giving me a better picture of the diversity and complexity of this city. I got the chance, on top of exploring potential future careers, to discover directly the Argentinian culture, history and people. Actually, what I loved the most about Buenos Aires, about my internship and about my travels, was the people I met. The team I worked with, the entrepreneurs I met through my NGO and the soon-to-be friends I lived with made this experience a life-changing one. I learnt about their stories, their passions and their aspirations, their fears and their political positions. They inspired me, shocked me, challenged me. They made me grow. Encountering diverse people from another world, confronting yourself with another culture and emerging yourself in a different language are amazing way to learn more not only about that country in particular but also about yourself!

Internships in Buenos Aires

Hee Myoung Park

Finance Intern | Dublin
University of Texas at Dallas
23 July 2015

I think I am really lucky that I had the chance to work with awesome people in Dublin during my Summer internship in Dublin.

I learned a lot and know now what direction my career is heading in.  Just put your faith in Connect-123! At the end, you will know that your choice wasn't waste of your time and money. You will love a whole new chapter in Dublin, Ireland and this experience will make your resume stand out from the crowd. One more advantage for you to staying in Ireland is that you can travel all around Europe with very cheap flights. The location of Ireland is perfect for travelling other European countries. There are also sightseeing tour buses in Dublin and day tours to Galway, Belfast and Wicklow. All these travels will make your life more energetic and positive. Don't hesitate to go with Connect-123, just do it!

Internships in Dublin

John Sanford

Finance Intern | Buenos Aires
Rhodes College Graduate
23 December 2014

I can only comment positively with regard to the service and personnel provided to me by Connect-123 throughout the entirety of my internship process in Buenos Aires. Katie and Paula are very personable people who not only found me a great internship, but put in the after hours work to make sure that myself and the other interns were comfortable in an unfamiliar city. The experience gained through my time in Argentina has proven to be very useful and is already paying dividends. I would not hesitate to recommend this program to any young professional or student that is interested in advancing their career in an international setting. Connect-123 found me an internship in the mutual fund of an Argentine investment firm located in the heart of the Buenos Aires banking district. Considering the volatility of the Argentine economy, it was an eye opening experience that forced me to stay on my toes and ensured that every day was a new challenge. While I was already proficient in Spanish, the internship expanded my professional vocabulary by introducing me to finance terminology that I otherwise would not have known. The daily research I was doing forced me to stay up to date on the Argentine economy and transformed what was originally a burden into a genuine interest. At my current job, I still find a few minutes each day to check in on the firm’s mutual fund and see if they are making a buck or two. I have chosen a career path other than finance, but the lessons learned from my time in Argentina are still applicable. It was a great experience and I recommend Connect-123.

Internships in Buenos Aires

Manny Tulumaris

Finance Intern | Buenos Aires
George Washington University Graduate
27 January 2014

My several months in Buenos Aires, Argentina were an incredible experience that allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. As a recent college graduate with a degree in Finance and Spanish, this was a perfect opportunity that allowed me to transition into life after graduation. As a former Division I athlete, spending a semester abroad was never an option, but I was convinced it was something I needed to do. Fortunately, my work abroad experience turned out to be even more rewarding that a semester abroad could have been. Using Connect-123's impressive professional network I was able to find the perfect internship experience working at a brand new venture capital fund under the guidance of an experienced entrepreneur. The work I did was highly rewarding and absolutely fascinating as I was able to meet countless ambitious entrepreneurs and analyze close to a dozen radically different companies. This has carried over seamlessly back into the US, as I have received some great attention from prospective employers as a result of this experience. Living in Buenos Aires also enabled me to experience the incredible porteño culture, gain a high level of Spanish fluency and forge several strong friendships. I was also able to take several weekend trips to world-famous destinations such as Mendoza, Iguazú Falls, and Punta del Este. I experienced so much in less than four months, that I feel as if I gained at least a year of valuable life experience. I owe a great deal of thanks to the Connect-123 staff for making this all possible!

Internships in Buenos Aires

Josh Kohler

Finance Intern | Barcelona
Drexel University
29 July 2013

Connect-123 takes the laborious process of finding a job in a foreign country and places it nicely in your lap. That´s why I decided to use the program not once, but twice. From the airport pickup to the great response time regarding any location-specific questions, Connect-123 offers a seamless transition into other cultures. I was paired with a research-based banking job and worked with great people in Barcelona. The work experience I gained was unique and enlightening and will be a highlight on my resume. My weekends were paired with constant adventures. I checked off all of the "must-see" sites early on and found it easy to integrate into the culture of tapas, clubs, beaches, heat, public transportation and a severely enjoyable lack of sleep. My apartment had an entertainingly high turnover rate of foreigners, which further contributed to my successful experience. Overall, I would recommend Connect-123 and may have to plan a third adventure (Buenos Aires) with them in the near future.

Internships in Barcelona

Christine Cifelli

Finance Intern | Barcelona
James Madison University, Graduate
19 November 2012

Connect-123 has provided me with a unique and valuable experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.  After researching several international internship programs, I felt that Connect-123 was the only program with a specific one-on-one placement process, which provided me with a position based on my individual preferences and background.   I was able to find exactly what I wanted, for that reason I really enjoyed going to work every day.  I had the opportunity to work with great people from all over the world.  Working and traveling abroad helped me to better understand people from other cultures on a professional and personal level. Connect-123 provided me with many social opportunities in Barcelona that really enhanced my experience.  Barcelona is a vibrant, multicultural city with great food, culture, nightlife, and people.   I highly recommend the program for anyone who wants to develop their professional skills, learn about a different culture, and explore an amazing city.

Internships in Barcelona

Tobi Onasanya

Finance Intern | Cape Town
University of Warwick, UK
13 September 2012

My experience in Cape Town can only be described in one word – awesome. I enjoyed almost every moment. It was a great chance to meet people from different parts of the world, and form connections with people I would never have come across on a normal day. Living with 3 girls that all already knew each other pretty well, I felt like a new girl in boarding school. Being thrown in the deep end, I have to say I loved it. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. The Connect-123 team did everything to make my internship as fun and as insightful as possible, whilst still giving me the opportunity to be independent and learn to use my own initiative and be resourceful. My street skills have improved as well which is always good; walking to work everyday made me more aware and cautious. I worked as an accounting intern for a rather small accounting firm. At first the small office and the jail like door took me aback. However, working there proved to be a worthwhile experience. The people are very welcoming and the warm, the friendly environment makes you feel at ease almost immediately. Also, everyone has a nice ‘African’ sense of humor, thus working hours were rather enjoyable. Unlike other firms I worked at, I actually was given a lot of responsibility and I felt that my time was valued. I worked on both the accounting and tax side of things, as well as, had a lot of contact with clients, which improved my interpersonal skills in a professional manner. All in all I can say that my experience in Cape Town is not one I will forget. I love the people I met and have made what I think as life-long friendships with some very amusing individuals. The Connect-123 team were amazing and my program coordinator, Simone, was incredible - the guidance was endless, which is something I think one can’t get enough of.

Internships in Cape Town

Vanessa Gonzalez

Microfinance Intern | Buenos Aires
Bryn Mawr College
3 September 2012

After spending two months in Buenos Aires, I absolutely fell in love with it – and the assistance I was given by Connect-123 at all times contributed immensely to that. On the one hand, living in the capital of Argentina did not feel that foreign to me. I was born and raised in southern Brazil, and there were quite a few things I shared with the porteños beside a passion for mate and soccer. On the other hand, I would have not expected working there to be anything less than challenging. Whereas I was thrilled to do a microfinance internship with an amazing local NGO, I knew I needed to work very hard to get the most out of my experience -- I was in a different country, had to speak a different language and feared the long journey I had ahead. However, I was glad to be in touch with the right people. Having Connect-123 to rely on was fundamental for me to make new friends, share experiences with a group of interns from all around the world, and feel at home in Buenos Aires. During my internship, the NGO I worked with gave me the opportunity to learn about its microcredit programs, which assisted low-income families in the greater Buenos Aires area. My workmates were very kind, patient and welcoming, and some of my duties included interviewing women interested in applying for microloans; offering assistance during training sessions; and discussing investment strategies with local entrepreneurs. I also had to communicate exclusively in Spanish, which turned out to be a fun and rewarding experience. Argentina gave me the chance to learn much about myself and my role as a professional and a global citizen, and these are lessons I will never forget. As I look back, I feel grateful for everything I learned over the past summer and better prepared to build on my knowledge about economic development as a set of tools used to fight poverty.

Internships in Buenos Aires

Mike Sit

Microfinance Intern | Cape Town
University of Lethbridge
1 December 2010

My experience to Cape Town was absolutely amazing. I was able to gain experience in the microfinance industry, indulge myself in culture, and gain new perspectives through the relationships I developed. At the company I volunteered with, I was given the opportunity to help host workshops at townships, review business plans for potential microfinance institutions (MFI), research potential sources of funding, and talk to a plethora of amazing individuals that have contributed to the MFI industry. These experiences not only engaged and challenged me, but I had to adapt and expand my current perception. Throughout my time I engaged in many Connect-123 organized activities that ranged from drinks nights and cultural outings, to outdoor activities. With the unheralded amounts of activities, it was difficult in deciding what I wanted to do within my short 3 month term. The friends and relationships I developed in Cape Town are lifelong, and the experience is beyond words. Through my experience I would recommend and encourage others to take the opportunity to travel and learn, especially with the supportive staff Connect-123 offers.

Internships in Cape Town
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