Reviews

Addison L

This opportunity has been one of the greatest experiences of my life and I highly recommend it. I got to immerse myself in the Spanish work culture as a marketing intern at a communications consulting company. I enjoyed learning more Spanish and forming a network with my colleagues. I was also able to learn about the consulting process and was able to work on some of my own projects for the company. I made the best friends with the others in the program and we all had the best time together. We went to dinners, went sightseeing, went out, and even travelled together. The Connect-123 events were also fun! P.S. Sophie is the best. :) I am beyond grateful for this opportunity that helped me grow both professionally and personally and brought me the best memories.

Rowan R

The experience gained from my internship through Connect-123 was invaluable! The skills I developed in Dublin, Ireland were what led to a marketing agency offering me a full-time position. I unreservedly recommend Connect-123 to anyone looking to gain valuable internship experience abroad.

Sydney B

Olivia C

I am very fortunate to have had such a cool and amazing internship experience in Barcelona this summer thanks to Connect -123. I was placed into a company in which I learned and grew professionally. My boss has become such a huge role model and influence to me. There were times when I really struggled and felt alone with what I was dealing with but that's all a part of living abroad - there will be amazing and unforgettable moments but there will also be times that you might struggle. You just have to make sure you take as much time for yourself as you need and do the things that make you happy. I also want to thank Adi at Connect-123 for always checking in on me and making sure I was okay during my time in Barcelona, she was always so helpful and super fun to hang out with. I am sad that this summer abroad has to come to an end but so grateful for the memories and friends I made.

Cristian V

I am a senior at Bucknell University majoring in Global Management with a concentration in Europe. Through Bucknell and Connect-123, I had the opportunity to intern in Dublin, at an organization that helps SMEs who are looking for export opportunities. From the very first day, my supervisor and the staff made me feel like I was at home. They understood I was coming from a different continent and needed to adapt to the work environment and the city. They clearly explained my role in the company and were very enthusiastic to see me learn and develop. I learned about International Trade and the mechanics and structure of a membership organization. In addition to this, I was able to improve my professional communication skills by interacting with SME owners (at times) and with my coworkers. Bucknell and Connect-123 did a tremendous job connecting us with our internships and coordinating cultural events to enrich our knowledge of Irish culture. I was grateful to be part of this journey, making long-lasting relationships and growing personally and professionally.

Melanie G

Through Connect-123 I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to intern at an incredible NGO in Barcelona! Coming out of a rough and uncertain year I was excited to be able to travel again especially with the added enhancing my resume. Connect-123 facilitated the process of finding the perfect summer marketing internship. I grew not only professionally but also personally during my time in Barcelona. I am so thankful to Lea and everyone at Connect-123 for making this opportunity possible!

Rebekah L

I am a senior at Pennsylvania State University with a major in Marketing and Management. This summer I had the honor of working with an incredible NGO as a Marketing and Brand Awareness intern through the support and help from Connect-123. As my spring semester in college was wrapping up fast and also during the global pandemic, I was unsure whether or not to complete the internship experience virtually or in person. From the support of Connect-123, they were able to find an opportunity that gave me the best of both worlds. I was able to start my internship virtually, and when I felt ready to travel was able to complete the rest of my internship in Dublin, both remote and in person. I learned skills of campaign and project management, along with social media marketing. The time went by so fast when you’re having fun! The experience was challenging, impactful, and I was able to develop business skills out of it! I highly recommend this organization and process for anyone!

Casey McShea

Traveling alone to live in a foreign country for three months is one of the most terrifying things I have ever done, but also one of the most rewarding. Connect-123’s international internship program has given me an experience like no other, pushing me out of my comfort zone in ways I didn’t even know were possible and learning so much in only a matter of weeks. My digital marketing and events planning internship taught me so much both about the field and myself. When I decided I wanted to participate in an international internship, there were so many uncertainties and questions I had, but Connect-123 was so helpful and patient in putting my unease at rest. The entire team is so supportive and welcoming and really makes your transition so much easier. Whenever I had an issue or worry, they were there to help. Not only that, but the events they organize for you to meet fellow interns are so fun and give you more opportunities to experience your host country and make new friends! Participating in Connect-123’s program not only gives you hands-on experience and is a great resumé booster but also allows you to have the experience of a lifetime.

Paige Rideout

Taylor Paglino

The opportunity to intern abroad in Barcelona was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had. During my time here, I was able to grow tremendously both personally and professionally. Connect 123 helped facilitate my internship at a digital health company as a marketing intern. Zuzana took into great consideration my interest in healthcare and introduced me to a company where I learned an incredible amount and saw in real-time how a successful company is executed internally. My internship allowed me to think outside of the box. I was given several creative projects to work on and introduced to tools and programs a college course does not necessarily provide. I loved going into work every day and feeling a part of something great. Aside from my internship, these three months were the perfect way to travel. I explored the incredible city of Barcelona inside and out as well as other countries such as Croatia, Italy, Morocco, and Prague. I'd say that the two biggest takeaways from my time in Barcelona are the independence and confidence I gained from living and working in a foreign city and the skills I took away from my internship. Being abroad brings such value by showing how the "other world" works. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I have had to appreciate other cultures, languages, gain an entirely new perspective and overcome challenges different than ever before. This would not have been possible without the support and guidance from the Connect-123 team. Truly an experience of a lifetime!

Meaghan Kincaid

I chose to do a marketing internship in Barcelona, Spain this past summer. I was in contact with Lea Levy, who facilitated my internship. I could not have been happier with the placement she found me, at a coworking space on the port near Barceloneta. I wouldn’t have traded my internship experience for anything. Running the company’s social media platforms and blog section has shown me how marketing and public relations is executed internally. I met some of the most amazing individuals at my internship who have become some of my closest friends. Realizing there are people all over the world who you have more in common with than people from your hometown is an incredible feeling. I shared an apartment with a girl from Colorado, Brynna. We ended up traveling all over Europe together. We visited Prague, Portugal, France, and Italy. When we were in Barcelona one of my favorite experiences was the paella cooking class that Connect-123 held for us. We had sangria and some delicious paella. Overall, this experience was something I am so grateful I was able to do. Being a part of Connect-123 was comforting, especially in the beginning when you are on your own in another country. They held dinners and snacks on the beach where we were able to meet others in the program. If I could go back and relive this again, I would in a heartbeat!

Andrew Brennan

My experience in South Africa was incredible. I was able to fully immerse myself in the country by exploring the different landscapes, meeting the people, and learning the culture. From hiking Table Mountain, walking on the beaches of Camps Bay, or going on safari in the Garden Route, South Africa’s natural environments are truly stunning. Additionally, interacting with different people through my internship, service opportunities, and other Connect-123 events gave me diverse perspectives from so many different backgrounds and cultures. Connect-123 provided me an outlet to discover and explore these opportunities and experiences that I know I’ll always cherish.

Wiktoria Brodzinska

Interning abroad in Argentina was unlike anything I could have ever imagined. Right from the start of my internship, I developed practical and tangible career skills that I will be able to utilize in the future. From designing logos, to coding in CSS, my digital marketing internship allowed me to explore various areas of marketing, helping me determine what I enjoyed most. Besides the wonderful work experience, I was amazed by the number of opportunities for learning and growth that were offered in the city of Buenos Aires itself! You could easily find yourself attending art exhibits, watching horse races, exploring antique fairs, seeing the ballet, napping in a park, and taste-testing the best dulce de leche in the world – all in only one weekend! I’m incredibly grateful to Connect-123 for providing me with an outlet for creating such wonderful memories, and most importantly, for connecting me with truly fantastic people from all over the world!

Jaehun Jeong

Thanks to Connect-123, I was able to spend the best three months in Barcelona. Connect-123 helped facilitate a marketing internship that I’ve always been interested in, and also helped me secure a decent apartment in Barcelona. I was given several creative projects to work on as a marketing intern, and I was able to enhance my working ability through this experience. Apart from internships, these three months were the perfect opportunity to experience Europe. I was able to travel to Spain and other countries in Europe for a relatively low price, which allowed me to experience as much of the Spanish and European culture as possible in a short time. Without Connect-123's help, it would not have been possible to work and travel in Europe. Thank you Connect-123 for giving me this great opportunity and an unforgettable experience!

John Lisella

Jack Herstam

My internship has been a bit different than what I expected. There has not been much direction in terms of how I am supposed to organize the event, which is not a bad thing. My supervisor simply instructed me to “go crazy” with sponsors, advertisement, and endorsements. It was difficult making connections and networking in a city that is completely unknown to me, but the challenge has been rewarding. I have found many individuals who are willing to support the company's work in reducing homelessness, gangsterism, and incarceration by making contributions to my efforts. I have also learned to communicate a non-profit business model, something I had no prior experience with. My program coordination in Cape Town has been nothing short of fantastic. I have two coordinators who work with me. Both are natives of South Africa (Cape Town and Johannesburg). They have been wonderful, providing enough guidance to see me through my first days while giving me the space to grow and discover on my own. They have planned social events with other students in this summer’s group on a weekly basis, from cooking events to countryside expeditions. I have been so fortunate to find friends here, both in my program and outside of it, who I believe will be comrades long after our time here is complete

Mackenzie Glava

Spending my summer with Connect-123 abroad in Ireland was incredibly rewarding. Not only was I able to make lifelong friends that I know I will keep in contact for years to come, but I also was able to learn and thrive in a different work environment, country, and culture where I grew truly independent and wish I never had to leave from. I miss working for the marketing company and I miss living in Dublin. This is definitely something someone should try who wants to study abroad but can’t afford to miss a semester a school. Along with real work experience, I was able to travel all over Ireland and get to know the country and its people like the back of my hand. I was also able to affordably travel outside of Ireland, and see more of Europe and what this part of the world has to offer. Connect-123 has some amazing coordinators too. My program coordinator was also always the biggest help and a friend whenever we needed it most. I can’t wait to plan my trip back to Ireland and revisit the country that gave me not only a once in a lifetime opportunity, but a love for a place other than my own home.

Nicolette Sommar

I needed an internship for my spring term and Connect-123 was more than helpful. I remember hearing about the program through my friend in early January. After some research, I decided to send in my info. Connect-123 was quick and efficient with getting back to me and before I knew it, I found myself in the beautiful city of Barcelona. They made my transition from home to Spain very easy prior as well as during my trip. They gave me suggestions on where to live and provided an airport pickup for my arrival. They also hosted special events throughout the weeks so that everyone in the program had a chance to meet each other. I traveled and lived in Barcelona by myself and I have to say I met some awesome people along the way. My favorite part was having the opportunity to meet locals and work with them in my office. While I was there for three months, I worked for a startup tech company that is creating a fashion app using artificial intelligence based data. I loved going into work everyday and feeling a part of something big. My coworkers were greatly energetic and friendly, nothing like I’ve ever experienced in the work environment at home. Some days after work, I had Spanish classes at Vosotros Barcelona, another benefit of using Connect-123. This program is without a doubt one of the best. As for the city, Barcelona deserves more than just one little blurb in my journaled experience. I've always had such an aspiration to visit the city and experience the Catalan culture. When I first arrived in Barcelona early April, I was super stoked to be there. However, I was still naive. I had no idea that the next three months would be the most amazing three months of my life. As cliche as it sounds, it's true. The city stole my heart. Connect-123 was one of the best decisions and I encourage those who are a little weary to jump and seize the opportunity.

Calum Ahmed

Having not had the opportunity to travel much, I jumped head first at the chance to take advantage of an internship program in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I didnʼt have much prior knowledge of the country, so I didnʼt really know what to expect. Shortly after touching down, any prior concerns or hesitancy were put to rest. What youʼll immediately notice is how helpful and understanding the locals are and Connect-123ʼs ability to seamlessly integrate each and every one of us. As far as my internship, it was  everything I could have asked for. Right off the bat, I was made aware that the company was truly counting on me and that I was now apart of their family. The country itself is absolutely stunning. If you ever want to escape the city (which is unlikely), surreal locations and natural wonders are easy trips from the capital. All in all, the memories made and experiences had in these few short months have been among the best Iʼve had in my life and I canʼt wait to come back.

Benjamin Gilson

Thanks to Connect-123, I was able to not only discover an entirely new industry but work in it full time as well. My summer in Barcelona provided me with a number of unique projects and tasks that helped me find my passions in the workplace and people. It has helped me gain a cultural work perspective that I could not have found at home and helped me grow immensely. Barcelona itself was greater than I ever could have imagined and I've fallen in love with the city and the culture and am already planning a return trip. Thanks Connect-123!