Reviews

Caroline J

With the help of Connect-123, I spent my summer interning in Barcelona at an NGO whose mission is to turn peace into a tangible, shared economic benefit for people living in conflict-affected regions. I worked closely with the incubation team, and by the midpoint of my internship, they trusted me to build out my own project. Over the following weeks, I developed a detailed budget, outlined a peacebuilding business model, and prepared concept notes to present to donors. I also conducted research on market entry strategies for shea butter in Europe and assessed alignment with funders like Cartier Philanthropy. However, none of this would have been possible without the support I received from Connect-123. They handled so much of the heavy lifting—from finding me an internship whose mission aligned with my core interests and convictions, to managing my housing and logistics. They were especially helpful during a heatwave that knocked out our AC unit, quickly finding a safe alternative apartment that very same day. This wasn’t some résumé-polishing summer abroad. It was long hours, rewrites, humid bus commutes, and moments of real, hard‑earned clarity. It was a summer of learning what it means to try something difficult in a place that stirs your imagination. Thanks to Connect-123, I got to experience the ineffable magic that floats through the summer air in Barcelona. Cheers!

Andrew Smith

It is common for recent college graduates to struggle with figuring out what they want to do post-graduation and I am a prime example of that. Fortunately, Connect-123 helped me not only get the internship experience I was looking for, but the life experience that I will always remember. As a project management intern, I worked on several interesting projects which required me to complete extensive market research and ultimately, collaborate on a business plan for an upcoming Virtual Reality idea the company plans to launch. Working with people of many different cultures and backgrounds was an invaluable experience in addition to developing my Spanish speaking abilities. I met so many wonderful people during my time here: locals, at my internship and through the Connect-123 program. I will never forget my time here and cannot wait to come back to Barcelona in the future.

Mustafa Mobarez

Barcelona was one of the most eye-opening and greatest experiences that I have ever had. This is all due to Connect-123 and their amazing team. Through this program, I grew both personally and professionally. Sure, it is very hard to be in a different country that you don’t speak the language, not knowing the cultural practices and being away for two months. Connect-123 makes this process so easy that you don’t feel like you are away from home. Your home away from home, the (accommodations) has students from all over the world. It is the best way to learn and experience different cultures. For example, my roommate was from Russia and I have learned so much about their language, culture, and delicious foods. Overall, these experiences by far were the best part of college experiences for me. My internship allowed me to think outside of the box. I learned so much about international business by using software and tools that not necessarily being used in school. Overall, this program allowed to be built a strong network both personally and professionally with people from all around the world. Also, I was able to travel to other countries on holidays or weekends which helped me to understand and live with different people/culture. Looking back, this was the best decision that I have ever made and it was the best part of my life.

Benjamin Medalie

Hola amigos! This summer I had the pleasure of living and working in Barcelona through Connect-123. It has truly been the experience of a lifetime. I interned at a property management software startup where I learned the ins and outs of what it takes to build, market, and maintain a growing business.I was given some pretty cool projects to work on and I was even able to freely add my own creative touch to my personal work. I worked about 7 hours a day, Monday- Friday, including an hour lunch break. My co-workers were all very friendly and like-minded, and it was fairly easy to fit into the work environment. Apart from work, Connect-123 hosted many different group events such as paddle-boarding, a Catalonian cooking experience, pick-up basketball, etc. Our program coordinators were the best and all of this would not have been possible without them. I was lucky enough to be placed in a beautiful high rise apartment with a great group of guys within the luxurious neighborhood of Eixample. There is always something to do during your free time. Nightlife is insane and the abundancy of Catalan culture and tapas all around you is overwhelming. What more can I say... I peaked. Do this program.

John Getts

As a recent college graduate looking to gain some international experience and improve my Spanish, Connect-123 offered everything I was searching for. From day 1, my program coordinators prioritized my interests and found the perfect internship. Interning in a finance and consulting firm, I had the opportunity to work in both English and Spanish while assisting local startups with various aspects of the funding process. As for Barcelona, it speaks for itself. The culture, people, food, and of course the beach are all amazing. I will be forever grateful for this experience and I owe much of that to the team at Connect-123.

Natalie Zahran

I came across Connect-123 when I was researching internships abroad. I decided to look into the program and found out it was a perfect match for my time abroad. I couldn't of had a better experience working with my program coordinator. She made herself available at all hours despite our 6 hour time difference and answered any and all question as complete as she could. Not only was Connect-123 helpful in helping find an internship abroad but also with housing accommodations. They referred me to a few different options until I found a perfect match for what I was looking for. The process made it extremely easy to find flights and transportation that worked for me. I also was extremely pleased with the orientation that they offered. I got to meet another intern as we learned a little about the history in Barcelona, got a complete guide to transportation, and were given helpful tips that would make our time more enjoyable and safe. Everyone at Connect-123 made themselves very accessible in case we need guidance. Also by offering a private Facebook group, interns are able to meet and makes plans to hangout. I would recommend Connect-123 to anyone who is seeking an internship abroad and I would highly consider going through the program again if I saw fit for any future endeavors. Thank you to everyone at Connect-123 who made my experience abroad enjoyable, memorable and safe!

John Connolly

My experience with Connect-123 was great! I experienced life abroad, in the beautiful setting of Barcelona, where I could practice my Spanish and get practical work experience. I learned a lot about non-profit work and working in a different setting.

Edith Muleiro

My experience with Connect-123 in Barcelona was more incredible than anything I could have ever imagined. I had no expectations upon arriving in Barcelona, and soon found myself falling in love with this city and its people. Connect-123 made sure I was comfortable, taking the time to find the right internship that would fit my interests and making sure everything went well from the beginning to the end! I felt that I had a constant support network while exploring the city. I learned so much during my internship and developed long lasting relationships with my coworkers. I really recommend this program to anyone who is exploring their interests, or looking to forward those they already know! As for Barcelona, there is no better city to be young and curious! It's beautiful in its architecture, nature, people, and culture. Thank you so much Connect-123!

Nicholas Hadjimichael

I took part in the Connect-123 Barcelona Internship Program for two months in order to have an immersive internship experience that would inform my career path, give me a true work experience, and allow me to practice my Spanish in a city that I love dearly — and let me say that I had the most amazing time! My internship was serving as a first year business analyst at a Management Consultancy. Although I was only there for two months, I was warmly received and was given the training and responsibility provided to any first year business analyst. I was initially worried about the commitment i had taken on, especially considering my very rusty Castilian and lack of real experience, I found the work to be incredibly worthwhile and useful. In addition to strengthening my use of the language, I learned much about business consulting, business tools and methods, strategic planning, and market research. These skills became incredibly valuable to me in my following internship in Lima doing consulting and strategic planning work for a NGO. In addition, I had the privilege of working occasionally in the headquarters, located in Casa de les Punxes, which is a breathtaking Modernist building — castle, really. Outside of work, I had the opportunity to truly get to know Barcelona and the surrounding area, having my fair share of Iberian Ham (great food is cheap there), boarding down to the beach, experiencing the awesome night-life, and exploring neighborhoods I had never been to during previous visits. The program perfectly walked the line between providing great programming and being overly structured (as many organized programs tend to be); I had the freedom to live on my own and schedule my own time outside of work, but also the ability to hang out with some of the other interns and to attend the superchulo events that my program coordinator planned. I would definitely do it again!

Nina Brosman

Barcelona is your next trip! If it's not, change your travel plans immediately and get on a flight to Spain! Bursting with vibrant culture and nightlife as well as some of the kindest people in the world, Barcelona is the place to be.

During my internship through Connect-123, I had the opportunity to truly experience life as a real "Barcelonese." I was able to intertwine myself into the culture and the language for a full immersion experience filled with new friends, personal discovery, and unbelievably delicious food! However, while living abroad changes you (usually for the better!), I still felt like myself throughout the entire experience because my internship was so tailor-made to fit my personal interests and strengths.

I believe I was able to get a lot out of this opportunity because my work was so closely tied and reflective of my personality that I could learn and grow in the areas I wished to improve upon in order to succeed. The internship was valuable to my future career because it allowed me to test the waters of what a life in this field would consist of and now after completing my program with Connect-123, I'm diving in headfirst!

Vanessa Gillette

It was a bit of a rash decision to intern in Barcelona with Connect-123. I was already spending two months in Spain, so I figured I mind as well round out my summer travels with an internship in Barcelona. Well, the month I spent in Barcelona did not "round out" my summer, it made my summer! It is impossible to summarize my experience in a testimonial. My internship placement was exactly what I was hoping for. It challenged me everyday as I produced marketing content and communicated in a spanish speaking business environment. I discovered new skills and gained self-confidence. It was exciting and invigorating.

Now I feel I can take on the world (or at least my next job/internship). I cannot recommend Barcelona enough. I am mentally prepared to pack up and move to this amazing city for good! I lived in a great neighborhood with vibrant locals who often held live-concerts right outside my window. I lived close enough to run to the beach in the morning and watch the amazing sunrise. Barcelona feels like a big city because it has so much to offer. Yet, it's small enough to feel like home.

And finally, Connect-123 lived up to the name by connecting me with other interns who are now lifelong friends. Coming from vastly different countries and cultures, my friends inspired me every day. We learned from each other's experiences and celebrated our differences. I truly believe that meeting people from around the world can broaden your perspective on life. We met in a paella cooking class organized by Connect-123, but soon we were inseparable and organizing our own adventures such as hiking Montserrat and exploring beaches of la Costa Brava. I am saddened to leave Barcelona behind, but I take solace in knowing that it is only goodbye for now. Thanks to my internship, my friends, and all the adventures, I have fallen in love with this city. I know I'll be back again one day!

Andy Mitchell

My time spent in Barcelona this summer has been one of the best experiences of my life. I was pleased with the organization of Connect 123 and their commitment to securing an internship for me. Arriving in a new city with a different culture can be overwhelming, but Connect 123 was there from day one to make the transition easy. Organizing events, and updating me on latest festivals to attend are ways they made this summer a blast. I also had the pleasure of meeting new people, who are now close friends and I will be able to keep in touch with for a very long time. As for my internship, I was lucky to land an internship with a Chamber of Commerce in Barcelona. While it was difficult to adjust at first, talking out problems and possible solutions with Connect 123 really helped me get the most out of my internship. I was really impressed with their devotion to making sure my work experience was everything I had hoped for. During my time here, I was able to attend special events that I helped organize at my work. These helped me develop crucial networking skills that I will be able to use in the future. Overall, I had an amazing time exploring Barcelona while also gaining great work experience and would highly recommend Connect 123 for anyone wishing to do an international internship.  

Imran Kidwai

After deciding that an international internship in consulting would make me more competitive in the global market and as a MBA applicant, I stumbled upon Connect-123. The unique characteristic I found about the program they offer was that they find you an internship catered directly to your career aspirations. Thus, I was absolutely ecstatic that Connect-123 was able to find me an internship aligned directly with my career goals. From the first day of my internship, I was involved with my company's client. I was assigned a project, and worked with their client every day to get the project completed according to their needs. The internship was challenging, inspiring, and incredible. The skills that I gained from the internship were unrivaled. The city of Barcelona is nothing short of amazing! It has a unique culture, the people are extremely friendly, and the beaches are gorgeous. The friends and memories I made in Barcelona are truly unforgettable. My internship and experience in Barcelona were life-changing and it was all made possible by Connect-123.