Reviews

Rose K

I had a great time last summer! I got to shadow doctors and learn about cancer care and data. I also met amazing people who roomed with me and who I am visiting during my breaks!

Helene J

I had a fantastic experience at a Medical Centre in Dublin. As a third-year medical student, my internship helped me a lot in figuring out what specialty I might want to pursue after graduation and in which direction I want to develop my career. I was really lucky to have such friendly and helpful colleagues. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to live and work abroad. Dublin is a beautiful city and truly worth a visit. In all fairness, I was skeptical at first if going abroad with an organization would really be worth it, but thanks to the Connect-123 program, it was really easy to make friends and settle in. My experience really wouldn't have been the same without the girls from Connect-123.

Madeline Brent

My internship in Dublin was wonderful. I worked at Trinity University in a biobank archiving and processing samples. The work environment was a very easy transition. Everyone was welcoming and genuinely wanted to get to know me. I learned so many skills from my job that I am able to take back with me and apply to new jobs in the future. Something amazing about interning abroad is also meeting people from many different places. I interned with people from India, Luxembourg, Germany, and so many others. It was fun to learn side by side with other students and see how different places around the world learn techniques differently. Having an internship abroad was an incredible opportunity. Living in a foreign country and having to experience normal life in a culture other than your own is an experience unlike any other. Vacationing is not the same thing as living. Living in Dublin caused me to go to the grocery store, take public transportation, and experience the locals in a way I wouldn’t have been able to on a short trip. Connect-123 helped ease this transition. I was given an orientation with everything I needed including a list of all grocery stores, transportation information, and local attractions. During my stay in Dublin we had many events that brought participants together and gave us a community. Overall I not only learned about a new location, but I made Dublin a home.

Yi Liang Jiang

I completed my pharmacology internship at a hospital in Dublin. I worked in an immunology lab, where I learned how to operate centrifuge, Phadia 250 and QuantaLyser. The colleagues and chief scientist were welcoming and patient. Thanks to my summer internship, I gained knowledge of many crucial laboratory skills such as preparing coverslips and writing audits. Connect-123 not only made sure that we worked in a safe and professional environment but also filled our free time with exciting adventures and good food!

Nina Samarelli

Connect-123 found the perfect medical internship for me in Dublin! In the hopes of becoming a Physician Assistant, shadowing various doctors and nurses around two children’s hospitals has been an incredible experience, one that is difficult to find in the US. I have had the opportunity to observe what it is really like in a children’s hospital and how things operate. Each healthcare professional I have met has been more than willing to answer my questions and explain any type of medication, diagnosis or procedure. Not only were the people in the hospitals kind, but everyone in Dublin was! I felt so comfortable living in this city and it quickly became my favorite place in the world. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to advance in my healthcare career, meet some of the most amazing people, and grow into a more independent and confident person.

Haven Wang

My medical internship in Dublin was absolutely amazing! I got the opportunity to work at a Dublin-based medical research center, where I helped develop a topical treatment for RDEB, a rare skin disease. RDEB is a genetic skin blistering condition caused by a lack of collagen protein in the skin. Since I'd just finished my freshman year of college, I came into my medical research internship with very little lab experience. I didn't need to worry though, because everyone in the lab was so incredibly patient and willing to help me with whatever I didn’t understand or needed help with. I found myself shadowing certain Ph.D. students, trying to understand their role in the lab and what projects they were working on. Throughout my internship in Dublin, I enjoyed many incredible experiences, and some challenging ones too! I knew I had help and support if I ever needed it - Connect-123's group of advisors were so helpful. They planned adventures for us on the weekends, big thanks to them. I will never forget the people I met along the way!

Rae Filley

Connect 123 gave me the opportunity to try something that I didn’t think I would be able to do while still in college. As a nursing major, I only see the clinical side of healthcare, where Connect gave me the opportunity I had wanted to try research. I learned so much and met some amazing people at the research lab where I worked, and have been able to apply the new skills and knowledge that I have gained into my studies. They made it so easy right from the beginning, from finding housing and figuring out what documents I needed to travel, to getting a phone and making sure I was comfortable traveling to work. I felt fully supported and prepared for everything that came my way. I met such an amazing group of people, who made exploring Dublin, and the rest of Ireland, much more fun. Whether it was hiking the trails in the coastal towns, grabbing a bite to eat, checking out a local festival or event, or exploring Galway or Belfast, there was always someone who was excited to go with you. The Connect community, especially the program coordinator Nikki, couldn’t have been nicer or more welcoming. She knew exactly how overwhelming a new and foreign city can be, but she helped make Dublin feel like home right away. She always made sure we were getting the most out of our internship experiences all while planning fun events and showing us the less touristy side of Dublin. I can’t recommend Connect 123 more and I already cant wait to visit this wonderful city again

Alison Wall

I cannot recommend Connect-123 enough! I was excited to learn more about my family history in Ireland, as well as gain new professional skills through this internship. I was nervous to spend three months in a foreign country, but Nikki - the Connect-123 program coordinator in Dublin - made me feel so welcome and was a wealth of information on fun things to do both in and out of the city. She also made sure that all the interns in Dublin felt connected and set up activities for us every week! I had an amazing experience, learned new things, and made friends from all over the world. I'm so happy I chose Connect-123 to help me through my internship abroad.

Ellie Shoji

Reflecting on the five-and-a-half months in Ireland I spent interning with Connect-123 as a research assistant at a University, I have to say that it was the best decision I have made for myself, ever. I applied for an internship with Connect-123 after deciding to pursue medicine and research. All I knew when I began my internship was what my research project entailed and the expectations the university had for me as an intern. Throughout my internship, I met Masters students and PhD students who became my friends and my mentors in research. I began to enjoy research and I was very fortunate to work with a great team. My supervisors were supportive, enthusiastic, critical and encouraging. As a bonus, I was invited to attend and helped organize a major conference that the university was hosting for the first time. It was a great way to finish off my research assistant internship. Behind the scenes I was supported by the Connect-123 Dublin Program Coordinator, Nikki Madden. It was very reassuring to have someone to reach out to and I felt safe with her by my side. I do not think anyone could do what Nikki does for the Connect-123 students. Nikki organized regular events for us, which was a great way to bring us together as friends and teach us a bit about Dublin since it can be hard to be in a new place without having anyone to talk to. As an avid traveler, it can be exciting to face new challenges in a new country but it is always the people that make it the best experience and worth the stay. Without Nikki & Lea, I would not have been able to meet my wonderful host family who are like an extended family that made me feel like Ireland is my other home. I would like to thank Connect-123 for making it possible for me to have the experience of a lifetime, and for the wonderful support you provided for me and my younger brother who interned with Connect-123 previously.

Maria Cacciapuoti

Alina Bosa

Maggie Schmitt

Mahanna Elsheik

I interned for 7 weeks working in the research department of an organization that focuses on suicide and self-harm prevention. Seven weeks felt like 7 days. I had a wonderful time and it was an extremely fruitful experience; I learned so much! Everyone working there was so kind, friendly, and funny and made me feel very welcomed. My last day was a lot more emotional than I ever thought it would be, it was hard saying my goodbyes- a sign of a great experience and even greater people. Dublin is a beautiful city with so much to do and see. Exploring the city and towns nearby was so much fun and I definitely plan on coming back and exploring Ireland even more. Huge thanks to the Connect-123 team's time and efforts spent answering all my questions and for their patience during the application process. Fun events, hangouts, and tours were organized for the C-123 members and our program coordinator gave us suggestions on what to do/where to go during the bank holidays and weekends. She was extremely helpful and checked up on us frequently and was always there to answer any questions we had no matter how silly they were. It’s truly been a wonderful summer. I met awesome people and made great friendships. I'm very thankful for the experience and the memories that came with it! Thank you Connect-123 !

Rachel Meade

Connect-123 was an incredible summer program. Not only did they arrange a research internship with a top university in Dublin, but they also provided fun opportunities to experience Ireland while socializing with other members of the program! My favorite excursion was definitely the visit to the Hills of Tara! The legends surrounding the place were amazing, the views were unparalleled, and I got to offer a marshmallow to a fairy tree in exchange for a wish. Altogether, it was a fantastic experience. I would highly recommend this program for any student wanting to spend time in Ireland!

Stacy Gallegos

My time in Ireland was an unforgettable adventure. I learned resourceful skills, made lifelong friendships, and gained a new perspective about the world. My internship experience has changed the way I view healthcare delivery and has given me a boost of confidence to address the issues I care about the most. In the process, I gained a brilliant mentor and realized that you can accomplish even the most intimidating goals with hard work, passion, and some inspiration. Connect-123 made sure their students felt right at home from the moment they arrived. I am looking forward to returning to this magnetic city and am grateful for all the memories that have molded me to the friend and professional I am today.

Brooke Wendling

I couldn’t ask for a better internship here in Dublin. Everyone I have met, has been super friendly and welcoming. The Irish like to banter with and tease their co-workers, so if you intern/work here, don’t be nervous when they tease you, that means they like you. Also, I learned so much about how offices/organizations are managed. While here, I got to work with a small private charity organization to help people with a chronic disease. I also then worked a little bit with the Public Health services. I worked in two very different atmospheres, which I enjoyed immensely, because I got to see the different aspects of public and private offices/companies. In addition, I got to attend many different meetings regarding health and COPD. Ireland has so much to offer, from the Cliffs of Moher to Galway to Belfast and many more! Also, RyanAir sells super cheap flights to different places all throughout Europe, so you’ll not only be traveling a lot throughout Ireland, but through Europe as well (at least this is what I did). The nightlife is great too! All the pubs have live music and you become friends with everyone there. I can’t begin to explain how many amazing people you will meet if you intern here! Ireland truly is the place to be if you want to meet and make new lifelong friends. I advise anyone to intern here with Connect-123, you will not regret it!

Anne Bryan

The time I spent in Ireland was such an amazing experience it's hard to put into words how easy it is to fall in love with the city, people and culture that surrounds you. While I was in Ireland I was able to work with and live by locals who welcomed me with open arms. The Connect-123 program found an internship that was tailored specifically for me and my career path. The program placed me in a clinical and laboratory setting which provided me with an invaluable learning opportunity, of which I took full advantage. My Connect-123 roommates and I were regular tourists, frequently traveling to other countries or to the countryside of Ireland, it was hard to find idle time. The live entertainment you will find at any bar, pub, or restaurant is just another reason as to why this city so easy to love. Another benefit of living in Dublin is how easy it is to travel. The Dublin airport was 30 minutes away by a cab and finding cheap plane tickets was not a hard task. We were able to travel to 5 different countries and over a dozen cities, it was truly an experience I won't forget. I will always cherish the time spent and the people I met during my internship in Dublin. I can't imagine a better way to spend an internship while also having the experience of a lifetime. There is no doubt in my mind I would do it all over again the same way if I could, and for that I am forever grateful.

Tini Thomas

I graduated from medical school and had some time before moving to the next level, so I decided instead of just sitting and waiting, why not do something useful? I knew I wanted to do an internship in Dublin Ireland so I started googling for agents who could help me find one. I saw a couple but it was just so much work, then I stumbled on Connect-123. They were pretty straight forward with the process. They don't just abandon you when you get to your destination either, Connect-123 had all these events planned and always ready to assist. Thank you so much Connect-123, I met amazing people and enjoyed my time in Dublin. Definitely going back!

Kaitlin O’Brien

To say my choice to intern in Ireland with Connect-123 was the best decision of my entire life would be an understatement. I honestly owe so much to Connect-123 and I will never forget my experience in Dublin. Connect-123 set me up with not one but two internships working in two children's hospitals in Dublin. I learned so much about what I want to do with my life and where I want to be. I was able to meet some of the greatest people I’ve ever known through Connect-123 and I was never lonely or out of people to explore Ireland with. I can’t recommend this company enough! If you are looking for a life changing experience, look no further. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Alexandra Aldieri

I always knew I wanted to intern abroad and Connect-123 helped find a great opportunity in Ireland. I worked for a college research department in Dublin, and everything about my experience was unforgettable. It’s difficult for an American student to find pharmacy research abroad, so I can’t thank Connect-123 enough for helping me find the perfect research position. The professor that I worked closely with was an incredibly kind and generous mentor. He often treated me for tea and we would sit and discuss anything from our research project to life and travel. It was something I never expected from my internship, but something I’ll never forget. I came to Europe alone and not knowing what to expect, but I met so many people along the way that were supportive and a lot of fun. Dublin felt like home and everything good you’ve heard about the Irish is true. My best memories are thanks to my Dublin Connect-123 family. I miss it and I highly recommend working with Connect-123 for the opportunity to travel, work, and have the time of your life.