After graduating college a semester early, I knew I wanted to find an internship experience abroad, but didn’t know where to start. But after finding out about Connect-123, everything fell perfectly into place! Connect-123 was able to place me in an Immunology Lab in the Pathology Department within one of the largest hospital systems in Ireland, and I absolutely loved my experience there. My coworkers were so friendly and welcoming, and I learned about an entire new branch of science with which I hadn’t previously had much exposure. Now, as I apply for medical school back in the US, admissions committees are eager and excited to hear about my opportunity to work in another country’s healthcare system. Connect-123 also helped me find housing in a fantastic area of Dublin with other international students. The people I lived with ended up being my closest friends, and we travelled within Ireland and throughout Europe together. In addition to helping with logistical tasks like job placement and housing, Connect-123 truly made Dublin feel like home during my few months there. My program coordinator was an amazing mentor and friend and went out of her way to make sure all the Connect participants were having fun and experiencing everything Ireland has to offer. She was always just a text or call away when I had any problems or questions, from learning how to use Dublin’s public transportation system to restaurant recommendations and everything in between. We all got together as a group at least weekly to do different activities around Dublin, as well as several day trips to other parts of Ireland. It was incredible to have a group of friends to explore the city with, and I made friends from around the globe who I still keep in contact with to this day. I had absolutely no idea what to expect from Dublin or Ireland in general, but I came home from my trip with a deep appreciation and love of Irish culture. I can’t speak highly enough about the hospitality and warm welcome I received from every single Irish person I met. I couldn’t have asked for anything more from my experience abroad, and I can’t wait to return to Ireland one day!