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!
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Breanna M
My entire experience in Cape Town, South Africa was incredible to say the least. The people, culture and hospital settings taught me so much that I will use for the rest of my life. I learned so much about the Child Life profession through play that created a solid foundation for my future in this career. I learned so much about medical terminology, different diagnoses, play interventions, and theories/theorists that will help me become successful in this field. Interacting with pediatric patients and their families left an everlasting impact on my life. I am so grateful for this experience and everyone I met during it.
Internships in Cape TownElizabeth K
Choosing to complete my Child Life Practicum in Cape Town was by far the best decision I could have made. The practicum is a play-based learning experience and gave me real hands-on opportunities to work with children in the hospital environment. Working through a group practicum was amazing as well because I was able to observe others in the field and we could learn from each other. Not only was I able to learn about the field of Child Life but I was also able to see Cape Town and experience things that are not only beautiful but a learning opportunity as well. This was truly a life-changing experience, and I would recommend it to anyone!
Internships in Cape TownEmma B
Coming to Barcelona with this program has honestly been life-changing. I can genuinely say that I feel like I am learning so much at my internship. Barcelona is also just an amazing city in every way!
Internships in BarcelonaAlex J
Everything about this program was top-notch! Our director was fun and pleasant to be around and I always looked forward to the events every other week. Not only that, but everyone was super helpful with any problems I had experienced. I had an incredible experience!
Internships in DublinAlison C
Having graduated from college during the pandemic I was not sure how to go about the next steps of my career. I came across Connect-123 while searching for internships online. The application process is very straightforward, you simply fill out your desired field of study and your desired location. I then had a phone call with Carla who filled me in on the internship process and how it works. She asked me about my preferences and objectives for the internship and within only a few weeks she was able to match me with an organisation. Although my internship was remote, I was in frequent communication with the organisation, so I never felt disconnected. Connect-123 also provided tips on how to stay connected and get the most out of the internship. Carla also checked in on me during the internship and reassured me that should I require any assistance she would be there to help. The internship itself was very rewarding I got to experience working in my chosen field of interest. I was assigned tasks and got to conduct research for the company. I practiced soft skills of long- distance communication, time management, and meeting deadlines. I learned technical skills such as using Google Docs, creating designs, and writing copy for the company. The people I worked with were so welcoming and provided feedback along the way and were appreciative of my contributions. Overall Connect-123 is a wonderful resource for not only securing an internship but also providing support along the way. Taking the next steps in your professional journey can be daunting but simply knowing Connect-123 is there to support you makes it much easier. I would highly recommend anyone considering an internship to apply through Connect-123.
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.
Internships in DublinShane O
My time as an intern in Dublin, Ireland was a very big step in my life as it showed me what it means to be a business operations intern in an upcoming city. The culture of Dublin and its people was amazing and I can say for certain it is some of the nicest people I have ever met. I would highly recommend an internship abroad because of the various positives it offers outside of the job itself.
Internships in DublinVasilisa Y
My two-month journey in Buenos Aires was nothing short of incredible! Immersing myself in the vibrant culture, my Spanish skills improved significantly as I engaged with the friendly locals and embraced their warmth. The friendships I made were invaluable, and together, we explored the city's iconic landmarks, discovered hidden gems, and indulged in delicious cuisine. Moreover, gaining work experience added a unique dimension to my trip, giving me insights into the local business landscape. I wholeheartedly recommend Buenos Aires to everyone – its energy, culture, and friendly atmosphere make it an absolute must-visit destination that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Internships in Buenos AiresIma B
Reflecting on my time in Cape Town and the amazing opportunities that Connect-123 provided, I can proudly say that coming here has been the best decision I have made during my time at Penn State. From the instant I set foot in this amazing country, every single person has made me feel welcomed and loved! Regarding my internship, my placement was an absolute game-changer. Not only for my personal growth but also because I was able to work alongside talented and passionate people who pushed me to become a better version of myself! Beyond the professional aspect, the trips and activities sponsored by Connect-123 have been nothing but exceptional. From having the time of our life at Food Jams with our program coordinator, Carla, to having a breathtaking safari through the Garden Route. Overall, this has been an unforgettable journey and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity. This has been a wild experience and Connect-123 and this place will always hold a special place in my life!
Internships in Cape TownLena F
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 DublinFavour U
This experience with Connect-123 was amazing and was everything that I hoped for. I was nervous about the internship placement at first however, my final internship placement was amazing and I loved the organization and their work. The tourist events that Connect-123 planned were also incredible; the variety of restaurants, the safari tour, and extra excursions we could sign up for. I enjoyed everything and I will add that I loved having my own space, as I got an Airbnb. However, Connect-123 and Carla really made this dream come through and made it easier than I could imagine!!
Internships in Cape TownAddison 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.
Internships in BarcelonaMarianna CU
Thanks to Connect-123 I was able to have an amazing summer in Barcelona. They helped me find an internship in the environmental sustainability field to work during my two months in Barcelona. Working at this organization helped me learn about the Catalonia region and the importance of it. As well as learning about the natural spaces and the Catalan work culture and lifestyle. In this internship, I was able to host activities in Spanish which helped me improve my Spanish. Connect-123 made sure to contact us about the internship in the beginning and during our time being there which made me feel confident since I knew I had a group of people supporting me. Also, I was able to meet people from all over the US and the world through their events. Connect-123 made sure to encourage everyone to attend these events since it was an amazing opportunity to meet people in the same program as you. Overall, I had a great time in Barcelona and made so many memories with the most amazing people.
Internships in BarcelonaChelsey C
Caleb A
I had an amazing internship experience in Dublin, Ireland with Connect-123. I was placed in an awesome internship at a record label where I learned so much about the music business. I also had the opportunity to go on Connect-123 planned trips such as the Cliffs of Moher as well as my own trips to places like Cork and London. Through these eye-opening trips, I got to learn so much more about Irish/European food and culture and got to see stunning views. The people I’ve met during the program have become close friends and great additions to my network. Overall, I had a fantastic time abroad!
Internships in DublinGrace F
My experience with an internship through Connect-123 was incredibly exciting; I ended up working in precisely the field I’m interested in and gained valuable experience that will help me pursue my career. I also really enjoyed the Connect-123 sponsored trips, especially to the cliffs of Moher. One of the best things about being abroad is the ability to travel further. I’ve been able to cheaply travel extensively around Ireland as well as in Germany and Italy. Another thing I appreciate is the automatic community I joined through Connect-123; it was really nice to arrive in a new country knowing that there were already some people I was connected with and who I could contact in case of emergency.
Internships in DublinElla E
I have just left Barcelona after two months, and I already want to be back! I had the best experience exploring a city so unlike where I grew up and met introspective and wonderful people through my internship at a clinic for sick children, as well as through Connect-123. With like-minded new friends, I discovered amazing restaurants throughout the city, visited nearby places up the coast, went to a number of amazing art museums, and even went to an FC Barca game which was the best! My friends were the best, and I am even going to travel with some over the course of my gap year! Over my time working, I was able to form bonds with children struggling with challenging medical issues, as well as their parents, and doing so brought me fulfillment and awe of how such great difficulties can shape a person. All of my colleagues and the families were such lovely humans, and most of all inspired me to not take anything for granted and work through challenges with an open and light mindset. An experience I never would have found on my own, working at the clinic brought me clarity on the things I could see myself doing in the future and was lots of fun for improving my Spanish skills. The Connect-123 activities were a blast, my personal favorite was a tapas night on one of the best tapas streets in Barcelona! I am headed to the University of Washington this September, and while I will be sad to return back to the States, I am doing so with new perspectives of the world, new abilities to make global friends, and a mile-long bucket list of places I want to travel to next! Thank you Connect-123!
Internships in BarcelonaAlyssa W
Carson G
Overall, I had a very good time during my Internship; the work was interesting and informative, the experience of living in Dublin was one of a kind, and I was able to meet a lot of great people as well. I think it was a very valuable first step in my career, and would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone pursuing an alternate form of education. The process of applying and finding something that fit my needs was also quick and easy and helped form an early relationship with my employer, and the other interns.
Internships in DublinRowan 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.
Internships in Dublin