Reviews

Leslie Reitz

I knew that I wanted to intern abroad, but I was unsure of what organization to go with. I heard about Connect-123 from a friend. I submitted my application very early and was thrilled with the public relations internship in Dublin placement I got. Connect-123 really listened to what I wanted in an internship. Plus, I was beyond impressed with everything Connect-123 offers for the amazing program price. As for my internship in Dublin - it was above and beyond my expectations. I grew so much as a human, student, and leader during my time abroad. Having the opportunity to intern internationally is truly life-changing because you adapt to a new workplace culture, are pushed out of your comfort zone, and take chances that you would not ordinarily take. Not only did this experience in Ireland boost my resume, it boosted my life because I now have amazing friends and connections globally. I could not be more grateful! Connect-123 are there for you every step of the way and are truly invested in giving you the greatest experience.

Jillian Rhinehart

My communications internship in Dublin perfectly combined the array of interests that I wanted to cover, including human rights, writing, and strategic communications. I interned at a small non-profit organization that aims to educate students on global issues and how to make a positive change in the world. I received the best balance of independence and support, from both my host organization and Connect-123. The city of Dublin is absolutely amazing, and so were the friends and connections I made. During my summer internship I gained more experience and confidence than I ever anticipated! I learned more about myself, different cultures, and my future career goals in these two months than any other summer in my life.

Carolina Lubinus

My internship in Barcelona was absolutely incredible. My goals for my time there, to get hands-on experience in the Human Rights field and improve my Spanish, were both reached beyond my expectations. I spent two months working for a small Human Rights NGO, where I was assigned to a project that allowed me to improve my research, analytical skills, and Spanish literacy skills. Since the office was so small, it was easy to become comfortable with everyone who worked there, and there was always someone to help if I had any questions about my work. Connect-123 also organized a lot of fun events outside of work, such a cooking class where we learned to make paella (one of the dishes I'll miss most from Spain). I also had the chance to practice my Spanish, and I learned quite a few new Castilian words, which are different from the South American Spanish I was taught in school. I managed to make so many new friends and have such amazing experiences in Barcelona that I wouldn't have anywhere else; I can't wait to be back! Thank you so much, Connect-123 for this opportunity!

Malwina Motyl

I spent five fantastic weeks working with animals at my internship in Dublin. In the future I want to become a vet, therefore I wanted to spend my summer working with animals and gaining experience in animal behavior and veterinary medicine. Apart from walking dogs and petting cats, I had the opportunity to assist in surgeries and observe the work of a veterinarian during the examination of animals in the veterinary clinic. My host organization has loads of different areas such as the cattery, rehoming kennels, rehabilitation center and veterinary clinics so it’s a perfect place for everyone who loves animals. Connect-123 found a perfect place for me where I could work and gain experience but also enjoy every week of my summer holidays. The same day when I arrived, I met wonderful people and we had a great time together. I will always remember my first day in Dublin when, with my new friends, we went all together to a parade in town. It was one of the best moments that I experienced during my internship. My coordinators were really helpful during my stay. It was the first time that I left home for such a long time and at the beginning, I was scared that I won’t be able to live on my own in a completely new city. But thanks to Nikki and Rosie I didn’t encounter any problems, but I’m sure that if there was one, they would solve it immediately. I’m really glad that I met them and many other interns who were also really helpful during my internship. It was an unforgettable experience which I will remember forever.

Katarina Esser

Doing my Child Life Practicum in Cape Town, South Africa, is something I will treasure forever. Not only did the Child Life Practicum give me valuable experience in a different healthcare setting, but also cultural experiences I would not have had in the USA. Coming home I feel like a better professional who is aware of cultural differences that can be found in a healthcare setting. Although every week we had group meetings, one on ones, and time in the hospital and in service sites we still had plenty of time to have fun! My favorite thing we experienced was the safari!

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!

Alex Schramkowski

When I journeyed to Cape Town, the questions I had about the culture, my internship, the city, and the country as a whole were constantly on my mind. Would I enjoy myself? Would my internship cater to my professional and personal aspirations? Would I make important connections for my future? Would I learn about South African history and culture through incredible trips and site visits? All of those questions, retrospectively, can all be answered with a resounding yes! My experience working, traveling, and living in South Africa turned out to be wildly beyond what I originally imagined. Without Connect-123’s vigilant and constant support, advice, and help, none of it would be remotely possible. I’m eternally thankful for the staff I worked with and the assistance I received from Connect-123 before the flight, on the ground, and even when I returned to the States. Thank you!

Jessica Foo

Connect-123 helped make my law internship in Dublin one of the best episodes of my life. They eased me into settling into a new environment, explained anything I was apprehensive about and made me feel comfortable and excited. We were always informed about any events that were being arranged. I loved going to them because of all the different people I would meet and all the new places I would get to visit. I interned at a law firm with solicitors and was able to learn so much. The people at the office were exceptional, there was always someone who would be willing to help or answer my questions. They were so kind and made me feel welcome. I was a little skeptical at the beginning of my journey. I was looking for a program that would allow me to gain some experience in the legal field and was unsure about doing an internship abroad, however, I am very glad that I did it. It has been an amazing experience and I have met some incredible people along the way. I loved my time in Dublin and hopefully, I'll return one day.

Bryce Berry

My experience in Cape Town will never be forgotten. As this was my first time out of the country, I was pretty anxious about traveling. However, the amazing Connect-123 family made my transition smooth. I was able to relax and focus on experiencing Cape Town for its greatness. This city had so much to offer because of the endless things to see and do. Every day as I looked up Table Mountain I was reminded that I am in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Every site and every adventure were breathtaking. My internship here was everything I asked for and more. I met tons of nice people with big hearts and bigger laughs. The experience at my internship was than just work. It was an office filled with different cultural perspectives and personalities that enabled me to form a bond I will never forget.

Prashant Tiwari

I really enjoyed my finance internship in Dublin, where I worked as an International Trade Associate. Initially I was very nervous and not quite sure what to expect, but as I progressed in the internship my confidence grew and I was able to perform all my tasks easily. The office environment in which I worked was amazing – my boss and supervisors were really nice and if I ever got stuck on anything they had no problem assisting me with the issue. I think I really grew both personally and professionally and really benefited from the experience. Dublin is a very small city, almost everything is within walking distance of St. Stephen’s Green. That was pretty cool because if I ever missed a bus or if it would take too long to get there, I could just walk instead. We visited a lot of pubs, restaurants and cool historical sites and museums around Dublin. Connect-123 took us on a hike from Bray to Graystone, which was really fun, as some of us decided to hike over the mountain rather than around it. We also had dinner at the Hairy Lemon, and went on a day tour that included an adventure course where we did zip lining, rock climbing, rope courses and a lot of other fun stuff. The Dublin Program Coordinators also kept us updated on all the events happening around Dublin that we might be interested in, which was really handy. Me and my roommates also visited the Cliffs of Moher, which were really cool, and went on a day tour to Cashel, Blarney and Cork. Overall I really enjoyed my experience in Dublin. It is a really interesting city, and Ireland has a lot of sights to see and things to do. I liked experiencing a completely different culture to my own and exploring the city. I’m looking forward to visiting Europe and Dublin again.

Lindsay Morrissey

My internship abroad in Dublin was better than I could have imagined! I visited Dublin briefly during my sophomore year abroad and fell in love with the city and people. So I was happy to return in my junior year. I found the program through my university and applied to Connect-123. Connect-123 matched me with an internship that suited my interests and skill sets. I worked at a nonprofit organization in Dublin that specializes in supporting agriculture and enterprise development projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. Everyone in the office was incredibly warm and helpful. I certainly made professional connections that will help me in my career. This internship was the fourth one I have had since being in college and I can honestly say this was the best one! I decided to choose a homestay option for my living accommodation and I was not disappointed. I was placed with a wonderful family in a home not too far from my office and the city center. As a city, Dublin is great because it is easy to navigate. It offers everything that you could need, with lots to do on the weekend. I am extremely grateful to the Connect-123 coordinator, Nikki, who did an amazing job of helping me get adjusted to the city. She not only planned fun trips and events, she was incredibly warm and helpful.

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!

Anne Willems of Brilman

After I got my legal bachelor’s degree I decided I wanted to take some time off to get some practical experience in the field before continuing to get my master’s degree. I chose Connect-123 because of its connections abroad, specifically in the field of human rights. Thanks to Lea Levy and Nikki Madden (Dublin Programme Coordinator) I spent six months working for a human rights organization in Dublin. Coming to Dublin, and working for a small NGO, has truly been a phenomenal experience and one of the best choices I’ve made in my life. Dublin is a city filled with culture, history, multiculturalism, and of course pubs. It is a city where the craic never ends! My time here has been marked by one amazing event after another, both organized by my workplace and Nikki. When I started, all I knew was that I would be working as a policy intern for a migrant women’s rights organization. During my time there, the scope of my work evolved far beyond policy. During my time, I have been able to attend UN meetings, organize a national conference, facilitate training for migrant women, conduct several types of research and much more. I have met and worked with national politicians and policymakers such as Leo Varadkar (Taoiseach) and David Stanton TD (Minister of Justice and Equality). I was part of a small team of strong, multicultural women all dedicated to the advancement of migrant women’s rights in Ireland. Due to the differences in cultural upbringing, all of us brought a unique perspective to the table which enabled us to tackle issues from various perspectives. Next to these experiences, Nikki turned an amazing experience into a truly phenomenal and memorable one. Her guidance, care, and support proved instrumental in my being able to settle into work and the city. Furthermore, the events she organized allowed me to not only enjoy the work but also explore the city, the country and the culture together with the other Connectors. Indeed, her care, commitment, and dedication lifted this experience to a whole new level. I recommend Connect-123 and Dublin to everyone who wants an unforgettable internship experience abroad.

Isaiah Sauvageau

Living abroad is a liberating experience. Once I stepped off the plane and onto Irish soil, the world grew a little bit smaller. I had never traveled alone before, and the idea of living without any of the comforts of my familiar life was daunting. That is where Connect-123 made life easy. Nikki, my program coordinator, helped me establish the essentials (housing, phone, connections, etc…). I quickly grew comfortable and started to travel throughout Ireland and Europe, experiencing some of the world’s greatest sights, sounds, and tastes. Dublin truly is an international city, and I met people from around the world looking to travel, learn English, study, and work. At my internship, I contributed to a project that reduces agricultural wastes. I was even able to tour a site that converts wastes to energy. This experience helped me to grow into a more confident and independent person and exposed me to new people, ideas, and ways of life.

Sarah Caplan

Living in Cape Town for two months really provided me with an immersive, cultural experience. The atmosphere in Cape Town is vibrant and lively, and I was able to gain a new perspective on what life is like outside of the US. I was able to get a full understanding of what it is like to live in Cape Town, and got to indulge in the many things the city has to offer. My internship in Cape Town provided me with skills and an experience I would not have been able to gain anywhere else. I will forever be grateful for my time spent in Cape Town and I will take the life lessons I learned there with me wherever I go!

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!

Malyah Younis

If I had to describe my architecture internship in Barcelona with one word, it would be 'unbelievable'. I am so glad I chose Connect-123; they were extremely helpful with assisting me in finding housing in the heart of Barcelona, as well as introducing me other students on the program which made it easier to explore to the city. I felt like I was able to reach out at any time or if I felt unsafe. I felt right at home. My goals for my time there was to get a hands-on experience in the Architect world; to improve my software skills and learn a bit of Spanish. My first internship I didn’t particularly enjoy the atmosphere and nor was I able to learn the things that I desired. However, my Connect-123 mentor was so understanding and went out of her way to find me another internship, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was part of the production team in several complex project presentations, where I was able to enhance my software skills. As well as being involved in worldwide procedures and construction systems, I was able to adapt well to an English and Spanish company. The weeks in between I was able to travel, explore different cities and famous landmarks while experiencing the tasteful Spanish culture. Connect-123 also organized a lot of fun events outside of work, my favorite being the paella cooking class. I managed to make so many new friends whom I am still in touch with today and was able to create such amazing memories. The start wasn’t as great as I planned but the end was most certainly... perfect. Without doubt, I will be back, maybe in a different country this time, Sydney perhaps. With the help of Connect-123, I have had an unforgettable time and I thank them so much for giving me this opportunity!

Hana Petker

Connect-123 facilitated the most memorable internship experience in Cape Town, South Africa for me. I got to experience aspects of traditional culture and food through various activities organized by Connect-123. I ate local cuisine at authentic African restaurants, I visited local craft markets and enjoyed a wonderful wine tour of the renowned Cape Winelands. I fell in love with Cape Town's breathtaking scenery and got to appreciate its beautiful landscape while hiking up mountains and surfing the clear blue seas. Thanks to my internship facilitated by Connect-123, I acquired exceptional communication skills and developed a deep understanding of different cultures while working in an ethnically diverse environment. I gained new technical skills and underwent immense personal and professional growth. Most importantly, I met people within the medical field who will help with my career networking in the future. Thank you Connect-123 for the providing me with such a wonderful experience!

Sabrina Sangha

Julia Friend

I do not even know where to begin to describe my experience this past spring/summer with Connect-123. When I first arrived I was immediately in awe of Barcelona and its contagious energy. I remember how nervous I was walking to the first meet up with Connect-123 people and coordinators, but the minute I walked into the restaurant I was welcomed so warmly and felt at ease. It was so incredible to meet people of all ages from all different places. I was worried that my experience would be different from a traditional study abroad program, but what I got was even more unique and something I could have never imagined. I was able to make friends from all walks of life and take time to really explore the city and other parts of Europe, such as Sevilla and Italy. I was also fortunate enough to have the most incredible internship experience. I interned at a psychology center, working on a variety of projects from management, to creative, to clinical, and even getting to sit in on patient visits. I cannot express how much I learned from them and how grateful I am for the experience they gave me. I truly could not have found a better or even equivalent opportunity in the U.S even if I tried. I walked away with incredible relationships and connections, and a completely new outlook on the clinical and academic world of psychology. I am so excited to apply what I have learned to my future studies and plans. Connect-123 truly took the time to get to know me throughout the interview process. I went into the process without a sense of what field I really wanted to intern in, and they found me this incredible opportunity that matched my interests and mindset more than I could have done for myself. My two months in Barcelona went by in the blink of an eye – the sites to see, the food, everything was never ending, and each day I found something new I wanted to explore next. Connect-123 came to me at a point in my life when I was feeling quite down and lost and I am beyond grateful. I learned so much about myself during my journey and gained a new appreciation for all that life has to offer. I will never forget my time in Barcelona and will cherish the memories and friendships made. Barcelona will always hold a special place in my heart and I am already thinking about the next time I can come back!