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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Jamie Martin
My time in Cape Town, South Africa was nothing short of a dream. I spent the entire month of June completing a Child Life Practicum at a first government pediatric hospital. Getting to know the hospital staff and patients was an exceptional experience, as I spent my days preparing children for procedures and encouraging developmentally appropriate play within the facility. I want to thank Connect-123 for introducing me to such incredible and driven individuals. I never imagined that I would spend the summer in this beautiful city exploring the land each and every day. Everyone with the Connect-123 team did such an amazing job helping me adapt and feel comfortable in my temporary home. I would recommend this program to everyone and am so glad I made the decision to attend, despite having not known anyone beforehand. I am already looking forward to my next trip to Cape Town.
Internships in Cape Town
Ania Aliev
This summer I worked at a biomedical research institute in Barcelona. Connect-123 did an excellent job finding me this internship and listened to my parameters and found the perfect internship for me. This internship was heavily based in statistical analysis in the medical field, which is exactly what I asked for. I was able to improve my coding skills as well as learning new methods to run data analyses. In addition to this, my housing was also great. I lived right in the center of the city with easy access to all part of the city. Everyone I met was extremely friendly and I was able to make friends through people on Connect-123, the people I lived with, and worked with. Barcelona is a versatile and vibrant city, which makes it full of life so it is never boring. If you are considering a study abroad program with an internship component Connect-123 in Barcelona is amazing and I would definitely recommend it!
Internships in Barcelona
Anita Baratti
My teaching internship in Cape Town was life-changing. I shared this adventure with an incredible bunch of people from my university in England, who showed my same passion to engage with South African culture and history, making this experience even more amazing. Connect-123 played a huge role: besides being extremely helpful and supportive, they were able to perfectly understand my interests and to find the right internship for me. Tutoring and teaching in a high school in a township, I was immersed in a reality where kids often remain trapped in their disadvantaged background. My students in Langa High were doing something almost revolutionary: finally totally free from Apartheid, they were finishing their last year of high school and were about to step into tertiary education. Assisting them in this passage was a privilege and something I will always keep close. I lost my heart in Cape Town, in everything I did and saw and the people I met. I loved my job, which helped me grow as a person and a professional and tremendously clarified my future career path and choices. Someone once said: 'we meet to part and we part to meet' and I like thinking that this will be my first but not last time in this wonderful country.
Internships in Cape Town
Giulia Monteleone
The time I spent living and working in Cape Town has proved to be the most powerful and intense experience abroad of my life up-to-date. When I first put foot in South Africa little I realised how much I had to learn about this country and how complicated and contradictory its everyday reality was. The support provided by the Connect-123 staff was invaluable – our program coordinators guided us through life in South Africa, making sure that each of us were getting the most out of our experience whilst staying safe and keeping an eye on budget! There is just so much the city has to offer: within a two-month period I climbed Table Mountain, hiked up Lion’s Head, went paragliding, spent a whole day in Khayelitsha, spent time by the ocean, went on a safari, and visited local markets and art galleries! Working as a journalism intern at a popular community radio station granted me an unequalled platform from where to observe and discover the fast-changing dynamics and phenomena underpinning the South African society. I was able to develop a first-hand knowledge of community media and to interact with a multitude of organizations on the field operating in the areas of the Cape Flats. A piece of advice: make the most out of it, because time will fly past you before you know it!
Internships in Cape Town
Jasmine Purifoy-Lewis
My time in Buenos Aires has been great. I really love the city, I was worried about getting lost, and I probably only got lost three times. The city is really easy to explore, the subway system is very easy to learn and quite interesting to people watch and language ease-drop. I feel like being here has really enhanced my Spanish skills and that was my reason for wanting to travel abroad. I also really enjoyed working with my coworkers in my internship. My advice would just pick an internship you know is going to be interesting to you, and be prepared to possibly not do what you thought you were going to do, and/or more than what you expected. Our program coordinator was also very helpful and interested in helping everyone. Argentina is a beautiful place and I would definitely come back again.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Casey Copp
Three months ago I got on the plane shaking. I had never left the United States before and I had never never left home for so far and for as long as I was about to do. I had never lived in a big city. I had never left my comfort zone. Much of my family preferred that I go to Europe than South America. Indeed, I was shaking as I got on the plane. Three months later now I am a changed person. Buenos Aires is an incredible city with never-ending options of things to do and it's impossible to get bored. I've had more fun here the past three months that I had in my first 3 years of college! The best aspect of the city is the people. Everyone I've met, from strangers that pass by on the streets, to the worker in an ice cream store next to my apartment, to other students from a local university, and obviously my host family who are always so friendly, caring, and accommodating. Connect-123 provided me with a perfect internship that mixed my career aspirations working in non-profits as well as my passion soccer, which is also the passion of the entire Argentine nation! Although I've studied Spanish for 7 or 8 years, I felt like my language knowledge had plateaued but now not only has my Spanish improved drastically but I will return to my university confusing all my professors as I speak to them like a Porteño. I'm so sad to leave and I will most definitely return many times in my life. For the impact it has made on my personal growth, Buenos Aires, Argentina will forever have a special place in my heart.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Collin Kruzel
My adventure to Buenos Aires was a first in many ways. Big firsts like leaving the country for the first time and being really, really far from family for so long. Connect-123 truly exceeded any expectations I could have in regards to this big change. Connect-123 placed me with a host family, who very quickly became a part of my family. A fantastic host family and a constant stream of available activities and events kept me busy and excited while being integrated into the culture and life here in Argentina. This is all in addition to being placed in an internship that was very flexible, friendly and provided me a unique work experience.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Allen Hu
The month I spent in Cape Town really was the time of my life. The city and the surrounding environment was absolutely beautiful, the food was delicious (also cheap), and the South African people were so kind and friendly! I woke up every day excited to explore the city and learn something new about South Africa's history and culture. In addition, my internship was so eye-opening, because I got to go out into the townships every day and see a different way of life, as well as the challenges of providing healthcare to impoverished areas. That's not something very many people get to do, and I consider myself so lucky to have been able to go to Cape Town for an internship. I'm so grateful for all the people I met and all the experiences I had. If you're having trouble deciding whether or not you should go abroad for an internship with Connect-123, let me just say: take the leap. Just go for it. You absolutely won't regret it. I certainly didn't!
Internships in Cape Town
Maggie Crowell
Picture this: a stunning, palm-lined coastal city that bustles in the shadow of Table Mountain -- a city filled with diverse culture and friendly people. Then, add a knowledgeable team of individuals dedicated to assisting you with everything, from finding the perfect weekend brunch spot to sourcing the best guide for a Cape of Good Hope tour with penguins. You're looking at an internship in Cape Town with Connect-123, and if your experience is anything like mine was, you'll never look back! During my time in South Africa, I was fortunate enough to intern in a local human rights organization, which helped me realize my passion for social justice and human rights issues. In addition to great experiences through my job, I was able to participate in some fantastic weekend activities such as cage diving, paragliding, and feeding elephants on safari. Connect-123 helped make this one of the best and most memorable summers of my life, and I would recommend this program to anyone looking for adventure, learning, and a whole lot of excitement!
Internships in Cape Town
Drew Peth
It’s amazing what can happen in just a short month, and it would not have been possible without Connect-123. This became evident from our very first meeting, and I knew I had made the best decision to spend my summer with them. Their grasp on Cape Town life and connections around the city are unparalleled. We were connected with some of the best doctors and mentors in Cape Town. Rotating through a community day clinic, secondary hospital, pediatric care center, and touring a first tier government hospital, where the first heart transplant took place, as well as a private hospital, we gained well-rounded insight into the healthcare of Cape Town. Connect-123 made sure we not only had an incredible internship experience, but also amazing opportunities to see the beauty of Cape Town. They gave fantastic recommendations, listened to what we wanted to do, and took the stress of planning, scheduling, and arranging accommodation away, allowing us to more fully enjoy ourselves. The staff at Connect-123 go above and beyond to not only ensure you have an excellent experience, but also work to foster a relationship with you. I can honestly say Connect-123 shaped my time in Cape Town, and for that I am forever grateful. My only regret is that I didn’t stay longer! Thanks again for everything!
Internships in Cape Town
Samantha Minnette
The three months that I spent in Buenos Aires were amazing, as I spent them improving my Spanish, exploring a culturally rich city, and meeting new and exciting people every day! I came to this internship with the goal of improving my ability to speak Spanish and I can say confidently that I have accomplished my goal. Working in a small office really helped me connect with the language and with the people I worked with, allowing me to form strong connections and friendships. Working in my internship really impacted the way that I look at my degree and the future that I want to pursue! In addition to this, Buenos Aires and Argentina in general is a beautiful and fascinating part of the world to explore and live in! From the North to the South my travels really opened my eyes to the beauty of this country. I cannot wait to return some day! Thank you Connect-123 for such a great experience!
Internships in Buenos Aires
Calum Ahmed
Having not had the opportunity to travel much, I jumped head first at the chance to take advantage of an internship program in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I didnʼt have much prior knowledge of the country, so I didnʼt really know what to expect. Shortly after touching down, any prior concerns or hesitancy were put to rest. What youʼll immediately notice is how helpful and understanding the locals are and Connect-123ʼs ability to seamlessly integrate each and every one of us. As far as my internship, it was everything I could have asked for. Right off the bat, I was made aware that the company was truly counting on me and that I was now apart of their family. The country itself is absolutely stunning. If you ever want to escape the city (which is unlikely), surreal locations and natural wonders are easy trips from the capital. All in all, the memories made and experiences had in these few short months have been among the best Iʼve had in my life and I canʼt wait to come back.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Chelsey Daval
While doing my Child Life Practicum at a children's hospital in Cape Town, South Africa I gained once in a lifetime experiences far different than anything at home. My time in Cape Town and at the hospital helped me learn more about myself as a person but also about my chosen profession. I always knew that I wanted to travel around the world in my chosen profession, doing the internship in Cape Town gave me a glimpse into what that would be like and only made me want to do it more. The staff who work for Connect-123 were amazing. They went out of their way to assist the connectors in anything and everything that came up and always had a smile on their faces and a kind thing to say. In addition to always being there to help the Connectors with anything, the staff of Connect-123 also went out of their way to help us Connectors get to know each other and never feel alone. The Connect-123 international programs are wonderful, once in a lifetime experiences that I am ecstatic that I took the chance to experience. Thank you to the staff at Connect-123 for helping make my experience what it was!
Internships in Cape Town
Becky Franklin
During my time in Dublin, I interned at a non-profit organisation, which aided migrant and refugee families in gaining their Irish citizenship. I really enjoyed my time at the company and felt it has greatly benefitted me for my future career. It taught me a lot of skills that are invaluable and really gave me the confidence that I was lacking. If you are looking for a historic and vibrant city to live in, Dublin is definitely the place! There are so many wonderful things to see and do all around Ireland; you’ll never be bored! I would say that visiting Galway and the west coast was just magical. The scenery all around is incredible and just feels like you’re in your favourite Irish movie! I enjoyed my time so much that I have decided to pursue my Masters degree at Trinity College Dublin. I cannot wait to be back in September!
Internships in Dublin
Lory Wong
Through my university’s partnership with Connect-123 I was able to intern in Cape Town for two months. I interned at an afterschool care organisation based in schools in underprivileged areas. As some days were spent in the office and others, at the school, I was able to understand the processes and policies involved within the NGO, as well as gain first-hand experience teaching the charity’s learners and organising holiday programmes for the youths involved. At the office, I wrote fundraising proposals for the charity, planned the annual general meeting and its report, wrote ideas and articles for the charity’s website, edited policies, completed general administration tasks, observed some social auxiliary worker training, and helped screen potential workers in interviews. At the schools, I was able to lead a cooking programme, facilitate a leadership one, and observed and evaluated the charity’s ‘Big History Programme’. My time in Cape Town, and at my internship, enabled me to experience what it would be like working in the education sector, the challenges involved when dealing with youths from disadvantaged areas, and more importantly, what we can do to combat this. I would like to thank Connect-123 for giving me this opportunity and being so welcoming during my stay at Cape Town.
Internships in Cape Town
Miranda Davis
My summer internship with Connect-123 changed my life. As an intern at my host organization, a foundation dedicated to the welfare of animals, I was able to accomplish many feats in my personal level, veterinary knowledge, and wildlife care. I was able to work with several exotic wildlife species like Foxes, Pine Martins, Buzzards, Otters, Jackdaws, and several others. The exposure to handling, feeding, and care procedures helped my zoological knowledge grow. In the United States veterinary and animal internship are normally limited to small animals and lack exotic species. So working with Ireland's wildlife was a once in a lifetime opportunity and tremendous award. As someone who aspires to be a zoological veterinarian there was no better place for me to intern. Furthermore the veterinary schools I applied to loved the placement of my internship. Not only was the internship wonderful for academic purposes, yet also great for myself. The foundation's staff was beyond nice. Their friendliness and kindness was superb and helped me become more self-assured. I could not think of a better place to intern. Likewise, I am also thankful for Connect-123 for their summer activities. I met several amazing people over the summer from some of Connect-123's events. During my stay in Dublin I was able to forge life long friendships with other interns. Living in Dublin was a dream come true. The city was lively and friendly. I am truly thankful for Connect-123's involvement and placement.
Internships in Dublin
Alba Semidei
Traveling and interning in Buenos Aires has been a dream come true! I wanted to work with or in a Latin American country and Connect-123 gave me the opportunity to achieve my goal! Connect-123 found me the perfect internship where I was able to grow and improve my professional skills. Connect-123 did a wonderful job to create a community where all of their participants get a chance to come together to explore the city and understand Argentine culture. Everyone here is super nice and extremely helpful and by the end of the trip you're going to feel like one big Connect family! Connect-123, thank you for this one-in-a-lifetime opportunity and ciao Buenos Aires!
Internships in Buenos Aires
Eli Quirk
Dublin was a learning opportunity for me in so many ways. Before moving to Ireland for a few months to intern at a non-profit organization working with homelessness, I had only lived in my small-town community. I went from knowing everyone on my street and saying hello to all my friends, family and neighbours in the grocery store to not even knowing one person on that side of the Atlantic. To say it was a drastic change would be an understatement! Luckily for me I had plenty of support from Connect-123 throughout the entire process. I left Ireland knowing that a piece of my heart will always be there. My host family made me feel welcomed and valued and became my Irish family. In my internship, I had plenty of support from the hard working folks there and I linked in with people from all different backgrounds and places. Dublin gave me the space to explore and to be myself. I am certain that without the support of the Connect-123 program throughout the entirety of my experience I would not have made such progress in my future and in myself.
Internships in Dublin
Maria Taylor
My experience here in Buenos Aires has definitely been a memorable and unforgettable experience. Coming from the suburban life in Connecticut to big city living was a huge adjustment for me and probably the most challenging as well. I have never lived in a city before and it taught me how to be resilient, and forced me to be fully independent. I volunteered at a wonderful organization where I had the opportunity to work with younger children ages 15 months to 2 years in an orphanage. The contrast between this organization and my school in the United States is drastically different, and it makes you appreciate everything around you that much more. The workers were very inviting and accepting of me. The language barrier was sometimes difficult, but they would do their best to help me understand the task at hand. I had a wonderful experience being a part of Connect-123 and it is something I will always remember! Thank you for this opportunity.
Volunteer in Buenos Aires
Spencer Minnich
As a Public Health intern at a community healthcare clinic in Cape Town, South Africa, I was able to grow tremendously as a student, a public health professional, and a person. It is all thanks to the Connect-123 program. As a MPH student, I knew I wanted to travel abroad to complete my practicum requirement, but I never imagined walking away from Cape Town wanting to work there full time. Not only was I able to work on multiple public health projects including increasing contraceptive services and Pap smear screenings, the clinic also trusted my opinion and insight on existing programs to make the clinic as efficient as possible. Throughout my journey, the Connect-123 staff was always right by my side and advocated for me every step of the way. I never once felt alone because I knew the Connect-123 team would make sure everything was going to work out. My advice to you, as a future Connector, is to go for it. Take the chance and see the world because we grow the most when we step outside our comfort zone. Thank you Connect-123 for the once in a lifetime opportunity and I hope I will be integrated into South Africa's health system one day as a full fledged staff member!
Internships in Cape Town
