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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Dan Venker
My summer internship in Shanghai was an absolutely incredible experience and it would not have been possible without Connect-123! They were with me every step of the way to ensure that my summer abroad went as smoothly as possible. This being my first time outside of the United States, Connect-123 put everything in place for me to enjoy my time in China. One of the great perks was having a local representative to help you settle in as well as organizing events throughout the summer. Connect-123 set up trips to tourist sites, dinners, and even a Chinese cooking class! Finding me an internship on the other half of the world is amazing on its own, but Connect-123 is much, much more than that. When looking for possible positions, Connect-123 took into account all of my interests and let me decide what was best. I ended up taking a position at a local financial consulting firm that works with international companies. My role was to jump start their effort to gain more American clients who are operating, or want to operate, in China. As a part of my eight-week internship, I talked with a person at the US Consulate General in Shanghai and also attended a meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. In addition, I also interacted with the Australian and British Chambers in Shanghai to truly gain exposure to the world of international business. My internship gave me meaningful and important work that I enjoyed doing and I also felt that I was able to make a difference while I was there. Outside of my internship, I was able to travel to eight different cities throughout China. While Shanghai and other large cities have a more westernized feel in some sections, seeing and participating in Chinese culture for an extended period of time is an experience I will never forget. I absolutely recommend Connect-123 to anyone interested in traveling or working internationally. You get the great combination of experiencing a new culture while also differentiating your resume. I cannot thank Connect-123 enough for their service and making my experience possible!
Internships in Shanghai
Jenn Calaway
As a non-traditional student studying on the GI Bill after six years as a journalist in the Marine Corps, I certainly did not envision myself eligible for an internship abroad. However, my initial Skype interview with one of my program coordinators filled me with an excitement I hadn't felt in years. When the cards began to fall into place in support of an eight-week internship in Barcelona, Spain, I found myself with a mix of emotions as the last time I had been overseas was a combat tour to Afghanistan with the Marines. Ultimately I found myself thrilled at the opportunity to create a new set of experiences abroad. My initial concerns that I wouldn't be able to relate to my much younger comrades interning with Connect-123 were quickly eradicated on our first group outing. Connect-123 personnel were organized, inclusive and cultivated an easy, relaxed atmosphere. The program coordinators generously introduced us each to the city complete with a personal tour of the train system underlying the city. The group activities Connect-123 creates are the perfect blend of tourist and local in flavor—many activities like paddle boarding and paella cooking classes were things I would love to do on my own but perhaps might have missed without the organization from the Connect-123 team. I loved being thrust out of my comfort zone and all the challenges and satisfactions that come with living in a completely foreign country. I stayed in a local host woman's home and am proud to report that 71 year old Begoña has become someone I will truly love and cherish forever. All in all, this internship experience has taught me that I am never too old to learn, take risks and move boldly in the direction of my dreams. I cannot recommend Connect-123 highly enough, they facilitated a most magical experience.
Internships in Barcelona
Madeline Sanchez
I wasn't nervous to study abroad. I've traveled alone before and feel pretty comfortable wherever I go—so my biggest fear of coming to Buenos Aires was that the experience wouldn't live up to my previous ones. When I arrived in Buenos Aires, I was lucky enough to have two incredibly kind and hilarious host sisters that happened to be the same age as me. They immediately welcomed me into their circle of friends and always pretended to understand my Spanish. Looking back, I can't even compare this experience to my others. I may have only been here for 3 months, but they truly feel like sisters to me. My internship with Connect-123 gave me a unique perspective of Argentina, because I was able to work outside of the "bubble" that is Buenos Aires. I didn't want an internship where I would be stuck in an office each day, and Connect-123 somehow found the perfect opportunity for me. A few days each week, I was able to work in Tigre and the poorer neighborhoods north of the city, helping out in my nonprofit's financial literacy and business development classes. The best part about Connect-123 is that I didn't have to sacrifice anything—a good host family, time to travel around Argentina, local friends, a relevant internship—somehow I got all four.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Cassidy Lawrence
From before we even arrived in Cape Town up until we left for the journey home, the Connect-123 staff was extremely accommodating, supportive, and communicable. I am sure that without the hard working and knowledgeable staff we would not have had even half the experience during our month in Cape Town. They planned many excursions for us, taking a huge burden off us by contacting companies and setting up transportation and meals. In addition, they arranged beneficial experiences based on our professional interests and organized fulfilling community service days throughout our trip. One of the most impressive things about the Connect-123 staff is their genuine passion and care for all their students. They truly wanted us all to have the best trip possible and were always open to feedback on how they could make that happen. I would absolutely recommend Connect-123 to any student looking for a great experience in Cape Town!
Internships in Cape Town
Mary Abella
Studying abroad has always been something I've wanted to do, but as a pre-health major, it can be hard fitting it into my schedule and degree plan. When I came across Connect-123, I was intrigued. It was the perfect opportunity to travel abroad while interning in a field that actually pertained to my future career. Armed with minimal Spanish abilities, I made my way to Buenos Aires. Connect-123 helped me settle in and adjust to the different culture. The support from staff allowed me to take Spanish classes, make lifelong friends, and experience the city without feeling completely alone. My internship was exactly what I wanted, and I learned so much about myself and physical therapy. The language immersion improved my Spanish exponentially and allowed me to fall in love with the city and the wide variety of people that inhabit it. Overall, this is an experience that I will never forget!
Internships in Buenos Aires
Myranda Castanon
Cape Town is a very special place. There is a beautiful beach, a lively city/night life, and mountains that offer some really spectacular hiking routes. It is a city with much diversity and rich history. I worked for a social enterprise, and it was a place that began to feel like home to me. The tasks were challenging at times but they also provided the freedom to design and create in my own way. I was able to set up a crowd-funding video and create new catalogue layouts for their wholesale and retail items. This internship experience showed me that I'm going into the right field of work, and I am very grateful for that because some of us often feel unsure about it. Overall, I am beyond satisfied with the whole experience Connect-123 has provided - a lovely foundation of friends and extremely dependable advisors who always show that they are there for us.
Internships in Cape Town
Maeve McDonald
When it came to making plans for my summer, I knew that I wanted an internship and I knew that I wanted the experience of travelling abroad. Connect-123 provided the perfect combination of both. Not only did I learn a lot from my work experience, but I had the best 2 months spent making friends and using every spare moment to explore Dublin city and the entire country of Ireland. Connect-123 organized events to meet new people and explore the city as well as tips on surviving a new internship in a foreign country. I can’t help but feel like I’ll be leaving a piece of myself in Dublin, and am already planning on when I can come back. Thanks to Connect-123, I was able to have one of the best summers yet!
Internships in Dublin
Lona Sniderman
When I first decided that I wanted to travel this summer, I had no idea where to start. The only solid detail that I had worked out was that I wanted to go somewhere Spanish-speaking and have the opportunity to gain international work experience while improving my language skills. Connect-123 let me bring my vision into focus, connecting me with an internship at a research institution in Barcelona that would last eight weeks over the summer. My first week in Barcelona was a wonderful sneak-peak into what the rest of my summer would look like… I was met with an ideal, centrally-located living situation, an inclusive and supportive work environment, a group of U.S. college students with mindsets similar to my own and a romantic city with endless opportunity for exploration. My Monday-Friday work schedule provided structure to my weeks that allowed me to stay productive and on-task in a city with truly numerous distractions. After work and on weekends, the city’s bountiful restaurants, museums, cultural exhibitions, concerts, beaches and other events made it near impossible to feel bored or alone. Connect-123 allowed me to go above and beyond my initial goal by immersing me into a summer of firsts… my first music festival, my first time in Paris (weekend trips, anyone?), my first time making homemade Paella, my first time living alone in a new place, and so many more. As my time in Barcelona comes to an end, I am excited to return home as a braver and more independent person who has made personal and professional connections that will last a lifetime.
Internships in Barcelona
Ezra Sergent-Leventhal
I am a history major with a minor in educational studies at university, and I was hoping to explore the realm of education policy through my internship provided by Connect-123. After deciding on Cape Town as a destination, I was quickly offered a three month internship in education as a general intern and program facilitator. The organization fit my needs as an intern perfectly, as they are a non-profit that specializes in giving support to underprivileged communities in the townships outside Cape Town. Additionally, they do quite a bit of research and fundraising in order to find the best methods to uplift the career paths of the children of the townships. Since day one in Cape Town, this internship has exceeded my expectations in every facet as well as given me invaluable experience in the realm of education that I truly could not get anywhere else. Connect-123 paired me with an organization that needed my assistance, and exactly met my desires in terms of work place environment and goals. Cape Town itself is truly one of the most unique cities in the world, and it has been a very eye opening experience to explore and learn about. The history and politics of Cape Town alone has been an extremely eye opening and enriching. The convergence of cultures and backgrounds in Cape Town has created one of the most diverse and vibrant cities in the world, and I've learned an immense amount. This, combined with the spectacular views surrounding the city, has made for a once in a lifetime experience. Whether it be a hike up the beautiful Table Mountain, or an evening spent watching the sunset on one of Cape Town's spectacular beaches, there is always something to do in Cape Town. Being able to experience such an amazing city and environment while also doing important work for a non profit that mirrors my career goals has really been a privilege, and Connect-123 has excelled at facilitating this process.
Internships in Cape Town
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!
Internships in Dublin
Benjamin Gilson
Thanks to Connect-123, I was able to not only discover an entirely new industry but work in it full time as well. My summer in Barcelona provided me with a number of unique projects and tasks that helped me find my passions in the workplace and people. It has helped me gain a cultural work perspective that I could not have found at home and helped me grow immensely. Barcelona itself was greater than I ever could have imagined and I've fallen in love with the city and the culture and am already planning a return trip. Thanks Connect-123!
Internships in Barcelona
Carly Hume
I just want to say thank you so much for this wonderful experience, it truly has been a month of a lifetime. Going on this trip was quite a risk as I knew absolutely no one and had never traveled alone but I couldn't be happier that I made the jump. I have made great friends and learned so much. Doing my Child Life Practicum abroad has provided me with experiences that I never could've had in the United States. It is evident that the Connect-123 team really has a passion for their jobs and care about each and every one of us. Thank you for providing me with great opportunities and wonderful memories!
Internships in Cape Town
Emma Repp
My experience in Buenos Aires has been nothing short of incredible! Connect-123 set me up with a fantastic host family and a great internship at a non-profit, providing me with an experience that went far beyond that which I would have had simply as a tourist. My host family introduced me to just about every type of Argentine cuisine, explained Argentine politics (or at least tried to), and went out of their way to make me feel like part of the family. I also had a great experience at my internship, where everyone went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable. My coworkers included me in all aspects of the non-profit, including numerous conferences where I got to listen to powerful Argentine politicians discuss topics related to peace activism. Although the language barrier was challenging at first, with the help of two weeks of Spanish class, my host family, and my coworkers, my Spanish improved significantly. Of course, I also had plenty of time to travel around Buenos Aires as well as make a few trips outside of the city, making my three months abroad fly by! I couldn’t be more thankful for all the work Connect-123 put into my stay, from the large task of finding me an internship to the small details of teaching me how to use the public transportation. If you are looking for a fun, immersive, and challenging internship experience, I highly recommend using Connect-123!
Internships in Buenos Aires
Benjamin Medalie
Hola amigos! This summer I had the pleasure of living and working in Barcelona through Connect-123. It has truly been the experience of a lifetime. I interned at a property management software startup where I learned the ins and outs of what it takes to build, market, and maintain a growing business.I was given some pretty cool projects to work on and I was even able to freely add my own creative touch to my personal work. I worked about 7 hours a day, Monday- Friday, including an hour lunch break. My co-workers were all very friendly and like-minded, and it was fairly easy to fit into the work environment. Apart from work, Connect-123 hosted many different group events such as paddle-boarding, a Catalonian cooking experience, pick-up basketball, etc. Our program coordinators were the best and all of this would not have been possible without them. I was lucky enough to be placed in a beautiful high rise apartment with a great group of guys within the luxurious neighborhood of Eixample. There is always something to do during your free time. Nightlife is insane and the abundancy of Catalan culture and tapas all around you is overwhelming. What more can I say... I peaked. Do this program.
Internships in Barcelona
Michaela Bromm
Interning in Dublin was one of the greatest decisions I have ever made. I had the opportunity to live in a different city and work for a great non-profit organization! I made so many friends through the Connect-123 program, which was fantastic. I always had someone to go on adventures with me around Ireland and Europe. The Connect-123 staff was incredibly thoughtful and helpful. The staff always answered my many emails with no problems. They made applying for my internship and living in Ireland an easy and welcoming experience. It was nice having people there for you actually in Dublin if you needed something. What I found extremely helpful was that Connect-123 gave us sim cards, public transportation cards, and directions on how we should get to our work. This definitely helped prepare me for my internship. Dublin was a really great city to travel around. I enjoyed walking around the city (which is what I did most), taking the Luas tram on the north side of Dublin, using the DART train system to go to different coastal towns, and using the Dublin Bus system. My internship experience was quite rewarding. I am very interested in International Relations, Foreign Affairs, and Geography. I worked for a human rights organization that supports, advocates for, and promotes awareness for the trans community. My coworkers were incredibly kind and respectable. They answered all the different questions I had, and I learned so much! I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to intern or volunteer abroad. I recommend coming to Dublin as it is a very easy-going city. It was very easy getting to know the people and the culture. Traveling to Ireland for this internship was my first time leaving the country, and I had absolutely no problems! I cannot wait to go back!
Internships in Dublin
Manon Steel
My experience with my internship was amazing and a once in a lifetime opportunity. On the first day, my coworkers welcomed me with open arms, big smiles, and cookies with my name on them. Through my job I was able to become more confident in my Spanish and absolutely more fluent, as well as improve my professional skills. I was always able to meet new people and develop new friendships in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Connect-123 found me the perfect internship for my goals and my interests. They were there to support me when my experience was good and when it was rocky. It's important to know that not every aspect of your experience will be perfect all the time, but in those moments of turbulence Connect-123 is there to help fix the problem and get you back on your way. The events were all very fun and the people you meet through Connect are all truly amazing, diverse people. You will be happy you made the decision to trust in Connect-123 to make your experience a memorable one!
Internships in Buenos Aires
MaryJane LaSala
My participation with Connect-123 has been one of most unique experiences of my life. Connect-123 gave me the opportunity to go to a place I never would have thought to visit on my own. The city of Cape Town is so beautiful and filled with thousands of activities to enjoy. Before coming here, a friend described it to me as "the best place in the world" and she was not exaggerating with that statement. The combination of ocean, mountains, and city life is one I had never seen before and I have been able to do incredible things from shark cage diving to paragliding. Connect-123 made me feel safe in a new city and it was so comforting for me and my family that I had a contact person who I could express any concerns to. They also paired me with an incredible company filled with wonderful people who are truly inspiring. Their passion for wanting to help other people makes me excited to go into work every day because I know I am contributing to such a great cause. Overall, my experience in Cape Town, with my internship placement, and with Connect-123 is one I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life.
Internships in Cape Town
Robert White
I came to Buenos Aires and only knew one other person that was participating in my program. For me that was a daunting task; I’m an introverted person. Connect-123 eased this fear almost immediately. They foster a community between the participating students and simultaneously offer opportunities to explore the city and understand Porteño and Argentine culture. My time in the language school was one of the most important aspects of my experience through Connect-123. It was the main factor that united the group of students in my program and it was also a great step to transition into a Spanish-speaking environment and by the end I felt ready to enter my internship experience. The internship has been the best part of my experience. When I applied to the program, I wasn’t 100% sure about what I wanted to do, but I tried to provide at least a general outline of what my interests are. When I found out what my placement was, I was ecstatic. It was a perfect fit for me. When I went to meet my supervisors for the first time, I was even more excited about starting my work. At that point, I really knew that as an intern, I would be a valued member of the organization. And that isn’t something that is always guaranteed in the United States, where internships can consist meaningless tasks, just so you can put it on your resume. Overall, my experience has been incredible. My host family has been very accommodating, my time at the language school was incredible, and my internship has been a great experience that fits with both of my majors at University, and I can only credit Connect-123 with how good my experience in Buenos Aires has been.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Maria Spano
I came to South Africa, Cape Town more specifically, to have a direct vision of the reality of a country which underwent recent internal struggle. Being interested in political risk and emergency and conflict situations, I decided that a country like South Africa was the place for me to be in. I wanted to have an unbiased view of the everyday life of the population, their way of thinking and their interesting culture. Thanks to my internship with Connect-123 at a leading human rights organization, working for both the Legal and Advocacy Departments, I managed to have exactly the insight I first aimed at, and more. For instance, I was able with my internship to consult with people from various backgrounds about their human rights abuses and to help the planning of in-loco interventions in different locations aimed at, more generally, increasing awareness of human rights. This internship showed me that there are people who work hard to improve the lives of others and that the ignorance on the knowledge of human rights is still very present, which makes these jobs even more essential. I would have never imagined how much I would have ended up getting involved in all of it: the country, the culture, the people and the issues regarding human rights. This involvement was also helped by the side activities organized by Connect-123 with their impeccable organization and personal involvement, and by the events present in such a beautiful city full of history. For instance, if you ever have the chance don’t miss the lecture on South Africa’s history and culture at UCT, the Township Tour, and the Mandela’s Day Walk for Freedom. Finally, the only negative point is the time length: two months is too short. This is why, if the opportunity presents itself again, I wouldn’t miss the chance of coming back here for longer.
Internships in Cape Town
Sarah Cabala
Starting my internship in Buenos Aires, I was nervous and anxious but most of all I was excited. I didn’t quite know what to expect and it was thrilling for me. I knew I made the right decision - Argentina, the culture, the people – everything is amazing. My host family welcomed me with open arms, as did the Spanish school and my colleagues at work. I think the “worst” part of this experience is the fact that I had to leave after three short months. I have traveled to Northern and Southern parts of beautiful Argentina, and I have made lifelong friends. It’s a pretty amazing feeling stepping out of your comfort zone and having it all pay off. Thanks to my internship, I’ve learned about myself, and my goals for my life – both personal and my professional. I am so thankful for this experience and for Connect. I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in seeing different parts of the world, learning different cultures, and learning more about themselves.
Internships in Buenos Aires
