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!
Scroll down to view all – or filter by destination, opportunity or both.
Kaylee C
As an aspiring lawyer, having the opportunity to intern at a business law firm was a dream come true! Brenda, one of the dedicated Connect-123 program coordinators, played a big role in supporting my journey as she helped place me in an internship that aligned with my interests and professional endeavors.
Internships in Buenos AiresLily R
The Connect-123 program in Buenos Aires is a wonderful experience. Argentina is full of the most welcoming and generous people including the program coordinator, Brenda, who was so helpful and kind. All of our group outings were so fun and really allowed us to experience every part of this incredible city. Buenos Aires truly has something for everyone and I will definitely be leaving a piece of my heart here in BA.
Internships in Buenos AiresCatherine N
My time in Dublin, Ireland, living on the UCD Campus while interning at a mental health and wellness organization, has been an incredible experience. The internship in policy writing allowed me to deeply engage with my passion for sociology and mental health advocacy. Exploring Ireland and neighboring countries enriched my understanding of diverse cultures and provided unforgettable memories. Connecting with new friends and coworkers has been invaluable, fostering a sense of community and belonging. This experience has taught me so much about myself and the workplace, while expanding my knowledge in psychology, sociology, and business organization. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity.
Internships in DublinLeila R
I am beyond grateful for Connect-123 and my internship experience in Barcelona. It is the most amazing city with so much to see and do. My internship experience allowed me to grow both professionally and personally which I have no doubt will hugely benefit me in the future. I will cherish the experiences I have had over the past 2 months forever!
Internships in BarcelonaMax F
Choosing to intern abroad in Dublin, Ireland was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Of course at first I was a little apprehensive about my internship placement, since I was not sure if It would be a good fit, but I honestly had nothing to worry about. Connect-123 worked tirelessly to find a personalized internship placement that would fit me perfectly, and they were there to support me every step of the way. I will cherish all the memories and experiences I have gained from this opportunity for the rest of my life. Exploring the vibrant city of Dublin, making new friends along the way, and enjoying the excursions that Connect-123 provided for us made the trip very special. To anyone who is interested in studying abroad, I 100% recommend Dublin and I can safely say Connect-123 is the perfect program to support you on your journey.
Internships in DublinNheriessa M
I had a phenomenal experience with Connect-123 global programs. Through this program, I was fortunate enough to conduct research at a prestige University in the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology Department. I also had the opportunity to observe Pediatric Reconstructive Surgery at one of Cape Town's biggest public Hospital's. As a pre-med student it is almost essential to have a background in research. I am grateful to this program and my principal investigator because I gained technical skills and knowledge in the subject. I regained my love for science because of my work at the University. It is my goal to become a surgeon and I got the distinct opportunity of observing surgical procedures I was never previously exposed to. I am tremendously grateful for the people I met along the way, administration, physicians and patients. I am grateful for Carla and the program, who worked hard on my placements to make it unique to my needs. Connect -123 has a large variety of weekly activities that they provide students with. As a student who has done study abroad previously, I can say that Connect-123 goes above and beyond to make sure students are engaged and that they have opportunities witness the beauty of Cape Town. There is nothing I would change about my trip and if I could have extended my stay, I would :)
Internships in Cape TownCameron G
Cape Town was a great opportunity for me to become more culturally competent in healthcare, and Connect-123 provided a fantastic opportunity and location for me to learn from. They provided excellent recommendations for education and entertainment as I became a local and embraced South African culture!
Internships in Cape TownLinda A
My experience in Dublin as an intern was both challenging and rewarding. It provided me with invaluable insights into the field of social inclusion and allowed me to develop a global mindset. The cultural exchange, the support provided, and the lessons learned will stay with me forever. If you are considering an internship abroad, I would recommend considering opportunities in Dublin, Ireland.
Internships in DublinAmaya A
Thanks to Connect-123 and Michigan State University, I have had a fantastic experience living in Dublin. While living in Ireland, I had the pleasure of working as a research and policy intern with an incredible NGO. I felt immersed culturally, deepening my understanding of policy, international relations, community organizing, and development. Planned weekend trips and my own journeys allowed me to see the beauty that the world (and Ireland) offers me in my post-grad journeys. I am thankful for the time spent catering to my interests in selecting my internship, the people I've met and grown close to, and the experience of a lifetime. Sláinte!
Internships in DublinEllie M
I recently graduated college, and faced the question, "now what?" I wanted to figure out my career path, but I also hoped I could find an opportunity to travel. The Connect-123 program is a fantastic solution! I was really impressed by their internship finding process. Lea and I communicated a lot and I feel like my internship was custom tailored to fit my goals. My placement at the national office of a nonprofit has been incredibly valuable. My supervisor was incredibly supportive, organized, and always willing to take time to teach me more about nonprofit work. I really enjoyed the work environment and it felt safe to ask questions. Also, exploring the city is a blast! There is so much history and culture. Despite staying for 2 months, I still feel like there is more I want to see! I am so glad that I took the leap and did this program. It has been such an adventure and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to try something new.
Internships in DublinBreanna 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 Dublin