Reviews

Upinder Bahra

First of all, thank you Connect-123 for allowing me to excel in a subject that I am very passionate about, in the most perfect city. Connect-123 gave me an incredible opportunity to complete an architecture internship abroad in Barcelona, Spain. This experience has not only aided me in my journey as a university student but has also molded me into a wiser, independent and engaged individual, allowing my personal and professional growth to blossom. This adventure has been an eye-opening and a memorable one. The frequent excursions held by Connect-123 were really successful in bringing the intern group closer, enabling us to learn more about each other. Being very fortunate to have met so many amazing individuals in Barcelona, I have had an incredible insight into many cultures, social habits and ways of living, not only from Spain but from all over the world. For example, spending much of my time with the interns from the US, I was continuously learning more about their background and history, even had the joy of celebrating the 4th of July with them at the Arc de Triomf in Barcelona. Being involved in such a challenging and demanding industry in this vibrant city put me at a great advantage. On my first day, I was already working to produce architectural plans for a client. As I progressed, I soon had to prepare architectural drawings which I discussed with the team in our project meetings. An incredible hands-on experience, I was able to be part of the design process, working on the initial drawings, to seeing the actual construction of the projects during our site visits. I am grateful to have contributed to the works of a range of buildings across Northern Spain, making this internship a truly invaluable experience.

Erika Medina

Ever since I was a little girl I was curious about everything and everyone around me. My curiosity continued to expand the older I got and my mom is the type of mom to always push me out of my comfort zone and experience new things in life. Those new things consisted of many things, from moving 10 hours away from home to attend university in a location I’ve never been to, to traveling overseas to Europe for the first time with my class in 2016. Ever since 2016 I haven't been able to get enough of Europe. My mom, yet again, pushed me back out of my comfort zone in 2017 and got me interested in doing my mandatory internship abroad! I didn’t know what to expect! I was so nervous but very excited because I thought, “do I want to stay in America and play it safe, or do I want to take a chance and it could be amazing”? So I went to Spain for the summer and met so many new life-long friends and a lovely homestay mother. My internship was an eye-opening experience to my future and who I wanted to become in life. Being overseas, away from home is an opportunity I wish everyone could experience. Being away from home in another country, in a different time zone made me realize; life flies by and you waste so much time living your life the way you think it should be lived, instead of living your life the way you want to live it. After my first internship I realized I needed more. I wanted to learn more in my industry and really get to the core of finding what I really want to do in life. Instead of just working back in Chicago for the summer of 2017 I decided to do another internship abroad. My mom then found Connect-123 and told me all about the program and I knew this was my second chance, another step closer to finding out what I wanted to do in life. Since the beginning Connect-123 has been nothing but friendly, helpful and understanding; it is the type of program that wants you to achieve, be successful and find exactly what you’re wanting. Because of Connect-123, I’ve gotten closer to reaching my goal. Through Connect-123 I’ve gained a new amount of confidence, memories, amazing new life-long friends and connections. Choosing Barcelona for an internship and joining the Connect-123 family is something I highly encourage and recommend to all my young curious friends out there. Do an internship overseas, do something that takes you out of your comfort zone, do something that simultaneously scares you a little bit but excites you at the same time. It’s so worth it and it does wonders for your growing soul and curious mind. The impact this one decision can have can be life-changing! Traveling, working and learning overseas is an opportunity so few get, so if you have that chance, take it!

Jeyzon Fernandez

Looking back when I lived in San Diego, California, I still remember walking to my bedroom on a daily basis, sitting at my computer desk, sighing and staring at the enormous poster I had on the wall – it was a colorful world map. It was there to remind, motivate and inspire me to go for the things that I truly wanted – to return to Spain, travel, continue learning with a keen curiosity, self-educating/evolving, connecting and seeking understanding of other cultures and traditions. It was a difficult choice and challenge to go back to Spain, especially, this time, as an older guy. But I've learned that in the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take. That simple paper on the wall, that world map, kept me on track; it help me stay focus on my goals and to visualize the possibilities – that it was doable, reachable. Fast-forward to now, I have reached that goal. And I couldn’t have done it without the help and continuous support of the superb, professional and friendly duo from Connect-123, Zuzana Jurasikova and Mireia Vila. I’m grateful for Connect-123, the journalism/translator/editor internship opportunity with Barcelona, and for the new friendships I’ve made with other student “Connectors.” I’m aiming to keep growing personally and professionally in the beautiful city of Barcelona. I’ve no regrets in the choice that I made in joining the Connect-123 family and picking Barcelona as the place to pursue my career objectives. For any young soul out there who is contemplating on doing an internship in a foreign country that calls your attention, just do it. It's well worth it! I strongly recommend and believe in investing in your own experience and education because the impact can be of a positive life change, an unforgettable adventure, a transformative and eye-opening journey. In other words: priceless.

Mustafa Mobarez

Barcelona was one of the most eye-opening and greatest experiences that I have ever had. This is all due to Connect-123 and their amazing team. Through this program, I grew both personally and professionally. Sure, it is very hard to be in a different country that you don’t speak the language, not knowing the cultural practices and being away for two months. Connect-123 makes this process so easy that you don’t feel like you are away from home. Your home away from home, the (accommodations) has students from all over the world. It is the best way to learn and experience different cultures. For example, my roommate was from Russia and I have learned so much about their language, culture, and delicious foods. Overall, these experiences by far were the best part of college experiences for me. My internship allowed me to think outside of the box. I learned so much about international business by using software and tools that not necessarily being used in school. Overall, this program allowed to be built a strong network both personally and professionally with people from all around the world. Also, I was able to travel to other countries on holidays or weekends which helped me to understand and live with different people/culture. Looking back, this was the best decision that I have ever made and it was the best part of my life.

Jordan Trico

My experience with Connect-123 in Barcelona was absolutely wonderful. I had the resources and contacts available to ease my transition into living and working in a big, vibrant city like Barcelona. For my internship, I worked at a local NGO five days a week, teaching English to young students as well as working as a teacher’s assistant. The organization could not have been more warm and welcoming; in my three months there, I became very close to all my co-workers and students, and leaving was very hard. One of my primary goals was to improve my Spanish, and thankfully Connect-123 was able to provide me with an environment where that was possible. Being a gap year student, this was my first experience living on my own and providing for myself. However, during my time here in Barcelona, I never felt completely lost - I knew that I had a web of resources to fall back on if needed. My three months in Spain will surely be some of the best memories I’ll take with me going forward, from the weekend trips to the early morning Metros. I am extremely thankful for the people at Connect-123 and to all the friends I’ve met here! I know one day I’ll be coming back.

Sebastian Carta

Crystal Collazo-DeLeon

The three months I spent in Barcelona were some of the best and most rewarding months of my life! Initially, the thought of living in a foreign place for such a long period of time was unsettling. The unknown scared me, but Connect-123 made me feel like I wasn’t alone and so it became easier to dive into this journey. I’m so happy I did, too, because since day one it was an unforgettable experience. Through the help Connect-123 provided with finding housing, I was able to meet incredible and diverse individuals who later became some of the best friends I’ve ever made; we shared many amazing memories together that I will treasure forever. The opportunity that Connect-123 assisted me in finding was more rewarding than I could have imagined it would be. My work allowed me the freedom to learn a lot about myself and my skills, meanwhile providing me with sufficient guidance to gain the most out of my time there. I ran skills courses for adults and worked with a team who ran the youth programs. Through my work, I became sure of the fact that I want to work with kids in the future, which is crucial to how I'm going to plan my future studies. I faced my fears and realized what I'm capable of: overall, I came back home with an overwhelming sensation of gratitude and with great new memories.

Kolleen Jabbour

My experience with Connect-123 was one of the best things that ever happened to me! At first, I was super stressed and hesitant to go to another continent and to work in a city that I’ve only seen in pictures and movies. I was nervous to be in a place where I know absolutely no one. However, Connect-123 facilitated things for me and guided me through every step of my journey. Indeed, Connect-123 found me the job that I was looking for and always comforted me when I was feeling anxious. It was so easy to socialize with the coordinators of the program, they went above and beyond to make people feel welcomed and to assure that they have a great time in the city they would organize all sorts of activities and inform us on the events happening in the city! I spent two months working in an immigration law firm. I became comfortable with everyone I was working with and they were all there if I needed help or if I had any questions about work, the city or anything! Indeed, I feel like I found a new family, I built great relationships with my coworkers and found a place that I could call my second home. It was an experience of a lifetime. I loved my stay in Barcelona to the point where I was considering living there. Barcelona will always hold a special place in my heart. I am forever grateful and thankful for this experience!

Meaghan Kincaid

I chose to do a marketing internship in Barcelona, Spain this past summer. I was in contact with Lea Levy, who facilitated my internship. I could not have been happier with the placement she found me, at a coworking space on the port near Barceloneta. I wouldn’t have traded my internship experience for anything. Running the company’s social media platforms and blog section has shown me how marketing and public relations is executed internally. I met some of the most amazing individuals at my internship who have become some of my closest friends. Realizing there are people all over the world who you have more in common with than people from your hometown is an incredible feeling. I shared an apartment with a girl from Colorado, Brynna. We ended up traveling all over Europe together. We visited Prague, Portugal, France, and Italy. When we were in Barcelona one of my favorite experiences was the paella cooking class that Connect-123 held for us. We had sangria and some delicious paella. Overall, this experience was something I am so grateful I was able to do. Being a part of Connect-123 was comforting, especially in the beginning when you are on your own in another country. They held dinners and snacks on the beach where we were able to meet others in the program. If I could go back and relive this again, I would in a heartbeat!

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!

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!

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!

Marcella Cross

I am so glad that I chose Connect-123. My nanotechnology internship in Barcelona was incredible. Connect-123 was extremely helpful and assisted me in finding housing, coordinating with other students, getting a phone plan, and learning my way around the city. I felt like I could reach out at any time if I needed help or felt unsafe, and someone would help me to feel more at home. My internship experience was fantastic and I learned a lot about physics and chemistry. Connect-123 also helped me to find two additional part-time volunteer programs, where I was able to work with young children. I can only give positive reviews of the program and hope that many other students will get to have the same opportunities as I have. My time in Barcelona was one of the most fun experiences that I have ever had and I cannot wait to go back!

Nicole Johnson

My time in Barcelona was an unforgettable experience and an amazing adventure. I’ve dreamt of going to Spain since I was in high school. For me it wasn’t if I’d travel to Barcelona, it was when. It was my first time ever leaving the United States, so to say I was petrified would be an understatement. I’ll never forget boarding the plane, hugging my family goodbye and heading off into the unknown. A million questions flooded me with anxiety, from “Will anyone speak English?”, “Who am I going to hang out with?”, or “How am I supposed to get to work every day?”. When I got to my apartment, I met with the Connect-123 program coordinator in Barcelona and a few other interns at a nearby coffee shop. I was welcomed with a warm smile and every single anxiety-filled question was answered for me. I met some of the most wonderful, caring, fun, passion-filled people I know. We experienced hiking up to Tibidabo Amusement Park, seeing a Flamenco show, running through Parque Ciutadella, reading at Parque Guell, tanning at Barceloneta, shopping on las ramblas, and eating every tapa imaginable. We traveled to other parts of Europe like Italy and Greece, which was crazy to me how easy and affordable it was to travel to from country to country. I truly could not have asked for a better group of people to experience a new place with. I am beyond blessed that I stumbled upon Connect-123. Connect-123 set me up with an awesome healthcare internship at a leading pediatric hospital in Barcelona. I was pushed here to really dive back into all the years I studied Spanish. In school, I was taught how to read and write Spanish very well, but the conversations in class were minimal and usually with another person whose preferred language was English. But I’ll never forget one day at the hospital it all just clicked for me. I was holding real conversations confidently in Spanish with native speakers, which was something I never believed I would be able to do. Besides getting to live in one of the most renowned cities in the world, one of the biggest things I will take away from this whole experience, was being put into situations where my only choice was to try to speak, understand, and learn Spanish. I feel the only way you can truly learn is when you indulge yourself in the culture. I am beyond grateful to Connect-123 and their staff for being inviting and making my transition easy for me. A quote that stuck with me through this experience is, “One day, you’re 17 and you’re planning for someday. And then quietly, without you ever really noticing, someday is today. And then someday is yesterday. And this is your life.” So my best advice to anyone beginning this journey is to live in the moment, go eat as much as you can, and go experience as much as you can, because the two to three months you have in Barcelona are going to fly by!

Joyce Jamal

Jordan Thompson

Krisi Cobani

My adventure of living in Barcelona this past summer is something that will stick with me forever. I’ve never grown so much in so little time both professionally and personally. I am extremely grateful to Connect- 123 for being so easy to work with and making my growth possible. For my internship, I was a trade marketing intern for an amazing nontraditional bridal firm where I got to explore if a career in the business side of fashion was what I wanted to do after graduation. Connect-123 did an awesome job of pairing me with them because it was everything I wanted! I was tasked with exploring the US market for them to expand into. I researched the current bridal market, got to see who the top competitors would be, and figure out the best way to introduce them to the target customers in the States. My favorite part of my internship was setting up photoshoots with influencers in the fashion industry like bloggers. My amazing boss gave me creative control when organizing the shoot and I was able to be as creative as I wanted and put my own twist on the shoots. This internship exposed me to so much! I learned so much about all the work that went into making sustainably responsible apparel brand successful. Getting to live in a new culture and exploring a foreign land was truly the best part of my experience abroad. I was able to get lost down whimsical streets of the Gothic Quarter, find new mountains to hike up (where I got the chance to meet a boar), and constantly have my breath taken away by all the beauty and history that wrapped the city. I met so many amazing people from all over and everyone had something new to teach you; it was truly a growing experience. Connect- 123 was amazing through every step of the processes, from finding a place to stay last minute and organizing fun excursions to checking up on me making sure everything was going well. Going to Barcelona has definitely been one of the best experiences I’ve had thus far, and I’m grateful to Connect-123 and their amazing staff for providing me with the opportunity. If you are on the fence about going abroad, just do it. I promise it’ll be an experience you’ll treasure!

Kiara McAllister

There are not enough words to describe my experience in Barcelona with Connect-123. They were so helpful through my whole life changing journey. They first helped me find the volunteer program I was going to choose and from then on they were so quick to respond to any questions I had. All my emails were answered and they also provided transportation from the airport to my apartment which was so helpful. They found me different locations to stay in Barcelona and had many different options. Everything they arranged was so easy. Without Connect-123, I wouldn't have been able to have the amazing time I had in Spain. I entered my volunteer placement nervous and ended it being happier than ever to share my life with them! Thank you to everyone at Connect-123 for helping me achieve my future goals!

Maansi Dewani

My internship in Barcelona was one of the most interesting and innovating experiences of my life. I learned so much interning with a Human Rights NGO who aided different refugees and immigrants in Barcelona. The internship not only gave me the opportunity to learn about human rights in another country, but also to expand my Spanish and immerse myself in Spanish life and culture. Connect-123 was there to provide me with support and help me every step of the way. From before I reached Barcelona I was offered a great amount of support and help from them. The experience was definitely one of the most liberating and exciting of my life, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about another society, culture and gain new skills.