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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Carly Bell
My two-month internship in Buenos Aires, Argentina was extremely transformative and more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. I interned at an organization that dedicates their efforts to the conservation of nature and promotes their values through education of the next generations. There I had the opportunity to write articles for their blog and conduct interviews with local contacts. My internship allowed me to learn about environmental issues and education in Argentina while developing professional skills like writing and doing research. Going into this experience I hadn’t spoken Spanish in years, but my supervisor and other staff were so kind, generous and patient that I was able to feel at ease practicing at the office. My work schedule allowed me plenty of time to explore the city and go on short trips with friends. Connect-123 organized some great cultural activities that allowed us to explore new parts of the city. This was my first time living in a big city, and Buenos Aires has so much to offer. This experience helped me to step out of my comfort zone and gain a lot of independence and confidence in myself while still feeling safe and supported. By the end of the summer, I felt really at home in Buenos Aires and plan to go back as soon as possible. Overall, I highly recommend this experience!
Internships in Buenos Aires
Ioana Moldovan
Having had the experience of studying abroad for four months in Spain, my unease for an adventure in Buenos Aires did not come from lacking language skills. Instead, I feared feeling lonely and out of place, both in the city and in the public hospital where I completed my internship. Truth be told, I did struggle at the beginning because the weather conditions were not short of depressing, which made it difficult to start exploring the city. Shortly after I started my internship, however, I met other program participants at social events and the hospital where I interned. During my time in this hospital, which focuses on care for mothers and children, I rotated among specialties such as obstetrics, pediatrics, and neonatology. The residents became my friends and the doctors took me under their wing, making sure that I understood the medical terminology and the procedures involved in patient treatment. My time in Buenos Aires was filled with close friendships, adventures in the city, and it concluded with a confirmation of my desire to pursue a career in medicine.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Kourtney Walter
My experience in Argentina was definitely a worthwhile experience. I was able to learn, practice, and enhance my Spanish speaking skills by just everyday life and by attending classes the organization suggested. I learned so much about a culture that was different from mine; I ate styles of food I have never eaten and of course, the culture of mate was a big learning experience. I loved that the country has a huge sharing culture, which explains the large prevalence of mate sharing. I am taking a few mate cups home to share with my family and friends, so they can learn too. Argentina is an incredibly beautiful country with many places to visit to keep your weekend or days off busy. Just walking around Buenos Aires there is so much to see and do, like going to Recoleta Cemetery, Puerto Madero, San Telmo market, Casa Rosada, and so many more. I was fortunate enough to also take 2-weekend trips; one to Iguazu falls, which was incredible and another to Puerto Madryn to whale watch and swim with sea lions :) My experience exploring Argentina was amazing. I've made so many unforgettable friends that I hope to keep in contact with and plan to visit eventually.
Volunteer in Buenos Aires
Madeline Egan
Connect-123 made my dream internship of observing doctors at both general and pediatric hospitals abroad possible. At first I was a bit nervous to be jumping between the two hospitals because I was not confident in my Spanish speaking abilities and was worried I wouldn’t be able to establish connections. However, this fear quickly faded as I was warmly welcomed into both hospitals. I was pleasantly surprised by how flexible and self-directed the internship was. Within my second week at the general hospital, I observed several surgeries and quickly fell in love with the OR. My adviser at the general hospital encouraged me to spend time in the specialties that I was passionate about and to continue learning from the doctors I connected with. I was fortunate enough to also rotate through a pediatric and maternal hospital where I choose to spend most of my time observing pediatric surgeries as well as natural and C-section births. The surgery teams I met worked efficiently as a team but also kept the mood light with laughter and music and they allowed me to be a part of it. Most of the time my engagement came from me asking the doctors or nurses questions, but because I communicated with them, they asked about my life and some asked me to do small tasks like adjust the surgery light, hold the patient in place, or take photos during the surgery. There were several occasions where I had the opportunity to interact with doctors off the clock. My favorite memory was when an ER doctor & plastic surgeon invited me and a fellow colleague to have dinner at his house. We ate authentic Argentinian food and ended the night singing along while he played guitar. Buenos Aires was a wonderful place to live and I would not have felt as welcomed and as confident in the city if it weren’t for Connect-123.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Seth Greengo
When I first arrived in Buenos Aires, it was a dark and cold morning. My flight from the United States had been delayed so much that my arrival was pushed back a full day. I thought this incident would set the tone for my trip; I couldn’t have been more wrong. Both the literal and figurative clouds passed and I found myself falling for Buenos Aires and Argentina as a whole. I was an intern at a public hospital in Buenos Aires province, where I threw on a lab coat and was able to watch doctor’s appointments in multiple departments, observe surgeries in the operating room, and even attend lectures about cancer medicines with the oncologists. The doctors and staff were all super welcoming and willing to explain things to me, in both English and Spanish. Living in Buenos Aires and immersing myself in the Argentine culture created many unforgettable experiences. I cannot thank Connect-123 enough for setting up my internship, organizing cultural events, and making my experience one to remember!
Internships in Buenos Aires
Sergio Demara
I was only finishing up my freshman year of college at the start of Connect-123, but I knew I wanted to take risks and explore parts of myself I hadn’t before. I was so blessed to work in Buenos Aires at an impactful human rights non-profit organization, completely organized by Connect-123. The experience is more than you could bargain for-- as a cohort, we attended dance performances, dinner nights, and street art tours together to explore local culture. The staff helped us feel comfortable and immersed in Argentina’s rich heritage. At my internship, I was shown similar support and encouraged to draft project reports, secure funding for LGBT refugees, and develop a storyboard for a film. I attended official board meetings regarding refugees in Argentina and local workshops on sexual diversity, even meeting refugees to hear their stories and represent them. This internship experience allowed me to breathe in experiences that have allowed me to grow and flourish for my next step in life. I am so grateful to have participated in this program and I look forward to returning to South America some day.
Internships in Buenos Aires
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Jennifer Brown
I found my experience with Connect-123 to be really impressive. Not only was I placed with a meaningful organization that provided me with a genuine learning experience, I felt that my program coordinator really cared that I got the most out of that experience. By going through Connect-123, I was in good hands; the organization had a genuine concern for my safety and well being and I trusted them to have my best interests in mind. In addition to connecting me with my internship opportunity, C-123 also provided me with advice where to take language courses, interesting points in the city, and cultural experiences that were really fun. I would recommend to anyone looking to pursue an overseas internship opportunity to go through Connect-123.
Internships in Buenos Aires
