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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Naledi Makhene
I had an amazing time in Cape Town! My family is South African, so I’ve been to Cape Town before and was unsure if I wanted to go back there or experience a different city for my internship. I’m so happy that I decided to return, because I got to experience Cape Town in a different way. It is such a beautiful city that is rich in culture with lots of things to do. The people and the atmosphere are extremely inviting, which made the transition to living in a new place easier. My internship experience was phenomenal, and I hope to work there again when I earn my Master’s in Public Health. I reminisce on my trip literally almost everyday and I can’t wait to go back! Three months was too short.
Internships in Cape Town
Jack Churchill
Connect-123 proved every bit as helpful and enjoyable as I could have hoped. During my two months in Buenos Aires, every day was an adventure as I adjusted to living in a city unlike any I had ever experienced. Along with the lessons I learned as an intern, I feel that I really got to take part in the city's culture, as if I were a resident rather than just a tourist. Looking back on my time, I can definitively say that it has been a unique and enriching experience––made possible by the guidance of the program and the friends I made along the way. From trips I went on to the typical day with my roommates, I am sure these are memories that will remain with me for the rest of my life
Internships in Buenos Aires
Amirul Aniza
It is no doubt that Cape Town is one of the most beautiful places on this planet. I fell in love with the place at first sight and was truly lucky to have been given the opportunity to intern in the city itself! My program coordinator was very efficient in securing an internship position for me, with a leading university, as a research intern. She also assisted in administrative tasks which allowed me to adapt to the beautiful city smoothly. I was lucky that my internship position had flexible working hours and I was also allowed to do work from my apartment. Hence, I would make full use of the flexibility to arrange trips with my friends to explore the city. After work, we would head out to Camps Bay or Waterfront to enjoy the evening scenes. Living near the other interns facilitated mingling amongst ourselves and we will look out for each other, easing the feeling of homesickness. Interning in Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the best decision I have ever made!
Internships in Cape Town
Samantha Warwar
Sitting down to write one paragraph about my experience in Cape town is one of the hardest things I've had to do. There are not enough words and definitely not enough space to capture everything I want to tell you about this trip. So I'll try my best to keep it concise (and not to cry) as I recall all of the amazing things about this internship. The summer after my first year in medical school, I went to Cape Town to intern with Connect-123 in the Public Health program. I spent 4 weeks interning in a hospital where I observed surgeries, rounded with some of Cape Town's most prestigious doctors, and helped care for the most memorable patients. If you are considering a field in medicine this is the best opportunity because you are a part of a care team managing some of the most sick patients in the world. You will see and do things that you once thought you would only read about in textbooks. As for the rest of the trip, me and a group of girls and guys became friends instantly. This is the kind of friendship that you dream about developing on a trip like this. We were from all over the world and I learned about the world from their stories in a way that I have never experienced before. We all fell in love with Cape town together, it is impossible not to if you go. Cape town is home to the most genuine people I have ever met, some of the best food I have ever tasted, and this little town stole a piece of my heart. I cannot wait to go back and hike Lions Head, breathe in the fresh air, and take in the most beautiful sights this world has to offer.
Internships in Cape Town
Grace Severance
I spent 3 months of the fall semester of my senior year of university working as an intern in a surgical unit at a hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. Working with both the surgeons and registrars was a unique experience - I got to observe how the medical staff diagnosed, treated, and cared for patient on a daily basis. My relationship with the physicians was friendly and professional, and they were always helpful in explaining all the medical terminology and diagnostic reasoning to me. I also had opportunities to observe a public clinic an hour from Cape Town and see how healthcare was delivered on a local scale. I can highly recommend Connect-123 for anyone interested in doing an internship in Cape Town. The staff was prompt, professional, and always looking to help the interns in whatever way they could. I was able to learn a lot about South African culture and they, in turn, were interested in learning about American culture. Connect-123 is a dependable organization whose primary goal is to optimize the experiences of its participants. I would recommend this specific internship to any student interested in medicine, pre-PA, and nursing.
Internships in Cape Town
Alexandra Aldieri
I always knew I wanted to intern abroad and Connect-123 helped find a great opportunity in Ireland. I worked for a college research department in Dublin, and everything about my experience was unforgettable. It’s difficult for an American student to find pharmacy research abroad, so I can’t thank Connect-123 enough for helping me find the perfect research position. The professor that I worked closely with was an incredibly kind and generous mentor. He often treated me for tea and we would sit and discuss anything from our research project to life and travel. It was something I never expected from my internship, but something I’ll never forget. I came to Europe alone and not knowing what to expect, but I met so many people along the way that were supportive and a lot of fun. Dublin felt like home and everything good you’ve heard about the Irish is true. My best memories are thanks to my Dublin Connect-123 family. I miss it and I highly recommend working with Connect-123 for the opportunity to travel, work, and have the time of your life.
Internships in Dublin
Yana Martysevich
I've had a wonderful stay in Cape Town, South Africa. It is an amazing city! Connect-123 went above and beyond to get me this internship and without exaggerating, it has been one of the best experiences in my life! My program coordinator is absolutely wonderful and she will tell you everything you need to know about Cape town! If you're looking for a great way to live abroad, gain unmatched work experience, and have the time of your life, this program is for you.
Internships in Cape Town
Kaleigh Keown
The five weeks I spent in Cape Town, South Africa, were five weeks I will never forget. Although I was over 7,000 miles away from a single person I knew, I felt completely prepared thanks to Connect-123. I began my internship at a hospital in the city and when that experience did not exactly go as planned, Connect-123 was quick to change my setting and give me the most out of my time in Cape Town. I was not only able to experience the South African healthcare culture through my internship, but staying in the city allowed me to absorb as much of the Cape Town atmosphere as possible. During my trip, I experienced hiking, shark cage diving, rugby games, surfing, winery tours, a Robben Island tour, a Langa Township tour, a trip to Boulder’s Beach organized by Connect-123, among many others. I only wish that I would have stayed longer than five weeks!
Internships in Cape Town
Ashley King
I knew I needed medical research experience for the field I want to go into, but I also have quite the travel bug. I did a lot of research trying to find out who could give me exactly what I wanted. Honestly, most of my time was spent figuring out which company was the most credible. I stumbled upon Connect-123 and contacted them right away. After a few conversations, I knew that they were the right choice. From there the process was so simple. They found me a position working with a leading research hospital and it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I’ve never been afraid to go somewhere far on my own, so I didn’t have any initial reservations. I arrived in Dublin and felt right at home. Within an hour of being there, my program coordinator was at my doorstep and welcomed me with open arms. I think that made the transition easier than expected. She checked in with me every few weeks to make sure things were going smoothly and even arranged trips and meet-ups for everyone to get to know each other. My boss and coworkers were the greatest, most helpful people I probably could’ve worked with. They taught me so much about everything that goes into medical research and included me in everything they did. I was always made to feel like I was a part of the team, despite the fact that I was only going to be there for a short amount of time. Three months seems like an eternity, but even now it wasn’t enough time for me to explore the beautiful country that is Ireland. I now feel as though it is my second home. Nothing will ever compare to the time I spent living in Dublin, what I learned during my internship, and every person I met along the way.
Internships in Dublin
Isaac Rooney
Cape Town gave me without a doubt, the most educational, eye-opening, and exploration-filled two months of my life. The experience my internship gave me was unlike any I could’ve imagined. Working in a hospital in South Africa exposed me to more than I ever could have been exposed to in the U.S. and has given me both a unique and favorable addition to my resume. Since getting home, I’ve been telling friends that Cape Town is the one place in the world where you can truly do anything. One day you could be hiking table mountain, the next you could be surfing, and the next you could be shark cage diving or visiting Kirstenbosch, the massive botanical garden. Going into my internship in South Africa, I was very unsure, as I’m sure mostly everyone was. Having returned home, I can confidently say I made the best possible choice on where to spend my two month internship. I felt as though Sough Africa wasn’t a place I would get another chance to visit and having taken the opportunity, I couldn’t be happier with my decision.
Internships in Cape Town
Sarah Banks
Connect-123 was one of my favorite experiences in my life. When I was first inquiring about the program, I was skeptical because of all the high reviews and the fact that there was not one low review. But this program is real and it is what it appears to be. After I graduated college I wanted to get some real world experience in a physical therapy setting where I was able to also practice Spanish. C-123's program coordinators were able to help me get that experience and so much more. Besides what I learned in my internship, I made life long friends, was able to travel, and spend 7 months living in Buenos Aires, Argentina! I am so grateful to have been able to have this experience that exceeded my expectations!
Internships in Buenos Aires
Mariam Said
Dublin! THE best decision I have made to date. At first I was doubting the decision but I always say to myself, "if it does not work out, that is a lesson I will learn, and if it does work out it will be the best experience of my life". Interning in Dublin WAS the best experience of my life. Not just because I was in a beautiful country with beautiful people but because Connect-123 introduced me with the best intern firm EVER! My manager was amazing. The most terrifying thing about working abroad is if you will like your workplace, but Connect-123 made sure that they put me in the best environment possible. My manager was extremely helpful, he was a mentor… a friend. I also met wonderful other interns at the same time. I never once felt alone, despite moving to a country for 8 months without knowing anyone, but in these situations you can never be worried because everyone in Dublin are just genuinely friendly and helpful and have so much love and respect to give. Most importantly Connect-123 are always by your side, theres always someone that you can reach out to. I can vouch for that. I was extremely lucky. I learned so much about architecture, about living and surviving on my own. I learned about myself and other people and culture too. Dublin is a spectacular city and there is always so much to do. My advice is "don't think about it too much, experience makes you wiser. Whether it is a good or bad one, always learn something from it." Just do it, especially with Connect-123 they are truly the best! Honestly, Connect-123, THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Internships in Dublin
Mary Malone
My time in Ireland was an experience that I will never forget. Because of Connect-123, I was placed at an internship at a museum that I absolutely loved, and I gained valuable experience in my field. In addition, I made friendships and went on adventures that I will always treasure. I am so grateful to Connect-123 for making my summer in Ireland possible!
Internships in Dublin
Juan Dengel
I began my internship in August of 2016 in Barcelona at a local production studio. Before participating, I was concerned about finding an internship that would directly match my career, but I trusted Connect-123 would find the right opportunity. Since the very first day, I was introduced to the post-production team of a very ambitious Indie film, and I found myself having to prove myself to the team that I am good enough to stick around, I was right where I needed and wanted to be. Throughout the course of the experience, I made lifelong friends, deeply experienced the Barcelona culture, and got my name on the credits of a movie! The success of this project led to great networking opportunities and portfolio content that has helped jump-start my freelance career. The internships that Connect-123 organize, are an experience crafted specifically for you. It is a great tool to take advantage of if you are passionate about moving forward in your career, I cannot thank the Connect-123 team enough.
Internships in Barcelona
Lynsey Schafer
This summer, I was blessed with the opportunity to be an intern in Ireland. Before this experience, I had never been outside of the United States so traveling internationally was a new experience for me. Connect-123 helped calm most of my nerves and hesitations about traveling independently, living in a new home for two months, and having an international internship. Throughout the process, Connect-123 was quick to answer all of my questions and helped guide me. Although this experience is one of independence and self-discovery, Connect-123 tries their best to help you when you need it. Connect-123 did an amazing job of finding, not one, but three internship options for me! It was great to be able to have a wide variety of choices that related to my field of interest. The internship that I ultimately chose was a perfect fit. I worked under two wonderful and talented people who welcomed me with open arms and helped me to feel right at home. Ireland will forever have a piece of my heart and I wouldn’t have had the experience that I did if it wasn’t for Connect-123.
Internships in Dublin
Angie Shearon
Completing a Connect-123 internship was one of the best decisions I’ve made, not only for my career but for my growth as a person. It was my first time travelling away from home for such a long period, but they made everything go so smoothly that I had nothing to be nervous about. The internship was so perfect for me and was exactly what I was looking for! My supervisors made me feel extremely comfortable asking questions and made sure I got everything out of it that I wanted to. I gained so much from working in a hospital, it helped build my resume, I made strong connections with people who will support me through my career path, and it helped me figure out more of what I want out of my future job. Not only was I given the chance to assist with research, but I got to shadow a well-known doctor at the hospital and observe what he does every day. I got to see up close how he stayed calm and handled stressful situations, how he interacted with each patient on a personal level, and how he genuinely cared about giving every person the best possible care. This taught me a lot about the kind of doctor I want to be someday, and I will never forget the experience. What made this experience as amazing as it was were the livelong friends I made along the way. Connect-123 made it very easy to meet everyone in the program because of group events we did so regularly, like getting burgers after work or meeting up for Irish dancing lessons. They provided us with information about fun things to experience while in Ireland and gave us tips about traveling to other countries as well. I wouldn’t trade the memories from this summer for anything, and I am certain that the friends I made abroad will be friends I have throughout my life.
Internships in Dublin
Craig Marshall
If you're looking to go abroad as well as gain experience in your field of studies, then Connect-123 is the program for you! I went to Dublin, Ireland in the fall of 2016 and my time spent there will be cherished for the rest of my life. The staff is extremely helpful in finding an internship to fit your interests. In the time I was there, I interned for both a publishing company and a radio station working on tasks like promotion, journalism, and presenting. Along with working in your field, Connect-123 also offers various opportunities to network with other people in the program as well as others who cross your path on this amazing journey! Thank you Connect-123 for making this dream of going abroad become a reality.
Internships in Dublin
Pemanee Damrasmongkonsakul
It was my last semester before university graduation in March 2017, so I wanted to spend time to discover new things overseas. My case was so complicated at first due to my visa and others documents required (I was studying in Japan by that time), but thanks to Connect-123, all those things became much more easier for me. Their quick response to my questions and their experience of having interns abroad, assisted me in getting an opportunity to have an internship here in Barcelona. Barcelona is an amazing city where you can definitely enjoy the stunning attractions during the day and go out to Spain’s best city for party at night. Not only beautiful architecture by Gaudi, but also its people who I would say very friendly and most easy-going people I’ve ever met. I always go somewhere by walking and get lost in different places which make me find out things about this city. It is super cool just to get lost here because the hidden gems are everywhere just around the corner. I really enjoyed my time here, including the company where I interned with is also incredible! Not even a second that I regret to come here.
Internships in Barcelona
Adriana De Lucio
At the end of 2015, I accepted the exciting opportunity to do an internship abroad at a nonprofit geared towards promoting women’s rights in an unfamiliar location—Cape Town, South Africa. While I was a little nervous about traveling outside of my comfort zone, I knew this would be an unforgettable experience; so, in late January of 2016, I left my home in Washington, D.C. for the Mother City. For five months, I worked at a three-stage shelter for destitute, abused, and disadvantaged women and their children. On top of providing temporary shelter, the organization also provides its female residents with legal counseling, skills classes and workshops, and access to a child’s daycare center and preschool. During my time there, I not only worked on meaningful projects like creating a residential database and an online fundraising campaign, but I met and worked with inspirational women and children that have further motivated me to become a strong proponent of social change through their own passion for fighting injustices and personal stories. In addition to learning outside of the university classroom about the nonprofit sector, I gained knowledge about my host country through exploring it with my new friends. I went bungee jumping in Bloukrans, shark-cage diving in Gainbaai, wine-tasting in Franschhoek, on a safari trip in Kruger National Park, and sandboarding in Atlantis. Inside the city, I tried foreign Cape-Malay cuisine, watched a play about apartheid, spectated a Springboks rugby match, and hiked the iconic Table Mountain. My overall experience in Cape Town allowed me to learn more about my area of academic interest and myself as a person. The five months I spent in Cape Town were truly transformative and I’m grateful to Connect-123 for the memorable adventure.
Internships in Cape Town
Jesse Endert
This opportunity gave me the drive I had been searching for to reach for my dreams. This was my first time being in a different country, but it was as if I was meant to be there. The moment you drive to the city center from the airport you see the diversity Cape Town has to offer. This city has its challenges with poverty, but the people are what made me look beyond what can be seen. I had to step out of my comfort zone because there were cultural differences, but I had a life changing experience and became more independent. I discovered where my passion lies. I figured out who I am as a person. I spent three months working for an NGO against illegal wildlife trade based in Cape Town. My boss was passionate about what he worked for and that enthusiasm was contagious. He made sure that I got the most out of my internship and the most out of my time in Cape Town. My own research had been used in scientific working group meetings and I later coauthored a published document with my boss. This was my first experience in a work setting where I felt I belonged. My experiences on a safari, viewing the city from the top of Table Mountain, and kayaking in the ocean cannot be described with words. I would not have had the same experience without Connect-123. My internship coordinator made sure that I had everything I needed and continues to be a great friend even after I left Cape Town. I can say the same about everyone I met through Connect-123. Interning through Connect-123 prepared me for my dreams of living abroad. In fact, I will soon be independently returning to Cape Town to continue my internship, but for an extended period of 5 to 6 months. I could not be more thankful for this opportunity and I highly recommend that you try it too.
Internships in Cape Town
