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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Grace Nie
My internship at Shanghai was undoubtedly one of the most rewarding experiences I've had in my life. Firstly, a big thank you to Connect-123 for speedily setting everything up and allowing me to not have to worry about anything. At my request, Connect-123 arranged this internship for me within the short duration of 2 weeks. My internship was at an international private hospital in Shanghai. At first, I assumed this internship would just be a long shadowing experience with just shadowing day after day. However, at the hospital, they arranged for me jobs according to my skill and allowed me to learn a lot more than I would have in any other hospital. Everyone was so welcoming and open, and the doctors were all very patient with me (they would explain every case and have a discussion with me after every visit). I also was able to shadow some surgeries while I was there, which were also great to watch. But most of all, I think what is great about the hospital is as long as you're eager to learn and show them your passion to learn more, they definitely will accommodate your desires. (Lunch was also super cheap, filling, and delicious.) Outside of work, the Connect-123 team was also very helpful and would set up weekly trips and dinners. I got to know some of the other interns, and you would be surprised at the variety of people and internships you'll see there. Shanghai is a very vibrant and exhilarating city with lots to explore (and eat), so you definitely won't be bored as long as you're willing to get out there. Thanks again for this invaluable opportunity, Connect-123!
Internships in Shanghai
John Connolly
My experience with Connect-123 was great! I experienced life abroad, in the beautiful setting of Barcelona, where I could practice my Spanish and get practical work experience. I learned a lot about non-profit work and working in a different setting.
Internships in Barcelona
Jake Kohler
There’s a fine line many undergraduates like to walk along: traveling and working on something relevant to their major. Most end up doing one or the other. Connect-123 not only makes both possible, but also makes the experience seamless. Yes, you have to fill out a number of papers, but I can’t imagine anybody looking back and thinking, “man, Dublin would’ve been so much cooler if we didn’t have to fill out those applications.” Pick from any of Connect-123’s cities, tell them what you’re interested in, and sit back and relax. My coordinators kept me well-informed about what they needed from me, when a new offer came in, how to use the bus system, where to get groceries, etc. There was barely a moment of confusion during my internship experience. My internship consisted of working in an Astrophysics Research Group at a leading Irish university with six Ph.D. students. I studied the effects of solar storms on earth’s magnetic field. As it turns out, my coworkers were some of the best people I met during my experience. Often, we would stay afterhours to play games, or on lazy Friday, during hours. You might find the European work ethic appealing. That isn’t to say that work was easy. At times, I found myself unable to find the flaw in my coding algorithm. Fortunately, everyone was there to help. I got a real impression of what physics graduate school would be like, my main educational goal for my time in Dublin. When you arrive in a new country, you instantly notice some differences: people driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road, cashiers expecting a different currency, and in some cases (but not mine) citizens speaking an unknown language. However, the best differences, in my opinion, are the ones you learn after a night out drinking with your coworkers or the first time you hear the Irish bagpipes in the oldest pub in North Dublin with your newly befriended roommates. How many of these subtle contrasts you pick up on is in direct proportion to how long your internship is. As an avid traveler, I understand the desire to go to every historic city in Europe and every mountaintop around the globe, but there is something extra you gain when you live in a foreign city for an extended period of time: an in depth, genuine feel of the culture. You may find yourself coming back to your home country (or not!) with a few new slang terms, and a broader acceptance of peoples’ points of view.
Internships in Dublin
Katrine Pedersen
To experience a lot of firsts all at ones - such as traveling on my own, moving to a new city with another culture and starting a new job, I have been grateful to have had Connect-123 and their amazing staff as support both before and during my 4 month stay in Barcelona. Not only did they help me find an internship, they offered security and a safe environment in which it was easy to find friends in familiar situations as myself. I might have been doing the traveling on my own, but reaching the destination I was far from that. During my stay in Barcelona I have been working, traveling, meeting new people and experienced far more than I ever imagined. It has truly been a great experience all together. Moving here was a decision based on the possibility of gaining professional experience that can help me get accepted to my studies back home - but I leave with so much more! I leave with new friends, a backpack full of experiences, a travel-journal run out of blank pages and cultural insight, but most of all I leave with a better knowledge of who I am, I leave with an evolved version of me and the person I was before coming here.
Internships in Barcelona
Ainsleigh Toth
Cape Town is one of those amazing places that you will never quite fully understand until you live in it. It is a surprising city, from mountain side to beach sunsets to city lights, it really has anything you could want to do. Cape Town definitely is a raw metropolitan, so you must be willing to explore life outside of your comfort zone. Connect-123 provided phenomenal support leading up to my arrival, and then continued to answer any questions or concerns that I had throughout my time in Cape Town. If you want support along with individual freedom, then Connect-123 is definitely the program for you. Doing a social work internship in an orphanage and townships, it certainly gave me eye opening insight to the social situations in South Africa. Being one of the most amazing places to live, its astonishing to witness the extreme flaws of the social arrangement. I had the chance to do two different internships in two months and with that came amazing opportunities to experience many diverse situations. Each experience gave me a different chance to obtain knowledge about things that wouldn’t even be imaginable at home. I am so happy I chose Connect-123 to organize my summer plans!
Internships in Cape Town
Luciana Lima
I’ve always had a strong desire to have a professional experience abroad. Traveling is one of my passions, and I wanted to add to my career. So I searched a lot and had studied all the available options that could offer me this “travel + work” experience. I discovered Connect-123 and I have found it the best choice for me among all I looked. I decided to come to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for 4 months. I chose to work at a startup. I was part of the marketing team and I have helped them to launch their product in Brazil, adapting the communication to brazilian market and assisting their go-to-market strategies. The company has a great and friendly working environment with several foreign people, which is very good to make friends and exchange knowledge. All these months have been extremely valuable to have a multicultural professional development, improving also my interpersonal skills. Buenos Aires, such a beautiful city, could provide me a rich experience of cultural exchange, besides quality of life, full of leisure and entertainment activities (sometimes even free!), art, history and everything. I surely recommend this program!
Internships in Buenos Aires
Christine De’Antonis
I couldn’t have asked for a better experience during my four months in Cape Town. I gained professional experience through my internship at the Groote Schuur Hospital as well as increased cultural awareness through my everyday social encounters. I had a lot of fun both during my job, interacting with patients and coworkers, and outside of work exploring the city and South Africa as a whole. I gained a well-rounded experience through Connect-123 achieving job exposure as well as enjoyment. My internship in the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department at Groote Schuur definitely provided me with medical exposure that I would have had difficulty finding in the United States. My primary responsibility was to work on a clinical trial research project that compared two different types of mechanical valves used in valve replacement surgeries. On top of this I was able to interact with patients, attend ward rounds, observe both cardiac and thoracic surgeries and assist with some responsibilities within the ward. My coworkers were all extremely friendly which made going to work enjoyable, and all of the consultants, registrars, and medical students were more than willing to teach us each day, which allowed me to learn so much about cardiothoracics and medical practice as a whole. Upon entering this internship, I hadn’t quite had my mind made up about whether or not I wanted to pursue a career in medicine, but after this experience I now know that this is what I want to do in life. On top of this, my time spent outside of my internship was wonderful. I made so many new friends from all over the world and I felt that I was able to fully immerse myself in the culture of Cape Town. Connect-123 set up numerous social events that made meeting other interns very easy, and they made sure that no one ever felt lonely in the foreign city. Over the four months I was able to do everything from bungee jumping in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, to hiking numerous mountains surrounding Cape Town, to wine tasting in the vineyards, and so much more. I had the experience of a lifetime through this program and I am so grateful to have received this opportunity.
Internships in Cape Town
Danny Goldman
Through Connect-123, I had the opportunity to work at a digital startup in Barcelona for 9 weeks--an experience in which I grew, learned, and pushed myself beyond my comfort zone. The idea of living in a foreign city completely independently is an intimidating one. Connect-123 helped me land an internship, find housing, and meet other interns living in Barcelona. In terms of the internship I was doing, I couldn't have asked for anything more. I worked with finance, marketing, and development teams on a variety of projects. The work I was doing was very meaningful to the company, and I left having gained a plethora of skills that I know will be valuable as I go forward. Additionally, I loved working with the very international team --about 25 young, motivated people from all over the globe. Outside of work, I had the opportunity to travel around Europe and meet friends that I will stay in touch with for many years to come. On weekends, I visited Amsterdam, London, Berlin, and Madrid. I spent a lot of time (in Barcelona and traveling around) with a few other Connect-123 interns in particular, but also spent a fair amount of time with my flatmates in my apartment through Barcelona Design Flats. All the while, I greatly improved my spoken Spanish and absorbed the wonderful Catalan culture. I'd say that the two biggest takeaways from my time in Barcelona for me are the independence and confidence I gained from living and working in a foreign city and the skills I took away from my internship. This would not have been possible without the support and guidance from the Connect-123 team. I can't recommend this experience enough.
Internships in Barcelona
Jessica Christopherson
I spent four incredible months in Buenos Aires as an intern with Connect-123. During this time I had the opportunity to study Spanish, intern at a public hospital in Buenos Aires, and of course, travel to different regions of Argentina. What stood out the most for me were the people I met and the experiences I had while working as an intern at the hospital. I have worked as a nurse in the US for the past 10 years and I can honestly say that I gained more insight and knowledge in these past months than I could have ever hoped for. The doctors, residents and hospital staff not only went out of their way to educate and answer any questions I had (which were a lot), but they did it with the most positive attitude and a smile on their face, despite my less than perfect Spanish. This experience has been eye-opening and enlightening, to say the least! I will be forever grateful to have had this experience, and for Connect-123 for being so professional and assisting with everything I needed to ensure that I had the best experience possible. Thanks again to the local program coordinator and the rest of the staff at Connect-123!
Internships in Buenos Aires
Daniel Rutkowski
Finding Connect-123 was truly a blessing. I always dreamed of going to Spain and shortly after discovering this program I was standing in the streets of Barcelona. The whole application process was super easy and the program is very accommodating. They were able to find me an internship, unpaid unfortunately, that matched my desired interests. All the details of my internship were clearly laid out. I really liked that Connect-123 basically advertised me so that there were lots of flexibility in the locations I could choose from. I did my internship just after I graduated undergrad, so this process was much easier since I didn’t need to receive credit for it. I interned at a Basketball Camp. More specifically I was brought on for my expertise as a strength and conditioning coach. My job entailed heading strength and conditioning stations, planning and orchestrating dynamic warm up and static cool down stretches, and teaching moves, correct shooting forms and proper positioning to Spanish-speaking athletes. My boss also hooked me up with other various events like an NBA tournament and a beach basketball tournament. Overall I had a blast doing my internship and working with such wonderful people. Barcelona is a magical place. My Spanish is mediocre, but I quickly picked up the slang necessary to thrive in everyday society. Once I was able to do this it was such an eye-opening experience to be immersed in such a different culture. I loved trying new foods, meeting new people and experiencing the magnificent nightlife that Barcelona has to offer. Other than that I spent a lot of time just exploring around and seeing what the city had to offer. Many days I would just take off with a map, hop on the metro and just pick a new place to see. It wasn’t until I returned home that I really began to reflect on my journey. At the time I was living in the moment and didn’t feel like I had changed all that much. However, once I got back I quickly realized the effects that my experience had on me. I really liked becoming self-reliant. All my life I had my parents, friends, professors, etc. to lean on for guidance. Here I was thrown into a brand new environment by myself and emerged a more confident and autonomous man. Yet the biggest takeaway I had was what I learned about people as a whole. While in a Spanish-speaking country, I had to develop my non-verbal communication skills. And that I found has helped me become a better person. I now realize the importance of something as simple as a friendly smile or the inflection of my voice. These are skills that I use everyday to help build better relationships with people all around me. I can’t say that you will have my same experience, but I will guarantee that this will be a journey you will never forget.
Internships in Barcelona
Katie Vause
My 2 months in Buenos Aires were some of the most rewarding, challenging but most fun I have ever had.I’m bias but it is such a cool city to spend time in. It has a vibrant culture, and so many things to do every night of the week, but also great opportunities to relax and get to the countryside or further afield for the weekend. I loved improving my Spanish and took lessons as well whilst I was out there (which I would highly recommend to anyone, as the Spanish is different than in other countries and you can learn about some specific customs in Buenos Aires). Connect-123 gave me amazing support in Buenos Aires, which made all the difference being in a new and different environment. From the word go, they gave me all the information to make me feel comfortable, and lots of little tips on living in Buenos Aires. Along with all the events they ran for other interns, helping set up my internship and find housing, they made my experience over there smooth and enjoyable. I worked as a marketer for a small but growing 3D printing company. I didn’t have any experience in marketing but my colleagues were patient and kind in teaching me everything I needed to know and made me feel like a valued member of the team.I would recommend this internship to anyone who wants to become immersed in a different country and dip their toes into a completely new industry or further their existing knowledge by gaining experiences in a new environment. But the internship is about so much more than simply working. It’s about making new friends across the globe, being challenged by practicing a different language, developing and enhancing skills in an industry, and most importantly learning about a unique and vibrant culture, in which you can have so much fun!
Internships in Buenos Aires
Charlotte Ramos
Dublin will always have very special place in my heart for various reasons. Living and interning in Dublin for 3 months flew by because I experienced so much in this short time. When I first arrived in Dublin, it certainly was a culture-shock, but more so an environment and weather-shock! Going from sunny Los Angeles to windy and cloudy Dublin certainly was a drastic change for me, but I absolutely loved it! Connect-123 made my dream of living and interning abroad come true, and they made it a very simple process. The team made me feel confident that they would find me a placement that I would enjoy, and that they truly cared for my experience interning in a foreign country. Choosing Ireland was the perfect place for me to intern abroad, and that is all thanks to Connect-123, and the internship placement they found me. My internship was amazing, and is what I will miss most about Dublin. I worked as an Operations Manager for a local business improvement district. I gained a lot of skills that I did not expect to, and feel well-rounded in the public policy sector from the city council’s perspective to the businesses that keep the city’s economy flowing. My job was such a great fit, and made me feel very welcome. By my second day of work my boss took me aside to talk a bit with me and see what exactly I wanted to get out of my internship, and what my interests were. The organization really felt more like a family, and I shared so many good times with them, they took me into the team and made me feel like I had been working there for years. It was so cool to be “behind the scenes” for major events that took place in Dublin during my stay, such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and the 1916 Easter Rising Commemoration. So, round of applause to Connect -23 because without them I would not have met so many amazing people that I will miss so much! I also recently found out that I have been accepted to three graduate degree programs I applied to, and each university was sure to let me know that they were highly impressed with my international internship, and it is a big part of why they accepted me!
Internships in Dublin
Amanda Maxon
The internship with Connect-123 was a wonderful and life rewarding program. I emailed them with an initial inquiry and within a week I had all of my paperwork filled out. I am so glad I decided to participate in this program for Spring 2016 in Dublin. I was looking for an internship that dealt with agriculture which is pretty had to find when you do not have a lot of experience besides school work. But Connect-123 found me an internship with a major university in Dublin in which I was able to intern as a research assistant in the Food and Agriculture department. It was difficult at first trying to find housing and figuring out how to get around in Dublin. But with the help of Connect-123 I was able to figure out where I needed to go. The internship allowed me to gain more experience outside of work, such as participating in an otter survey in which I was interviewed for a radio program, bird ringing, and other events such as seminars and school field trips. I am so glad I took this opportunity to learn and see the world!
Internships in Dublin
Deborah Carlin
Choosing to go abroad was one of the best decisions I ever made, and Dublin was the perfect place to do it. I was very nervous about being so far from home, but adjusting to life in Dublin wasn’t difficult at all! Everyday I would discover new things about the city and about Irish culture that made me realize how special of a place Dublin is, and how lucky I was to be there. The internship I had was a great fit, and provided me with so many opportunities – I now have more environmental fieldwork experience, and I am able to say that I have worked with an international organization and with people of other cultures. I even gained skills I didn’t expect to, such as public speaking and administration. Connect-123 was very responsive to everything I asked for, and they made sure that I was comfortable in my internship and housing location. Although I was only in Dublin for 10 weeks, I can’t imagine not having this experience. I have made friends and memories that will last a lifetime!
Internships in Dublin
Amy Barlow
Wow! I cannot believe how fast the 2 months went. I didn’t know what to expect when I left America to fly to Ireland. I had heard great things about the people and how friendly they are. I did have some concerns traveling to Ireland but those fears vanished when I got to Dublin. I started out in a group house close to the city center but soon realized that I should be closer to my job. So I moved into a house about 20 minutes away from my internship. It was perfect. At my internship, I soon realized the magnitude of the job and all of the work that had to be done. Luckily, my co-worker and my boss were very understanding and patient in helping me navigate my way through the job. I can’t thank Connect 123 enough for this adventure that I embarked on. All of the staff of Connect 123 really made it an easy transition from America to Ireland. Our Connect 123 contact also had outings for all of the students in the program to meet and get to know each other. My favorite outing would have to be the Bunsen Burgers night (even though I was late). The burgers were delicious and I met girls from all around the world. I am sad now to leave this wonderful city of Dublin, but have a yearning to come back to Dublin and continue where I left off. I have had many adventures in this city from getting lost trying to get to O’Connell Bridge to trying to figure out the bus system. Even though, I was not here for very long all of my ventures will be with me when I return to Washington, DC, to start my next adventure….a job. I will never forget Ireland and will be back to visit soon!
Internships in Dublin
Maris Quagliata
Connect-123 has really done something out of the ordinary. Not only was I able to get a well rounded internship and was helped with finding housing and the best route to work, I was also able to make some amazing memories. This group set me up with an internship at a professional photography studio, which I learned helpful skills in running a business as well as how to take pictures and how to have pictures taken of you. Outside of the internship, Connect does a wonderful job of bringing together the other interns. We all go out on tours, trips, or even just to grab a pint. We always have fun, I've made some wonderful friends here. Dublin is a beautiful city and I'm very lucky to have had the experiences I have here because of Connect-123.
Internships in Dublin
Natalie Eidson
After I graduated, I wanted to volunteer in a hospital in Spain. I researched several organizations until I came across Connect-123. I am very glad I went with Connect-123 and would recommend them to anyone. They were able to provide me with exactly what I was looking for and were with me every step of the way. After arriving alone in Barcelona, it was very comforting to know that I had people here who cared about my safety, people I could reach out to. From the beginning to the end of my stay in Barcelona, I could not have asked for a better experience. The pediatric hospital I worked at for two months was just what I was hoping it would be. Every day I was there had an impact on me and I was able to meet some amazing people along the way. Not only that, but I also gained valuable cultural experience and was able to improve my Spanish a lot. The group events hosted by the program coordinators were fun to attend and a great way to make friends. I’ve made many lasting memories and owe it to the trip that was made possible by Connect-123.
Internships in Barcelona
Edith Muleiro
My experience with Connect-123 in Barcelona was more incredible than anything I could have ever imagined. I had no expectations upon arriving in Barcelona, and soon found myself falling in love with this city and its people. Connect-123 made sure I was comfortable, taking the time to find the right internship that would fit my interests and making sure everything went well from the beginning to the end! I felt that I had a constant support network while exploring the city. I learned so much during my internship and developed long lasting relationships with my coworkers. I really recommend this program to anyone who is exploring their interests, or looking to forward those they already know! As for Barcelona, there is no better city to be young and curious! It's beautiful in its architecture, nature, people, and culture. Thank you so much Connect-123!
Internships in Barcelona
Daniela Silvas
From dealing with the culture shock to making lifelong friends, I don't regret choosing Barcelona at all. This city gave me an opportunity to learn more about myself and to grow both personally and professionally. The city has it all: beautiful architecture, famous attractions, nightlife, and all different types of food! You will find people from all over the world, share different stories and be able to travel with them. My best friend referred me to Connect-123, and they are there with you every step of the way. From the first interview, they are able to get to know you and find the internship/volunteer program that best fits your interests. Connect-123 also offers their students meet-up events that allow us to make new friends with similar stories and common hobbies. This was my first time traveling to Europe and Connect-123 has made it so easy and comfortable, they are there for guidance and assistance whenever you need it.
Internships in Barcelona
Tasha Heller
By the time my two months is Argentina came to an end I did not want to leave, and ever since I left Buenos Aires I’ve been aching to return. Connect-123 helped provide me with one of the most incredible, life-changing opportunities that I could have ever imagined. At the beginning I was a bit overwhelmed. Buenos Aires is a large, bustling city that is full of passion and tons of life. During my stay, my coordinator arranged my housing to be with local Argentine students, per my request, and they were extremely welcoming. I loved rooming with people outside of the Connect program because not only was I able to hang out with people from Connect-123 via the weekly programs, socials, and events but I also got the unique taste of the native lifestyle. I went to Argentina wanting to immerse myself within the culture of the people, and I certainly did. Argentina is so diverse and I wish I could have stayed longer than two months. During that time I explored all the cafés nestled within the city, learned how to Tango, visited one of the Wonders of the World, ate an unlimited number of empanadas, and spent afternoons with friends and mate. Of course, I went to Argentina for an internship experience. My internship was one of the greatest parts of my stay. It exposed me to a new level within the career that I hope to pursue and certainly deepened my passion to reach my future goals. I am extremely thankful for the Connect-123 family and this experience that it provided me. I cannot wait to return to Buenos Aires and to meet up with all the amazing people I’ve met!
Internships in Buenos Aires
