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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Chiyvonne Shennan
I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to intern in one of the most amazing cities I had ever been to, Buenos Aires, I have travelled extensively and have to say that BA is incredible and always something for everyone to do, it is rich with culture and diversity and Connect 123 made this possible. Being a social science student and coming from Manchester, England, I found it impossible to find a placement in Argentina that would be in the same field/industry that I wanted to work in. That was until I contacted Connect 123 who from start to finish were professional and the most friendly helpful staff ever. I was matched with an addiction service in Buenos Aries which well-matched my academic interests in drug and alcohol addictions and I was privy to other addictions which I had not been exposed to before, which I learnt a lot from. I was also co-ordinated with a Spanish school which was an amazing school with amazing friendly staff that not only organised your classes but put on activity days and evenings for us all to join in. My internship lasted for almost 2 months and South America had been a bucket list dream for as long as I can remember and Connect-123 made this possible so I have the utmost gratefulness for their constant support and help throughout my time and for making this the best work experience of my life. I lived with the most wonderful family who I will keep in touch with always, they made me feel very welcome and it was a home away from home. The social events that Connect 123 arranged every other week were always great and had something for everyone. I would also like to mention that being a vegetarian in this city was easy, which I was not expecting but most of the restaurants and café bars serve vegetarian food which was fab and helped me settle in. This had been one of my anxieties. To conclude both the internship and Spanish school facilitated me to form relationships with patients, who I have learnt valuable life lessons from and also peers who were undertaking similar interns. My experience in BA was truly amazing and one of the best decisions of my life…thank you ;)
Internships in Buenos Aires
Priscilla Choi
When people ask me “How did you enjoy Barcelona?”, I always respond: “I loved it. I want to go back and stay there forever.” And then they laugh. Little do they know that I’m only half joking. My summer experience in Barcelona can be summed up in one word: AMAZING, and I have to thank Connect-123 for that! My dream has always been to travel to Barcelona, Spain and it was surreal to me that I was able to go to Barcelona and not only get real-world experience, but also have the time of my life! I was introduced to Connect-123 by a college friend, who also went to Barcelona through the same program and after his glowing review, I also decided to take the Connect-123 route. The coordinators at Connect-123 are awesome (special shout out to Lea, who is the bomb!) and make sure you’re getting the most meaningful experience you can have. And that’s why I would recommend it to everyone interested in interning abroad! Barcelona will forever be in my heart. I was able to work with a small startup company based in Barcelona, which has shaped my professional experience background in a whole new way. Getting international internship experience is so valuable and I’m glad to have been able to do it! The great part was that aside from working, I was still able to enjoy myself, getting to know the city, exploring, traveling and of course, eating!! Being able to spend two months in Barcelona and integrating myself into the culture was one of the greatest experiences I ever had. After work, I would spend time getting to know the city and discovering the hidden gems and the major attractions of Barcelona! On the weekends, I would take day trips to cool places nearby Barcelona, like Costa Brava and Sitges. I even did a weekend trip in Madrid which was fantastic! I know it’s cliché to say that traveling abroad is life-changing, but it really is! I’ve learned so much more about myself and it’s such a great feeling! When I got back to the US, I thought to myself, “Man I really wish I was in Barcelona again!” If you’re considering studying/interning abroad, go for it! I promise you’ll have an amazing time once you’re there and there’s a reason why everyone loves traveling! Thank you so much Connect-123 for allowing me to grow as a person and helping me fulfill my case of wanderlust!
Internships in Barcelona
Dan Weise
Even after being away from Barcelona for almost 2 months, I can say that Connect-123 has provided me with the best opportunity I have ever been afforded. This past summer, I was a food and beverage intern at a 4-star hotel in downtown Barcelona where I was able to meet others from all around the world, develop Spanish language skills, and gain professional development. However, the experience extended far beyond the walls of the hotel. Connect-123 regularly contacted me to make sure that I was having a safe, enjoyable experience and even coordinated so many different activities all throughout Barcelona! Without Connect-123, I would have been much more intimidated by the process of living and working and abroad. Barcelona could not have been a more ideal city to hold an internship. The people and sites are equally amazing and living 15 minutes away from the sea was incredible. As I move through my “day-to-day” back in Chicago, I will forever remember the time I spent in Barcelona and the great people who surrounded me. Hasta pronto!
Internships in Barcelona
Daniel Cooke
Before I even knew which college I wanted to attend, I had already made up my mind about one important aspect of my collegiate career: I wanted to study abroad. I had been blessed with many international trips prior to my summer in Barcelona, but there is truly a difference between visiting a city and living in a city, intensively experiencing a new culture, stepping way out of your comfort zone, and all the while growing more confident as a global citizen. That is why I wanted to study, work, and live abroad for an entire summer, and the efforts of Lea and the Connect-123 team made that dream possible and unforgettable. Barcelona has become another home city to me. The twelve incredible weeks I spent there were irreplaceable with regards to the people I met, the lived, and the memories I made. I was matched up perfectly by C-123 with not only an NGO that truly sparked my interest in social investing in Latin America as a career path, but also a supervisor that quickly became a mentor and life-long friend. The city itself is absolutely amazing… Barcelona has something for everyone: some of the best food in the world, relaxing beaches, mountains for hiking, classic Spanish plazas filled with street life, world class art, architectural gems, medieval and gothic-era quarters, some of the best nightlife in Europe, and some of the friendliest people I have ever met. In spite of what I just wrote, that is only the very surface of that remarkable city… Every day in Barcelona is an adventure with regards to your career aspirations, language abilities, and life experiences while submerging into a foreign culture. As mentioned before, Barcelona is now another home for me, even after only 3 months of living there. I fell in love with my work, the people I encountered, and the incredible city that never ceased to amaze me. I always look back on my time in Barcelona with C-123 as a major milestone in my life, and I strongly encourage anyone else interested in the program to do the same and experience the amazing city of Barcelona!
Internships in Barcelona
Christina Koehler
Draining spider bites and tango dancing—not two things that I would usually associate together. That is, not until I completed an internship through Connect-123 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I interned in a hospital for two months, and it was hands down one of the most worthwhile, exciting, and informative times of my life. My internship was not only suited to my academic interests in nursing and Spanish, but also to my personality as I was able to form relationships with both patients and doctors. I shocked myself with the realization that I want to pursue trauma nursing, a discovery that came through the hands-on work that the doctors allowed me to do. Besides the placement for my internship, Connect-123 was also helpful in helping me connect with peers. Buenos Aires is a huge city, and it can be intimidating to go in alone. Connect-123 set up both my housing and different cultural events, like tango, that allowed me to meet fellow interns that became close friends. I could write all day about the incredible experiences I had in Argentina. Many thanks to Connect-123 for providing a home away from home.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Katie Sumpter
My experience in Cape Town is something I would never trade. I had a better time there than I could have imagined. I was able to work side by side with doctors who were very willing to teach me anything and everything. There was a lot of medical students as well, which just showed how great a teaching environment the hospital had. There was some great hands on experience as well as plenty of time to observe. Even if nothing too exciting was going on in the hospital, someone was always willing to help us find something new and interesting to see. I liked learning about the differences between government hospitals and private hospitals and comparing them to ones back home. Going to a different continent on my own was a new adventure for me. I was a bit nervous. But Connect-123 provides a great way to meet people, and I made friends in no time; because after all, most everyone is in the same boat. We all were excited to explore a new place and squeeze as much fun as we could in the short time we had. I was able to travel around on the weekends and see and do things I don't get to see at home in Iowa. I bungee-jumped of the highest bungee in the world; I visited the southern most tip of Africa where two oceans meet; I saw penguins; climbed mountains and watch the sunset AND sunrise. The scenery in South Africa is absolutely stunning. There were definitely challenges along the way and I really learned to get out of my comfort zone and see what kind of person I can be when thrown into a whole new way of life. I can't wait until I have another chance to get to travel abroad!
Internships in Cape Town
Tanya Nanthakumar
Deciding to travel to Cape Town was a big step for me. I’ve travelled before, but there was always someone on the other end to receive me and show me around. Connect123 and the lovely ladies in Cape Town made sure that my stay was safe, fun and memorable. My 4-week internship at a secondary hospital was completely eye opening. Learning how the health care system in Cape Town worked and being around such knowledgeable doctors and nurses was a privilege. What I learned was not just medical facts and assessments, but real life lessons that I will carry with me for many years. I didn’t feel like an outsider, but a part of the team. Cape Town as a tourist was riveting. Though it was July and slightly cold, I quickly adjusted and found myself enraptured by my surroundings. Perspectives, being right in city center, provided me with a gorgeous view of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill. My roommates were amazing and we would attend any of the events Connect123 held, such as the Langa Township Tour and Social night. These events allowed us to meet the other interns and form lasting friendships. All in all, my experience with Connect123 was amazing. The support was constant and amazing. If you asked me if I would ever go back to Cape Town in the future, my answer would be an immediate, irrevocable “yes”.
Internships in Cape Town
Jeremy Druhot
For two months this summer, I interned as a public policy and law researcher for a non-governmental organization that studies economic crimes – such as money laundering, drug trafficking and more. Before becoming involved with Connect-123, I very much wanted to gain work experience in this field – thanks to Connect, I now had the opportunity to do so. My time in the office was very productive – I analyzed laws and public policy surrounded certain issues and I would write reports on them (in Spanish!) to broaden the organization’s bank of research and to educate the public on the issue. I wrote two such reports for the organization, and I felt that my work was valued and worthwhile. Argentina was what I had hoped for and more. Buenos Aires is such a huge city with something for everyone – concerts, cultural events, museums, and so much more. The local cuisine is very unique, though it does lend a lot from Italian (which is not at all a bad thing!) Argentina’s pizzas, empanadas, milanesas are all to die for. In conclusion, I loved my experience in Argentina and with Connect-123. My internship was certainly the best work experience I have ever had, and Connect-123 made it happen.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Marie Koehler
Coming to South Africa on my own was a huge risk for me, but knowing that Connect-123 was there and easily reachable allowed me to know that if anything were to happen I had somewhere to go, while still being independent. Connect-123 set me up with a small environmental, urban-greening organization only a 5 minute walk from my apartment in Cape Town where I acted as a Public Relations and Communications/Marketing Assistant. I was able to be creative and contribute valuable input to the team, in a relaxed, yet efficient work atmosphere surrounded by kind people who are truly enthusiastic and passionate about what they do. I was given the opportunity to attend one of their major projects, called “Trees for Zambia,” a reforestation festival held in Livingstone, Zambia, which only provided more insight to a life I wasn’t aware of before. To describe my experience in Cape Town outside of work to anybody over the internet would in no way do it justice. It was absolutely incredible. My advice is to take absolute advantage of any and every opportunity that you’re presented with. A friendly tip: create an itinerary! A few friends and I created a calendar of when we wanted to do what; whether it be visit the penguins at Boulders Beach, skydive, bungee jump, visit Robben Island, hike Table Mountain, and much, much more! In only 10 weeks I learned more about my field of interest, myself, and what I am capable of than I ever imagined. I encourage anybody interested to take advantage of this truly awesome experience. Set any fears or doubts aside and take a risk. I did, and it was the best decision I could have made!
Internships in Cape Town
Kim Roach
Signing up with Connect-123 for an internship in Cape Town was one of the best decisions I have ever made. They set you up with an internship in the country you desire and provided housing. Their office, in Cape Town, is in the building that we live in (Perspectives) which is in the middle of town. The on site supervisors will assist you if you need any help and they always have a positive attitude! It's also a great way to meet other interns from all over the world studying different subjects. Not to mention, South Africa is such a beautiful country with a vibrant tourism industry. Coming here, I had no idea what I truly signed up for. I was aware that I was going be interning at a hostel for my tourism management degree, but I wasn’t sure what my duties would be. They had me working reception at first, which was a bit difficult because I had never worked in this type of environment before, and I was new to the country. The first two weeks, I was strictly working bar shifts and reception, learning the system, and the general ways the hostel runs. It was hard at first to work reception because many guests would ask me about the city and I could barely point out our location on the map. Towards the end of my first month and all of my second and third month working there, I became much more involved in the company. I would attend multiple meetings, went on some more tours (shark diving, township, Garden Route), closed down and opened the hostel, sold tours, taught other interns, helped with the community projects, organized the shop, communicated with guests, and I was given my own codes for the system and phones. I learned so much about working in the tourism field and I absolutely fell in love with it. It was so fun to plan tours for guests and communicate with the multiple tourism companies. I feel as if every goal of mine was met through my internship, and I learned new skills that I never thought I’d be good at. I truly enjoyed coming into work, communicating with guests, the company of my coworkers, selling tours, and travelling South Africa. I achieved networking strategies and gained a better understanding of how hostels are run. I would say my biggest highlights of working here was selling and attending tours, and my biggest disappointment is that I can’t stay longer due to my visa. I suggest that you use Connect-123 to get to Cape Town, find an internship, meet other interns in different fields! The program supervisors are always there to help you with anything you need, even if it's just some advice.
Internships in Cape Town
Ella Thorpe-Beeston
Connect-123 could not have made it more easy to get acclimatised to life in Buenos Aires. The city is one of the most vibrant and diverse that I’ve ever been to. It’s never short of anything to do and there are countless bars and restaurants. I had plenty of time to explore the BA as well as travel outside of the capital to places including Mendoza and Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. I lived in Recoleta in a house that is near lots of shops and restaurants and with easy access to public transport. I got on really well with all my house mates and we’re sure to keep in touch. In terms of my internship, I worked on average 6 hours a day and got a very hands-on experience. My co-workers were extremely welcoming and were keen to make my time there the most fulfilling that it could be. I now know that I definitely want to pursue a career in the field of my internship. I’m very grateful to the Connect 123 team in Buenos Aires who helped me gain the internship and made settling in Buenos Aires so easy.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Laurie Green
I came to Cape Town in order to accompany my husband on a medical residency elective, and chose Connect-123 in large part because - being a large organization - they seemed well-resourced, and very experienced in placing visiting students. I wasn't sure whether my one-month opportunity would be as fruitful as my husband's, but was pleasantly surprised at how much I was taught. During my placement, he and I were able to better dialogue about hospital-based stroke care (my interest) as well as general differences in health care education between South Africa and our home country. We learned much, and were humbled by the broad set of skills/knowledge many of the clinicians in Cape Town had/have. In the end, it was one step in the direction of potentially serving a health care system outside our own in the longer-term, and seeing where our home country's system fits into the global health care community. I would encourage future volunteers to really dive in to the health care placements with a posture of humility, an eagerness to learn, and an excitement for what is - truly - a good experience. Come with a good attitude, and you'll really be rewarded. Thanks, Connect, and thanks to my host hospital.
Internships in Cape Town
Kirsten Marschke
This summer I wanted to take the opportunity to do something for myself unrelated to school. I volunteered at a community resource centre helping with a summer project, which provides at-risk youth a safe and fun environment during their summer holiday. This opportunity taught me so much about myself and also about working with other people. One of the things I wrote in my application was that I wanted to emerge myself into a culture and have a chance to not only change my life, but also have a chance to impact others. This sentence puts into words my whole experience. I was constantly learning about the Irish culture working with those who know it best. I felt that I made a huge impact in the work that was done at the resource centre and my life has changed because of this experience. Connect-123 understood what I wanted and gave me an opportunity of a lifetime. At first I was nervous to be moving to a foreign country not knowing a single person, but I don’t regret that one bit. Not only was I roommates with other Connect-123 interns, but we all lived in the same building. I made so many new friends that I will cherish forever! Dublin is truly an incredible place. The city is beautiful, small enough to become acquainted to quickly, and the people are amazing. I am currently already planning my trip back!!
Volunteer in Dublin
Lauren Frank
My experience with Connect-123 has been absolutely amazing! I was terrified coming to Cape Town by myself, but Connect made it super easy to get acclimated to life in South Africa. Putting on awesome events that got us out and about in the city! My expectations were far surpassed. I am not kidding when I say that Cape Town is my favorite city in the entire world. I’ve traveled quite a bit in other countries around the world and other cities pale in comparison to Cape Town. The city sits nestled in the mountains and looks out to endless oceans. There is an endless list of fun activities to participate in while here, such as jumping off the world’s highest commercial bungee jump, shark cage diving, hiking and surfing. It’s the perfect place for anyone seeking adventure. South Africa has an extremely interesting history, which you cannot escape while visiting. Also the food is incredible! The city is filled with a vast variety of markets and restaurants that are to die for!! In terms of my work experience in Cape Town, Connect-123 set me up with the most amazing internship! I loved going to work every single day and I felt I gained incredible hands-on experience. My internship was in the exact industry I want to pursue a career in, so it was seriously spot-on! Also, my co-workers in Cape Town basically became my family there. They were definitely invested in making sure I was situated and enjoying my time in Cape Town and at work. At the end of my internship, I was offered the opportunity to continue writing for their global website once I headed back home. My internship in Cape Town will without a doubt help me professionally in the future.
Internships in Cape Town
Maria Estrada
Coming to Spain has been on my bucket list, and I never imagined it was actually going to happen. I am a Textile and Apparel Fashion Design student, thirsty for experiences and making worldwide connections that will help me later on in life. The internship location was equipped with specific machinery, cutting tables, and room for creativity i.e. such as working on a customized bicycle raincoat. I was able to participate in workshops and courses: pattern design, basic sewing, bikinis, and baby clothing. I was able to be part of the Master class de Papirolexia de Gori de Palma, who have collaborated with Swarovski, Vans, American Apparel y General Optics. My ten-week experience in Barcelona was the perfect balance of work and play. I worked mornings in the first month and afternoons the last two months, which gave me the opportunity to explore and live the local life of Barcelona. I cannot emphasize how helpful it was to be a part of the Connect-123 program – thanks to the amazing director Lea Levy, I was established in my housing and well equipped for my summer and internship. My orientation included useful resources about moving around the city as well as other parts of the country. I was extremely pleased with the internship they found for me and guidance that was given to me throughout the 3 months I stayed in Barcelona, Spain.
Internships in Barcelona
Falihah Anisah
Spending my first overseas internship in Cape Town for three months was amazing, and honestly I couldn't have chosen a better place. Cape Town, or South Africa generally, is rich with culture and diversity and had so much to offer to the interns. It was undoubtedly the best environment to grow personally and professionally. The process prior to this was straightforward and simple, and Connect-123 facilitated everything very well, being there for me whenever I needed any form of assistance. Work-wise, it has certainly been fulfilling. Being keen on migrant rights back in Singapore and currently studying on War and Security, Connect-123 hooked me up with an NGO refugee centre who was an implementing partner of UNHCR. This was a phenomenal experience - one that I wouldn't get elsewhere - because it provided a raw insight into the lives led by refugees from all over Africa, who are often shunned and discriminated against, and allowed me an opportunity to interact and serve the needs of asylum seekers and refugees directly, whether it was determination of their refugee status or short-term assistance. It was incredible to see my efforts translate into direct impacts on their lives, and I was blessed to work with truly knowledgable and wise co-workers with the years of experience under their belt with regards to refugees, and who taught me so much about the situation with immigration policies in South Africa. Such a job scope can be heavy and challenging at times, but this experience helped me grow as a person, putting things in perspective for me. I was fortunate enough to also be part of a fashion show held on World Refugees' Day, empowering both South African and refugee designers. Outside the office, the people I've met, both locals and Connectors, have made my stay even more unforgettable, and it's easy to underestimate the kind of friendships you forge over such a short period of time. Cape Town is truly a beautiful and dynamic city with so many things to do, from hiking at the various mountains to the nightlife at Long Street, and it never really stopped being beautiful. Having stayed in Cape Town for about 3 months gave me plenty of time to explore the city and even outside it as well through road trips with friends. If you ever do get lazy to plan your weekend, Connect's always there to plan group outings as well. It was difficult to leave and I'm pretty sure I left a part of me there, so I'll definitely be coming back!
Internships in Cape Town
Kirubaashini Kanesan
My 8 weeks in in Dublin was truly a memorable one. I had a lot of fun and learnt a lot during my internship as an executive intern. Dublin is just full of friendly and helpful people and it was easy to feel at home. I also made great friends via this programme. The process of applying for the internship, arriving in Ireland and settling down in my accommodation was very smooth and working with Connect-123 made my life much easier. I also got to live with and meet other interns, so I didn’t feel alone. I learnt a lot during my internship. The great thing about Connect-123 is that they monitor your progress at your internship and discuss with you about your goals before you begin and mid-way your internship, so that you have a clear picture on what you want to gain at the end of the experience. They are also very willing to help us during our stay there. I am glad that I came to Dublin for my internship. I am definitely going to plan a trip back!
Internships in Dublin
Brooke Axness
Spending my summer in Cape Town was one of the greatest decisions I have ever made. I remember looking into programs for months, trying to decide where to go and what program to go through. With so many options out there it was pure luck that I came across Connect-123’s internships in Cape Town. As a Biology major, I was looking for something healthcare-related to gain experience in. My internship was with a Hospital doing research and doing some shadowing. It was a great fit! I was very happy with the opportunity I was given, and can honestly say I learned SO much! I felt as if I walked away with so much new knowledge that will definitely give me an advantage later. As for my free time, I was not even bored for one second during the entire two months I was in Cape Town. There is so much to do and see that you always have options. One of my favorite things I did was the Garden Route with my friends. We saw so much in one weekend that it was almost exhausting!! We also were huge fans of the Old Biscuit Mill, which we regularly attended every Saturday. Food was phenomenal- I no doubt gained weight while there! They have everything and its ALL GOOD. I highly recommend considering Cape Town if you are looking to do an international internship, you will not regret it I can promise you that! Best summer of my life hands down.
Internships in Cape Town
Alice Runion
Studying abroad had been something I was interested in for a while, but I wasn't very excited about programs that only offered classes in other countries. After hearing about Connect-123's internship programs, I was so excited that I would be able to have an internship position working for an organization. I can say that, hands-down, this was the best part of studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for two months. Between getting to explore the city and seeing the culture for myself, I also had the rewarding experience of working for an NGO that does research on economic crime in Argentina. The internship helped me grow in my researching skills and learn how to take on a full report by myself, and I am so excited to use these skills when I return to school in the fall. The Connect-123 program coordinators were great about making sure that everything with my position was going well without being overbearing and setting up fun activities for program participants to do. I appreciated all of the freedom this internship provided and the experiences I had in a beautiful country.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Vivian Asonye
I was given the opportunity to intern in Dublin this summer, and I can honestly say it was the experience of a lifetime. Everything about living in Dublin was refreshing and exciting, and I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world. Not only did I stay in a safe, if not a tad bit distant area from the city centre of Dublin, but my accommodations were also extremely clean and accommodating. Dublin is a perfect place to visit, especially if you’d like to visit other European countries while you’re here. I interned for a non-profit and worked directly under their Migrant Family Support Service coordinator. I really enjoyed my time there. All of my coworkers and supervisors were energetic and made work fun. My favorite thing about working in Dublin is that although you are expected to work hard, you are also free to play hard too. The city is extremely beautiful, and the night life is unreal. I spent the nights dancing away, having a couple of pints, and meeting locals and other international visitors. Everyone I met seemed to be so excited to meet me and help me out in any way that they could. The food in this city is literally off the charts, so please budget money to pig out. Lastly, Connect 123 was a prime choice in internship coordinators, so at the end of the day I am really glad that I chose them. They made sure that I was safe and tried to make my time in Dublin as comfortable and fun as possible. My only recommendation for future interns is that they should budget their money accordingly, and make sure to bring money for transportation, night life, and any emergency that may happen. I hope you enjoy Dublin. Cheers!
Internships in Dublin
