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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Madeline K
I had a great time in Buenos Aires immersing myself in a culture and people filled with such a rich history of food, music, and language. I was able to improve my language skills greatly in both a professional work setting and casual conversation. Thank you Connect-123 for this experience of a lifetime!
Internships in Buenos Aires
Alex H
I learned many valuable lessons from this experience and the practice as a whole. During my time, I engaged in developmentally appropriate play in an urban setting through a live on-site program, Connect- 123, in South Africa. Throughout my 4-week intensive, I gained important knowledge related to cultural humility, the scope of practice, applying theory during play, and overcoming communication barriers or difficulties in the hospital environment. I was part of a group of 16 people, which was then divided into cohorts of 8, as the locations changed every 2 weeks. This program aims to help students (like me) excel in areas such as providing emotional respite for caregivers (if applicable), planning interventions for children, and giving Child Life education to hospital staff through modeling. I also had the opportunity to grow personally, as it was my first time being alone internationally. Relying on peers during both stressful and successful times was a skill I needed to develop. Additionally, I gained knowledge by observing my preceptor during interventions and procedures. Given this opportunity, my heart was reinforced in the belief that play is universal and that everyone deserves space to engage in it! I will forever be grateful for this place and the wonderful friends I made in it <3.
Internships in Cape Town
Edward F
This experience was incredible! This is something I really did dream about doing for a while and Connect-123 made it a reality. Thanks to the help of my program coordinator, Brenda, she made everything a smooth transition and always helped us when we needed her. I would recommend this to anyone who is traveling abroad because it’s experience unlike others. Best summer ever!
Internships in Buenos Aires
Lillian D
I’m so glad that I chose to complete my practicum abroad. It is an experience that will stay with me for so long and taught me so many valuable things pertaining to child life. It was amazing to make friends with the same passions as me and the mentorship I received and still receive after the trip from my preceptor is incredibly uplifting and crucial to my journey.
Internships in Cape Town
Rokia K
Connect-123 made my time in Cape Town unforgettable! The city is vibrant, full of culture, and there's always something to do. I gained hands-on finance experience through an internship that perfectly matched my goals thanks to Carla, the Program Coordinator. I was initially nervous about finding the right fit, especially in a field like finance, but they really delivered. Plus, exploring Cape Town with other students made it even better.
Internships in Cape Town
Aston G
My time at this internship has been an incredibly valuable experience. I was initially very nervous to commit, even during the interview. However, I had nothing to worry about since, looking back, I was able to choose the internship field based on my interests and career. They help you along the whole process and answering your questions is just an email away. My experience at my internship organization was your usual spreadsheet task and helping with whatever the team needed. Due to the remote nature, there is only so much you can do to help; they do have in-person ones also! Each organization is different, and depending on the organization, it can affect your experience. My university also offered credits (usually an online class) and covered any costs of the internship as part of the program. I recommend it to any student because not only do you get credit, but you also have the freedom to do other summer activities; the best of both worlds. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to advance my career path, help out a genuine and impactful organization, and learn what real-world work looks like.
Ava S
I had an incredible experience. I was able to complete an internship abroad during the summer of 2023 in Dublin, Ireland. I was able to help with the marketing efforts along with interacting with the students. I was able to grow both professionally and personally. As I continue with my career, I will always remember the positive impact that Connect 123 had!
Internships in Dublin
Shelby C
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Buenos Aires! I have been able to eat fantastic food, listen to beautiful music, and feel the pulse of a unique city! Buenos Aires is a blend of cultures and demonstrates how beautiful it can be to accept everyone. I was never bored and saw so many amazing things! My internship was amazing, and I had the pleasure of working with a fantastic group of people for two months! As I leave Buenos Aires, I am leaving with unforgettable memories, a new family, and a different perspective on life!
Internships in Buenos Aires
Dania V
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to spend two enriching months in Buenos Aires working as a Research Intern at an organization that promotes democratic participation and digital innovation in public institutions across Latin America. My role involved researching civic engagement and open governance, drafting reports, and internal documents. I also helped coordinate project logistics and engaged with local governments and NGOs to support the organization’s mission of fostering more inclusive and participatory public policies. Beyond the professional growth, what made this experience truly special was the sense of community fostered by Connect-123. From day one, Brenda De Pasquale (shout out to her!) made us feel seen and supported, not just as interns, but as people navigating a new city and culture. She was always present with a smile and great energy, helping us settle in, organizing incredible events like the Iguazú Falls trip (hands down one of the most magical experiences of my life), and recommending the best local spots to explore. I feel so grateful not only for the professional skills I developed, but also for the friendships and memories I take with me. Buenos Aires now feels like a second home.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Nevaeh S
I had a wonderful experience getting to work hands on in a field I want to spend the rest of my life in while immersing myself in a new culture of it. I loved meeting all the people from the program and I’m sure they will be lifelong friends whom I have lifelong memories with.
Internships in Cape Town
Nabeel A
The experience was an immersion of cultural awareness and both academic and career skills. The internships we were placed in really supported us in building critical skills for our careers and the environments we constantly found ourselves in and were very motivating.
Internships in Cape Town
Fuad D
Connect-123 made it possible for me to gain hands-on international experience while reconnecting with the continent that shaped me. From professional growth to personal clarity, this program has been a defining chapter in my journey. Thank you for the support and opportunity!
Internships in Cape Town
Astrid B
I loved my experience in Cape Town! I am so grateful for this experience in Cape Town and that I got to do it with Connect-123. All of the Connect-123 staff was so helpful in my preparation to get there, and Carla in Cape Town helped us navigate the internship process and the city. My internship was great, and I learned a lot about how an NGO works. I also learned a lot about myself and what field I want to go in. Outside of work, the other Connect-123 students in the program were great to be with. All of us became friends, and we were always able to get a group together for activities. The Connect-123 events also helped us become closer, and all of the events were extremely fun. I will never forget this amazing experience.
Internships in Cape Town
Anusha R
Traveling to South Africa was my first time abroad, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience than the one I had with Connect-123. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with warmth and hospitality by one of the best advisors I’ve ever worked with. During my internship, I had the privilege of meeting incredible people and learning so much from their knowledge and guidance. Beyond work, the group trips were an absolute highlight—fun, well-planned, and filled with unforgettable activities. I loved exploring new experiences and bonding with my peers along the way. This journey is something I’ll always treasure, and I truly hope everyone gets the chance to work with someone as exceptional as Carla!
Internships in Cape Town
Cole J
Cape Town is a beautiful city nestled between tall mountains and a vast ocean whose beautiful views pair perfectly with its endless activities. The diverse city has allowed me to gain different perspectives, lifelong memories, and new friends along my journey. I highly recommend Cape Town for any student who wishes to study abroad, especially in the hands of Connect-123.
Internships in Cape Town
Clara E
I am grateful for Lea Levy and Connect-123 for my incredible Bucknell in Dublin experience. The internship process began several months ago and Lea was helpful every step of the way. I found the application form to be very useful to specify our areas of interest. Lea found several company matches for me and continued helping out, despite my fastidiousness and desire to find the perfect fit. And I did! My internship was precisely what I was seeking, thanks to Lea's diligence and collaboration with me. She responded to emails in a timely manner and gave me interviewing tips to assist me in every way that I needed to secure my internship. Connect-123 also planned wonderful weekly outings, where I was able to further immerse myself with Irish culture and history. I feel that these trips complemented my abroad experience, because I would not have learned about the complex Irish history without the structured, guided tours. I am appreciative that Bucknell collaborated with Connect-123 to create such a well-rounded and personalized study abroad and internship experience. I will never forget my time here, so thank you.
Internships in Dublin
Chiara B
I had such an amazing and enriching experience at my internship site! I met such friendly and outgoing people who encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone.
Internships in Dublin
Evan M
This was a program was amazing in allowing me to immerse myself into a completely different culture. It was truly the best summer of my life.
Internships in Dublin
Jessica G
My experience of living and interning in Dublin for 2 months was something that I will never forget for the rest of my life. It was a transformational period in my life that shaped who I am both personally and professionally. The tools and techniques that I learned while completing my Social Work internship at a therapeutic community programme will forever stay with me, and I can not wait to bring some of these practices along with me to wherever life takes me next. The beautiful places that I got to see, along with the many amazing people that I met along the way have given me memories that will have an eternal impact on my life. To those who are considering traveling abroad for an internship experience, I would say DO IT! Do not hesitate if this opportunity presents itself for you, as you will inevitably grow as a person and undoubtedly have a life changing experience. Ireland is a beautiful country, with so many amazing places to see and explore, as well as people to meet.
Internships in DublinJacqie G
Interning in Dublin and having an opportunity to explore the city was wonderful! I was able to learn so much about more hands-on work in the realm of Psychology. I will be forever grateful for my time at my internship placement, the new friends I have made, and all of the amazing experiences I was able to have.
Internships in Dublin
