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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Leyla M
This was the best experience of my life. I had the opportunity to immerse myself in Argentine culture, meet many new people, eat amazing food, and learn so much at my internship working with promoting diversity and inclusion. Since day one, our coordinator, Brenda, was super communicative and very helpful throughout the whole trip. This was such a unique experience, and I will carry it with me forever!
Internships in Buenos Aires
Sofia S
My experience in Cape Town was great! Carla is extremely helpful and was always there for anything I needed. She made me feel so comfortable and taken care of. I also really enjoyed all the planned activities!
Internships in Cape Town
Fernando V
Cape Town! Cape Town! What can I say, such a beautiful and wonderful experience overall. So many fun adventures with friends and outings on my own. I was hugged by the tastes and music of South African delicacies and culture, overall, an incredible opportunity. At my internship, I worked in the psychosocial department as a counselor and I have gained so much experience and wise advice from colleagues and supervisors. I created a family in such little time. Thank you Connect-123 and thank you Carla for being so reliable, kind, and respectful, always being there when I had questions and giving me support when I got sick, needed cellular data, to learn about cool places to visit, and the list never ends.
Internships in Cape Town
Caroline T
I am truly so thankful for Connect-123 for helping me find my perfect internship. Both my internships have been through Connect-123 and both were amazing experiences. My program director, Xena Pulliam, has been such a wonderful source of guidance and support throughout this entire process. The company I was initially interviewed by was about an hour late to the interview, and though the deadline for finding a placement was approaching, she didn’t give up on me. She found me the perfect placement at another company and even communicated on my behalf to ensure the work I was given aligned with my goals and interests. Through this experience, I was able to build valuable connections, develop new skills, and gain hands-on experience that has shaped my career path. I’m so grateful to Xena and Connect-123 for making both of my internships not only possible but truly meaningful.
Kiah G
During my four-week live-on-site practicum in Cape Town, South Africa, I experienced significant personal and professional growth. The practicum challenged me to be flexible and constantly be thinking. I observed a certified child life specialist (CCLS) educating children and families about medical procedures, providing trauma-informed care, and offering preparation and support for procedures. The CCLS guided post-procedural play in both outpatient and multiple inpatient settings in a developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed manner. When appropriate, I supported children and families through caregiver respite, normalization play, and post-procedural play. I learned and practiced communicating with children and families from diverse backgrounds, which led me to examine my biases, identify areas for growth, and establish personal and professional boundaries. I learned to grow from feedback, be flexible, and approach new situations with respect and confidence. Our group of 18 started out as strangers, but we left with lifelong friends with many shared experiences.
Internships in Cape Town
Avonleigh B
My internship in Cape Town was an experience of a lifetime. I met so many great friends in the program, and my internship taught me so much beyond the surface. Being a well-traveled person, I can confidently say that Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve been to.
Internships in Cape Town
Leana G
My time in beautiful Cape Town has been thrillful and a memorable experience. From the cultural food, to the amapiano music, to the life lessons I have learned from my fellow colleagues at my internship. Observing and also having the opportunity to work with not only adults with disabilities, but adults with diagnosed mental disorders has truly helped me gain knowledge and experience I will need to continue on to the next steps in my career. I also felt welcomed by our Connect-123 advisor, Carla, whom I felt supported by and she was able to help me in any way she can. This experience was truly unforgettable, and a great start to solo travel for me.
Internships in Cape Town
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
