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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Nicolette Sommar
I needed an internship for my spring term and Connect-123 was more than helpful. I remember hearing about the program through my friend in early January. After some research, I decided to send in my info. Connect-123 was quick and efficient with getting back to me and before I knew it, I found myself in the beautiful city of Barcelona. They made my transition from home to Spain very easy prior as well as during my trip. They gave me suggestions on where to live and provided an airport pickup for my arrival. They also hosted special events throughout the weeks so that everyone in the program had a chance to meet each other. I traveled and lived in Barcelona by myself and I have to say I met some awesome people along the way. My favorite part was having the opportunity to meet locals and work with them in my office. While I was there for three months, I worked for a startup tech company that is creating a fashion app using artificial intelligence based data. I loved going into work everyday and feeling a part of something big. My coworkers were greatly energetic and friendly, nothing like I’ve ever experienced in the work environment at home. Some days after work, I had Spanish classes at Vosotros Barcelona, another benefit of using Connect-123. This program is without a doubt one of the best. As for the city, Barcelona deserves more than just one little blurb in my journaled experience. I've always had such an aspiration to visit the city and experience the Catalan culture. When I first arrived in Barcelona early April, I was super stoked to be there. However, I was still naive. I had no idea that the next three months would be the most amazing three months of my life. As cliche as it sounds, it's true. The city stole my heart. Connect-123 was one of the best decisions and I encourage those who are a little weary to jump and seize the opportunity.
Internships in Barcelona
Ania Aliev
This summer I worked at a biomedical research institute in Barcelona. Connect-123 did an excellent job finding me this internship and listened to my parameters and found the perfect internship for me. This internship was heavily based in statistical analysis in the medical field, which is exactly what I asked for. I was able to improve my coding skills as well as learning new methods to run data analyses. In addition to this, my housing was also great. I lived right in the center of the city with easy access to all part of the city. Everyone I met was extremely friendly and I was able to make friends through people on Connect-123, the people I lived with, and worked with. Barcelona is a versatile and vibrant city, which makes it full of life so it is never boring. If you are considering a study abroad program with an internship component Connect-123 in Barcelona is amazing and I would definitely recommend it!
Internships in Barcelona
Jenn Calaway
As a non-traditional student studying on the GI Bill after six years as a journalist in the Marine Corps, I certainly did not envision myself eligible for an internship abroad. However, my initial Skype interview with one of my program coordinators filled me with an excitement I hadn't felt in years. When the cards began to fall into place in support of an eight-week internship in Barcelona, Spain, I found myself with a mix of emotions as the last time I had been overseas was a combat tour to Afghanistan with the Marines. Ultimately I found myself thrilled at the opportunity to create a new set of experiences abroad. My initial concerns that I wouldn't be able to relate to my much younger comrades interning with Connect-123 were quickly eradicated on our first group outing. Connect-123 personnel were organized, inclusive and cultivated an easy, relaxed atmosphere. The program coordinators generously introduced us each to the city complete with a personal tour of the train system underlying the city. The group activities Connect-123 creates are the perfect blend of tourist and local in flavor—many activities like paddle boarding and paella cooking classes were things I would love to do on my own but perhaps might have missed without the organization from the Connect-123 team. I loved being thrust out of my comfort zone and all the challenges and satisfactions that come with living in a completely foreign country. I stayed in a local host woman's home and am proud to report that 71 year old Begoña has become someone I will truly love and cherish forever. All in all, this internship experience has taught me that I am never too old to learn, take risks and move boldly in the direction of my dreams. I cannot recommend Connect-123 highly enough, they facilitated a most magical experience.
Internships in Barcelona
Lona Sniderman
When I first decided that I wanted to travel this summer, I had no idea where to start. The only solid detail that I had worked out was that I wanted to go somewhere Spanish-speaking and have the opportunity to gain international work experience while improving my language skills. Connect-123 let me bring my vision into focus, connecting me with an internship at a research institution in Barcelona that would last eight weeks over the summer. My first week in Barcelona was a wonderful sneak-peak into what the rest of my summer would look like… I was met with an ideal, centrally-located living situation, an inclusive and supportive work environment, a group of U.S. college students with mindsets similar to my own and a romantic city with endless opportunity for exploration. My Monday-Friday work schedule provided structure to my weeks that allowed me to stay productive and on-task in a city with truly numerous distractions. After work and on weekends, the city’s bountiful restaurants, museums, cultural exhibitions, concerts, beaches and other events made it near impossible to feel bored or alone. Connect-123 allowed me to go above and beyond my initial goal by immersing me into a summer of firsts… my first music festival, my first time in Paris (weekend trips, anyone?), my first time making homemade Paella, my first time living alone in a new place, and so many more. As my time in Barcelona comes to an end, I am excited to return home as a braver and more independent person who has made personal and professional connections that will last a lifetime.
Internships in Barcelona
Benjamin Gilson
Thanks to Connect-123, I was able to not only discover an entirely new industry but work in it full time as well. My summer in Barcelona provided me with a number of unique projects and tasks that helped me find my passions in the workplace and people. It has helped me gain a cultural work perspective that I could not have found at home and helped me grow immensely. Barcelona itself was greater than I ever could have imagined and I've fallen in love with the city and the culture and am already planning a return trip. Thanks Connect-123!
Internships in Barcelona
Benjamin Medalie
Hola amigos! This summer I had the pleasure of living and working in Barcelona through Connect-123. It has truly been the experience of a lifetime. I interned at a property management software startup where I learned the ins and outs of what it takes to build, market, and maintain a growing business.I was given some pretty cool projects to work on and I was even able to freely add my own creative touch to my personal work. I worked about 7 hours a day, Monday- Friday, including an hour lunch break. My co-workers were all very friendly and like-minded, and it was fairly easy to fit into the work environment. Apart from work, Connect-123 hosted many different group events such as paddle-boarding, a Catalonian cooking experience, pick-up basketball, etc. Our program coordinators were the best and all of this would not have been possible without them. I was lucky enough to be placed in a beautiful high rise apartment with a great group of guys within the luxurious neighborhood of Eixample. There is always something to do during your free time. Nightlife is insane and the abundancy of Catalan culture and tapas all around you is overwhelming. What more can I say... I peaked. Do this program.
Internships in Barcelona
Joseph Ross
I really loved the three months I spent working as an intern at a film and media production studio in Barcelona. It was great getting to know everyone in the office and it provided me with the knowledge I’ll need to further pursue a place in the industry. Barcelona is also really a great city with excellent weather, remarkable culture, beautiful sights, and fun and exciting people! There are definitely worse places to spend the summer gaining valuable work experience. As for the guys at Connect-123, I couldn’t have asked for better service from them. They provided me with all the support I could have needed. I didn’t feel alone and it was great to join them on the weekends for some interesting events in and around the city. You really are in safe hands with them as you’re their priority and I hope I’ll get to see them again in the future. It’s such a shame my flight home had been booked the same day they were planning a surfing lesson!
Internships in Barcelona
John Getts
As a recent college graduate looking to gain some international experience and improve my Spanish, Connect-123 offered everything I was searching for. From day 1, my program coordinators prioritized my interests and found the perfect internship. Interning in a finance and consulting firm, I had the opportunity to work in both English and Spanish while assisting local startups with various aspects of the funding process. As for Barcelona, it speaks for itself. The culture, people, food, and of course the beach are all amazing. I will be forever grateful for this experience and I owe much of that to the team at Connect-123.
Internships in Barcelona
Justin Tartamella
Barcelona is an amazing city with such a vibrant and distinct personality that is an absolute treat to go and visit. I would not have been able to have the experience that I now treasure if I did not have the people at Connect-123 helping me along the way. They took my interests and what I wanted to receive out of my time in Barcelona to heart and really tailored a plan around me. I cannot imagine having a better time anywhere else with any other group of people and I will always remember the time I spent there.
Internships in Barcelona
Kayla Elena von Rueti
Connect-123 truly helped me find an internship that was perfect for me. I loved working there and they have an amazing culture and there is a positive and friendly vibe between all co-workers. Even though I was only in the company for a short internship; I have learned so much and feel like I have so much more experience. I would be grateful if I could work here again as they have so many interesting projects and everyone I met at the company is so kind.
Internships in Barcelona
Natalie Zahran
I came across Connect-123 when I was researching internships abroad. I decided to look into the program and found out it was a perfect match for my time abroad. I couldn't of had a better experience working with my program coordinator. She made herself available at all hours despite our 6 hour time difference and answered any and all question as complete as she could. Not only was Connect-123 helpful in helping find an internship abroad but also with housing accommodations. They referred me to a few different options until I found a perfect match for what I was looking for. The process made it extremely easy to find flights and transportation that worked for me. I also was extremely pleased with the orientation that they offered. I got to meet another intern as we learned a little about the history in Barcelona, got a complete guide to transportation, and were given helpful tips that would make our time more enjoyable and safe. Everyone at Connect-123 made themselves very accessible in case we need guidance. Also by offering a private Facebook group, interns are able to meet and makes plans to hangout. I would recommend Connect-123 to anyone who is seeking an internship abroad and I would highly consider going through the program again if I saw fit for any future endeavors. Thank you to everyone at Connect-123 who made my experience abroad enjoyable, memorable and safe!
Internships in Barcelona
Ashley Nave
Are you looking for the internship of your dreams and one that falls under your area of study? About a year and a half ago, I said to some family and friends that it would be a dream come true to find an internship in Barcelona, and so one day I came across the Connect-123 program and they put it all together, an internship with a magazine in one of my favorite cities. Finding Connect-123 was one of the greatest opportunities I’ve ever experienced. From the friendly welcome at the airport and the diverse accommodations, to the program activities all throughout Barcelona and the writing internship itself, I not only gained professional skills but I lived in a community that I will never forget. I met people from all over the world there, and because of Connect-123, it felt like I was truly at home, even though I was over 2,000 miles away from my actual home. The program opened my eyes to living and working overseas in ways that I’d never understood before, being that they help you adapt to a foreign culture, a new lifestyle and incredible food, which doesn’t take much adapting to if you’re a foodie like me! It’s taking a chance for sure, but more importantly, you will walk away with unforgettable memories, long-lasting friendships and communication skills you might only achieve by studying and working abroad.
Internships in Barcelona
Eden Klepper
Being an undergraduate studying biology, it is very difficult to find meaningful internships in the sciences. Almost impossible. But after contacting Connect-123, they were able to find me multiple, really nice internships. I actually had options to choose from! I ended up working in a neuroimmunology research laboratory. I felt at home there and was able to confirm my aspirations of working as a biologist, which is the main reason for why I wanted to pursue an internship. I learned so much about different laboratory techniques in a clinical setting. I learned techniques and worked with software and machines that I have never encountered during my undergraduate career, and probably will not encounter again until my post-graduate education, or later. Interning in Barcelona, I was also able to utilize the Spanish language, which I had studied for several years and am minoring in. It was a wonderful feeling being able to speak Spanish with native speakers 24/7 and immerse myself among the Spanish and Catalonian cultures for the summer. I would return to Barcelona and my internship in a heartbeat if I could. I wish I could have interned longer. Connect-123 is an awesome resource for students who want an international internship experience to boost their resumes and confirm their career aspirations, before applying for jobs or graduate schools. An international experience like this is also a great way to network abroad and form diverse friendships and relationships. I met a lot of other interns from all over the United States due to Connect-123’s planned events and outings. They have exceptional staff there, and they were so supportive, communicative, and caring right from the start. I cannot thank the staff at Connect-123 and my internship hosts enough!
Internships in Barcelona
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
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
Rana Mahmoud Samy
I always dreamed of living in Barcelona, and being an architecture student, there was no better city to have this experience. I was hesitating at first, when applying to the Connect-123 program, I was afraid to believe in it too much, to get my hopes up. Even after everything was set, I still didn't believe it was actually happening...And then, I was here! Here in Barcelona living the life I always dreamed of, and it turned out to be the best decision I have ever made! For me, this was not just an internship program, it was a life experience. I had to grow on so many levels and i can already tell that now, I'm a changed person. The architecture internship was better than I expected, I was working with a team of passionate people (small office, big projects & even bigger minds), I had the chance to experiment, to design, and I was trusted and given big tasks from the get go. Not speaking Catalan or Spanish made it harder for me to fit in within the social context of the office, it was challenging, but I managed to bond with every single one of my colleagues....and that was the hard part, realizing how much of an impact the people around you have on the quality of your experience. I was out of my comfort zone in every possible way, and I managed to adapt. Throughout my stay in Barcelona, I was in contact with the Connect-123 office, I met some of them, they introduced me to other interns and made me feel like I was genuinely cared about. At the end, looking back at this experience, I can say that I truly LIVED in Barcelona, I walked every street, met so many people from all from so many places, worked till my eyes shut closed, danced till my feet hurt, sang at every corner, laughed and cried my heart out...it was one of the most intense periods of my life, I loved every second of it, and I will do it again in a heartbeat!
Internships in Barcelona
Daniel Pawelski
Hola! My name is Danny, and this past summer I spent 9 weeks in beautiful Barcelona working for a start-up company. This wasn’t my first time abroad, but it was my first time studying abroad and hopefully won’t be my last. This was by far the most unique and educational experience I’ve ever had. I got to fully immerse myself in a new culture for 2 months and I was very proud to call myself a local of Barcelona. I even got to travel to some neighboring countries like Switzerland and The Netherlands during my time in Spain, which was unforgettable. I made a number of acquaintances in Spain whom I consider dear friends and I truly learned more about a new part of the world than I ever thought I would, or could.
Internships in Barcelona
Isabella Sheehan
Having the opportunity to live in Barcelona for three months was nothing short of a dream. The things I learned both in and out of my internship will last a lifetime, and I owe a large part of that to Connect-123. From the very beginning, the Connect-123 team helped me outline my goals and ensured that I would receive an experience that aligned with my interests. Any questions that I had were quickly answered, and anything I was apprehensive about was reassured. Just a few short weeks after I began the application process I had secured an interview with an international public relations agency, where I went on to intern this past summer. At the agency I was quickly integrated into the team and given numerous projects. I worked right alongside my colleagues and was never treated as an outsider. I sat in on brainstorming sessions, and listened in on conference calls. I wrote, edited, pitched, and researched, sometimes all in one day. I have no doubt that my short time with the company will lead to a prosperous future. Before I had even finished I was offered a paid internship back home in the States, where I’ll work throughout my senior year of college. As for life in Barcelona…it’s hard to even put it into words. The friendships, the food, the culture, I felt as if everyday were an adventure. There’s a pulse that vibrates throughout the city and makes it come to life. Although it took awhile to adjust to the Spanish lifestyle, it didn’t take long before Barcelona felt like home. In the end, the hardest part of my entire experience was leaving. I wouldn’t trade my time in Barcelona for the world. I owe a lot to Connect-123, and I encourage all who have the opportunity to take a chance and apply. You won’t regret it.
Internships in Barcelona
Ashley Robledo
Connect-123 gave me an opportunity of a lifetime… an experience I never thought I’d embark on. Two months living in the most beautiful, cultural city that is Barcelona and traveling around Europe? Yes!! Connect-123 found a volunteer opportunity for me that accommodated my desires. I volunteered for a foundation that worked with youth at risk. Through the foundation, I was able to improve my Spanish-speaking skills through playing with the children, make long-lasting friendships with my coworkers and even learn the basics of Catalan. Their summer activity schedule allowed me the flexibility to visit other cities in Spain on weekends and explore Barcelona after a typical work day. We held a few days of after school activities followed by a three-week summer camp that included outings and a week outside of the foundation relaxing in a gran villa. After a sunny day of camp, I would pick a new part of Barcelona I have never explored, take the Metro there and lose myself walking around. I took trips to other cities in Spain on weekends and lose myself in those cities as well. When the foundation concluded its summer activities, I embarked on a ten-day trip to France, Italy and the United Kingdom. I felt the thrill of it all exploring Barcelona and other parts of Europe on my own. I experienced the excitement as well as the hardship adapting to new environments. Solo traveling may sound scary, especially as a young female, but it gave me strength, courage and the confidence that allowed me to break out of my shell. I met so many people from all over the world and felt right at home living in Barcelona. You can believe me when I tell you it beats foggy Northern California… or you can take initiative and let Connect-123 give you an experience of a lifetime!
Volunteer in Barcelona
Pedro Quercia
I had so many distinct experiences in Barcelona. My stay was so different than I expected, normal life is suspended for a while and I had to deal with so many new experiences every single day. I had to deal with many different situations, from working in a new field with a different language, exploring the city and having new experiences, travelling, meeting people from all around the world. Europe is incredible, and Barcelona is one of the most diverse and exciting cities I've stayed in. I'll definitely plan to go back in the future. My internship was great, I worked in a start-up and had autonomy to help the team in different ways. I learned a lot about Marketing and Social Media, and my boss helped me out with my projects. Connect-123 had social activities every week with all other participants in the program. This was great because they were fun and helped us to get to know all the other people from the program. I learned and experienced so much from this program and I would recommend it to anyone who’s looking to learn, have fun and enrich their lives in the process.
Internships in Barcelona
