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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Jeannette Huezo-Rosales
This past spring I was able to complete an internship in Buenos Aires through Connect-123. The four months that I spent in Buenos Aires were of one the best experiences I have ever had. I was a legal intern at the organization that helps immigrants and residents dealing with human rights issues. My coordinators were very nice and always willing to get me involved with whatever case was brought to us. My internship really helped me in reassuring the career path I want to take in the future, which was one of my main purposes in traveling to Buenos Aires. Connect-123 and its coordinators in Buenos Aires were very kind and always willing to help me out with whatever issue I may have come across. The aspect of Connect that I love the most was the people I was able to meet in my time there. Being far from home was difficult at times, but with other Connect members I felt like I had another family in Buenos Aires. It was amazing to meet people from different parts of the world and learn from each of them. The bonds I made with them will be something I will carry with me for a very long time and I am very grateful to have done this experience with Connect-123. I would recommend Connect-123 to anyone who wants to experience living abroad and learning about a new culture. This opportunity forces you to go out of your comfort zone and is great for personal growth, which is something I think everyone should experience at some point in your life.
Alina Oboloska
I have always had a special attraction for Latin American culture and my childhood dream was to discover it. This was the reason why I wanted Buenos Aires to be my internship destination. I am so grateful to Connect-123 team for making my dream come true! First of all I would like to thank them for finding a perfect internship for me. I had an amazing opportunity to work in a company that develops business projects between Argentina and South Africa. Connect-123 introduced me to other internship members and helped me to find an accommodation in the nicest area of Buenos Aires. Thanks to the perfect organization and permanent support of Connect-123 team I felt like home in this amazing country-Argentina. It was an unforgettable human and professional experience that I will never forget and that I highly recommend to anyone. You're in good hands with the Connect-123!
Internships in Buenos AiresKatie Binstock
For the past four months, I had the opportunity to intern as a summer camp volunteer and assistant english teacher in Buenos Aires, Argentina through Connect-123. Connect-123 provided me with an unforgettable internship experience that certainly exceeded all of my expectations. I sought an internship experience that would enable me to learn more about the education system in a Latin American country and to become fully immersed in the culture and lifestyle, and Connect-123 provided me with just that and more. As an intern at the summer camp, I assisted the teachers, played and interacted with the children, taught the children about American customs and traditions, and learned about Argentinean culture and traditions through educational games and songs. I also had a wonderful experience interning as an assistant english teacher at an elementary school in Buenos Aires. I had the opportunity to work with fourth, fifth and sixth grade students on their language skills one-on-one, helping them to prepare for future English oral exams. I also assisted the teachers in creating lesson plans and leading educational classroom games. The assistance and guidance that I received from the Connect-123 staff before and during my time in Buenos Aires enabled me to truly excel in both of my internship opportunities. One aspect of the program that I truly enjoyed was having the opportunity to meet and get to know the other program volunteers and to learn from each and every one of them. Coming from all different backgrounds, it was a great opportunity to learn and grow together throughout our international internship experiences. I strongly recommend the Connect-123 program to anyone who would like to experience an unforgettable international internship experience, that will not only open doors for your professional future, but will also foster a great deal of personal growth and achievement."
Volunteer in Buenos AiresSangeeta Sharmin
If you’re reading this and considering doing an internship with Connect123 in Cape Town…definitely do it! I had an amazing and unforgettable experience in Cape Town, both from a personal and professional perspective. My internship exceeded all of my expectations and I strongly recommend others to take the chance. I worked at a human rights law firm that specialized in refugee law, constitutional issues, gender violence and land law to name a few areas. Tasks I helped with included client intake and interviews, research, drafting legal documents, negotiations with Government departments and the police, as well as attending court hearings. The team I worked with was supportive, fun and absolutely inspiring. I was given real work and responsibility from literally Day 1! Overall, the work experience I obtained was more than I had hoped for and completely relevant to my future aspirations. The team at Connect123 were amazing! Their help before and during my time in Cape Town allowed me to make the most of my internship opportunity. They offered a placement that suited my needs, organized logistics prior to my arrival, prepared great social events, provided support as well as an instant network of friends and activities to take part in. Cape Town is a beautiful city and I encourage everyone to visit. There are so many incredible things to do – hiking, beaches, safari and shark-cage diving just to name a few! I met some amazing, fun and incredible people and together we fully immersed ourselves in the beautiful culture and lifestyle of South Africa by trying something new almost everyday. You will not be bored while in Cape Town! I strongly recommend the Connect-123 program to anyone who would like to experience more than just an internship. I had an unforgettable international internship experience that opened doors for my professional future and also allowed me to personally grow as a person. As they say: “I came here to change Cape Town, but Cape Town changed me”.
Internships in Cape TownJanice Isidro
Discovering Connect -123 was the best thing that could have happened to me! I wanted to come to Barcelona for 3 months and gain some cool abroad work experiences in advertising and copywriting that I could add to my resume and portfolio. I did that and so much more. I was really picky with what type of internship I wanted to do but the staff and program director were always readily available and willing to go beyond their call of duty to make sure I was satisfied and happy. Finally, I landed the job of my dreams! I did SO much more than what I could have asked for and now my portfolio looks amazing with real life work that the company uses. I came to Spain by myself (and 0 spanish speaking skills), and I can now get by on conversations and can't count the number of foreign friends I now have! The Connect team (and other interns who come to the same city around the same time) are wonderful! We went out for dinners and events and built great bonds. Wish I had more time to see them! I'm so sad that I have to be leaving. Barcelona is so amazing and so different than back home. I had a blast with all their little random festivals. The fire festival in Valencia, paint fight, carnival in sitges, and so much more) Life is so calm here but at the same time, the work load for my internship I had was heavy (which I asked for), and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Internships in BarcelonaAngele Kunzi
Enrolling in the Connect-123 internship program was probably one of the best decisions I took lately, in both professional and personal aspects of the experience. I am completely satisfied with all that the Connect-123 team provided me with through all stages of the program. Connect-123 does not only look for an internship, but also assists with all the arrangements related to your stay, which I think is as important as the internship itself. They indeed provided a lot of support with my arrival, housing, cultural immersion and documentation. At the very beginning I was concerned about going to Beijing rather than Shanghai, their main program location, but Jimmy did a great job by providing me with all the help I needed. A special thanks to him for helping me at all stages of dealing with my housing agent. Lea totally understood what kind of internship I was looking for and found the perfect match. My internship was in an environmental consulting company in Beijing. I had the chance to follow a project from the beginning. I learnt a lot from this internship about the environment in China and about China itself. It gave me the opportunity to have a valuable professional experience. After 3 months I am even more convinced that China is the place to be if you want to contribute to improving the environment. Because my Chinese experience has been so positive, I am extending it for 3 more months and considering staying for a few years.
Jesse DePauw
There is truly no way to do justice to the eye-opening nature of my trip to Cape Town. I knew that it would be a great experience, but I had no idea how much the city would infect me with its allure and make me regret that impending flight home! Everyone at Connect-123 was more than accommodating. They were there every step of the way, which proved vital to my experience, since my placement was a difficult one to secure. They used every resource they had in fighting to get me into the placement I desired; I cannot thank them enough for their efforts. I worked at a law firm for the three months I spent in South Africa. Working here was truly a dream come true. As I had already been accepted to law school before starting my internship, I knew that the training I would receive in Cape Town would only contribute to my knowledge of the legal sector. It may seem that legal training in South Africa would not apply to the U.S., but that is just not the case. Everything I did during my internship, whether it was drafting orders and opinions, serving summons and filing applications with the court, or just reviewing case law to prepare for meeting with clients, all of the things I was asked to do tested my ability to work efficiently and contributed to my knowledge of legal processes. The atmosphere was amazing. Everyone was so helpful and willing to explain what they needed; I never felt that I was alone in anything I was doing. It truly was everything I could have hoped for and more. My time in South Africa allowed me to explore the vast cultural differences and immerse myself in a world I so eagerly desired to know. I was able to travel all over the country, experiencing the best South Africa had to offer, such as bungee jumping off a 216m bridge, attending 3-day music festivals, and feeding / playing with elephants up close in person! The team at Connect-123 (Celine, Charné Jackie, Jess, Miche, all you guys!) was so active in organizing activities, showing us the city, and making sure we were involved and happy with our placements. I never expected to be so guided every step of the way! There is no way that I will be able to stay away from Cape Town; I’ve already started planning my return trip! I hope everyone who reads this will consider how wonderful this city has been to me and how much it and Connect-123 can make your Study Abroad experience as epic as mine has been!
Internships in Cape TownJanine Thornhill
This past six months I had the opportunity to travel to Ireland to work as a sport management intern for 6 months. My experience with Connect-123 has been an unforgettable one. Not only did they find an amazing internship for me, they were also very hands-on in acquiring accommodation as well as ensuring that my stay surpassed my expectations, and it did indeed!
Tommi Tiidus
I had a great time in Shanghai thanks to connect 1-2-3, I really enjoyed the job, it was exactly within my field of study and I got to meet lots of people from around the world. I really enjoyed my placement within my organization, and I actually felt like I was needed and my work was appreciated. It was directly related to my field of study, and I was able to fully utilize what I learned in university. I really enjoyed my time with Connect 123, they were very helpful in getting me settled in and also ensuring that I enjoy my time to the full extent while in Shanghai, helping organize and recommend trips and events, and even helping with small tasks.
Internships in ShanghaiPico De Lucchi
I am the kind of person who is always extremely skeptical of testimonials especially when they are filled with praise. I always condemn those to be exaggerated at best. I must admit the irony now as I can only praise my Connect-123 experience. I was connected to a handful of very interesting local consulting firms, all of them fitting the exact requirements I demanded without any slips. I don't know about your job hunting past but I have always had to deal with compromises and complications, therefore it was very quick and refreshing. Finding the right internship is obviously of the utmost priority, however I have found Connect-123 to really excel beyond the simple job brokering. Lea and Jimmy, the global and shanghai program coordinators together have stitched together all important aspects about my stay in the city, from the pickup from the airport, finding an appartment, deal with local communication and even make face to face introduction with my internship company. Jimmy ever since the first day has been more than just a coordinator but a good friend. On the first night I arrived he introduced me to local dining and even went to discover the crazy shanghai nightlife. We meet almost every week with the other interns and go do something fun ranging from Chinese speciality dinners to all out partying or even weekend trips to neighboring towns and mountains. I have gained so many good friends through these activities. Even now that my official time is over I still hang out with Jimmy and a few of my fellow connect intern friends and also keep in touch with Lea for interesting opportunities coming up in shanghai. All in all you gain a couple of guardian friends that you can depend on and you can be sure that will help you out without hesitation way beyond the official business side. These people really care, all you have to do is let them.
Internships in ShanghaiMegan Mooney
Connect 123 is a fantastic opportunity to explore another country while also enabling you to make professional connections around the world. The experience that I have had with this company was unmatched. To any student wanting to go abroad and also gain career experience, I would highly recommend this company. My time in Dublin surpassed my expectations and given the opportunity I would do it all again.
Internships in DublinIrving Salazar
Anja Filter
At the end of my final year of school I consciously made the decision not to take a gap year and instead jumped right into at least three more years of tests, assignments and exams. After seeing how much all of my school friends were enjoying their time abroad, I began to regret my decision. Although many of them were using their time to figure out what they wanted to do with their lives, I didn’t have the same excuse to take off for a year and leave my life behind – and I didn’t want to either. But I did want to spend some time abroad and see more of the world. Instead of simply spending all of my savings on a holiday, I decided to do an internship and, thanks to Google, this is where Connect-123 came in.
Elizabeth Marchand
I heard about Connect-123 while looking for an internship abroad in the field of education. The two months I spent doing an internship at a school in Cape Town were without a doubt two of the best months I’ve ever spent. While in Cape Town I worked at a school for children with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities, both in the classroom as well as through sports. This internship opened me up to a whole realm of possibilities I’d never thought about in the world or teaching. My biggest achievement through my internship was learning to be comfortable dealing with kids with mild to severe behavioral, mental, and physical problems. The assortment of kids I encountered was huge, but once I got to know them all I immediately fell in love with them, and they continually surprised and challenged me in the best ways. Outside of the internship experience, Connect-123 also gave me many friendships and memories to last a lifetime. There were so many things to do and see around Cape Town, which is an extremely diverse city. The Connect-123 team set up a multitude of events in the 2 short months of my stay, including mixers every other week to meet any new arrivals. These events were a great part of everyone’s stay in Cape Town, and provided great opportunities for meeting other interns and volunteers. While in South Africa I was also able to take some time off of my internship to travel, most notably to Victoria Falls on the border of Zimbabwe/Zambia. Other excursions included going to the Cape of Good Hope, Shark Cage Diving, and the Garden Route. All in all this experience has provided me with so many unforgettable memories and friends, all the while making me feel comfortable and confident about my stay in South Africa. Connect-123 is a great organization and I’d proudly recommend it to anyone looking for an internship abroad!
Internships in Cape TownElizabeth Stack
My time in Barcelona was life changing. Through their personally tailored process, Connect-123 found me a dream volunteer position at a center for underprivileged/at risk children. There I had the opportunity to work with the kids at many levels. I attended staff meetings where my input was always welcome, assisted with workshops and English lessons, and during free time I was simply able to enjoy playing with the kids acting as a positive role model. Everyday presented something new, and “work” was something I looked forward to. I will never forget the amazing people I worked with or the children who made a lasting impression on my life. My weekend activities consisted of a two day trek in the Pyrenees, a trip to Madrid, attending festivals, and so much more. The great thing about Barcelona is you can simply walk out your door and find something to do. The culture is fantastic, and the people are open and warm. Making friends is not a difficult task. I was there for over two months but I can’t wait to go back to do everything I didn’t have time for, and see the amazing people from around the world who I formed lasting bonds with. Through all of this, Connect-123 was there making sure everything was running smoothly and that I was getting the most possible out of my Barcelona experience. Lea was lovely to work with, always supportive, positive, and helpful. She organized creative group outings, and made great weekend activity suggestions. I truly believe without the help of Connect-123 my time abroad would not have been as impactful or unbelievably fun. Not only would I recommend them but if I ever look to intern or volunteer abroad in the future I wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again.
Volunteer in BarcelonaKarlayne Powell
This past year I had the opportunity to travel to Argentina to work as a legal intern through Connect-123. My experience with Connect-123 was more than just incredible; not only did they find an extremely hands-on internship, but also a conveniently located apartment, all with exceptional assistance from the program coordinators. I worked in a middle-sized law firm located in the heart of Micro Centro in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating, the hours were flexible and the interns had their own work space, which included a desk and computer. Interns had the ability to work directly with one of the founding partners of the firm; who was willing to put their trust and confidence into the work of the interns. The employer was able to speak English, which is always helpful to those who aren’t well versed in Spanish, but there is also an opportunity to practice Spanish. As an intern, I had the opportunity to participate in conference calls with clients overseas and carry out preliminary depositions with in-office clients. Primarily, I worked on translating by-laws of companies managed by the firm, as well as writing memos and possible proposals for solutions to client’s problems. At times, I was able to go around the city, and view several processes of the Argentine system, such as the notarization and legalization of documents. The apartment I lived in was a fifteen minute bus ride to the internship site, and was off of the main shopping/café street in the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires. The location was essential because I could walk anywhere and do anything, with access to a variety of buses as well. The best thing for me about Connect-123 was the assistance. Any company may be able to find a job or apartment, but Connect-123 goes a bit further. My coordinators were so helpful; from getting settled, to figuring out where to buy bus passes, no issue was too small for them to handle. In addition to visiting other parts of the city, and having different night activities, the coordinators also gave guidance on upcoming attractions in Buenos Aires each month. Connect-123 allowed me to have a unique experience without the hassle and worries of finding a legitimate internship with substance and a non-shady apartment with sincere roommates.
Internships in Buenos AiresMara Willemin
As a student studying International Relations at Michigan State University, I was drawn to Cape Town not only for its beautiful picturesque scenery and lifestyles, but because South Africa offered a fascinating story in the development world. I sought an internship experience which would provide a snapshot into some of the most pressing issues existing within South African society, as well as the opportunity to play a part, however small, in working to rid some of these issues. Connect-123 offered me exactly that. Besides the amazing support in living arrangements, trips and travel experiences, networking and workshop opportunities, and personalized advised on how to get the most out of my trip to Cape Town, Connect-123 helped ensure that my trip to South Africa was as rich as it could have been. After struggling to find the perfect internship, the staff at Connect-123 worked above and beyond to ensure my organizational placement was ideal for the type of experience I sought to gain. Because of their commitment to my placement, I was able to work in an organization, which addressed issues of development and poverty alleviation through higher education initiatives. It is because of this work that I have been able to continue research on such issues in my university studies upon returning home. Because of the care and support offered through the Connect-123 team, my experiences in Cape Town, South Africa will forever live in my heart.
Tina Rubanik
I had a wonderful experience in Shanghai! I had a chance to work in a company I had always dreamt I could work for! It was just awesome! The work was intense but so interesting. Shanghai is like an Asian New York that never sleeps, nobody will remain indifferent! My Connect-123 program coordinator, Jimmy, was very helpful and we were having so much fun with him and other interns! I can’t say what the best thing in this trip was because literally everything was great! I was very lucky to find Connect-123 because they helped me find this amazing internship! I would never have thought that I could get that much experience in such a short period of time. I can say that these three months were unforgettable and I really would love to come back or one of the other destinations that Connect-123 offers. The only thing I regret is that it was too short, I would stay there longer! Thank you Connect-123!
Internships in ShanghaiF. Ishi
Working in China has always been a dream for me. I’ve always pictured myself working for a company in China to learn about the economy and how I could take advantage of being involved with the economic growth between Brazil and China. During my 4 months with the firm asan intern, I had a lot of opportunity to experience this, network and make friends. What really made me proud was that I was offered a full time position and my boss was counting on me to develop their brand in Brazil. That made me realize that I was on the right track and did my best while in China to achieve the company’s goals. Thanks Connect-123 for making the connection between me and my organisation in China.
Internships in ShanghaiAdam Steward
During my last year of undergraduate studies at Eastern Washington University I decided that I wanted to work and gain experience abroad. I searched through hundreds of programs that provided assistance to students like me with finding internships abroad. I finally, after 2 months of searching found Connect-123. This program was a great fit for me because it wasn't to expensive and allowed me to stay as long as I wanted without having to pay additional costs for staying a certain period of time. The staff were very helpful and provided all of us with everything we needed. Melanie set me up with the biggest coffee chain in Ireland and next thing you know I'm on a plane to Dublin. My process of going to Dublin was a little different than the rest of the group because I stayed 5 months and Connect-123 was helpful in giving me information about the visa process. It was a very difficult process but in the end it all worked out. I learned a lot about my field (marketing) and gained some experience within the coffee sector. The people I worked with were amazing and I will never forget them. I loved going in to work everyday because it was a blast. The good thing also was free coffee and lunch, not to mention all the treats I got to taste from prospective clients wanting to put their treats in our stores. Outside of work was an amazing experience too. I loved hanging out with my roommates and getting to know them. I had roommates from Italy, America, France. I also met a ton of amazing people along the way and got the chance to see them again after my internship was finished. Dublin for me was great because I just loved the culture and the atmosphere. Everyone was so nice and welcoming that it allowed me to just relax. Melanie and Daniela made sure our group got to see most of Ireland which was amazing and beautiful. I also did other trips with friends outside of our program as well. I had an amazing time in Dublin and I don't think words can really describe it, you have to just go and see for yourself. At the end of my internship I was fortunate enough to get the chance to travel to Italy, Spain and Belgium. My roommates from Italy showed me around and I also did some couch surfing which was really great. I encourage everyone to try it. Overall my time spent in Dublin was truly life changing and I will never forget it.