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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Sarah Shefferly
The experience I have gained through this internship is beyond amazing, monumentally amazing one could say. Connect-123 was able to find me the perfect internship in Barcelona, Spain, which was just the cherry on top of my life in Barcelona. I worked for a company that promoted the underground music, art, and culture scene of Barcelona and was able to first hand experience the inside life of Barcelona. Through Connect and my internship, I not only learned a great amount about the Barcelona scene, but also met friends that I will never forget. My biggest take from my three month life in Barcelona was all the connections I made and all the people I had met, and how each one of them helped me realize and learn something new about this world. In school we aren't necessarily taught how to live on our own. The biggest life lessons are learned through experience, and that is exactly what I felt I recieved through this life in Barcelona. Knowledge gained from experiences; experiences with friends, strangers, work, parties, travels, and so much more. Its sad to go and return to reality, but I don't leave with a frown, I leave with a smile on my face because I know that the reality waiting for me back at home will be much easier to face with the experience I have gained through the Connect-123 program.
Internships in Barcelona
Josh Kohler
Connect-123 takes the laborious process of finding a job in a foreign country and places it nicely in your lap. That´s why I decided to use the program not once, but twice. From the airport pickup to the great response time regarding any location-specific questions, Connect-123 offers a seamless transition into other cultures. I was paired with a research-based banking job and worked with great people in Barcelona. The work experience I gained was unique and enlightening and will be a highlight on my resume. My weekends were paired with constant adventures. I checked off all of the "must-see" sites early on and found it easy to integrate into the culture of tapas, clubs, beaches, heat, public transportation and a severely enjoyable lack of sleep. My apartment had an entertainingly high turnover rate of foreigners, which further contributed to my successful experience. Overall, I would recommend Connect-123 and may have to plan a third adventure (Buenos Aires) with them in the near future.
Internships in Barcelona
Kaitlyn West
From the moment I arrived in Barcelona, as I remember it well, I was enamored with the city, the language, and the culture. I knew this was a good place to further my Spanish language growth, work experience, cultural knowledge, and my person as a whole. What made the transition from my fairly small town in the US to a the second largest city in Spain even more seamless was the friendly and tireless staff at Connect 123. From the airport pick up to the checking-in emails to the weekly group events Connect 123 truly became my second family for my three months in Barcelona. Thanks, Lea, Eli and Steven! As far as Barcelona goes, the city is beautiful and you will never be bored! It literally has everything, the beach, the mountains, a water park, an amusement park, countless bars and restaurants, and easy travel access to any other major city in Spain. Not to forget the public transportation is definitely a high point for the city, as well. Barcelona is a place where everyone can find something to do. My internship working in first the primary school and then in the kid's summer camp was a great learning experience! I was able to put to use my Spanish language skills everyday, all day, and put forth the skills I've learned in my Teacher's Education courses at MSU. From practicing my future profession I also gained knowledge of how to be an effective teacher and that is something invaluable to me. Overall, I spent the best summer of my life thus far in Barcelona and I gained experiences, memories, and friends that I will never forget. Thanks Connect 123 for making this possible!
Internships in Barcelona
James Orth
As I stepped out of the van sent to pick me up from the Pu Dong airport and onto the streets of Shanghai for the first time, I was overwhelmed. It was so different from America in nearly every aspect! The people, the size, the noise, the commotion. Frankly, I wondered how I would ever survive here, in this vastly foreign city. But with the safety-net of a tight-knit group of Connect-123 interns behind me, along with the support of my gregarious host organization I've come to love this city and feel a deep sense of nostalgia now that I'm leaving. From the difficult, yet rewarding work I did teaching English language to migrant Chinese children during the week, to the interesting and fun atmosphere created by Connect-123 during their weekend events, I couldn't have asked for a more balanced experience. Although at first I was nervous, I really am thankful for connect-123 for giving me this opportunity. I not only feel that I've really grown as a person, but that I have accomplished something of substance here in this city, as well.
Volunteer in Shanghai
Amanda Schultz
I have spent the past 3 months with an internship/study abroad program in Barcelona, and I have loved every minute of it! My internship experience fit exactly into my expectations, and I enjoyed meeting and working with all of my coworkers at my organization throughout the summer. Connect-123 understood my internship goals and found a perfect match for me at my Social Media Organization, and I feel like I learned a lot and am taking many great experiences home with me now. Not only was everything well organized, but the program was all very personal and friendly as well. Connect-123 offers helpful support if needed, as well as many recommendations for things to do to get to know your new city. I especially think they did a great job of ensuring well-roundedness during the program through trying new things, cultural experiences, and meeting new friends. I have learned so much from this summer abroad, and if I have the opportunity to use the program again then I definitely will!
Internships in Barcelona
Margaret Wang
My time in Shanghai has been nothing short of marvelous! Everything has been beyond expectations. I've learned so much from the internship at the hospital, and the people there have been very good to me - always so patient, welcoming, and educating. I had feared that the doctors and nurses would find me a burden and be cold and distant at best, but they completely and constantly proved me wrong; in fact, many times they would come to me for questions and suggestions for improving their English, and would invite me to eat with them and go out. In addition to the amazing internship, though, Connect-123 has gone above and beyond for making my time here not only comfortable, but also thoroughly productive and enjoyable. In addition they found me opportunities to volunteer and tutor, allowing me to accomplish things that I love to do and that I had not believed I could also do here. Day trips and nightly social outings were also a part of the whole Shanghai deal, allowing everyone to see not only the working and daily aspect of the city, but also many of its tourist areas, glorious views, and nightlife. The program has been stunningly flexible, incredibly thorough, and to every extent helped make my stay here more memorable. With everything Connect-123 has done, I have sincerely been able to connect with the city of Shanghai and its people in a way that I never realized I could. (Excuse the pun!)
Internships in Shanghai
Payal Antala
I was able to spend the past 3 months in Buenos Aires doing an internship for school credit. I came to Argentina to practice Spanish and do a physical therapy internship, but I left with an experience of a lifetime. I worked at a day care/clinic that worked with kids that had different neurological disorders. The people I had the pleasure of working with were incredibly helpful and patient and the kids were a joy to work with. The internship included a variety of tasks, it was not totally physical therapy oriented, but I was able to learn a great deal and a broader understanding of this field of PT. My daily tasks included prepping the kids for the day, assisting in the daily activity, feeding the kids, brushing their teeth, prepping them for a nap, and any general assistance I could provide. Connect was great at setting me up with this internship and helped me with any issues I encountered during my time there. Connect was also how I met most of my friends in Buenos Aires, many of which I know I will remain in touch with. Thanks to Buenos Aires and Conenct, I had a great work opportunity and a cultural experience I will never forget.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Linda Monetta
As a career changer I was looking for an internship to update my marketing skills and develop new work skills to aid in my future job search. Connect 123 took the time to help me define what experience I was looking for a found the right company for my goals. While in Barcelona, the Connect 123 team kept in constant contact to make sure everything was going well and to arrange events and get togethers for the all the interns in town. It was a great experience and I would recommend using Connect 123 to arrange your international internship.
Internships in Barcelona
Moses Rodriguez
Traveling to different areas in the world has always been something I’ve wanted to do. As I entered my final quarter of undergrad, I thought it would be a great idea to complete an international internship because it would allow me to stay another country but at the same time get some much needed work experience in my field of study. So that’s exactly what I did. I completed my international internship in Buenos Aires, Argentina. First off, there is just so much going on Buenos Aires that it’s almost impossible to ever get bored. Another thing to point out about this city, is that it has a lot of amazing buildings. Finally, the people here are very passionate about sports, especially fútbol, which is something I really admire because I am a big sports fan as well. The business I interned for put together weekly indoor fútbol matches of 5-on-5. I was brought on to help them with both IT and marketing tasks. In addition, assisting them in organizing/managing the weekly games, social events, and tournaments. I am so glad that I was presented with this internship because I got to meet so many astonishing individuals from all over the world who would participate in the weekly games and attend the events. Lastly, my co-workers were down to earth and outgoing which made every day at work fun and interesting. I would highly recommend Connect-123 because it’s affordable and they found me the exact internship I wanted. Further, the Connect-123 staff made sure to keep in touch with me during my time in Buenos Aires and assisted me in resolving a few issues that I encountered. Thanks, once again Connect-123 for everything and for being a big part of why I had an extraordinary 4 months abroad.
Internships in Buenos Aires
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 Aires
Katie 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 Aires
Sangeeta 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 Town
Janice 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 Barcelona
Angele 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 Town
Janine 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 Shanghai
Pico 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 Shanghai
Megan 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 Dublin
