Reviews

Ioana Moraru

The work experience I have chosen for this summer was premised upon working for an Argentinian NGO specialized in human rights, which was established as a direct result of the disheartening situation and vulnerable state that immigrants and refugees were exposed to in the country. The main reason why I decided to apply for this internship was animated by my strong desire, as an International Relations student, to enhance the essential qualities required in the career in human rights that I would like to pursue and to improve my command of Spanish. With the help of Connect-123, I had the opportunity to spend two of the most amazing months of my life in Buenos Aires and to grow tremendously both socially and professionally. From a professional point of view, my job has mostly encompassed offering any kind of assistance to immigrants and refugees who were facing serious protection and safety challenges within their communities and providing them with the necessary advice and help that they required, especially if they have suffered violations of their human rights or were confronting hardships in any sense. What I mostly enjoyed about my work was without any doubt the multicultural environment that I had the chance to be in on a daily basis. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to interact with numerous people from a wide range of countries and to learn so much from their experiences and cultures. Also, I did not have a fixed set of responsibilities and my everyday tasks were very engaging: this freedom to act and do what I think is appropriate has made me genuinely confident in my own abilities and judgement and have made my work very rewarding. Additionally, the opportunities that my internship has inherently entailed- for example, visits to embassies, going to different talks and events- have been a tremendous accomplishment for me, as an International Relations student, as I got a deeper insight into a wide range of contemporary issues that are of high interest to me. With regard to the social aspect of my experience, not only did Connect-123 organize truly entertaining and engaging activities, but they also brought us, all the program participants, together. This was one of the highlights of my stay. In my two months in Buenos Aires, I got the chance to meet so many interesting and outgoing people and to make friends from all over the world. The city was one of the best cities I have ever visited, incredibly vibrant and cosmopolitan with a great nightlife, beautiful people and impressive architecture. Also, after I completed my internship, I went on a trip to Iguazu Falls and Brazil, which was the perfect way of ending my stay on the continent. All these astonishing experiences would not have happened without Connect-123. They have been more than helpful and professional by creating this unique opportunity for me in accordance with my requirements and by generally helping me in every respect: with the accommodation, organizing social events, airport transfers and etc. To conclude, I was highly pleased with Connect-123 and I truly recommend their services to anyone who wants to do an internship tailored to their needs and to also have fun in the insanely beautiful Buenos Aires.

Miriam Rodriguez

When most people think of Buenos Aires they think of tango, meat, and soccer. After spending almost six months in Buenos Aires I think of drinking mate with the families in the barrio, strikes almost everyday, and café con leche with medialunas. After having such a good experience using Connect-123 for an internship I did in Cape Town two years ago it was an easy decision to use them again and this time to go to Buenos Aires. Coming to Buenos Aires with Connect-123 has been such a great experience.  From the start they did everything they could to help me find the right placement. With the laid back culture that is Argentina, Connect-123 had their hands full with me, an organized person, who likes to have things planned weeks ahead of time.  Connect-123 was there for me every step of the way until they found me a great internship. I worked in an organization that offers families who live in substandard or poverty housing the opportunities to work towards solving their own housing problems by working together. When I found out that I would be working for this organization, I was thrilled as it was just what I wanted. The best part of being a volunteer was that I was able to see and live every reality that Argentina has to offer. Buenos Aires is a modern, metropolitan city; however the Buenos Aires that I fell in love with was the one of the barrio. Families of six living in one room, streets made of dirt, families graciously inviting the architects I work with, who are there to give them free advice on how to better their homes, with open arms and a hot mate. To the rest of the world these people may look like they have nothing but to me they have all the strength and warmth in the world. These are the people who will do anything for their family, to better not only their situation but also to change the world for those around them. My experience has been everything that I asked for and more. I am grateful for Connect-123 for being there and answering every question I had, and for placing me in the internship that made my time in Buenos Aires the best it could be.

Vanessa Gonzalez

After spending two months in Buenos Aires, I absolutely fell in love with it – and the assistance I was given by Connect-123 at all times contributed immensely to that. On the one hand, living in the capital of Argentina did not feel that foreign to me. I was born and raised in southern Brazil, and there were quite a few things I shared with the porteños beside a passion for mate and soccer. On the other hand, I would have not expected working there to be anything less than challenging. Whereas I was thrilled to do a microfinance internship with an amazing local NGO, I knew I needed to work very hard to get the most out of my experience -- I was in a different country, had to speak a different language and feared the long journey I had ahead. However, I was glad to be in touch with the right people. Having Connect-123 to rely on was fundamental for me to make new friends, share experiences with a group of interns from all around the world, and feel at home in Buenos Aires. During my internship, the NGO I worked with gave me the opportunity to learn about its microcredit programs, which assisted low-income families in the greater Buenos Aires area. My workmates were very kind, patient and welcoming, and some of my duties included interviewing women interested in applying for microloans; offering assistance during training sessions; and discussing investment strategies with local entrepreneurs. I also had to communicate exclusively in Spanish, which turned out to be a fun and rewarding experience. Argentina gave me the chance to learn much about myself and my role as a professional and a global citizen, and these are lessons I will never forget. As I look back, I feel grateful for everything I learned over the past summer and better prepared to build on my knowledge about economic development as a set of tools used to fight poverty.

Inez Sumadi

My experience these last 4 months in Shanghai has been extremely awesome (and I don't think hyperboles exist in this description)! A huge thank you to the Connect-123 team, Lea, Sherilyn and Jimmy for helping from the beginning to the end, from offering so many options of internships that fitted into my unique needs, to finding the housing and creating social events and support! This internship experience really helped me to explore and gain experience in the work field and it was really valuable for my future career! Also through this internship, I have expanded on my network and made life-time friends. Thank you so much Connect-123!

Brittany Foerg

The two months I spent in Dublin completing a research internship were nothing short of exciting, eventful, and inspiring. I gained an extraordinary amount of knowledge and experience relevant to my future career as an optometrist, and I absolutely loved all that there was to do and see in and around Dublin. I really enjoyed getting to know the people while I was there, and many of the relationships I made will continue. Connect-123 did a fantastic job of finding me an internship that was perfectly tailored to my interests - despite their uniqueness. Connect-123 was always providing helpful insight and guidance before, during, and even after my internship. I would recommend Connect-123 to anyone who wants to gain career experience in another country and would benefit from the fantastic structure and support they provide.  

Sophie Green

I worked with an NGO in Buenos Aires that specialized in Corporate Social Responsibility. The knowledge and experience that I gained during my internship was completely invaluable. The city itself was incredible. The nightlife, cafes and cultural activities including salsa and winetasting really added to my experience. But more than anything the people that I met really made my time in Buenos Aires.

Heather Wenzel

Cape Town was completely different than I expected, and something I couldn’t have actually prepared for. The culture is rich, and the people are so proud of their heritage. I am so lucky that I can take this sense of belonging back home with me to America. I have never felt so immediately accepted and a part of a community as quickly as I was in Cape Town. My co-workers made me feel at home and took it upon themselves to show me how they lived, where they were raised, and how they became the people they did. It was fantastic to see parts of myself in these people across the ocean from where I have grown up my entire life. The opportunity to work in my field of study while experiencing a culture so different and yet so similar to my own could not have been found anywhere else. Though Cape Town was different than I had imagined, it will be something I remember for the rest of my life and look back upon fondly as the greatest growth point of my college career.

Victoria Parker

I really enjoyed my trip to Cape Town and can say that it was one of the most inspiring, educational and life learning experiences that I have ever had. The country is beautiful in every way; the mountains, beaches and bay, people, culture, food and way of life. Beauty at its best is an understatement.

I would suggest any student to look into interning or volunteering through Connect 1-2-3 if they were given the chance, Connect-123 really helps to open the door for a whole new experience. This experience has added so much value in my hopes of eventually earning a Ph.D in Psychology.

Jillian Yeo

I recently went through Connect-123 to secure an internship opportunity with a well known university in Dublin. It was an excellent opportunity to gain further insight into the pharmaceutical research sector. Not only was Connect-123 great at finding an internship suited to my needs, they were continuously checking on my progress and how I was adapting to the new surroundings. Personally, I felt that it was thoughtful. An overseas internship has provided me with a completely different learning experience.  Not only do you learn the skills of the trade, you also get to learn about the working culture, traditions and lifestyle of locals.  New friendships that were formed during this period are also greatly treasured. I would recommend anyone to give Connect-123 a go should you want to step out of your comfort zone, or to give yourself a rewarding summer!

Nick Boccardi

I could not have been more satisfied with my abroad experience.  When I reflect on everything I’ve accomplished in just two months, it is amazing how much I’ve grown personally and professionally through the Connect-123 program.

What sold me on Connect-123 was the flexibility of their program.  They truly build the experience from the ground up around your needs.  I knew my needs and desires were very specific: I wanted to intern only for June and July while testing my Spanish abilities in a practical environment rather than a classroom setting.  Other companies I considered made me feel like I had to sacrifice something, but with Connect-123 I didn’t have to sacrifice anything. I was very honest with the staff about what I wanted to get out of the experience, and the staff made a genuine effort to get to know me and my needs.  As a result, I was placed with both a homestay family and internship that fit my needs perfectly and made me feel right at home.  The family I stayed with adopted me as one of their own and included me in their social plans.

In Buenos Aires, I worked with a venture capital firm doing marketing research and competitive analyses on new markets.  Because the office was intimate, I never felt out of place, and if I ever had questions, I was never afraid to ask.  My coworkers were friendly, patient, and willing to teach me anything they could about the industry and what they did within the company.  Not only did I learn so much from my coworkers, but I also felt the impact of my day to day work contribution, within the company.

Interacting with other program participants is another highlight of the program.  Connect-123 participants are diverse in every sense of the word, and it was a pleasure to spend two months with them.  I’ve made new friends from all over the world, all of whom had different reasons for being in Buenos Aires.  Everyone took advantage of the city however they wanted.  I’ve met people who were pursing undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and were in between jobs and traveling, and there was so much to learn from all of them.

The Connect-123 support system is very strong.  After my initial phone call with Katie, I felt like she understood me well and that I was in good hands.  She walked me through every step of the process and made planning my trip very easy.  During the trip, I asked Paula for recommendations on how to plan my trips to Iguazu Falls and Colonia, Uruguay.  With the information she gave me, the trips basically planned themselves (thanks, Paula!! =D).  Weekly Connect-123 events also help bring program participants together while getting to know the city and Argentine culture.  The program is very well organized and is very open to feedback and suggestions.

Just want to give a special thanks to Katie, Paula, and Vanessa for all of their help in making my abroad experience better than I could have ever imagined!

Karen Warsh

I had the opportunity to take an internship in Dublin, Ireland with the help of Connect-123.  Connect-123 was supportive from the beginning.  I applied as a senior going into a fifth year at the University of Arizona for a summer internship.  I realized I needed more quality experience in my field of Event Management before graduation and stepping into the “real world”.  Connect-123 helped me make that transition by showing me how fun the real world can actually be. They found three companies for me to consider and ultimately choose from.  I’m sure that if I wasn’t satisfied with any of the three, Connect-123 would have continued the hunt for my perfect internship.  Fortunately, my dream job was among the three and I ended up with a remarkable internship learning hands on how to plan some of Dublin’s largest and most well-known events.   Connect-123 was with me the entire journey, always asking how I am doing, if I need anything, my thoughts and feedback, etc.  They even walked me to work on my first day to make sure I wouldn’t get lost! Lifesavers! (I totally would have been lost for hours.) This summer was not only about the internship for me, but about Ireland.  I made one of my best friends through Connect-123 and we got to travel the country together.  We went to the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Howth, Wicklow, Giants Causeway, Belfast, Aran Islands, Cork, and Doolin.  I saw some of the most amazing views and met some of the most spectacular people.  The music in a small-town pub makes you want to dance until you drop; I highly recommend popping in for a visit.  Connect-123 also planned trips and events for us to do on weekends and some pub nights together during the weeks.  They did a ton to make us all feel “at home”. Personally, I love travelling and love the things I learn and the people I meet while doing it.  The lessons I have learned this summer have contributed to my life in immeasurable ways.  I have Connect-123 to thank.  THANK YOU CONNECT-123!

Kelly Truska

Being away for a month in another country seemed very daunting, at least to someone like me who has never travelled on her own without friends or family. If it were not for Connect-123, which took care of the really important basics, like introducing me to my tourism placement and transportation from the airport, my experience would have been very different. Although it feels like only yesterday I was boarding the plane from Chicago to Dublin, I know I have not returned to the US as the same person who left. The experience taught me invaluable lessons and I have grown in ways I would not have expected. Interning for a tourism company was wonderful. It was challenging enough, testing my character and skills, helping me better understand my strengths and weaknesses. The whole experience – working, travelling, and meeting new people – was absolutely incredible. It was so much more extraordinary than I ever would have imagined. Honestly, I had the best time of my life. Dublin was spectacular, Ireland was magical and I cannot wait to see what else there is to explore. Thank you, Connect-123, for giving me the opportunity to take my first “baby-step” out into the world. I will be forever grateful for your help and hospitality. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Imran Kidwai

After deciding that an international internship in consulting would make me more competitive in the global market and as a MBA applicant, I stumbled upon Connect-123. The unique characteristic I found about the program they offer was that they find you an internship catered directly to your career aspirations. Thus, I was absolutely ecstatic that Connect-123 was able to find me an internship aligned directly with my career goals. From the first day of my internship, I was involved with my company's client. I was assigned a project, and worked with their client every day to get the project completed according to their needs. The internship was challenging, inspiring, and incredible. The skills that I gained from the internship were unrivaled. The city of Barcelona is nothing short of amazing! It has a unique culture, the people are extremely friendly, and the beaches are gorgeous. The friends and memories I made in Barcelona are truly unforgettable. My internship and experience in Barcelona were life-changing and it was all made possible by Connect-123.

Tariq Rashid

I interned in Beijing for 2 months during the summer. Traveling to China, which was completely different from anything I have ever known, was quite the quantum leap for me! I was nervous at first with my undertaking...I wasn't sure whether or not I had made the right decision. Once I met my program coordinator and got acclimated to the city, though, those feelings subsided and I learned more than I ever could have possibly hoped for with my internship. Beijing is an ancient city with a rich history, and it was loads of fun exploring such a wonderful place! I had the chance to try many new and exotic flavors, take in many historical sites, meet many new people, and gain a greater appreciation for humanity. Connect-123 does not offer programs in Beijing, but since I wanted to be based there with other friends of mine, they were able to secure a placement for me in another city in China. My internship was more than I could have ever hoped for. I had two roles: first I worked with a foundation which had the goal of serving children in orphanages across China. This was a very rewarding role in that it brought me an appreciation for the role that the entire health care team has for taking care of a patient. I hope to come back to China soon and continue supporting this foundation by volunteering in orphanages they help. My second role was with the Department of Family Medicine at an international standard hospital where I helped them set up a diabetes registry for better tracking their patients. The health care experience was absolutely wonderful: it was one of the best experiences of my life, both personally and professionally. Thank you, Connect-123, for connecting me with this absolutely life-changing experience. It has helped me gain a greater appreciation for everything I hope to be someday.

Michelle Cunningham

From the moment Connect-123 called me, I knew I was going to go with them. The staff worked hard to find me an internship that would fit my preferences. I had 2 goals, to learn as much Spanish as possible and to intern in the field of neuropsychology. Oh, and a third goal to check the Iguazu Falls off my bucket list. Done!! On May 29th, I left home and flew to Buenos Aires. My advisor from Connect-123 met me at my apartment after I arrived and talked with me about the city, transportation, safety, gave me a phone and set me up with loads of important information to help ease the transition from home to Buenos Aires. One thing different about traveling to Buenos Aires this summer was that I was going alone. I left my job, my family, my cats, my dog and even my fiancé (we had just gotten engaged 2 months before!). This was something new. This was something I was doing specifically for myself. My internship was great! I interacted with patients and professionals in my field and was able to ask questions and work on my Spanish! The icing on the cake was when I met the psychiatrist at my organization who had been an intern in the United States with a neuropsychologist. Not only do I now have connections in Argentina, I also have a connection in Buffalo, NY too! Connect-123 was great too! They were available to give advice, help with any issues including providing information on where my visiting family could stay to what to do when I travelled. Although I was alone, I was comforted by the new people I met at my internship, the family I stayed with, and the people at Connect-123. For anyone thinking about going abroad, my advice is DO IT! These opportunities don’t come along every day and your life will be changed for the better if you can allow yourself to be changed by such an incredible experience!

Karla Trevino

After spending two months in Buenos Aires and with Connect-123, I am really happy with my time spent there. The city is full of life and there is always something new to do. Learning public transportation was a challenge of its own, but I am happy to say I mildly, have mastered it. The opportunity provided allowed me to work somewhere I loved, and to meet great new people. My Spanish has improved and I have also learned a lot about myself and the wonderful world we live in along the way!

Tricia Tongco

Staying in a building named “Perspectives” is ironic yet appropriate, since I’ve gained so much perspective during my two and half months in Cape Town. Connect-123 made my transition to a new country smooth, which allowed me to truly focus on this new, intense place. Instead of spending my first week frantically searching for accommodation, I could go on tours, try the delicious food and explore this vibrant city. As for my internship, I couldn’t have wished for a better experience. As a broadcast journalism student, I had an opportunity to start producing my host organization’s weekly segment on my own by my second week. They trusted my abilities and gave me big responsibilities from the beginning – which was exactly what I wanted! I had a chance to meet interesting people and visit places that even Capetonians have never been. My coworkers were incredibly warm, encouraging people and were always there for support. I learned so much from them and feel more confident in my own abilities than ever before.

Melisa Bak

I did my internship in a social organization that works as a link or network between civil society organizations in Argentina and international donors. My work has been diverse, since the number of volunteers and interns is high and there is a variety of tasks to be done. I have translated documents, created presentations and articles for the organization´s website. I have also reviewed reports on Argentina´s current situation (economy, society, environment, health), and worked with statistics and graphs for the Directory of partners of the organization. My experience has allowed me to meet and interact with people from Argentina and other countries. The people that work there have been very kind and attentive, and made me feel very comfortable.

Emily Woo

After working 5 years in the corporate environment, I knew that I wanted to find more meaning in my work. I found Connect-123 online and they connected me with a consulting company in Cape Town. This company focuses on bringing inclusive business models into the low-income environments. I found fulfillment in taking my previous work experience and applying it to real-life needs and problems. I fell in love with the City of Cape Town, it truly is beautiful and has so much to offer, with endless sunshine. The creativity of the City and my work propelled me to start a new venture making bags with single mothers from low-income areas and selling them to my friends at home. In Cape Town, I felt like I was able to pursue my passions unbound.

Cristine Richardson

Deciding to go to a foreign country knowing no one or even the culture in detail was difficult.  But Connect-123 was there for my numerous questions, making me feel well acquainted in Shanghai, and providing ways for me to meet other people with whom to take on the city.  I could not have imagined this program to be as helpful and thorough as it was. Thanks Connect-123!