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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Lara Sepulveda Machado
I interned with Connect-123 in Buenos Aires for 10 weeks in a micro-finance non-profit organization. My internship was exactly what I was looking for and if otherwise, it wouldn’t have made my stay in vibrant Buenos Aires the same. The city has so much to offer that you are constantly finding yourself outside meeting new people and visiting new places. As for Connect-123 services, I can only say good things about it. What impressed me the most was Connect’s ability to truly listen to my needs and interests. They successfully placed me with a great organization and an amicable apartment in which I was living with other Connect interns. Their services are very personalized, which facilitates your assimilation process in the city. They are available for pretty much anything you need, and their weekly newsletters provide a great insight of cultural events, dinning experiences or simply a get together where you meet the rest of the Connect-123 family (meaning other interns).
Internships in Buenos Aires
Timothy Lam
I had always thought about going to China all throughout college and when I missed my chance to study abroad I thought that I had missed out on an amazing opportunity. That is until I found out about Connect-123. I learned of the program through a friend and after learning more we both decided to come to Shanghai. Trust me when I say it will be a decision that you will NEVER regret. Shanghai is a sensory overload of new cultures, food, people, and experiences that you will never forget. Connect-123 helped organize an internship for me in the business development field. It was more than I could have asked for in an internship. I learned so much in the first 2 weeks alone at my internship that I knew that I had found the field that I want to pursue. Being in such an international city really helps you grow and you learn so much more than you will ever learn in your home country or in a lecture hall. Aside from the amazing internship, what made my experiences in Shanghai memorable were the people that I met. You really grow so close to the other Connectors, that you consider them family. If you guys can, definitely hang out with Sherilyn - the best Connect-123 program coordinator EVER! NO LIE. There are a lot of events that are organized by Connect-123 for everyone to socialize so take advantage of them. My advice for anyone who has already graduated but still wants an international experience, go to Shanghai! Its never too late. Plus having that you worked in Shanghai definitely is a resume/CV booster!
Internships in Shanghai
Melis Eda Ekmekci
I don't know where to start explaining my experience in Buenos Aires. I had an amazing two months in a great city with amazing people and employers. Connect-123 helped me with everything whenever I needed! Finding me an apartment in a great location, an amazing brand marketing internship, I study graphic design, and suggesting great places and restaurants. Also giving me such useful information when I traveled, outside of Buenos Aires and the city by itself is just so amazing! It's full of friendly people, super delicious food, heaven for steak and wine lovers like me. With the help of Connect-123, I got to experience a lot of things just in two months. I traveled to Uruguay, Iguazu and Mendoza, I got to go to Copa America, watching both the quarter final and the final game, I took tango classes, I went to wine tastings and I also went to play polo and many other things. Basically, I had an amazing experience that I will never forget - the friends I made, all my traveling and an amazing internship which looks great on my resume with the help of Connect-123.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Ashleigh Lovette
Coming back from a summer in Cape Town, South Africa was full of bittersweet moments. My summer, or winter in South Africa, was more than words and more than photos. It was filled with real moments with real people that, thanks to Connect-123, I will never forget. Upon return, I told my co-workers about my internship, where I helped plan an event, wrote press releases, and designed publications to be sent to media. I shared pictures with my family of the trip I took along the Garden Route. I informed them of the new perspectives I gained and how I was now open to the opportunity of working abroad in the future. Finally, I shared with friends the kindness of the people I encountered on a daily basis. None of these stories or images did my experience justice. Connect-123 provided helpful and friendly guidance throughout my entire two and a half month experience. After a survey of my interests and professional goals, I was placed at small event planning and marketing agency. Helping to ease any nerves, the staff at Connect-123 made sure to accompany me on my first day of work. Each of the Connect-123 staff members shares a genuine concern for the well being of all program participants. In addition to advice, Connect-123 also organized social events and weekend trips for participants. These events and trips allow you to truly experience the city of Cape Town and its surrounding area. Cape Town and its residents will always hold a place in my heart. Not only did I gain professional experience, but I gained lifelong friends as well. I will always be thankful that Connect-123 allowed me to have the experience of a lifetime!
Internships in Cape Town
Ben Adams
I came to Cape Town in the summer of 2011 with high expectations. Thanks largely to the helpful staff at Connect-123, my expectations were easily matched and surpassed. The Connect-123 team was able to place me in an internship that allowed me to grow professionally. I was given plenty of responsibility and enjoyed going to work each day. I now feel more confident and prepared to search for jobs and internships back home knowing that I have such an amazing and unique experience behind me. This being said, the greatest part of my trip was the growth I experienced as a person. Being far away from home for an extended period of time can seem frightening, but the staff at Connect-123 did a great job of welcoming me to Cape Town, a city they clearly know and love. The physical beauty of Cape Town is only matched by the beauty of its people. I was able to meet many people, including both other interns and locals, that have had a tremendous impact on me. I wouldn't trade the two months I spent in Cape Town for anything and I hope to return one day!
Internships in Cape Town
Alexander Beaton
Allow me to start by stating simply that Connect-123 has been one of the best organisations I have had the pleasure of working with. From my very first e-mail, to the interview and their subsequent meticulous follow-up, the sheer effervescence of everybody involved made the application process an exciting, rather than overwhelming, experience. I knew if I sent an e-mail I would have a response the next day, and usually within the next hour, even though being Australian I live in one of the world’s most inconvenient time zones. It’s that kind of customer service that would bring me back, without hesitation, to Connect-123 again. I worked (the use of the word “intern” is actively discouraged in my organisation) for a boutique management consultancy. That they are a small organisation means I had plenty of opportunity to get actively involved simultaneously in any number of projects, ensuring that I was learning new things all the time. The work they do is incredibly diverse, and saw us doing research for a global cable news channel one day, and helping plan an MBA seminar series the next. There is a real focus on professional development too, and my supervisor was very careful to ensure that I returned home having gained genuine value from the experience. To say that I have never been anywhere like Shanghai is to wildly understate the allure of the place. It’s an amazing city to be in right now, the very definition of worlds colliding. Each day on my way to work I walked down one of Shanghai’s poshest streets, yet within two blocks I also got to see a more typical version of the city, the parts of town that China’s massive economic growth has not touched yet. It is these kinds of juxtapositions that make Shanghai such a fascinating place to live and work in. There is never a dull moment and always something new to discover, including an abundance of great bars and restaurants. There really are too many to try to visit, though we are trying very hard!
Internships in Shanghai
Eric Wang
I interned with Connect-123 in Shanghai for two months this fall/winter. Traveling to such a foreign and exotic place (I’m from Kansas), I was both apprehensive and nervous. However, those feelings of uneasiness were quickly expunged as soon as I stepped off the plane and met my program coordinator. Shanghai is a unique city, and has so much culture to offer. Through the help of the staff at Connect-123, and my fellow interns, I was able to effectively explore and learn the many different things that this city has to offer. Whether I wanted to travel around China, try new foods, learn Chinese or find internship opportunities the staff at Connect-123 were willing to do everything in their power to make sure that I accomplished these goals. It was one of the best experiences of my life, and I definitely plan on going back! Also, for the internship itself, I worked part time for a foundation that supports children's health, and worked part time as an administrative assistant at a local hospital. It was exactly the type of job I was hoping for. I was SO impressed with how Connect-123 was able to find such a unique opportunity for me. They are truly experts in finding/ designing the perfect internship for people, especially in the medical field, as was the case for me.
Internships in Shanghai
Ricardo Caldas Pereira
Doing an internship abroad is a great opportunity, and Connect-123 made it really easy to get and even more delightful! Even if you don't want to work abroad or in a global company, you will improve your personal skills so much faster, living in an unusual environment, with a lot of people sharing different cultures and behaviors. My experience in Shanghai with Connect-123 provided me with the opportunity to make a lot of friends from all over the world. For me it was like meeting a little bit of Russia, Kazakhstan, England, Netherlands, USA, Mexico and a lot more in just one place! And not talking only about professional interests, in Shanghai I had some of my best times of my life, with people that will always be a part of my best memories. Good food, good music, many ways of having fun, and without spend too much money, that's what you will find in Shanghai! Something that I would like to add is that Connect-123 provided me with all the support that I needed before my trip and on my arrival. During the time that I was in Shanghai, the "Connect-123 Events" every week were a wonderfull way to make friends and have a really good time!
Huber “Junior” Bongolan
I interned through Connect-123 in October and November 2011 with a financial services firm in Shanghai, China. My internship was both fulfilling and challenging, pushing me to think in new ways while learning new financial tools and processes. As for the program itself, second to none. To summarize in one word: FAMILY. That is what you'll get when you intern/volunteer/travel with Connect-123. This program enabled a homebody like myself to break free from the bubble of Southern California and experience the breathtaking beauty that Shanghai offers. For newcomers, do not fear, you'll quickly adjust to the beat of Shanghai through the help of program participants that come before you. We created a family with one another, connecting in ways I would never have foreseen and will forever remember our escapades. I "connected" and made lifelong friendships that would never have been possible if I didn't come to Shanghai. I highly recommend Connect-123 and hope you decide to partake in this once in a lifetime adventure!
Avishka Juta
I can say without a doubt that my six week social work and education internship in Cape Town, South Africa was the most incredible six weeks of my life. Having travelled to South Africa before, this was my second time in Cape Town and it definitely provided me with a different perspective on all things South African and allowed me to really immerse myself in issues I have a passion for as well as get to know the city and people. Cape Town is a city you’ll quickly fall in love with! I decided to work at two organizations during my time in Cape Town. A huge thanks to Melanie Martin for working with me and providing me with so many options and giving great insight into what would be the best fit. She definitely took my interests and experience into consideration when suggesting organizations, so thanks Mel! In the mornings, I was a volunteer teacher at a Literacy Centre based at a primary school where myself and another volunteer, Elysia were floaters. We worked with Grade 2 and 3 learners on their reading and writing skills and making the experience of learning these skills fun. We also helped to celebrate their success at the end of term which was great fun. The children there were so eager to learn and had such great spirits and their willingness to learn touched me. Shout out to Trudy and all the volunteers who helped me familiarize myself. In the afternoons, I wooked on a book drive project of a movement of learners, parents, teachers and community members striving for quality and equality in South African education. The project collects book donations from the public and prepares them to be put into public school libraries, as well as setting up these libraries. I was the first Connect-123 intern to work there and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who has a passion for books and helping youth and promoting quality and equality. It was a very relaxed environment and the afternoons were spent organizing books and having some amazing conversations about life, the world and all things South African. Thanks so much to Themba and Cosmas for taking the time to get to know me and involve me in a high school opening and other events, and also to the other volunteers who made me feel so welcome. During my time there, I was involved in the preparation of books and helped with the establishment of the hhigh school library. It’s been great to follow along with their progress since I left and there is definitely a sense of progress in the work they are doing, especially with their library campaign. My time at both organizations complimented each other so well and I felt like I had made a meaningful contribution at both and had learned so much in just six weeks. This experience has definitely opened my eyes, inspired me and only reaffirmed the academic and career path I’d like to pursue in the non-profit/development field. It was a great exposure to youth development work and promoting quality and equality. Outside of work, Cape Town is one of those cities that has something for everyone. From eating out, to the nightlife, climbing Lion’s Head and Table Mountain and just hanging out on the beach with friends, there’s a wide array of things to do and experience! Cape Town has certainly embraced all walks of life and there is such a fusion of art, culture, music and food. It’s very easy to navigate and find your footing. I also had a chance to become friends with some of the locals which gave me a new and exciting perspective on life in the Mother City. The staff at Connect-123 were incredibly helpful and friendly! They are always there to chat or answer any questions or queries. I can’t thank Melanie enough for being there whenever I had questions or queries and needed further insight. Accommodation wise, I would definitely recommend Perspectives. It is right in the heart of the city and a quick taxi ride to many sights in Cape Town. Many volunteers and interns choose to stay there so it’s a great way to meet other Connect-123 participants. My internship with Connect-123 was the perfect blend of work and sightseeing. I gained exposure to issues in a South African context while also experiencing the city and getting to know the sights and the people. Not only did I make some wonderful friends at Connect-123, but also made some incredible friends at work who I still remain in touch with and have built long lasting friendships with. It is so true what they say about people making the experience. I can say with all honesty that I had the time of my life in Cape Town. Trust me when I say that you’ll be wishing you had stayed longer. I will definitely be back in Cape Town soon and would love to work there in the future!
Internships in Cape Town
Laura McFee
The two months I spent in Cape Town through Connect-123 were simply incredible. It’s impossible to describe how much I learned about myself and how much I gained from volunteering in only a few paragraphs. Melanie set me up with a primary school where I volunteered as a teacher’s aide in various classrooms. The school is an incredible organization that provides impoverished children with an education, free of charge, to break the cycle of poverty in their families. Spending so much time with the children was a life changing experience; I think I learned more from them than they learned from me! The students I worked with taught me so much about the value of education; even though many of them came from difficult home lives, they cherished the education they were receiving and were always eager to learn. I gained a wealth of knowledge about the diversity of education in different countries, which is an experience that will help me grow to become a better teacher. Connect-123 was always available during my stay. They made sure that I was enjoying my volunteer experience and that I was getting what I wanted out of my trip. Not only did they help with the volunteering portion of my trip, they also helped with socializing. There were numerous events organized by Connect-123 that helped me form lifelong friendships with the other interns and volunteers I was living and working with. Through the social nights, trips to festivals, sightseeing trips, and the multiple discounts with local businesses that Connect-123 offered, my free time in Cape Town was filled with amazing adventures! All in all, my trip to Cape Town exceeded my expectations. It was perfect! I can’t thank Connect-123 enough for giving me the summer of a lifetime!
Volunteer in Cape Town
Shannon Griel
My experience in Buenos Aires, Argentina was truly enjoyable and enlightening. Connect-123 made the entire process easy, smooth, and rewarding, from finding me an internship in my area of interest, to finding me a great apartment in Buenos Aires. My journey was 4 months long, and I spent 3 months interning at a local Economic Development NGO, learning about the world of micro-finance and infrastructure improvements in the impoverished provinces outside the city. The work experience was exactly what I had hoped for, and the NGO was so welcoming to all of the interns, as well as genuinely committed to fostering an environment of mutual learning and progress. Outside of working, Connect-123 was a stable part of my life down in Buenos Aires - I knew I could count on them to respond to any questions I had about the city, my apartment, traveling, etc. I definitely took advantage of the great social events that Connect-123 coordinated during the time I was down there, and met some wonderful people from all over the US who shared similar interests of learning, exploring, and traveling in a foreign country. I would definitely recommend Connect-123 to anyone who wants a work or volunteer experience abroad!
Internships in Buenos Aires
Nathan Seef
I knew going into my senior year I wanted to do an internship abroad to gain experience in the human rights sector. Choosing to go with Connect-123 to Cape Town, South Africa, as a human rights intern for two months made this decision easily the best I have ever made. I can’t say enough good things about my experience working towards and in Cape Town. Connect-123 made the pre-trip process quite easy. They were extremely helpful in understanding the type of internship that I wanted to have and how to get me there in the most effective way. The experience in Cape Town is beyond anything I can explain. Work was extremely interesting. I always felt a part of the team when working with my NGO whether I was doing research, doing interviews at service centres or going into the townships to run educational workshops. What I quickly realized was that while I had gone to Cape Town for work experience the whole living experience was incredible. There is never a dull moment in Cape Town and the surrounding areas. Connect-123 was great at planning fun activities for us including but not limited to wine tours, township tours and kayaking with the whales. All of this while gaining valuable work experience. Other activities I did on my own and with friends that I met in Cape Town (some of which will most definitely be life long friends) were bungee jumping, safaris, many beach visits, restaurant tourism (amazing seafood!), climbing mountains, shark cage diving and so much more! Even the small things make you smile on a daily basis. Walking home from work, no matter how busy or hectic my day was, walking home with a beautiful mountain staring at you just puts you to peace. The scenery and lifestyle on a daily basis is just a pleasure! There is a lot of work to be done in Cape Town to improve the living conditions of many and with Connect-123 you can help make a difference in any way you find most interesting and really gain experience in every facet of life while doing it. I will always look back fondly with at my time in Cape Town and Connect-123 was a huge part of making it happen. Saying thank you could never encompass it properly but, THANK YOU!
Internships in Cape Town
William Hall
I volunteered with Connect-123 in Shanghai for two months this summer and only have good things to say about the company. I was put in a great placement which provided me with the confidence to afterwards fulfill my dream of becoming a fully paid English teacher. After I finished, Connect-123 continued to help me and continued to stay in touch which I think is fantastic customer service. Thank you. Everyone I met who is connected to them was professional, friendly and kind. Shanghai is an amazing city with enormous buzz, so much so that I’m staying here for another year now!
Antonina Hassouni
I was part of the Connect-123 program in Cape Town for two months where I was an intern at a children’s hospital. The experience I had - I unfortunately cannot describe in words since that would not suffice. Firstly, the organization of the program was flawless – I felt at ease all the time because I knew that any little problem I may have, one of the Connect-123 representatives would fix it as soon as possible. I also felt at home instantly due to the welcoming nature of everyone on the program – the interns, volunteers and the whole team! The activities they had were great for meeting people such as the many drinks nights or trips around Cape Town. That also made it a safe way to travel around. Secondly; the hospital I worked in was technologically advanced with all the staff there very welcoming and friendly – from the cafeteria staff to the surgeons. It was great being around them every day and I have made long-term friends whom I intend to visit more often. That being said, I would love to eventually return to Cape Town and work there for some time again....the scenery is breathtaking and I felt like I was living in a scenic postcard for most of the time. I must say that I definitely loved my whole experience not only with my internship but in the country, and all of that is truly because of the amazing job that Connect-123 did ; their ongoing support and care, their organization and their concern for each and every intern / volunteer in their program! Thanks Connect-123 for everything and for making me feel at home...away from home!
Internships in Cape Town
Amanda Kaspar
Deciding to spend my summer in Cape Town with Connect-123 as a child life intern was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I had a great supervisor and a fantastic staff to work with at the hospital. Anytime I needed assistance or help there was always someone around. Working as a child life intern with the children made going to work everyday fun and enjoyable. Whether it was assisting a patient through daily procedures, preparing for surgery, or helping a child to have fun playing in the hospital the days were always fun. Seeing the joy on a child’s face when I came in to prepare them or play with them is indescribable. I was able to gain first-hand experience in an area that I want to continue to work in. It was a great opportunity to see child life in Cape Town and to help make a difference with the patients there. Weekends in Cape Town were never boring. There is always something new to see and explore with the other amazing interns. We went on a safari, walked on the beach with penguins, had braais on the roof of the apartment, hiking, skydiving, and so much more. The people I met through Connect-123 came from around the world and I consider myself lucky that I was able to work and live with such incredible people. If you are looking for an amazing summer with great experience and opportunities to explore a beautiful city then go to Cape Town!
Isaiah Leiva
My experience in Buenos Aires was one that I will never forget. The people of the Connect-123 program: Daniela, Vanesa, Katie and Lea were all extremely helpful and polite when it came to getting around the city and learning about cool and fun new things to do in Argentina and they were fun to hang out with. I would say what I loved most about my entire experience down there was meeting new people. I met amazing people that I will remember for the rest of my life and I can now officially say I have friends from different countries, yes! The Connect-123 events were great as they really helped me loosen up and relax when it came to being introduced to a big city, in which I knew absolutely no one. One piece of advice I would give to the Connect-123 traveller would be to go to these events if you are feeling a bit homesick. All in all, the Connect-123 experience in Buenos Aires was an amazing one I will never forget.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Patrick Corcoran
I worked with former President FW de Klerk at his foundation: FW de Klerk Foundation and the Center for Constitutional Rights. I worked side by side with South African scholars who sought to ensure the Constitution was respected by all levels of government and that all minorities within South Africa were treated fairly under the law. Some of the major issues the Foundation focuses on include: Affirmative Action or Cadre Deployment, The Afrikaans Language, and Voting for citizens abroad. Patrick is now working as a research associate at the Public Affairs Council. In addition, he was granted a research assistsantship for Dr. Maryann Cusimano Love at the Institute of Policy Research and Catholic Studies. Patrick is also an adjunct consultant with Consultancy Africa Intel and an international political consultant with Influentials Network.
Internships in Cape Town
Sarah Plumb
The three months that I was able to spend in Cape Town taught me so much about myself and provided me with an experience that will undoubtedly stick with me for the rest of my life. While living in Cape Town, I had the opportunity to do a marketing/communications internship with a small fashion website as well as a larger fashion organization, both of which worked to help promote the local fashion industry in Cape Town as well as educate local designers. Some of my responsibilities included writing blog posts, editing website content, and assisting with the planning required for designer workshops and the fashion organization’s Annual General Meeting. My working experience in Cape Town was extremely positive and provided me with invaluable work experience that I am continuing to benefit from. Throughout my internship and time in Cape Town, Connect-123 was with me every step of the way. They ensured that my living and working experience exceeded my expectations, and were extremely helpful with any questions that I had throughout the process. They also made sure that all program participants were provided with plenty of additional opportunities to travel, volunteer, and get to know the city. Each month they would send out an events calendar highlighting the different trips they had planned for us as well as contact information for additional places to visit and organizations that are looking for volunteers. Cape Town and South Africa as a whole has such a wide variety of activities, there really is something for everyone. With plenty of beautiful beaches, hiking opportunities, shopping, museums, landmark locations, thrilling adventures, and a lively night life, the possibilities for things to do are endless. Living and working in Cape Town was a truly unbelievable experience that surpassed my every expectation, and I can’t thank Connect 123 enough for providing me with this wonderful opportunity.
Internships in Cape Town
Jacob Southard
It’s nearly impossible to capture my entire experience in Cape Town in just a few paragraphs. The experiences I encountered, the things I learned about myself, relationships I’ve established, and experiencing life outside my familiarity, is something I wouldn’t trade for anything. I cannot thank Connect-123 enough for my time in South Africa. From accommodating me in a great location, to walking me through all necessary paper work, providing any assistance and reference, and giving me the peace of mind that there are people there responsible for my well-being, Connect-123’s program was perfect for an inexperienced traveler like myself. I served a purpose in Cape Town as an intern for an architecture firm. When Connect-123 asked me what I was looking to take away from the internship, I told them I was looking for a firm where I can learn more about the business side and basically how things work in the real world – as opposed to theory, which is taught in university. Connect-123 was able to place me with a company that educated me not only in what I was looking for, but so much more then I could have imagined. While I was an intern, I became skilled in many computer programs, which before then, was unfamiliar with. I was privileged enough to be taken to project sites (working and completed), as well as observe meetings with engineers and clients alike. Part of my responsibility at the firm, was to research materials from how its made, to how its disposed of, and everything in between; as the firm is at the forefront of sustainable, eco friendly, and earth building in South Africa. As a result of these tasks, I was exposed to a vast amount of materials unknown prior to, and spoke with company representatives all over the country and continent. Because the firm was relatively small, work was effectively distributed and I was unveiled to every aspect of the industry and the responsibility that follows, which I found beneficial as well. I’m certain that I will use many of the things I learned at the firm throughout the rest of my career and life. The city of Cape Town is extremely easy to fall in love with. During my time in Cape Town, I was fortunate enough to bear witness to the winter and summer months as well as travel its surroundings. Pictures don’t do a justice as far as capturing its natural beauty, and it’s severely difficult to try and explain how extraordinary and fun the city really is. What I am trying to say is: one has to go and experience it for themselves. There’s no doubt in my mind that Cape Town is one of the greatest cities in the world. The diversity, weather, (especially) food, scenery, nightlife, countryside, and people really made it hard to leave Cape Town. Thanks to the residence, I found it very welcoming. It was easy to establish relationships with the locals, also. In fact, I’m still in contact with many of my close South African friends and plan on seeing them sometime in the near future – whether here in America, or back in South Africa. Any and everyone I come across that asks me about my time in S.A., I tell them all the same thing: Do whatever you need to do, to get there at some point in your life. I would like to tell Connect-123 thank you one more time, and see you guys in Cape Town soon! Aweh!
