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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Erin Miller
My time spent in Barcelona was nothing short of incredible, and this is largely due to the attentiveness and effort from Connect-123. I received round-the-clock advice and assitance during the application and placement process, and ended up with a fantastic internship that was professional, interesting and perfectly relevant to my field of study. I decided to pursue an international internship the summer after I graduated from my university and chose to go through Connect-123 due to their extensive program offerings. Gaining experience working in a foreign country was an invaluable addition to my professional career goals and has provided expansive amounts of knowledge and networking opportunities. Now that I have experience working abroad, I feel I definitely have a leg up in today's competetive job market. Barcelona is such a beautiful and exciting place and Connect-123 was available to provide heaps of information about the city; covering everything from housing suggestions to restaurant recommendations. My advice to those considering an internship in Spain would be to do it! It will without a doubt be an unforgettable experience!
Internships in Barcelona
Trevor Larson
Having the opportunity to live and work in Barcelona during the summer of 2012 has provided me with indispensible life skills as well as many lasting connections with people from all over the world. Connect-123 found me an internship almost immediately after signing up. I was very surprised seeing that my request to work with entrepreneurs in an Internet tech-based firm was very obscure. However, Connect-123 worked diligently finding me a handful of options right away. Needless to say, I got the opportunity to work with some really intelligent and hard-working entrepreneurs in a real-life environment. This opportunity gave me the experience I needed to go back home and be successful in my own business ventures as well as provided me with beneficial business contacts for me in Europe in the event that I ever want to work in the overseas market. My only piece of advice for someone who is debating whether or not to intern in Barcelona is to simply just do it. Connect-123 is very professional and makes the transition to a foreign country very enjoyable. Not only that, but Barcelona is an amazing city and you will undoubtedly find that you will not want to return home!
Internships in Barcelona
Saachi Sadchatheeswarm
After four years in undergrad I realised that not only was I not ready for graduate school, but that I also had very little experience for a career in science, despite a double major in Zoology/Human Biology. Luckily I happened upon an internship at home in Canada which gave me training in scientific publishing and literature research, but I still needed experience working with animals in some form. After some searching I found Connect-123’s website, and I decided to take the chance at an internship in Cape Town. From the very start the agency went above and beyond my expectations. They answered my tentative inquiry email promptly, and from there everything went very fast. They not only found me an internship outside of their usual placements, but helped me find a place to stay at Stellenbosch University for two months, and even placated my mother when she became nervous about me going to and staying in South Africa all by myself. During this internship, I not only gained a wide set of skills needed to become a real researcher of marine biology (a childhood dream), but also got to experience campus living for the first time, I learned how to cook rice properly from a mycology professor and quiche from my ecology supervisor, and indulged in the best pasteries ever whenever I wanted. The end result of my internship, which I worked hard and happy at, was a successful chance at continuing it as a Masters of Science project at the University of Cape Town come this September (2012). In addition, I received the references necessary for a summer post as Assistant to the Curator of Amphibians & Reptiles and Curator of Mammals at the Toronto Zoo in Canada. Connect-123 provided me with a very rare chance to intern with lovely people within my chosen profession, and realise that it would actually be possible to be a Marine Biologist. Although the people at Connect-123 had to make special arrangements for me for nearly all aspects of my 2 months in Cape Town, they did so without fuss and made me feel incredibly welcome and safe. They were with me every step of the way, checked on my progress often, and took a real vested interest in how and what I was doing. I highly recommend this program to all hard-working (yes, I even worked on weekends and loved it) young folk that want to realise the possibilities offered in other countries. Stellenbosch was a jewel of a place to study and research and I felt properly apart of an academic community. The surroundings were beautiful and the people were always cheerful and polite. I really can’t wait to be back in South Africa, this time for 2 or more years.
Internships in Cape Town
Vanessa Cox
My time in Buenos Aires has been an experience I'll never forget. During the two months of living here, I have learned a great deal about myself, the culture, and skills pertaining to my profession–Graphic Design. Before this trip, I had never lived in a big city; I discovered not only could I survive by myself, but also how much I love city life. The first few weeks were a little challenging being over 4000 miles from home, but I soon found a lovely church that made me feel at home. Transportation was easier to use than other countries I’ve visited, and strangers were kind and helpful during times of uncertainty. Upon arriving, the language was hard to understand due to the accent. Though I still have difficulty, I can understand more now, and have picked up the porteño “sh” sound. I am very happy with everything Connect-123 has done during my stay in Buenos Aires. They found me a wonderful internship with a web development company that helps non-profits thrive via the Internet. Everyone with whom I worked was wonderful, friendly, and willing to help when I needed it. My Connect-123 representitives were also very helpful and responded quickly to any and all concerns/problems/questions I had. They also found me a lovely porteña to live with in her apartment, which was safe, clean, and where my privacy was respected. I am very pleased with the job Connect-123 did, and highly recommend their services!
Internships in Barcelona
Sarah Lucey
My time in Cape Town was life changing. I had a lot of wonderful experiences around the city and the beautiful country of South Africa. In my free time I went skydiving, surfing, wine tasting, hiking and so much more. My most rewarding of activities however was my internship at a human rights organisation, working in the Education Programme. I worked with a really great team of social workers, programme officers and other interns who work hard to advocate for the rights of and raise the standard of living of the refugees and asylum seekers that came in for our assistance. Under the supportive supervision of the staff at the centre, I learned how to assess our clients for vulnerability to assist with school fees, uniforms and stationary for their children. I also implemented a new advocacy program, called Peace Through Play for primary schools as an integrative way to teach respect and love for different cultures. I recognized a lack of actual programs with the children, and suggested this one for grade 3 learners in schools we knew to have a mix of local and refugee students. The program was well received by the students, the schools and the organisation, and I am proud to hear it is still thriving after I left my placement there. The work wasn't always easy, but the successes we witnessed were amazing to see and learn from. The shear strength that our clients possess to have managed escaping war ridden countries, and living in families torn apart in a new home who's people don't fully accept them is the most admirable thing I have ever seen. I will never forget and always be grateful for this opportunity!
Internships in Cape Town
Jenny Reader
I recently spent two months on a volunteering program in South Africa, organised by Connect-123. I can honestly say it was an amazing, once in a lifetime experience which I would recommend to anyone! I spent my time there working in a Primary School and with a Foster family. I learnt so much from this experience, so much of which I was able to take back home with me and I am sure will stay with me for a very long time. It was great to have Connect-123 to organise my accommodation which was in a great location, right in the middle of Cape Town and so easily accessible to shops, the train station, nightlife, local markets and my workplace. They also organised my placements for me which matched closely to the type of work I said I wanted to experience during my time in Cape Town. Connect-123 also organised some great day trips which gave me the chance to visit some of the amazing ‘must see’ sites of Cape Town whilst socialising with others on the Connect-123 Internship program.
Volunteer in Cape Town
Megan Petrous
Coming to South Africa to intern for three months was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Not only was I able to explore the beautiful city of Cape Town, but also got to meet wonderful friends, make great memories, and gain valuable work experience. As a marketing intern for an environmentally focused social enterprise, I was part of several unique projects that allowed me to explore different career fields and gain a better understanding of my interests and strengths. I was entrusted to take on challenging tasks that helped me develop the skills that I will need as I continue in my career. Overall, I was grateful with the amount of responsibility that I was given, as I felt I was able to truly make a difference, while learning new things daily. None of this would have been possible without the help of Connect-123. Living in a foreign country can be challenging and overwhelming. Having the Connect-123 team to handle all of the legwork that comes with finding an internship, arranging housing, etc., allowed me to focus on making the most out of my time in Cape Town. Furthermore, it was great to have Connect-123 as a resource to answer any questions or concerns that I had. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience in South Africa and I highly encourage everyone to participate in the wonderful program that Connect-123 has to offer.
Internships in Cape Town
Rana El Naggar
I grew up in the Middle East, and finished my Undergraduate degree in Business Administration, in Dubai. I decided to change my career path to International Relations, and now planning to study a postgraduate degree in the UK. I decided to intern in an NGO in a different country to learn a new language, and I chose Barcelona. Spain is among the most important countries in Europe with international development entities. Connect-123 gave me a great placement in which I was able to expand my knowledge and skills in the field in a very friendly environment. I chose to find an internship with Connect-123 because of the variety of services they provide throughout the duration of the internship. Connect-123 helped in finding the appropriate internship, list of housing options and language courses that were tailored to fit my needs. I got a discount in almost all services provided through Connect-123. Most importantly for me, living alone in a foreign country was a difficult decision. Knowing I had someone to contact was very comforting! I would advise graduates in any field of work to intern in Barcelona. It is a beautiful city, lovely weather, and very student- friendly. It is great to be able to learn a new language, meet new people as well as get a head start on your career!
Internships in Barcelona
Justin Parsons
Connect-123 helped create a really incredible experience for me in Shanghai. They were very professional in their correspondence, from the initial interview to providing me with a good variety of internship and housing options. My internship itself was excellent and provided me with an experience that will be essential when I graduate and enter the job market. Connect-123 provided me with excellent options that I felt privileged to choose from. Shanghai is an incredible city and full of contrasts and energy. I had a great time there and met a lot of fascinating people. Despite speaking only a few words of Chinese, I’ve had some great opportunities to see different parts of the city through my internship. In Shanghai, Connect-123 continued to support me and I enjoyed the weekly dinners with other interns and international students. This has been a truly eye-opening experience for me, and I would certainly recommend Connect-123’s services to anyone seeking support in setting up an international internship.
Internships in Shanghai
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
