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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Christina Koehler
Draining spider bites and tango dancing—not two things that I would usually associate together. That is, not until I completed an internship through Connect-123 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I interned in a hospital for two months, and it was hands down one of the most worthwhile, exciting, and informative times of my life. My internship was not only suited to my academic interests in nursing and Spanish, but also to my personality as I was able to form relationships with both patients and doctors. I shocked myself with the realization that I want to pursue trauma nursing, a discovery that came through the hands-on work that the doctors allowed me to do. Besides the placement for my internship, Connect-123 was also helpful in helping me connect with peers. Buenos Aires is a huge city, and it can be intimidating to go in alone. Connect-123 set up both my housing and different cultural events, like tango, that allowed me to meet fellow interns that became close friends. I could write all day about the incredible experiences I had in Argentina. Many thanks to Connect-123 for providing a home away from home.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Jeremy Druhot
For two months this summer, I interned as a public policy and law researcher for a non-governmental organization that studies economic crimes – such as money laundering, drug trafficking and more. Before becoming involved with Connect-123, I very much wanted to gain work experience in this field – thanks to Connect, I now had the opportunity to do so. My time in the office was very productive – I analyzed laws and public policy surrounded certain issues and I would write reports on them (in Spanish!) to broaden the organization’s bank of research and to educate the public on the issue. I wrote two such reports for the organization, and I felt that my work was valued and worthwhile. Argentina was what I had hoped for and more. Buenos Aires is such a huge city with something for everyone – concerts, cultural events, museums, and so much more. The local cuisine is very unique, though it does lend a lot from Italian (which is not at all a bad thing!) Argentina’s pizzas, empanadas, milanesas are all to die for. In conclusion, I loved my experience in Argentina and with Connect-123. My internship was certainly the best work experience I have ever had, and Connect-123 made it happen.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Ella Thorpe-Beeston
Connect-123 could not have made it more easy to get acclimatised to life in Buenos Aires. The city is one of the most vibrant and diverse that I’ve ever been to. It’s never short of anything to do and there are countless bars and restaurants. I had plenty of time to explore the BA as well as travel outside of the capital to places including Mendoza and Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. I lived in Recoleta in a house that is near lots of shops and restaurants and with easy access to public transport. I got on really well with all my house mates and we’re sure to keep in touch. In terms of my internship, I worked on average 6 hours a day and got a very hands-on experience. My co-workers were extremely welcoming and were keen to make my time there the most fulfilling that it could be. I now know that I definitely want to pursue a career in the field of my internship. I’m very grateful to the Connect 123 team in Buenos Aires who helped me gain the internship and made settling in Buenos Aires so easy.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Alice Runion
Studying abroad had been something I was interested in for a while, but I wasn't very excited about programs that only offered classes in other countries. After hearing about Connect-123's internship programs, I was so excited that I would be able to have an internship position working for an organization. I can say that, hands-down, this was the best part of studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for two months. Between getting to explore the city and seeing the culture for myself, I also had the rewarding experience of working for an NGO that does research on economic crime in Argentina. The internship helped me grow in my researching skills and learn how to take on a full report by myself, and I am so excited to use these skills when I return to school in the fall. The Connect-123 program coordinators were great about making sure that everything with my position was going well without being overbearing and setting up fun activities for program participants to do. I appreciated all of the freedom this internship provided and the experiences I had in a beautiful country.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Ashley Roig
Before my arrival to Buenos Aires, I was extremely nervous (anyone would be!). I spoke little Spanish and knew no one in Argentina. Upon meeting my Connect-123 advisor, all those nervous feelings melted away! She made me feel completely comfortable and told me to embrace the city. I am a fourth year nursing major in Boston so I wanted a volunteer experience that would place me back into healthcare, and she found me the perfect internships. I worked in two different hospitals, each providing a different view on healthcare. The first was a public hospital with few resources, but the nurses welcomed me and taught me everything they knew. The second hospital was also public, but resembled something from the United States! Here, it was the doctors who took me under their wing to observe surgeries, assist gynecologists, and rotate throughout the hospital. Overall, I believe my experience in Buenos Aires really opened my eyes to both the beauty of healthcare, and that of Buenos Aires’ amazing porteño culture. Not only were my healthcare skills sharpened, but I returned to the States with my Spanish much improved and waiting for my chance to go back!
Internships in Buenos Aires
Benjamin Lim
The education internship I was assigned to involved assisting primary school students with English conversational skills and secondary school students with Biology and Environmental Management lessons. It certainly allowed me to gain insights on the Argentinian education system, at the same time picking up soft skills for me to become an effective teacher in future. This experience has helped me to realize that learning is life-long. Even after 18 years of education in school, there are still many things I can learn. Things like language, interpersonal skills, responsibility, punctuality and patience are qualities beyond school education. And these are the exact attributes that can be achieved via an overseas internship. Besides, you will also be presented with the opportunity to discover Argentina’s breathtaking landscapes. In just two short months, I’ve travelled to Tigre, Cordoba, Rosario, Andes Mountains in Mendoza, Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate, Ushuaia (the world’s southernmost city), Iguazu Falls and Quebrada de Humahuaca in Salta/Jujuy. Even within Buenos Aires, it is not all work and no play. I got to attend a football match at the River Plate stadium and witnessed for myself the ecstatic atmosphere of Argentinian football. The food (especially meat!) is so delicious that I was always craving for more. Social events are also organized periodically for Connect-123 participants to touch base with one another. Add that to the amazing people you meet throughout the course of your internship, I can assure you there will be no lack of friends to interact with! That being said, it wasn’t a smooth journey throughout, otherwise I wouldn’t have benefitted like how I actually did. The biggest challenge I overcame was the language barrier. I was bold enough to arrive in Argentina with absolutely zero Spanish background. At times, it was a struggle to even get by. Nevertheless, I took 2 weeks of lessons and displayed the determination to learn. Thankfully, the teachers showed patience and the students were more than eager to teach me Spanish vocabulary. Everyone really does appreciate the fact that you are attempting to speak Spanish. By the last day, I even managed to craft and read out my farewell message entirely in Spanish! I would strongly recommend this internship to anyone who is keen to step out of his/her comfort zone. Anyone who is adventurous and willing to try new things, things that you never imagined you will accomplish. Anyone who is keen to develop relationships you would never have ever envisioned. Anyone who wants to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Lastly, anyone who wishes to have the time of their lives.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Sara Gold
When I started university, I knew that I wanted to spend one semester abroad. I completed an internship in Buenos Aires, Argentina with Connect 123 this February-June so as to take a productive break from my studies and to truly think about what direction I was headed in. I chose Buenos Aires to improve my Spanish, experience living abroad and for its fascinating history amongst many more reasons. I knew that with my International Development Major and Women’s Studies Minor, work experience before graduation was necessary and that Argentina had a long and interesting past and current history in relation to women’s rights. I interned at two NGO’s. One dealt primarily with issues affecting women and children with HIV/AIDS. My responsibilities included looking for funding, compiling a master list with the funder’s requirements, explaining the grants and sending them to the organization as well as translation/revision of their entire website, many grant proposals, budgets and official e-mails. At this NGO, I learnt a lot about non-profit work in Argentina, the inner-workings of the United Nations, marketing, grant-writing, budget creation and translation. My supervisors were clear about their expectations and made feasible, yet ambitious goals. The second organization was a feminist non-profit that dealt with women’s rights in the context of domestic or any type of violence. I was more independent at this internship and initiated my own project, which was the creation of a blog for the organization. I also assisted them with a little bit of translation and writing up material/designing a program for workshops they held later in the year. When the workshops started, I assisted them in preparing and hosting their events. In both of my internships, I learnt greatly about women’s rights in Argentina, the inner-workings of NGOs and the impact both groups are making domestically and internationally. My level of Spanish also went from barely speaking to conversational fluent in a matter of months. My greatest challenges were of course, first, adjusting to the language switch and to a different working culture. In my free time, I met up with friends, attended Connect-123 or other events, explored the city and travelled to places all over South America and Argentina like Peru, Chile, Patagonia, Mendoza, Brazil and Uruguay. Buenos Aires is really the gateway to many exciting destinations over the continent and there are definitely ways to travel affordably. I made many incredible friends and took time to really enjoy and explore the city. I took the time to appreciate and think, which is something we all forget to do when we’re caught up with life. I loved everything about Argentina; the people, the food, the expressions, the places, the city, the music, the literature, my apartment, the nature, the culture, the language and more. Thank you to Paula and Katie from Connect-123 for warmly welcoming me to B.A. and helping me make the best of what the city had to offer. Taking a semester to do my internship and travel truly helped me confirm my career plans and take the time to consolidate my skills. I would highly suggest for anyone to get out of their comfort zone and pursue international opportunities like this one, so as to learn, be taught, share, travel and experience.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Roberto Espana
Where do I even begin? Connect-123 truly gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I was down in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for three months working in the mental health unit of a local hospital. To be honest, it was not love at first sight – I really had to let the hospital, the patients, and the culture, all grow on me. My time in Buenos Aires gave me a clearer perspective of the direction I wanted to take my life in. I gained an incredible amount of experience and knowledge in a relatively short amount of time, something I do not think I could have done back home. Working in the hospital provided me with invaluable clinical experience that will absolutely help me in the future as I continue to build my career. The doctors I met and the bonds I created were remarkable, and I honestly cannot wait to apply what I learned in BA back in the states. Living in Buenos Aires really changed me as a person. I met so many people, created such strong friendships, and go to know myself on a deeper level. Sometimes when you are stuck in the mundane routine of your life you lose exactly that – life. But when you are in a different country trying out new things and building professional experience you are overcome with energy and a renewed sense of purpose. You stop to admire the parks within the city, you take a thirty minute bus ride to the café that caught your eye, you read and write things you did not know you were capable of. I even got to travel to Iguazu Falls and Patagonia during my time there! Although it was only three months, this experience was life-changing and definitely something I would do again in a heartbeat. If you have the opportunity to participate in this program, do it. Whatever is holding you back and making you question it, throw it away and do it. You will be happy you did.
Manny Tulumaris
My several months in Buenos Aires, Argentina were an incredible experience that allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. As a recent college graduate with a degree in Finance and Spanish, this was a perfect opportunity that allowed me to transition into life after graduation. As a former Division I athlete, spending a semester abroad was never an option, but I was convinced it was something I needed to do. Fortunately, my work abroad experience turned out to be even more rewarding that a semester abroad could have been. Using Connect-123's impressive professional network I was able to find the perfect internship experience working at a brand new venture capital fund under the guidance of an experienced entrepreneur. The work I did was highly rewarding and absolutely fascinating as I was able to meet countless ambitious entrepreneurs and analyze close to a dozen radically different companies. This has carried over seamlessly back into the US, as I have received some great attention from prospective employers as a result of this experience. Living in Buenos Aires also enabled me to experience the incredible porteño culture, gain a high level of Spanish fluency and forge several strong friendships. I was also able to take several weekend trips to world-famous destinations such as Mendoza, Iguazú Falls, and Punta del Este. I experienced so much in less than four months, that I feel as if I gained at least a year of valuable life experience. I owe a great deal of thanks to the Connect-123 staff for making this all possible!
Internships in Buenos Aires
Juliana Torrens
After I graduated from college I decided to take a year to acquire more experience on the medical field before applying to medical school. Doing an internship with Connect-123 was an amazing opportunity for my personal and professional growth. I had the opportunity to work in a public hospital with a group of Oncologists in Buenos Aires, Argentina. During my time there, I was under the wing of a great group of doctors that taught me everything I needed to know in order to succeed in the medical field. With this experience I was able to learn more about the oncology field, work ethics and the doctor-patient relationship. Some days when I wasn’t at the hospital, I worked on a clinical research for a new drug for metastatic breast cancer patients. I’m so thankful to everyone that made this one of the best experiences of my life. First of all, the Connect-123 team in Buenos Aires is amazing! Paula and Katie were always very helpful and supportive in every way. I also made tons of new friends from all over the world, many of which I’m still in touch with. If you are looking for the experience of your life, don’t hesitate to contact Connect-123!
Internships in Buenos Aires
Gary & Pat Chin
When our daughter, Tracy, made the decision to travel abroad to South America to work and reside there for three months we were very concerned. She did not have a place to live or any idea of job prospects. As a parent, our first reaction was to try and dissuade her from going. After she found Connect-123 online purely by chance, everything fell into place. Paula Carrettoni of Connect-123 was instrumental in finding her an internship in her field and securing a safe place for her to live. She made sure that all the legalities were taken care of prior to her entering the country. Details such as the reciprocity fee and other matters that she would not have been aware of if Paula was not on top of these important details. It was at this point that we began to relax and could embrace and support her decision to make the trip. We had the opportunity to join Tracy during her stay in Buenos Aires and witnessed first hand the major role Connect-123 played in the success of her trip to South America. We had the pleasure of meeting Paula and being able to thank her in person for being there 24/7 for our daughter. Connect 123 went above and beyond on many levels and we would highly recommend them to any parent whose child has the desire to travel abroad. Thank you so much Paula and the Connect 123 team!
Internships in Buenos Aires
Emma-Louise Wagstaff
As a student of languages at my home university in the UK, I decided to spend 5 months of my year abroad in one of the most incredible cities in South America. My time in Buenos Aires is one that I will never forget and neither will I forget the friends I was able to make out there, too. I undertook two internships out in Buenos Aires; for two months I worked as a camp councillor for a summer camp and for 3 months I was privileged to work at a primary/secondary school as a sports coach. My internships were amazing, and I can not thank the Connect-123 staff enough for finding them for me. My colleagues at the school became my friends and I still get to keep in touch with them today. The only time I felt like I would cry out there, was when I had to leave. My last day at my school was the worst day ever. Not because I didn't enjoy myself, but because I was going to miss everyone of those children that I was able to see and bond with everyday. Even though the Spanish was not the European Spanish that I was used to, it definitely helped develop my Spanish and prepare me for my final year at University. The guidance and help I received during my time in Buenos Aires truly helped me to make the city feel like my home. Connect-123 also helped me to meet an array of genuinely amazing friends that have now become my family across the pond. If, like me, you are from Europe and are considering trying something different from the Erasmus programme on your year abroad, I would highly suggest the Connect-123 programme in Buenos Aires. The flight may be 15 hours long, but once you're there, you'll never want to leave.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Hannah Sprick
With the help of Connect-123, I was able to spend the best summer of my life in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The local program organizers were incredibly helpful, and made sure I felt welcome in my new environment from the moment I arrived. They helped me find a wonderful apartment in a great location, and matched me up with an amazing internship. For three months, I had the privilege of working with a cross-cultural consulting firm as a translator and social media manager. It was a start-up company, and the assignments I completed were challenging but incredibly rewarding. Besides my professional experience, I also had a fantastic time learning about the culture and traditions of Argentina, participating in a variety of local festivals and traveling to several different cities. Our advisers also planned a variety of fun events that allowed me to meet other people in the program, several of whom have become my closest friends. I was very sad when the time came for me to depart, but I was also thankful that my experience with Connect opened my eyes to the possibility of living and working abroad in the future. All in all, I had a phenomenal time as a Connect-123 intern and would highly recommend this program to anyone who would like to gain international work experience.
Internships in Buenos Aires
Jessica DeFinis
Ever since I started learning Spanish I wanted to travel and work in a Spanish speaking country. Connect-123 allowed me to realize one of my life long dreams. I spent two months working as a nurse in a public hospital in Buenos Aires. The welcoming and inclusive atmosphere was beyond anything I expected. My co-workers and nurse manager immediately welcomed me to the floor and gave me as much responsibility as any other practicing nurse. The experience I gained was unparalleled to anything I could have found in the states. One of my co-workers became one of my closest friends in Buenos Aires. In addition to an amazing professional growth experience, the Connect-123 program was a great resource for meeting other Americans while I was so far from home. During my first few days in the city Connect organized at event near my apartment so I could meet the people who were about to become very close friends. My time in Buenos Aires was life changing and I would absolutely do it again.
Internships in Buenos Aires
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
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
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
Karlayne Powell
This past year I had the opportunity to travel to Argentina to work as a legal intern through Connect-123. My experience with Connect-123 was more than just incredible; not only did they find an extremely hands-on internship, but also a conveniently located apartment, all with exceptional assistance from the program coordinators. I worked in a middle-sized law firm located in the heart of Micro Centro in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating, the hours were flexible and the interns had their own work space, which included a desk and computer. Interns had the ability to work directly with one of the founding partners of the firm; who was willing to put their trust and confidence into the work of the interns. The employer was able to speak English, which is always helpful to those who aren’t well versed in Spanish, but there is also an opportunity to practice Spanish. As an intern, I had the opportunity to participate in conference calls with clients overseas and carry out preliminary depositions with in-office clients. Primarily, I worked on translating by-laws of companies managed by the firm, as well as writing memos and possible proposals for solutions to client’s problems. At times, I was able to go around the city, and view several processes of the Argentine system, such as the notarization and legalization of documents. The apartment I lived in was a fifteen minute bus ride to the internship site, and was off of the main shopping/café street in the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires. The location was essential because I could walk anywhere and do anything, with access to a variety of buses as well. The best thing for me about Connect-123 was the assistance. Any company may be able to find a job or apartment, but Connect-123 goes a bit further. My coordinators were so helpful; from getting settled, to figuring out where to buy bus passes, no issue was too small for them to handle. In addition to visiting other parts of the city, and having different night activities, the coordinators also gave guidance on upcoming attractions in Buenos Aires each month. Connect-123 allowed me to have a unique experience without the hassle and worries of finding a legitimate internship with substance and a non-shady apartment with sincere roommates.
Internships in Buenos Aires
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.
Internships in Buenos Aires
