Being away for a month in another country seemed very daunting, at least to someone like me who has never travelled on her own without friends or family. If it were not for Connect-123, which took care of the really important basics, like introducing me to my tourism placement and transportation from the airport, my experience would have been very different.

Although it feels like only yesterday I was boarding the plane from Chicago to Dublin, I know I have not returned to the US as the same person who left. The experience taught me invaluable lessons and I have grown in ways I would not have expected.

Interning for a tourism company was wonderful. It was challenging enough, testing my character and skills, helping me better understand my strengths and weaknesses. The whole experience – working, travelling, and meeting new people – was absolutely incredible. It was so much more extraordinary than I ever would have imagined.

Honestly, I had the best time of my life. Dublin was spectacular, Ireland was magical and I cannot wait to see what else there is to explore. Thank you, Connect-123, for giving me the opportunity to take my first “baby-step” out into the world. I will be forever grateful for your help and hospitality. Thank you, thank you, thank you!