Reviews

Dan Cao

Connect-123 gave me the opportunity to work in a Mandarin-speaking environment which was one of the most valuable experiences I have ever had in my life. Not only that, Connect-123 helped me to grow accustomed to the culture Shanghai as well as bring me closer together with other Connect-123 participants. Although I wished to spend more time in Shanghai, my 2 month-experience was well worth it. It was all thanks to the team, especially the coordinator, who helped us through the process so that we can focus on the thrills and joys of the whole experience.

Jade Murray

I seriously had the best summer ever this year and it’s all down to these guys! When the idea of an internship in Barcelona appears in your mind, it’s crazy but so overwhelming trying to figure out where to start – especially when your Spanish is no bueno. Not only did the staff at Connect-123 find me a great internship, they were always on hand with advice on housing, expenses and of course some pretty cool things to do with my time in Barcelona! My main piece of advice is to go for as long as you possibly can. Originally I planned only 3 weeks, then decided on almost two months – but now looking back on things I really wish I had spent some more time there. I definitely had a case of culture shock when I arrived, so really don’t worry too much to begin with as it took me around three weeks to really settle in to the way of life and truly enjoy myself. Connect-123 managed to find me a marketing internship at a travel company, where I met and worked with the best people. Marketing wasn’t really an area I had ever considered before as a psychology student, but I still managed to learn so much in my short time there. Barcelona is an amazing place, I visited on a day trip last year and by the time I left I had said to myself “I need to move here”. It’s much more than just the tourist areas, there’s so much going on and it’s the sort of place you could just happily walk around all day getting lost down side streets. All the neighbourhoods have their own style and it really is a unique sort of place. Also if Barcelona beach isn’t doing it for you, the beautiful Sitges is just a 30 minute train ride away – a quiet little seaside town if you ever need to escape for a day. Typing this from Edinburgh, Scotland where the current temperature is really cold, I wish to be back in Barcelona where I had the best time of my life!

Levi Smith

Buenos Aires. Mi querido. I do not even know where to begin. Interning in the tango capital of the world was the best experience I have had in my entire life. The people, the culture, the food, the excursions, the ease of life – it was all perfect. I interned in an animal veterinary clinic in Santos Lugares, which is just a short train ride outside of Capital. My supervisor not only taught me an immeasurable amount of knowledge in regards to veterinary medicine (more than I had learned in the 7 years I had interned in the United States), but he took me on as if I were his host son. He took me to get helado with his family, helped me plan excursions, took me to la Universidad de Buenos Aires to observe classes at the veterinary college, took me to ride his horses, and helped me in any situation I stumbled upon.

The best perk for me was being able to experience the city where one of my favorite people lived and worked – Eva Duarte de Perón. The Evita Museum was only 15 blocks from where I lived near Plaza Italia. Seeing the museum and visiting the tomb of Eva Perón was one of the highlights of my trip. Before coming to Argentina, I had known of Eva Perón and her amazing life for a long time, but actually being able to be where she lived and did all of those amazing things was completely surreal. My housing was perfect. I lived in a beautiful house right near Plaza Serrano in Palermo – the bar district. It was a safe and fun neighborhood where there was ALWAYS something to do: dinner at la parilla, dance classes at La Viruta, drinks near the plaza, or get on the Subte and go to Plaza de Mayo. Everyone in the city was super friendly, always eager to practice Spanish and/or English with me. While in Buenos Aires, I was able to travel to both Iguazú Falls and Mendoza. Both of these trips were magnificent! I went to Iguazú the second weekend

I was in Argentina and spent three days exploring Misiones and the beautiful falls of Iguazú. In June, my mom came to visit and we took that opportunity to go to Mendoza. It was much colder in Mendoza, but it was absolutely beautiful. We took a half-day wine and olive oil tour, saw the city of Mendoza, and took a day tour of the la Puente de Inca, ski slopes, Aconcagua, and had a great traditional lunch at the top of the mountains. I am dying to get back to Buenos Aires to reconnect with my awesome friends, relive my time spent there, and just embrace the beautiful culture of Argentina!

Caitlin Argue

I didn’t think it possible, but my experience in Dublin far surpassed my expectations. I had never been so far from home before, and going to a foreign country where I knew absolutely no one, I was definitely nervous. However, I ended up having an unsurpassable summer from beginning to end. Had I done this through any program other than Connect-123, I don’t think I would have had such a wonderful experience. I worked as an intern in a script and research department with a film company.

While I had initially been looking for something in the publishing industry, I am incredibly grateful for the experience my internship has given me. Before getting in touch with my host organization, I had never had any inclination in finding a career in the film industry; now, since returning home, I am actively attempting to pursue one. I learned an incredible amount from my internship, which delved further than basic research and script review into the inner workings of a successful film company. My experience also would not have been so amazing had I not been able to find such a great group of friends on day one. Staying on UCD’s campus had a long list of benefits, but being able to meet and live with other Connect-123 participants was at the top.

I was able to form strong friendships straight away, which definitely made the summer. Having never left the states before, being able to travel to three different countries, and across all of Ireland, in just three months has definitely opened my eyes, and allowed me to learn more about the world, especially Irish culture, than I could have hoped. I am so beyond grateful to Connect-123 for setting me up in an amazing city and with a fascinating internship position.

Krystal LaDuc

Dublin was simply unforgettable. Those 2 months quickly became a life that I could not bear leave, and Ireland quickly became home. With an incredible internship in my field, true friendships, and a lively culture, Connect-123 provided a once in a lifetime opportunity. Interning as a publications assistant, I was given the privilege to singlehandedly prepare a one-time sports anthology. This project included working closely with the publications manager, the editor, the designer, and the organization’s director. It involved compiling poetry, layout, proof reading, and negotiating copyrights from Irish and UK publishers.

The internship included everything from working on this major publication to simple office work and even to attending exclusive poetic, artistic, and cultural events through the city. The Connect-123 team worked hard to find an internship within my field that I was happy with, and I am so appreciative of all their efforts, communication, and reassurance. Along with the internship, I was housed with an incredible group of other interns, which led to memorable trips and lasting friendships. With Ireland’s landscape, accessibility, and location we were able to take several weekend trips (in and outside the country) that were easy and affordable! In such a welcoming environment, both socially and professionally, Dublin was a comfortable city with endless sites and places to discover!

This experience is truly indescribable. I have grown immensely as an individual, a professional, and a traveler. I cannot imagine my life without the people I met in Ireland and the memories I have made. It was, by far, the best time of my life. Now it’s time for you to go have yours! You won’t regret it. Cheers!

Andre Hage

It is not an exaggeration to say that spending time in Cape Town was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I could never have imagined the amount of perspective that I would gain in my two and a half months in South Africa. In addition to being a fantastic chance to meet new people and friends, it was also a humbling experience, as my internship in Khayelitsha township forced me to confront my own privilege. Overall Connect-123 was a fantastic service. I always felt that the staff members were taking their jobs extremely seriously in order to make my experience in Cape Town as memorable as possible. I would definitely recommend Connect-123 to anyone who is interested in doing an internship abroad.

Kendall Donohoe

I had an incredible time in Cape Town for the past few months and I'm so glad I decided to come! My internship at a hospital's cardiothoracics ward was a mixture of research and clinical work. During the morning rounds I was able to listen to and ask questions about the decisions being made, and I was responsible for ordering the diagnostic tests and scans the doctors requested during rounds. In addition to ordering these tests I was able to learn how to write discharge summaries and I observed many types of cardiac and thoracic surgeries. The department was also working on a couple of different clinical trials for devices and methods used in surgeries.

The research project I worked on compares two types of mechanical valves used in heart valve replacement surgery. I loved my internship because of the opportunities for observation and patient interaction, the ability to learn about the health care system from the perspective of a physician or surgeon, and a great team of doctors and medical students who were very willing to explain concepts and answer questions.

In addition to the great experiences and friends I have met through work, I enjoyed livin with the other Connect-123 interns. At first I worried about making friends but instead I have made plenty and there is always something going on! The other interns come from all over the world and exploring Cape Town with them was so much fun!

Alexandra Wilson

My experience with Connect-123 this summer entailed making incredible friendships coupled with the internship of my dreams. I was able to put my international development studies to practical use in a country that has undergone tremendous strides in the development sector, post apartheid, and is on a dynamic and exponential trajectory.

One of the highlights was my boss flying me to Johannesburg to aid in and absorb the process of the organization rebranding. I learned more in that four-day conference than anything I could have taken in through a classroom setting. Aside from the internship, I packed incredible adventures into my trip, such as shark cage diving, bungee jumping, and playing soccer with elephants.

I will take the wealth of knowledge and friendships into the rest of my life and intend to maintain relations with the organization I interned for.

Karlene Horsfield

My Internship in Ireland this summer was a life-changing experience. Not only did i gain invaluable experience in my field of study, but I met friends from around the world that will last a lifetime and had the opportunity to travel and see so much of the beautiful country while I was there. As I study Geological Engineering, Connect-123 was able to find me an ideal internship position for me: A Geophysical Field Assistant. This internship was unique from many of the internships other students were doing, as the majority of it was spent doing fieldwork in the North-West of Ireland.

However, I was able to spend about 2 weeks in Dublin preparing for this fieldwork, which gave me the opportunity to explore the city, meet other Connect-123 interns, and be immersed in the incredible Irish culture. After this, I headed to the small village of Garrison in Northern Ireland where the rest of my internship would be based out of. Over the time spent here, I became very close with my project instructors and fellow interns - all from different countries or regions. The fieldwork used Geophysics to determine whether the characterization of the earth here would be suitable for Carbon Sequestration in the future. The fieldwork was physically and emotionally demanding, and it rained every day. But I loved every minute of it. After the fieldwork I was taught the procedure of data processing.

Overall, Ireland was undoubtedly one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It was my first independent adventure abroad (which can be intimidating), but Connect-123 always made me feel comfortable and safe throughout my time abroad. I highly recommend any students looking for experience, adventure, and travel to do an internship abroad in Ireland - I promise you won't be disappointed.

Anna Clapham

I will never forget my time in Buenos Aires or the people I met along the way that made those three months so special. Thanks to Connect-123 I was instantly introduced to a supportive and diverse group of young globetrotters each carrying their own stories. I had the pleasure of living and befriending people from Italy, France, Germany and all different parts of the US. The laugh filled friendships (and empanadas) are what I cherish and miss the most. Connect-123 also made my internship experience invaluable by linking my interests to a local NGO helping women with micro-credit services. They helped me attain my goal of improving my Spanish by being exposed to it everyday. I'm grateful to have had Connect-123 for establishing these everlasting friendships, affinity with the Argentine culture and unique experiences.

Abby Brazeal

My trip to Buenos Aires was one of the best experiences of my life. The Connect-123 program helped me meet some of my closest friends here. They were able to keep me updated on holidays and special events going on around the city that I would have never known about other wise. Connect-123 found me an internship exactly in my field of study, which was helpful for me to gain some work experience while also getting the opportunity to explore this beautiful city.

I was very pleased with the living arrangements I had. My house was full of younger students that were working and studying both from Buenos Aires and from the program, which was a great mix to have both groups. Going abroad with Connet-123 is a perfect mix of freedom and some guidance. They help you when you need it, but give you enough space to do your own thing and have your own experiences. I had the best trip of my life here!

Sanam Ghaneeian

I had a great experience with Connect-123! I was initially hesitant upon embarking on a working summer in Spain, especially coming off of a study abroad experiencing in Amsterdam, but this experience is now the main talking point throughout all of my interviews! My Connect-123 program coordinator was helpful in bringing this all to fruition from the initial interview until the final placement – patiently answering every question along the way. I had the opportunity to work at a reputable digital marketing firm that represented recognizable companies! My supervisors were very helpful and allowed me to contribute to several international companies’ social platforms!

As a rising graduate going through multiple interviews for post-grad, this experience is my main focal point when describing my skill set. International work experience is highly respected among prospective employers, as the exposure you’ll receive is unlike anything you can compare and truly sets you apart in the candidate pool. Professionalism aside, Barcelona is an incredible city rich with food, culture and nightlife! There is never a dull moment in this city! If we’re not traveling to nearby cities on the weekends, our program coordinator would organize fun intern events like dinners, a Montserrat visit, and beach events! My summer was incredible and I would recommend Connect-123 to anyone!”

Jose Veintimilla

My experience in Buenos Aires was both amazing and unforgettable. My only regret was not staying longer! Buenos Aires is a vibrant city with so much to do and it was great having Connect-123 help me enjoy the city with all it has to offer. When I told Connect-123 that I wanted an engineering internship in Buenos Aires, they found one in a timely manner and organized everything that I needed for my stay in Argentina. I interned with a 3D-printing company and gained valuable working experience there. I learned how to use the software that they use to design their models and got to print cool things for myself. After learning how to use their software a lot of doors opened up for me and I was able to help them with a few projects that they were working on. In the end, I felt like I helped them a lot. Aside from the internship, Connect-123 did a really good job in organizing the social component of my experience. They organized social events to meet other interns, which I really liked because all of the people I met through Connect-123 were truly amazing and I became very close to them during my trip. They also reached out a few times to let me and other interns know about the cool things going on in the city. I would highly recommend doing this type of experience no matter what field of work you plan to do.

Cody Amengual

Living abroad is certainly a challenge for someone who is not completely fluent in the language of that country. Working there is even more of a challenge. The Connect-123 program helped fill in the many gaps that were hard to fill for someone who has little information about a city across the world.

Finding the internship was a major help along with a place to stay in the city. Finding all of the connections and information on my own would have been very difficult and the experience would not have been so good. The food and attraction recommendations helped me have a really enjoyable time in Buenos Aires. I am pretty certain that I would not have made such solid connections and made such good memories without the help of Connect-123 and I am forever grateful. My internship in Buenos Aires was an amazing 2 months!

Christina Daniel

Coming to Spain for two and a half months was a dream come true. I always had it in mind to improve my Spanish and was very drawn to the history and culture of the country. I also wanted to gain more experience in the tech industry. Connect-123 helped me every step of the way and allowed me to work with a non-profit organization based in Barcelona.

I worked under very dedicated people who are actively involved in projects with Amnesty International, Fair Trade España, and many other non-profit organizations, as well as small businesses. I spent time mostly on front-end projects, updating websites in order to make them responsive to mobile and tablets. I was a little nervous about the language barrier I would experience, due to Catalan being the official dialect of this part of the country. However, my internship supervisors were very friendly and accommodating. I could not have done it without Connect-123's guidance!

Getting to live here for a short time is something I will never forget. I met so many wonderful people through the program and elsewhere.

Espero volver pronto!

Inma Perez

My internship in Dublin has been absolutely amazing, so far. Connect-123 helped me to put into words the kind of job I was looking for and was very helpful with so many information and useful advice to settle in and start working.

Dublin is a vibrant city with life music everywhere. Besides, you can do so many things you never get bored. The surrounding landscape is also breathtaking. This internship has also provided me with the opportunity to meet so many people, locals and also people from around the world.

My internship placement has helped me in so many ways. It has given me a valuable work experience in the field I was looking for. I’ve learnt how a NGO works in developing countries and the challenges they face. It has also given me a broader vision of the world and particularly an outlook of the employment situation in a different country. Overall, the whole internship experience has been a memorable one and now I’m sure I’m going to come back to Dublin in the future!

Rachel Aboukhair

My internship through Connect-123 was definitely my best summer so far. I interned at a television production company in Barcelona. Not only was I able to gain experience in television production, but I was also able to do it in the amazing city of Barcelona. My first day, I was out on the streets filming something for an upcoming broadcast. I worked on a television episode, a broadcast of the Copa del Rey, and a taping of Cirque de Soleil in Madrid.

My placement was amazing, and my experience was above and beyond what I expected, and my program coordinator provided so much support throughout my stay. She is very helpful in communicating with you about your goals for an internship and finding the placement that suits your needs. She also provided housing option and socialization opportunities for the whole program. Meeting the other interns made the stay in a foreign city a lot of fun. Connect-123 staff organizes meet ups and activities to get to know each other as well as the city of Barcelona. I chose this program because it was by far the most flexible and affordable that I came across. Also, by housing interns in Barcelona with other students, rather than living in a dormitory, you get the full experience of living within a city and meeting people from all over Europe who come for the summer. A+

Sarah Cuprewich

My time in Dublin was simply unforgettable. Connect-123 staff provided opportunities to meet up with other Connect-123 interns, but it was also fun to get to know my housemates from all around the world and conquer Dublin’s exciting nightlife together. I formed friendships that I hope will last a lifetime! There was always something fun going on in the city, and spending time in the seemingly endless parks when the weather cooperated was always an option. My internship placement was also incredible.

My supervisor was very knowledgeable and always took the time to teach me anything I was curious about. It was interesting to see how another country’s environmental NGOs were handled and seen in the public eye, plus it was fun to interact with locals who were passionate about the same things I am! I learned so much in the two months I spent working, not only about my prospective career but also about another country’s culture. I’m more excited than ever to finally enter the workforce!

The country of Ireland itself is absolutely gorgeous and the people are helpful and friendly. I was never bored because of the endless trips to take, sights to see, and activities to do for any budget. I felt right at home and never felt like an outsider in a country in which I don’t belong. I’m already planning my return trip!

Sidra Shah

These past two months in Ireland have been absolutely amazing! From the remarkable internship placement at one of Ireland’s pediatric hospitals, to the program coordinators' helpful demeanor, the Connect-123 program and staff have been wonderful and friendly.

I was a little hesitant coming to Dublin for the summer, and working at a hospital full time since I am still only a pre-med student. However, I got to work with my supervisor, who was brilliant and kind as he allowed me to gain exposure to the surgical and anesthetic fields. I saw many surgeries on a daily basis, and saw how all the health care providers worked together. Alongside an amazing internship, I enjoyed living in Dublin and experiencing everything the city has to offer.

UCD was a great place to live, as all the staff was hospitable and answered all of my questions/problems. I also loved being surrounded by the beautiful scenery and nature in Ireland. This trip honestly has been the most incredible experience I have had in my life so far. I grew so much as a person, a student, and appreciated being immersed in the Irish culture for eight weeks. I cannot wait to visit again soon!

Jiaxin Rita Wang

My experience in Dublin has been incredible. Working in a co-working space has given me the opportunity to know more about local companies and meet people with different areas of expertise. Everyday I learned something new and applied it to the projects at hand. My boss has taught me so much about marketing and the media industry. The more I learned, the more I realize what I truly want to do with my career. What makes Dublin so different is its culture and its people. Dublin is so international that you can meet people from different continents of the world everyday. People here are very friendly and make you feel so welcome. I love music and arts and there are tons of museums, theaters and concerts; I love food and there are tons of cafes, restaurants and pubs. Dublin is definitely one of the coolest places I have ever been to. Besides, I can take advantage of its location to travel to the stunning Irish countryside on the weekend. Dublin truly is a place where you can both work hard and play hard. Connect-123’s program coordinator has offered me so much help that I could easily get settled in Dublin and enjoy the city. My internship in Dublin has been one of the most unforgettable experiences in my life. Really looking forward to coming back in future.