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!
Scroll down to view all – or filter by destination, opportunity or both.
Kate Price
I have really enjoyed myself here in Shanghai. I was expecting to like it and instead I have loved it. I have met some wonderful people at both my accommodation and at work. The nightlife is incredible, never experienced anything like it. The city itself is spectacular, I have always lived in a big city, London, but this place really took my breathe away. Skyscrapers everywhere mixed in with old authentic streets. You can feel absorbed in a Buddhist temple and look ahead and see a huge glass skyscraper. It's bizarre but really interesting. If the hustle and bustle gets too much, Shanghai has some amazing parks, my two favorites being Century Park and my local Zhongshan Park. You can also take short day trips to more scenic locations such as Hangzhou. Its so well connected that its even possible to take weekend trips to places like Beijing. There is always so much happening in Shanghai, the city feels so energized and alive, you can't help but feel it rub off on you. I have never been bored here, the metro is simple and accessible so if you have a metro card there is no reason to be bored. If you are worried about a culture shock, no need, Shanghai is very multicultural, may not be on the same scale as London, but nearly every time I am in a carriage in the metro there will be another ethnic minority in there with me. Chinese people are very used to Europeans here, there are large ex pact communities here, so no-one stares at you, I have very rarely felt uncomfortable here. My work has been a useful step for me in what I want to do in the future, I am so happy I took the opportunity to come and work here, a completely different experience to being a tourist and something I will never forget. It has really made me want to pursue a career that will provide a lot of opportunities abroad.
Internships in Shanghai
Nikau Irvine
During my time with Connect-123 I volunteered in a NGO in Shanghai. Connect-123 were wonderful to work with. Throughout the whole process they were always willing to help me. Both Lea and Jimmy were always quick to respond to any questions I had when I got to Shanghai. Overall working with Connect-123 was a very pleasant experience. Highly recommended for anybody who wants a reliable and trustworthy contact in Shanghai!
Volunteer in Shanghai
Kirstine Kreps
I went to Barcelona in November 2013 full of hopes and expectations. I hoped to improve my Spanish, meet new people, and get some volunteering experience. I was very nervous when I arrived there, it was the first time I was travelling on my own, and I didn’t know anybody in the city in the northern Spain. It turned out that there was no reason to be nervous, although that is probably hard to avoid. I moved into a flat with students, and they introduced me to a lot of people from different countries that I am still in contact with. With these people, I have had the most amazing experiences in Barcelona, exploring the beautiful city and making trips together. I began taking Spanish classes to improve the Spanish that I had learned in high school. These were very helpful, but I found out that it was also important speaking Spanish outside the school, to try to get a certain level of fluency. Furthermore, I got experience as a volunteer. The first three months I worked in a children’s hospital. There, I would entertain the children while their parents weren’t there. It was relevant for me because I am going to study medicine. After that, I volunteered at a place that offers opportunities to children with few resources and their families. I learned a lot from that; I saw a lot of children in different situations, and I could see how good it was for them to be helped by the organization. I had planned to stay in Barcelona for three months. I ended up being there for six months. It was the time of my life.
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.
Gwendolyn Ash
I found Connect-123 through a Google search after my mother suggested (probably not too seriously) that I find a publishing internship in Ireland. I'd been wanting to visit the Emerald Isle for years and was struggling to find internship opportunities here in the states after my junior year of college. After talking it over with my parents and some extensive research, I began the process of working with C123 to find me an internship. I originally worked with Melanie and then Liat who both helped me find an internship at a textbook publisher in Dublin, and the experience could not have been more wonderful. I spent three months there (May to August of 2013). I felt like my work at my internship was meaningful and everyone on the staff was friendly and willing to teach me. Office life was lively and fun. The staff loved any excuse to bring in cake, and I even got to witness a daring pigeon rescue that involved the head of editorial chasing a pigeon around on the roof. Thanks to everyone there, I managed to get a second internship on my college campus when I got back home. C123 also helped make my experience in Ireland amazing. The people of Connect 123 are not only concerned about their interns' well-being, but they also work hard to make sure we all get to connect with each other. C123 organized many trips in Dublin and around Ireland, such as a weekend to Co. Clare to see the Cliffs of Moher and the seaside town of Lahinch and a Literary Pub Crawl. Thanks to C123's care and sense of adventure, I can now boast that I once went on a 12 km hike through the mountains after a night of pub-hopping. I made good friends both in Dublin and in the program, many of whom I still keep in touch with months later. Working with Connect 123 so that I could achieve my dream of visiting Ireland and gaining invaluable experience in my desired field was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I still miss walking the lively streets of Dublin.
Internships in Dublin
Vanessa Ashley
I was lucky enough to graduate college in three years, which provided me with a senior-year-but-not to do something worthwhile before looking for jobs and applying for graduate programs. I knew that I wanted an international internship and knew that I of course wanted it to be in Buenos Aires. Using those two terms as the material of the Google search that would change my life, I found Connect-123. My Buenos Aires Experience 2.0 was the most amazing thing I have ever done. My internship with an NGO analyzing corporate responsibility was simultaneously challenging, interesting, and relevant to what I want to do in life. I’m also leaving with a level of Spanish far above the one I came with, accomplishing my number one goal for this trip. I fell in love with everything for real this time, and I truly feel like I became part of the eclectic city. The people, the culture, the steak, the nightlife- I absolutely love it all. I worked here, stayed here, and really actually lived here. I truly thank Connect-123 for providing me with the opportunity to have my perfect argentine experience.
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
Ilana Haimes
I went to Barcelona for three months to take a productive break from university. I chose Barcelona because I had travelled there once before, for only two days, and I promised myself I would go back for a longer period of time. I was placed at an amazing internship by Connect-123. I worked for three months as a GIS Intern for a freelance engineer, at a coworking space in Gracia, Barcelona. Before I was placed in my internship I knew very little about coworking spaces, but as a part of my assigned tasks, I was able to help in the startup of an organization of coworkings - a practice I found very interesting. My internship was multifaceted. A another part of it, I was given the opportunity to learn GIS software and with that new knowledge, I made maps of Gracia, Barcelona as well as a map for a tourists with routes from their touristic flat to major sights nearby. Seeing my maps printed, and presenting them on my final day at the internship was so incredibly rewarding. While I spent the weekdays at my internship, I devoted the weekends to seeing as much as I could. I took advantage of the travel deals and discount airlines I could find and went for weekend trips to Belgium, Morocco, the South of Spain and Gibraltar, Portugal, and Andorra. In each of the places I travelled, I met people in my hostels to tour with and go out on the town. I found that it was super easy to make friends in the hostels, as we all had something in common - we love to travel. My favorite of the trips was to Marrakech, Morocco - although I got very sick (be careful what you eat), Morocco was the one place I knew I wanted to visit while abroad. The other trips I based on the input of the people I met abroad. Everyone around me and at my internship was very helpful with travel advice. Taking time off from school to intern abroad is very likely one of the best decisions I have made. I learned a lot at my internship as well as while traveling. I gained experience I never would have otherwise.
Ali Ball
My time in Dublin was a life-changing experience. For a long time, it has been my dream to travel to Ireland and when I stumbled upon Connect-123, while doing Internet searches for internship abroad opportunities, I knew that dream would finally become a reality. As soon as I submitted my application, Connect-123 started making my dream come true. The coordinators helped me every step of the way, throughout the process. When looking for internships, I wanted to find something that allowed me to work with children who had autism, but when talking to Connect-123, I was not sure if that would be possible. Connect had never placed an intern in an autism center before, but they would do what they could to find a perfect place for me. After some time, Connect-123 found the perfect internship for me at a preschool for children who have autism. With that news, I was thrilled to start my adventure and life-changing experience in Dublin, Ireland. While in Ireland, I was able to not only explore Dublin, but also much of Ireland. I spent every weekend traveling to different parts of Ireland-Giants Causeway, Belfast, Cork, Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, and so many other beautiful wonders of Ireland. Through different events Connect coordinated (drinks at local pubs, 4th of July BBQ, etc.), I was able to meet other Connect interns and from that, I found people to travel around Ireland with and explore Dublin with. While in Dublin, I became a more independent person and was introduced to the Irish culture. My zest for travel was met through interning in Dublin. For the month I was in Dublin, I loved every minute of it. I am so thankful for the assistance I received from Connect-123 and for the wonderful internship they found for me. After my time in Dublin, I have made up my mind to work with children who have autism, as my future career. I enjoyed everything about the preschool and the children. I met wonderful people at my host organization and discovered more about myself. Because of Connect-123, I was able to have an amazing experience!
Internships in Dublin
Tara Opalinski
Barcelona is the place to be-between its people, tapas, countless outdoor plazas, beautiful scenery, beaches and nightlife-there is something for everyone. My decision to go live and work in Barcelona was last minute. I was offered two internships, but the one I chose pertained to my career path most and was in the heart of Barca. I cannot emphasize how helpful it was to be a part of the Connect-123 program. I had transportation from the airport and the director, Lea Levy, was at my apartment less than an hour later to greet me, make sure I was settled and explore the neighborhood with me to get my bearings. I was able to make friends immediately through the program and eventually, as we made local friends, it felt more like a city we belonged to. I also continued daily activities I would normally do at home, like going on daily runs through the city and having coffee at the same local shop, (where I eventually became a ‘regular’). The think tank I worked for opened a lot of doors to build my professional career. I was able to complete a full report regarding economic relations between the EU and the US (the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership), in which a shorter version was published through the organization I worked for, as well as a Barcelona E-journal. In addition, I was able to network with people in the Barcelona European Parliament, a few NGO’s and think tanks and even conduct interviews with the Trade Spokesman and a think tank researcher in Brussels. I grew professionally and personally through my experience in Barcelona, I only wish it had lasted longer. You will not regret your decision to go to Barcelona, if anything you will want to stay longer and then look for job opportunities so you can go back.
Internships in Barcelona
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
Bridget Haley
Living abroad in Dublin was an incredible, life-changing experience. I spent three months there, but it was so hard to leave at the end, that I wish I could have stayed longer. The whole experience was very smooth right from the beginning. Connect-123 found me the perfect internship, performing research on the childhood cancer neuroblastoma at the University College Dublin. I didn’t have a whole lot of research experience before arriving, but everyone there was so friendly and willing to teach me, that I learned so much more than I could have imagined and feel more prepared for a future career in medicine. In addition to exploring Dublin, I was able to travel around Ireland and other European countries. The scenery was so spectacular that I literally had to pinch myself to know it was real. Coming from Chicago, Dublin was a smaller city, but its charm and friendly people made me feel so at home. It has a rich history, great nightlife, and there was always something new to do and see. The Connect-123 events helped me get acclimated to the city as well as meet some great, life-long friends that I still keep in touch with. This was absolutely the experience of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to go back. I would recommend this internship and the opportunity to travel to Dublin to anyone and everyone!
Internships in Dublin
Laura Messenger
I was fortunate enough to spend my summer interning in Buenos Aires, Argentina. As a undergraduate Spanish major, my main goal in my travels was to improve my fluency. Little did I know that my Connect-123 experience would not only improve my Spanish, but would expose me to a life-changing internship opportunity and incredible friends. Though I was only in Buenos Aires for two months, Connect-123 offered me the chance to intern at an anti-human trafficking organization. As part of my internship, I researched the cases of girls who had gone missing in the past year and found the contact information for the relatives of these girls. I interviewed these family members in order to create a database for my organization, which was used to assist these families with legal proceedings and help them find support systems with other families. This was a truly eye-opening experience. My internship in Argentina is what made me want to pursue a career fighting for human rights, especially in terms of fighting human trafficking. Not only was I able to immerse myself in the rich and fascinating culture of Argentina, but I was able to discover a part of myself while doing so. I made amazing friends, figured out (eventually) how to use the Buenos Aires bus system, and felt like I was making a difference with each day that I interned, all thanks to Connect-123.
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
Mary Reed
I am so grateful for the experience I had in Cape Town, South Africa with Connect-123. The time I spent there has absolutely changed the way I look at the world. Connect-123 made sure all the interns were getting the most out of their experiences, starting with making sure all the interns were in a placement with a host organization that would help them grow. Honestly, my favorite part my time abroad was working with my internship because it really complemented my interests and was tailored to my skills set. I spent my time in Cape Town working with a non-profit company with grant-writing and economic development proposals. I also was able to spend a fair amount of time doing field research collecting data in the townships which was extremely eye opening. At the beginning of my time in Cape Town, I thought I would become a Certified Public Accountant after graduation. However after my internship in Cape Town, I am so inspired to continue in the field of economic development that I was exposed to in South Africa. I continue to stay in contact with my coworkers and South African friends. I really feel that Connect-123 personalized my entire experience and made sure that I left the country with complete appreciation for the culture and so much that the country as to offer.
Paige Rothschild
Ever since I began college I always wanted to go abroad and experience the world. I think traveling gives someone a lot of knowledge and the ability to see things in a different perspective to grow and obtain their full potential as an individual. This was my reasoning behind coming abroad and honestly this has been the best decision I have made for myself this far in life. BEST. DECISION. You simply cannot experience more than what you want unless you chase after your dreams and that is what I did. (as cliche as that sounds). But I honestly could not have experienced this amazing journey without Connect-123. I knew I wanted to do an internship in Sales and Marketing but there was no way I could have found a steady, legit, and proper internship in Barcelona without their help. I have had an amazing experience here in Barcelona while doing my internship and the credit has to go to Connect-123. They have been nothing but helpful and truly have made me feel appreciated. The knowledge I have gained from interning in another country is outstanding. It's really amazing how different working in Spain compared to the US. The experience i've gained here I will carry with me for the rest of my life and that will only make me a stronger candidate for the career I go into. I think if anyone is on the fence with going abroad, you DEFINITELY should. It is true when they say "Life begins outside of your comfort zone." Whether you want to study abroad, or intern abroad, you must go and experience the world. This truly has been an amazing, outstanding, extraordinary experience and I hope everyone can have the opportunity to experience it. PLEASE if anyone has any questions or is hesitant feel free to reach out to me. I did this all alone and I would be happy to help anyone with any doubts.
Internships in Barcelona
Ben Ashby
My experience in Dublin is one I will not forget. I met many interesting people, got to see plenty of beautiful sights, and had a chance to participate in one of the most lively and spirited cultures that I know of. I was in Dublin to gain hands on experience machining with a manufacturing company. It was a small company, so I was immediately given the chance to participate in projects and use the machines on the shop floor. I learned about the nuances of running a small but quite busy business, and the skill required to produce high quality parts. They had me start on simple projects, and work my way up to more complicated pieces. Connect-123's support from beginning to end was incredibly helpful. Finding an engineering internship abroad can be difficult, but they were able to provide me with several choices soon after I applied. They guided me through the processes, and answered all questions I had about immigration and travel. Upon arrival, Connect made sure I was taken care of and on my way to my residence in Dublin. I definitely would not have had as memorable a time if Connect-123 had not been there to help me. The lessons I learned and the friends I made will last a lifetime. Hopefully they will for you too.
Internships in Dublin
Andrew Schleeter
My experience in Cape Town was, bar none, the greatest and most influential experience of my life. I spent just two short months, and made lifelong connections with people from all over the world. That is what’s so unique about Connect - 123; you meet extraordinary people, from all over the globe, and we all learn from one another and grow from our experiences. I came to Cape town after just a few months of University because decided I need a dramatic change to fulfill my life goals. During my two months in Cape Town, I grew more as a person than I have in the past two years. I spent everyday in Crossroads, a township 20 minutes outside of the city. My time there defied all odds of the townships as I was welcomed and made friends with everyone in the community. I spent my two months coaching basketball to boys and girls from eight local schools. It was absolutely incredible. There are many stereotypes associated with the townships, but I was able to experience first hand the love and gratitude that surrounds the community. By the time my two months was up, I felt as if I had another family. You become so close with all of the people you work with, as well as everyone in Connect - 123. The impact the experience will have on my life going forward is huge, and an experience I feel has really put my life into perspective. Connect made it all possible, working with me and for me from the day I expressed interest.
Internships in Cape Town
Kateryna Tepylo
I had no idea what I wanted to do with my summer. I knew I wanted to travel and I knew I wanted some exposure to nonprofits in other countries. Connect-123 was the perfect vehicle to help find the perfect place. After I had decided to travel to Dublin, Connect-123 found me a perfect place to intern for the 6 weeks I spent in Ireland. At a very small NGO I was able to discover more about non profits around the world while also improving my advertising and promotions skills. I was able to do so much because of the size of the organization which helped me better understand what I want to do with my life. I was even invited as a guest on an Irish environmental radio show to talk about my journey to Ireland and to give a Canadian point of view on Irish and world environmental issues. It was such a cool experience! The internship allowed to grow both my professional and personal skills while having the chance to explore the unbelievably beautiful country of Ireland. My summer in Dublin changed my life for the better and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to do what I did. Through Connect-123 I was able to meet a ton of amazing people who helped make my summer even more grand. My summer helped me become more confident, more independent and opened my eyes to more of the world. I can't say enough what an amazing experience it was!
Internships in Dublin
