Theology Internships in Africa

I had such a wonderful experience working at a Whiskey Distillery in Dublin. The staff were all so genuinely nice and made me feel right at home. Rotating through the cafe, reception, and the back bar allowed me to understand all the different phases of a working distillery, and meeting the bosses was a great addition to the program. Dublin attracts so much tourism, I really enjoyed meeting so many different people from all over the world at my work. It felt like a true mix of diversity, which allowed me to learn so many unique things from everyone I encountered. I was also incredibly glad to use my Mandarin skills to help out. On my days off, I had the best time exploring Dublin, traveling around Ireland, and adventuring into other European countries. It was a beautiful journey both professionally and personally!

interned at the a private hospital in the operating room, where I observed the anesthesiologists and surgeons. This experience helped me gain a lot of insight in the healthcare system is like in a different country. I spent two months in Buenos Aires and it was wonderful with weekly events on the weekends coordinated by Brenda and Maru. Thanks to Connect-123 I was able to strengthen education and gain real life experience that will help me with my future profession.

Connect-123 did an amazing job connecting me with an internship company that was similar to my interests. During my remote internship that was based out of Cape Town, I felt valued and that I played an important role in helping and shaping my clients and my company's future. My supervisor and his personal assistant were super kind, understanding, positive, and respectful towards me, and I felt very appreciated by them. Connect-123 did an amazing job of offering career-readiness tips and advice, including having three Zoom call sessions about developing different career-development skills that were very interactive and engaging. Carla, my program and internship coordinator, did an outstanding job communicating and helping me find an internship company that combined my values, interests, and career goals, as it was a very smooth process and transition. During my two-month internship, she would check in with me often, offer me advice, and be very supportive and encouraging to me. I highly recommend Connect-123 to anyone who is looking for an organization that will help set them up for career success.

I have had an amazing experience interning abroad in Barcelona. It was wonderful to see how passionate those at the non-profit I worked in were in regards to giving kids at the Casal a summer full of fun memories and connections. I got to learn so much from the kids I worked with and got to learn more about myself. Additionally, everyone from my host site to those in connect-123 were always really supportive throughout my time here, so not once did I feel afraid of being in another country so far from home for the first time!!

My internship at the University of Cape Town in South Africa was an eye opener to both research and a new culture. At my internship I gained new skills including RNA Isolation, PBMC Isolation, ELISA, MDM Generation, Graphpad Prism and much more. I was also able to shadow an endocrinologist at the Groote Schuur hospital which introduced me to healthcare outside of the U.S. Shadowing in a public hospital opened my eyes to what being a doctor really is. It was chaotic, stressful, busy, but it also showed me that people of the same community suffer from common conditions that are uncommon in the U.S. Outside of the lab and clinic, and I was also able to attend and assist at a research foundation conference here in Cape Town. Though this conference was focused on sustainability, I was honored to attend and learn more about how research expands around the world, bringing together different continents and countries for one purpose. Overall, this internship experience allowed me to gain a better understanding of what research is, but also what healthcare is like in a different country. If anyone is thinking about coming to Cape Town, I recommend seeing the “not so pretty” side and learning about the history behind the mother city. It really opens your eyes to something you might not have known before.

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to spend two months in Barcelona interning at a foundation whose mission is to create transformative impact across the city of Barcelona not only for people in situations of vulnerability, but also for the volunteers who serve them. Working closely on grant management and volunteer coordination, I gained hands-on experience with the operational backbone of nonprofit work. As someone interested in public policy, this internship gave me a ground-level view of how policy and civic mobilization intersect in practice. I want to thank Sophie and Brenda, whose support made this experience what it was; guiding us, supporting us every day, and matching us to internships that fit us so well. This internship taught me so much about the challenges vulnerable communities face and the power of organized volunteerism to meet them. Working in grant management and volunteer coordination showed me how thoughtful funding decisions and resourceful organizing can translate directly into impact on people's lives. It opened my eyes to different ways of life and to a city deeply committed to mobilizing its citizens for good. Barcelona will always be a second home for me, and I'm so thankful to have taken part in this experience and gotten to know so many wonderful people along the way.

I had an amazing experience both visiting and working in Barcelona. I especially appreciated the events throughout the program; being able to make some friends from the States, as well as meeting good friends while working, was a great experience. I took advantage of my weekends to travel as much as possible and couldn't be more appreciative of this opportunity. Thanks, Connect, for a great time!

Kisumu is a safe and interesting city with many places to visit, eat, and explore. The people are very respectful, friendly, and welcoming, and transportation within the city is accessible and easy to use. Kenya is a country full of culture and history, with a variety of places to visit, from local museums to cultural sites. There are many restaurants, cafés, and local food spots where you can relax and enjoy the experience. The people are warm, relaxed, and very polite. The team was very supportive and kindly arranged airport pickup and departure, as well as recommending places to visit. Beatrice is a wonderful person who cares deeply about the women in the program, and there is very important work being done, especially in empowering women through skills training, support, and community development. The program supports many women, and while resources can sometimes be limited, the dedication and effort put into the work is truly inspiring. TIPS: Make sure you take time to explore the city and try traditional Kenyan food. Visit local attractions such as the lakeside, markets, and cultural sites. As for the project, don’t be afraid to share ideas and engage actively with the women. Beatrice is very open and welcoming to suggestions. While some tasks may take time, there is always an opportunity to interact, support, and learn from the community.

I had an amazing two weeks volunteering with Kar Geno – Center for Hope in Kisumu. I felt well supported throughout my stay, the accommodation was welcoming, and I made some great friends along the way. Volunteering with the women and children in the program was very rewarding and truly an invaluable experience. I would 100% recommend this program to anyone considering going abroad and looking for a meaningful and supportive volunteer opportunity.

The overall experience has been truly amazing! I am so grateful for the opportunity, meeting new people, living in a new culture, and trying out new experiences has been very interesting. Every day was different from what I am used to back home, and each moment opened my mind in a unique way. Volunteering in the women empowerment program in Kisumu was both inspiring and eye-opening. The experience challenged me at the beginning, but as time went by, everything became easier and more meaningful. Being part of the program, learning from the women, and engaging with the community helped me grow personally. I feel that I have developed into a more confident person, willing to face new challenges and believe more in myself. This journey has truly changed my perspective on life and the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone to learn and grow.

There is a strong emphasis on ensuring that all volunteers work and connect well together within the program. Some of my most enjoyable moments were during social evenings, which created a great space for volunteers to relax, bond, and feel part of a team. These moments are especially helpful for new or less confident volunteers to feel included and comfortable. One of my most positive experiences was when, within a short time, we came together as volunteers to organize a small community initiative to support a local cause. Everyone got involved, even though we could have taken time off, and it turned into a very rewarding and fun day. It really showed how much impact a group of enthusiastic and community-minded people can have when they come together.

Living and working alongside such kind people from all around the world while discovering Kisumu was an incredible experience. Bylo to opravdu úžasné. I really appreciated how well organized the program was, and I always felt safe and supported throughout my stay. The overall experience was amazing and truly memorable. Lidé byli velmi přátelští a otevření, and being part of the women empowerment program and engaging with the community gave me a completely new perspective on the world I live in. It is an experience that stays with you long after you leave. Nikdy na to nezapomenu. 😊

My most positive experience during my time volunteering in Kisumu, together with other volunteers and the team, was working with the women and making a difference in their lives. Being part of their daily activities, supporting them, and seeing their growth and confidence was truly rewarding. I would love to come back again to the same project and continue contributing to this meaningful work.

The coordinators and project manager were amazing, and together with fellow volunteers, they became like a family. We even jokingly referred to the project manager and coordinator as “mummy and daddy” because of how caring and supportive they were. The project and the women involved were all incredible, and I truly loved every minute of the experience.

This was the best experience of my life. I had the opportunity to immerse myself in Argentine culture, meet many new people, eat amazing food, and learn so much at my internship working with promoting diversity and inclusion. Since day one, our coordinator, Brenda, was super communicative and very helpful throughout the whole trip. This was such a unique experience, and I will carry it with me forever!

I enjoyed my experience working remotely during my internship! I'm grateful for the support I received from Connect 123 and this experience gave me so much direction as to what I'm looking for in my future career.

My experience in Cape Town was great! Carla is extremely helpful and was always there for anything I needed. She made me feel so comfortable and taken care of. I also really enjoyed all the planned activities!

My time abroad was liberating and has motivated me to be able to return. Between my internship and time in Buenos Aires, learning the language and culture was incredibly fulfilling. Connect's scheduled events were great insights into the local life and were led by an incredibly compassionate coordinator who went out of her way to not just those days, but 24/7 for us. Maybe its just the Buenos Aires effect, but this trip was exactly what I was looking for!

With the help of Connect-123, I spent my summer interning in Barcelona at a Swiss NGO whose mission is to turn peace into a tangible, shared economic benefit for people living in conflict-affected regions. I worked closely with the incubation team, and by the midpoint of my internship, they trusted me to build out my own project. Over the following weeks, I developed a detailed budget, outlined a peacebuilding business model, and prepared concept notes to present to donors. I also conducted research on market entry strategies for shea butter in Europe and assessed alignment with funders. However, none of this would have been possible without the support I received from Connect-123. They handled so much of the heavy lifting—from finding me an internship whose mission aligned with my core interests and convictions, to managing my housing and logistics. They were especially helpful during a heatwave that knocked out our AC unit, quickly finding a safe alternative apartment that very same day. This wasn’t some résumé-polishing summer abroad. It was long hours, rewrites, humid bus commutes, and moments of real, hard‑earned clarity. It was a summer of learning what it means to try something difficult in a place that stirs your imagination. Thanks to Connect-123, I got to experience the ineffable magic that floats through the summer air in Barcelona. Cheers!

Connect-123 were so helpful for me during my time in Dublin Ireland, whether it was teaching me how to write a professional email or basic professional skills with employers they were very helpful. On top of that, they were able to find me an internship in a quick timely manner after my first one didn't workout. I appreciate everything they did for me.