Intern in Dublin with Connect-123!

I had an amazing and enriching experience at my internship site! I met such friendly and outgoing people who encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone. My internship provided me with work experience that I could highlight on my resume.

My experience of living and interning in Dublin for 2 months was something that I will never forget for the rest of my life. It was a transformational period in my life that shaped who I am both personally and professionally. The tools and techniques that I learned while completing my Social Work internship at a therapeutic community programme will forever stay with me, and I can not wait to bring some of these practices along with me to wherever life takes me next. The beautiful places that I got to see, along with the many amazing people that I met along the way have given me memories that will have an eternal impact on my life. To those who are considering traveling abroad for an internship experience, I would say DO IT! Do not hesitate if this opportunity presents itself for you, as you will inevitably grow as a person and undoubtedly have a life changing experience. Ireland is a beautiful country, with so many amazing places to see and explore, as well as people to meet.

Lea and Steven at Connect-123 did a great job not only placing me in an internship for this summer but also keeping up with me to ensure things were running smoothly. They were always available if I had any questions and were a huge support system while I was in Dublin. Now that I have completed my internship, I can say that I have gained valuable skills and experience that have allowed me to propel myself forward in my future career path.

Thanks to Connect 1-2-3 and Michigan State University, I have had a fantastic experience living in Dublin. While living in Ireland, I had the pleasure of working as a research and policy intern with an incredible NGO. I felt immersed culturally, deepening my understanding of policy, international relations, community organizing, and development. Planned weekend trips and my own journeys allowed me to see the beauty that the world (and Ireland) offers me in my post-grad journeys. I am thankful for the time spent catering to my interests in selecting my internship, the people I've met and grown close to, and the experience of a lifetime. Sláinte!

It has been two weeks since I have been back from Ireland. Reflecting on the five and a half months in Ireland as a research assistant at a University through Connect-123, it was the best decision I have made for myself in my life. I applied through Connect-123 for the chance to experience a unique opportunity and to develop a greater understanding for my potential future. Ultimately, I had decided to pursue medicine and research in the future after. All I knew when I began my placement was about my research project – it’s background and aim, and the expectations they have for me on the research. Throughout my placement, I met Master students and PhD students, who became my best friends and my mentors in research. I began to enjoy research as I participated as part of the research team during its initial stage of expanding its group and lab. I was very fortunate to meet a great research team, and my research supervisors who were very supportive, enthusiastic, critical, intelligent and encouraging towards their research students. I had the chances to use and develop the skills and knowledge on the research from past experiences. To wrap up my research experience, I was invited to attend a major conference to assist with organizing that, that The University was hosting for the first time. This was the best way to finish off my research assistant experience, and I had experienced first hand the benefits of my area. I was surprised at how biomedical engineering and medicine resonated with me and my ideal future. Now, I am on the road to pursue medical school in hopes of doing research in biomedical engineer during or after medicine. Behind the scenes of my research experience was the strong support from the Connect-123 Dublin Staff, Nichola Madden. I did not know we had someone we could reach out to during the stay in Ireland, so it was very reassuring and felt safe with her by our side with her help with our placement. I do not think anyone could do better than what Nikki can for Connect-123 students. During the time of our placement, Nikki organized events to gather with other connectors which was one of the best part since we were able to make some short or long-term friends from all over the world that we can travel with, keep in touch or stay connected with in Dublin. These events made it feel like we had friends we can have time with which was a great way to start our time in Dublin since it can be hard to be in a place without having anyone to talk to. As an avid traveler, it can be exciting to face new challenges in a new country but it is always the people that make it the best experience and worth of the stay. Without Nikki’s & Lea’s advice, I would not have been able to meet my wonderful host family who are like an extended family that made me feel like Ireland is my other home. Without Lea, Nikki and my co-workers, I would not have decided to find a short time part-time job which was my very first job as a waitress which was another best choice I have ever made that taught me hospitality skills and the love I have for social interactions. I would like to thank Connect-123 for making it financially possible for a lifetime experience, and the wonderful support you have provided for myself and even for my younger brother when he came previously. After almost two weeks back in Ireland, the I nearly speak with an Irish accent and have been naturally calling Ireland my “home” in conversations with my friends and family.

I’ve spent 5 fantastic weeks working with animals at my internship in Dublin. In the future I want to become a vet, therefore I wanted to spend my summer working with animals and gaining experience in animal behavior and veterinary medicine. Apart from walking dogs and petting cats, I had the opportunity to assist in surgeries and observe the work of a veterinarian during the examination of animals in the veterinary clinic. My host organization has loads of different areas such as the cattery, rehoming kennels, rehabilitation center and veterinary clinics so it’s a perfect place for everyone who loves animals. Connect-123 found a perfect place for me where I could work and gain experience but also enjoy every week of my summer holidays. The same day when I arrived, I met wonderful people and we had a great time together. I will always remember my first day in Dublin when, with my new friends, we went all together to a parade in town. It was one of the best moments that I experienced during my internship. My coordinators were really helpful during my stay. It was the first time that I left home for such a long time and at the beginning, I was scared that I won’t be able to live on my own in a completely new city. But thanks to Nikki and Rosie I didn’t encounter any problems, but I’m sure that if there was one, they would solve it immediately. I’m really glad that I met them and many other interns who were also really helpful during my internship. It was an unforgettable experience which I will remember forever.

My 2018 Dublin summer internship was in historic building conservation, and Connect-123 found me the perfect opportunity! Building conservation is a very niche area, but I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect internship experience for this summer! The company aught me so much about the field and it was a very friendly work environment. Connect-123 was super supportive throughout and it was wonderful to have such a great community in Dublin! I have spent time travelling on my own, but being able to join a ready-made group of friends waiting when I arrived, was even more fun. The connections at work and through Connect-123 will last me a life-time and provide an amazing portal to my future career.

When I decided that I wanted to do a gap year, I knew that I wanted to spend some time abroad. What I did not know was where I wanted to be, what I wanted to do, or how to make my aspirations of international living actually happen. When I was introduced to Connect 1-2-3, all of my questions were answered. I chose Ireland from many options, and after a discussion with very helpful people from Connect, I was able to find an internship. After finding a host family and making the necessary arrangements, I finally arrived in Ireland. My coordinator helped me every step of the way, from assisting me in finding my way to work on the first day to organizing fun events throughout my stay. My internship ending up being an extremely fulfilling yet challenging position that allowed me to attain real world experience while still being consistent with my overall career goals. By the end of my two and a half months, Dublin felt like a second home, and I never wanted to leave!

I spent the fall semester of my senior year interning in Dublin, Ireland. I volunteered at a youth Centre and got to interact with children ages 6-18 in a variety of ways including leadership, sports, art, and music. I was given a lot of responsibility within the centre and even took charge of the art projects we lead for the after school program. My experiences working with the youth of Dublin will greatly benefit my career within the helping professional field. In addition to my internship, I also travelled all around Ireland. From the lively city of Dublin, to what seems like 'the end of the world' in the west at the Cliffs of Moher, to the historical city of Belfast in the north, the picturesque coastline of the south and all the rolling green hills in between. Whether I was listening to live music in a pub, eating stew and brown bread or planning for the next adventure, I had a smile on my face throughout it all and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Ireland. Interning through Connect-123 is an excellent way to gain knowledge, learn about other cultures, travel, and access skills to be used towards future jobs.

My internship in Dublin was more than I expected. I worked for empower studios in balls bridge and learned about office experience. I enjoyed getting to know my boss Aisling and my co worker Bella. They were very helpful in guiding me thru my internship. I would recommend Dublin to anyone who wants to experience somewhere different and to see Dublin in all its beauty and culture.

My time in Dublin was simply unforgettable. Liat 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!