Business, Finance, and Entrepreneurship Internships

My name is John Lisella and this is my Connect 123 story. I was a 21 year old college student who had just made the difficult decision to discontinue playing Division 1 football at my university due to certain health concerns. I was ready to move forward and leave that chapter of my life behind. With one semester left in college, it was the first time in my life I felt unprepared to graduate and enter the real world. I was lost, walking through the hallways concerned about my future when a paper on one of our business school bulletin boards caught my eye with the caption “Interested in Traveling Abroad?” After attending the meeting I was introduced to Connect 123. Connect 123 has opened doors up for me that I never would have thought imaginable. As a young college student who wanted to find himself and experience life away from home, They provided me with an opportunity and memories that will last me a life-time. Not only do they connect you with businesses and organizations that fit your needs and abilities, but they walk through each step and help give you an understanding of the people you will be working with, and what your job entails. I am grateful for my experience working for the Company in Dublin, Ireland, the many friendships and business experiences I was able to take away from my internship. The thing I am most thankful for that Connect 123 helped me with was developing friendships during that time that will last a lifetime. Through the organization our 2017 summer group in Dublin were some of the most fun courageous and unique people I have ever met in my life. From hiking and exploring the countryside to drinking pints and dancing in the city, I thank Nikki, the Dublin program coordinator, and the team at Connect 123 for allowing myself and many others to experience the time of our lives in Dublin, Ireland. When I returned to the United States I was able to visit a friend in Washington D.C that I met during my study abroad and I still stay in touch with many of my summer friends on social media. The short and sweet summer trip has inspired me to follow my dreams and that you should always chase your passions. I am currently Coaching American football In Roma, Italy and living with an amazing host family while studying the language. I would not be where I am at today without going to that first abroad meeting when I first learned about Connect 123. They should change the company to “Connect Unlimited” Because truly, your connections and experiences you may receive have unlimited value. Ciao – John Lisella

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Living in South Africa on a budget is super easy because of the exchange rate (with the Canadian dollar atleast!). I could do everything I wanted to plus more, all while staying within my budget. The work experience I got through Connect 123 was incredible. I worked for a social enterprise called Greenpop and got to work on many different aspects of the company including general office administration, marketing, social media outreach, research, and client liaison. Having it on my resume has already opened so many doors for me, and is always a great topic of conversation which potential employers. The living situation as also pretty great. Although some apartments are nicer than others, it's so easy to meet others who are participating in the program when you all live in the same building. I met some of my best friends there whom I still talk to every day, and we all got to live in the same building together! It was ideal to say the least. The staff of Connect 123 was good for the most part, besides having to switch apartments due to 'booking times' which many people who stay there for 2+ months have to do, they were great to deal with and helped make life pretty easy. Pick up from the airport was arranged; they met with you one-on-one at the beginning, middle, and end of your trip; and social events and activities were hosted by them at least once a week. All of them were also fairly young professionals who shared a passion for travelling and exploring just like the program participants did. Overall I would 100% suggest going with Connect 123 for an internship abroad. They helped facilitate the trip of a life time for me. Even more so, I would suggest the city of Cape Town for any traveller; young, old, budget or no budget. It has everything you could ever want from a city and it is a place that truly holds my heart!