Social Work Internships

Connect 123 gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I was able to immerse myself in Barcelona's immense culture, as a volunteer, as well as travel around Europe. I made long-lasting friendships with my coworkers, other students from the program and new friends traveling. The volunteer hours through my project made it possible to explore all of what Barcelona has to offer. Connect 123 put my desires first and made sure it was the trip that I desired. I will definitely volunteer through Connect 123 again.

Connect-123 was a great experience! I got the chance to experience life abroad, in the beautiful setting of Barcelona, where I could practice my Spanish and get great work experience. I learned a lot about non-profit work and working in a different setting!

Interning abroad in Dublin taught me more than I ever thought or hoped going into the experience. Not only did I learn so many new things about my field in social work at Foroige but I learned a lot about myself and many other cultures. I got the opportunity to meet and live with multiple people from different countries and made lifelong friends in the process. I come from a small town and learning about how other people live around the world was so fascinating to me. I thought going into this I would only learn more about social work from a different aspect but I never thought I would learn so much about myself and I never imagined making as many amazing people along the way. It was truly a life changing experience and I will always be thankful for Connect 1-2-3 for helping me make this step forward in my life and future career! Thanks Connect 123! Alisha Webber

Howdy, my name is Maddie Prause from Texas A&M University and this past summer I had the privilege of interning at the Aisling Project in Dublin. First off, I I could not actually believe what an incredible summer this one became. From the best roomates and the other long-lasting friendships formed from other participants in the program, to all the exciting socials from the beginning of my stay I knew I was meant to be here. As a youth coordinator for an underprivileged children’s summer program in the Ballymun area I worked with their Transition students around the ages of 12-15. Basically I got to attend many of field trips exploring all their beautiful country had to offer as well as promote leadership through all different types of activities. These kids quickly stole my heart and we had the best times traveling, creating arts and crafts, or doing community service. Their Irish culture made a profound impact on me and I learn things that classrooms simply could not offer. I had an unbelievable incredible time thanks to Connect for coordinating my internship as well as the lovely housing at UCD. If I could return back to my internship in Dublin I would drop everything and go right now! If you ever have the opportunity to travel abroad go go go!

was fortunate enough to have the time to volunteer in, as well as explore, one of the most amazing cities I have ever been to. Barcelona's culture is a beautiful experience, my volunteer work at two non profit youth centers was definitely a new adventure each day and I am grateful to have had the chance to meet and explore Barcelona with other Connect-123 volunteers. I had a chance to work within the realm of what I am passionate about and in turn the experience has made me even more eager about my future and what I will choose to pursue.The fact that I do not speak Spanish worried me but nevertheless I had the chance to relate and converse with fellow staff members, the children of my volunteer establishment and the people I met during my time in Spain. In return, their own curiosity and kindness towards me broadened my sense of connection with the world and myself. The opportunity to come to Barcelona not only created beautiful memories but offered some clarity regarding my future. I arrived in Spain with no expectations other than the ones I had set for myself, now looking back this trip would have exceeded every single expectation if I originally had any. The time flew by much to quickly and I am returning home with more energy, confidence in myself and future, experience, extraordinary memories, and of course the artwork and gifts from all the incredible children I worked with. During my stay I traveled to Betanzos as well as Caruña and Santiago with a friend I made while staying in Barcelona. It is a completely different experience to explore a new place with someone who lives there. Her family was so generous and hospitable to me during my short stay with them and I hope to visit them again. My time in Barcelona wasn't just enriching for me, it was also gratifying. Lea from Connect-123 and the staff at the youth organization granted me a terrific opportunity, truly the best I have ever received. The response and overall feeling gained from my work here has made me so appreciative for Connect-123's organization. !Hasta Pronto!