Connect-123 Internship Programs

Connect-123 made my experience in Ireland truly incredible. From the beginning, they did an amazing job matching me with a company that fit my personality, interests, and career goals. I couldn’t have asked for a better internship experience. They also did a great job planning weekend trips around Ireland, giving me the opportunity to explore different parts of the country and make unforgettable memories along the way. Overall, Connect-123 made my time in Ireland an amazing experience both professionally and personally.

I had such a wonderful experience working at Teeling 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.

My internship has been the best experience I could have ever asked for. My co-workers are what made my time there so memorable. Connect-123 made the entire process smooth and easy, especially Antonella and Xena. They were both so kind, supportive, and helpful every step of the way. I’m so grateful I got to meet my program group, it was truly an amazing experience!

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.

Coming to Barcelona with Connect 123 was one of the best decisions I've made. They were incredibly helpful in helping find me an internship I felt comfortable and confident in and always very communicative. The housing they provided was amazing, and in a great location. Barcelona is now one of my favorite cities

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!

As my time in Ireland comes to a close, I want to thank Connect-123 for partnering with Bucknell University to provide students like me with an opportunity like this. As an undergraduate, it can often feel stressful trying to gain relevant work experience while preparing for your future career. Thanks to Connect-123, I was placed with a company in a field aligned with my career goals, allowing me to grow professionally while exploring a new part of the world. This experience has given me valuable workplace experience, unforgettable memories, and a greater appreciation for living and working abroad. Thank you for making it possible!

This experience has been nothing short of incredible. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity. My internship could not have been a more perfect match. I have gained not only new skills but also a new perspective as well. Outside of the internship, exploring this beautiful city has been so fun. Carla, the program coordinator, is one of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. She planned the most fun activities for our group and was truly invested in our well-being!

Following this program was a unique experience that I will never forget. I thought it gave a great balance of working at my internship, meeting new people, and exploring the new country. The opportunities each weekend gave great insights and experiences to explore outside of where we were staying and i highly recommend going to each one.

My internship in Barcelona and experience with Connect-123 has been amazing! They helped place me into a biomedical research lab studying liver transplantation outcomes and I had amazing coworkers and a lovely time working there. I have gained many valuable skills here-from co-authoring a review paper to learning various types of histological and immunological analyses, which will assist me in future research I pursue. Connect-123 has been supportive and helpful every step of the way in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. These past few months have taught me important professional and personal skills, especially regarding cultural humility and adjusting to life in a new country. Overall, my experience in the research lab has strengthened my desire to pursue a career in medical and clinical research while also expanding both my academic and personal horizons. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking meaningful research and cultural experiences abroad.

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!

My experience with Connect-123 has been nothing short of exceptional! They did an amazing job matching me with the perfect organization and internship that aligns perfectly with my skills and field of interest. This was my first time working remotely, and Connect-123 made the entire process seamless, enjoyable, and rewarding. I felt supported every step of the way, and the opportunity to work remotely was an unforgettable experience. A big thank you to Connect-123 for making it all possible—I am absolutely thrilled and give them a well-deserved 5 stars!

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.

I had an incredible experience interning during the summer of 2023 in Dublin, Ireland. I was able to help with the marketing efforts along with interacting with the students. I was able to grow both professionally and personally. As I continue with my career, I will always remember the positive impact that Connect 123 had!

I am grateful for this experience and get the opportunity to have a virtual internship. Everyone has been extremely helpful and so supportive during the preparation, which made the transition so much easier.

Finding an internship as an international student is very tough. Especially when you don’t really have experience related to your field, but Connect-123 made it possible for me to learn and gain experience. It was overall very enjoyable and I am glad to underwent such. Now I have gained some understanding about working in a company to some extent and not to mention, there is also many soft skills which I feel like had improved ever since. I am very grateful for the opportunity!

I'm so grateful for the opportunity to intern in Dublin. Living there for two months and working allowed me to truly immerse myself in the culture. I'm so glad to have had the support of Connect123 throughout the entire experience. They made interning abroad seem achievable!

My time at this internship has been an incredibly valuable experience. I was initially very nervous to commit, even during the interview. However, I had nothing to worry about since, looking back, I was able to choose the internship field based on my interests and career. They help you along the whole process and answering your questions is just an email away. My experience at my internship organization was your usual spreadsheet task and helping with whatever the team needed. Due to the remote nature, there is only so much you can do to help; they do have in-person ones also! Each organization is different, and depending on the organization, it can affect your experience. My university also offered credits (usually an online class) and covered any costs of the internship as part of the program. I recommend it to any student because not only do you get credit, but you also have the freedom to do other summer activities; the best of both worlds. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to advance my career path, help out a genuine and impactful organization, and learn what real-world work looks like.

My experience with 123 Connect has been nothing short of transformative. From the very beginning, they took the time to understand my goals, strengths, and interests, and then matched me with an internship that aligned perfectly with my career path. The process was seamless, and I felt supported every step of the way. Thanks to 123 Connect, I was able to secure an internship that not only gave me hands-on professional experience but also helped me build lasting connections in my industry. What stood out most was how invested the team was in my success they provided guidance, resources, and encouragement that made all the difference. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity they helped me secure, and I’d highly recommend 123 Connect to anyone looking to take the next step in their career journey.

I had an amazing and educational experience in Cape Town. Carla was an amazing abroad advisor and was always there when we needed her. I will always be thankful for the friends I made and internship experience I got to experience.

I really feel that I was matched with the internship of my dreams this summer and I can't possibly thank everyone at Connect-123 enough! Sarah really listened to my career aspirations, what I enjoy doing in a job, and provided thorough guidance and helpful feedback when going over my resumé. Additionally, I felt welcomed to Dublin and really enjoyed our guided excursions. Everyone at Connect-123 really cares about you succeeding and give helpful guidance throughout the entire process of finding and working your internship.

During my internship with an autism research network, I contributed to an international project focused on autism screening and community research priorities. My work involved systematically screening studies, reviewing inclusion/exclusion criteria, and extracting detailed data into shared spreadsheets. I gained experience in critically reading abstracts and full texts, interpreting methodologies, and paying close attention to performance metrics such as sensitivity, specificity, and AUC values. Beyond technical skills, this internship gave me a deeper appreciation for the nuances of autism research — especially the importance of ethical considerations, community involvement, and shifting away from overly medicalized models of disability. I learned how to apply exclusion codes consistently, collaborate with peers across time zones, and manage large datasets precisely. This experience strengthened my research skills and my ability to reflect on the broader impact of scientific work. It challenged me to think critically about equity in autism research, including representation across countries, age ranges, and support needs. I now feel much more confident navigating scientific literature and contributing to conversations around research priorities. Overall, my internship was both practical and meaningful. It reinforced my academic interests in neurobiology and psychology while developing transferable organizational skills, critical analysis, and teamwork skills. I am grateful for the experience and for the opportunity to contribute to research that has real-world impact.

I had an amazing time in Dublin. During my internship I learned so much about working emotional regulation and social interaction in children and adolescents. I enjoyed having the opportunity to apply skills I have learned at University in real-life situations, while being immersed in another culture.

Interning in Barcelona through Connect-123 was one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, I felt supported and guided by the Connect-123 team. They helped me find an internship that aligned with my academic background and personal interests, and I couldn’t have asked for a better placement. I worked with an organization that challenged me professionally while giving me the chance to contribute meaningfully. The experience helped me build confidence, develop new skills, and gain real-world insight into my field. I was encouraged to take initiative, think creatively, and collaborate with international colleagues—skills I know will serve me well in the future. Beyond the internship itself, living in Barcelona was a dream. The city's culture, energy, and diversity were truly unforgettable. I loved exploring the architecture, trying new foods, and connecting with both locals and other students. Connect-123 also organized events, which made it easy to build a community and feel at home. This experience not only helped me grow professionally, but also personally. It gave me a global perspective, deepened my cultural understanding, and sparked a sense of independence that I’ll carry with me wherever I go. I’m incredibly grateful to Connect-123 for making it all possible, and I would highly recommend the program to anyone seeking an internship abroad.

My time in Cape Town has been nothing short of an unforgettable experience. I am incredibly grateful for this experience, especially as a first-generation Hispanic college student. I felt extremely supported throughout this experience, especially by our Connect-123 advisor, Carla. Carla made me feel welcome and cared for from the very beginning. This experience not only helped me in my professional development, but it also helped me learn more about myself.

Connect 123 supported me throughout my experience without overwhelming me which I appreciated greatly. They selected a wonderful site for me where I met the kindest and most passionate people I could have wished for ! I had an amazing time ;)

The experience was a immersion of cultural awareness and both academic and career skills. The internships we replaced in really supported us in building critical skills for our careers and the environments we constantly found ourselves and were very motivating.

I got matched with a company relevant to my interests and worked with some amazing people. In my internship I created lead magnets and developed an operations manual/cultural handbook for a film production company. The skills I developed most while interning have been communication, adaptability, and time-management. Xena showed a genuine understanding of my goals and challenges. She was always responsive and open to addressing any questions. Her willingness to help made me feel heard and supported throughout the Connect-123 internship program.

My engineering research internship in Dublin was such a great experience. I worked alongside a super supportive and caring professor who really invested in my education into the research and academic side of engineering. I got to dive deep into a real world research problem of investigating thermal runaway in electric vehicles and lithium ion batteries. In addition to the great professional experience I got from my internship in Dublin, I also made amazing friends that I hope turn into friends for life. It was so fun to meet so many new people from all over the United States and share these memories with them.

The program experience overall was amazing, within the time I was there I felt like I saw almost everything I wanted to see and experience. The internship was amazing as well, the company I was set up with was phenomenal and I learned a great deal.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Buenos Aires! I have been able to eat fantastic food, listen to beautiful music, and feel the pulse of a unique city! Buenos Aires is a blend of cultures and demonstrates how beautiful it can be to accept everyone. I was never bored and saw so many amazing things! My internship was amazing, and I had the pleasure of working with a fantastic group of people for two months! As I leave Buenos Aires, I am leaving with unforgettable memories, a new family, and a different perspective on life!

I learned many valuable lessons from this experience and the practice as a whole. During my time, I engaged in developmentally appropriate play in an urban setting through a live on-site program, Connect 123, in South Africa. Throughout my 4-week intensive, I gained important knowledge related to cultural humility, the scope of practice, applying theory during play, and overcoming communication barriers or difficulties in the hospital environment. I was part of a group of 16 people, which was then divided into cohorts of 8, as the locations changed every 2 weeks. This program aims to help students (like me) excel in areas such as providing emotional respite for caregivers (if applicable), planning interventions for children, and giving Child Life education to hospital staff through modeling. I also had the opportunity to grow personally, as it was my first time being alone internationally. Relying on peers during both stressful and successful times was a skill I needed to develop. I also learned the importance of continuous learning, and through my interaction with Jongo, that was happening. Additionally, I gained knowledge by observing my preceptor during interventions and procedures. Given this opportunity, my heart was reinforced in the belief that play is universal and that everyone deserves space to engage in it! I will forever be grateful for this place and the wonderful friends I made in it <3.

I had an amazing experience in Buenos Aires, Argentina! Brenda was a great program coordinator, helping us along the way and having a list of recommendations ready for us. As for my internship, I was placed at an elementary school and had an absolute blast working with the students! It was a perfect mix of Psychology and Education, which I appreciated greatly. The hardest part was leaving the internship, I will look back on the good memories I made! :)

My internship through Connect-123 provided an incredible opportunity to grow professionally while contributing to meaningful, real-world projects. I developed skills in finance strategy, marketing, outreach, and creative design, working on tasks such as building a professional film deck and connecting with potential donors. The experience strengthened my communication, time management, and project coordination abilities, while giving me valuable insight into my career interests. I am grateful for this oppurtunity!

Connect-123 gave me the opportunity to advance in my career goals in psychology during my stay in Barcelona. Both the coordinator and the instructor of the program made the process and experience manageable and enjoyable!

I am very grateful for the opportunity to work in Cape Town with the support of Connect-123. Our program coordinator, Carla, was welcoming and supportive, which gave me a real sense of ease. They helped me explore my interest in working with a creative agency that made every day feel exciting. I left with new skills and amazing memories that I will cherish forever.

I had a great experience as a virtual intern, and experienced a great deal of support and guidance from both the supervisor of the nonprofit I interned for and from Connect-123. My internship provided me with many new skills in copywriting and editing that I wouldn't have gained otherwise. I am happy I was able to work with Connect-123, and am glad to have had an opportunity to work with a wonderful nonprofit!

This opportunity provided me with the most meaningful introduction to what Europe is like with all its cultural insights. Being able to work in the heart of the city of Barcelona and to experience all that it has to offer for 8 weeks definitely allowed me to check off a bucket list location, while giving me a glimpse of what it's like to live in Barcelona all while learning and understanding through the different experiences offered.

Connect-123 made the internship matching process so seamless. I had a wonderful time at my host organization, made great connections, and am even working there part-time starting next week!

I have had an amazing time doing my internship abroad in Dublin. I have made so many great memories and gain experience that I know I will need in my career. I have grown professionally and personally as a person.

I enjoyed my time in Cape Town. My internship ended up not being directly aligned with my interests but I ended up enjoying my time there. I felt especially supported and understood by Carla. I met a lot of amazing people and our relationships were able to grow through the excursions provided by the Connect 123 team.

Participating in this global internship program in Dublin was one of the most valuable and enjoyable experiences I’ve had during college. It’s given me the opportunity to live in a new country while gaining real world work experience and meeting so many amazing people, both in my internship and through the program itself. The structure of the program gives a lot of independence while also offering many opportunities to connect with others and explore Ireland.

My time with my host organization in Dublin was an incredibly enriching experience. I had the chance to work on impactful projects like developing the Sentiment Dashboard, designing a collaborative pilot programme, and leading the evaluation for the community programme. The supportive team, hands-on learning, and meaningful work gave me valuable skills in research, programme design, and stakeholder engagement, while also deepening my understanding of youth innovation and community impact.

I had an amazing time interning abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, coordinated by Connect-123. I was able to work with a non-profit on human rights issues, which positively impacted my work experience. I have been taught valuable skills and knowledge that I will carry for the rest of my career! I also had the best experience in and outside my internship. On days off, I got to enjoy the Argentine culture and explore different locations. I have to give a special thanks to Connect-123 and Brenda for helping me throughout my time in Argentina; it was an unforgettable summer!

I am truly so thankful for Connect-123 for helping me find my perfect internship. Both my internships have been through Connect-123 and both were amazing experiences. My program director, Xena Pulliam, has been such a wonderful source of guidance and support throughout this entire process. The company I was initially interviewed by was about an hour late to the interview, and though the deadline for finding a placement was approaching, she didn’t give up on me. She found me the perfect placement at another company and even communicated on my behalf to ensure the work I was given aligned with my goals and interests. Through this experience, I was able to build valuable connections, develop new skills, and gain hands-on experience that has shaped my career path. I’m so grateful to Xena and Connect-123 for making both of my internships not only possible but truly meaningful.

My internship at a film production company was an incredible experience. Filming and shooting with Kez and the actors was definitely the highlight, I learned so much through that project. Coming in, I knew nothing about cameras, but now I have a strong understanding of the exposure triangle and how to use it in practice. I also developed important communication skills, both in working with clients respectfully while filming B-roll and in collaborating with the team. The regular team Zooms and structured work environment were new for me, and they taught me how to commit to a routine and be a contributing part of a group. I was able to pursue exactly what I want to do and I'm really thankful for that!

This has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life! I never thought I could flourish like I have in a foreign country but this program showed me that I could! Through Connect 123, I have been able to visit many different places, including Iguazu Falls which was definitely one of the highlights of the trip! Through the program I was also able to meet other students from around the US, and form long lasting friendships! I am so thankful for this experience and I would encourage any and everyone to come to Buenos Aires!

My time in Dublin was incredible! The people were warm and welcoming, always open to conversation. I loved my internship experience as well—the coworkers were amazing, and the overall environment was fantastic. Exploring Dublin and its surrounding cities was such a highlight, from sightseeing with friends to discovering new spots every weekend. Thank you Connect-123!

This is a perfect experience. It's my first time working in a real world working environment. I've learnt a lot that can't be in courses and I believe this experience will give me more confidence and competence in finding my next internship and my first job.

My experience in Dublin has helped improve my professional skills. I was able to apply my finance and real estate skills to a professional setting which has helped build my confidence as I enter the work force. Overall, I was able to make several professional and personal connections and improve as a person, student, and professional.

I had an amazing experience in Buenos Aires, Argentina! Brenda was a great program coordinator, helping us along the way and having a list of recommendations ready for us. As for my internship, I was placed at an elementary school and had an absolute blast working with the students! It was a perfect mix of Psychology and Education, which I appreciated greatly. The hardest part was leaving the internship, I will look back on the good memories I made! :)

I’m incredibly grateful for the support I received from Connect 123 and my supervisors throughout my internship experience. Their guidance made it possible for me to secure an internship quickly, and over the course of eight weeks, I learned an incredible amount—not only through the internship itself, but also through the professional and skill development opportunities they encouraged. Beyond gaining hands-on experience, I developed stronger communication, time management, and problem-solving skills that I will carry forward in my career.

Connect123 made my time in Cape Town unforgettable! The city is vibrant, full of culture, and there's always something to do. I gained hands-on finance experience through an internship that perfectly matched my goals thanks to Carla, the program coordinator. I was initially nervous about finding the right fit, especially in a field like finance, but they really delivered. Plus, exploring Cape Town with other students made it even better.

I was very lucky to get an internship that I truly connect with and that has set me up for success in my future endeavors. Barcelona has definitely become a favorite city of mine! Honestly I had a great time and could not recommend enough.

During my internship in Dublin through the Connect-123 program, I gained valuable hands-on experience in financial analysis and legal project support. Before joining, I brought prior finance knowledge, which I communicated early on; as a result, I was entrusted with complex, finance-focused tasks during my first few weeks. I reconstructed comprehensive 3-statement financial models, assessed year-end financials for new potential trades, and provided detailed insights to support decision-making. One aspect that surprised me the most was how open-minded and relaxed the workplace culture was. I could step away from my desk to grab a snack at Tesco without needing permission, and there was even a comfortable lounge where employees could take breaks freely. From my experience and opinion, I believe that my company prioritized the employees/interns physical and mental health more than anything. I am truly grateful to Connect-123 for providing such an incredible internship opportunity. Not only did I gain practical experience and exposure to workplace culture, but I also had the chance to work alongside amazing coworkers I would love to collaborate with again in the future. Overall, it was a 10/10 experience, and I would highly recommend anyone to give it a shot!

During my time abroad, I was able to learn so much about myself as well as the field of medicine. I found a new love for a specialty that had never crossed my mind and was able to learn so much for amazing mentors within the hospital. Through this internship I was able to make new friends and grow as an individual. On the weekends I was able to travel and explore new places with some of my friends through this program. I am very grateful for this opportunity and the experience of a lifetime.

I immersed myself in Spanish culture and fostered community within the camp. Also, I built friendships with campers and learned about their lives when they included me in their activities.

This experience was incredible, this is something I really did dream about doing for a while and Connect-123 made it a reality. Thanks to the help of my program coordinator Brenda she made everything a smooth transition and always helped us when we needed her. I would recommend this to anyone who is traveling abroad because it’s experience unlike others. Best summer ever!

Connect-123 was a helpful resource and guiding force as I navigated my time interning in Dublin! My internship was with a non-profit in South Dublin, and it gave me an opportunity to directly interact with locals in the community. I was able to gain a better perspective on Irish culture and norms through this, and for that I am so grateful. Ireland is a beautiful country filled with such good craic (new favorite word!), and I'm glad to have been able to experience so much of it.

Connect-123 helped me find a strong engineering internship where I learned a ton. During my time there, I became more skilled in SolidWorks and gained valuable experience in design. One of my most memorable moments was attending our company party, it really showed me the kind of community a workplace can create. Outside of work, I loved exploring Ireland through trips to the Cliffs of Moher, Giants Causeway, and the Howth cliff walk. My biggest piece of advice is to talk with everyone and build connections, you’ll meet so many interesting people, and everyone is eager to help.

I learned a lot professionally from being able to engage with the professional world of my field. I felt like I could utilize my knowledge from class in the tasks I got and overall I think it was a beneficial.

The Connect 123 team was highly supportive in helping me secure an internship. They helped me every step of the way and Lea was very inspiring as she gave us great advice on how to do our best at our internships.

I had a wonderful experience getting to work hands on in a field I want to spend the rest of my life with while immersing myself in a new culture of it. I loved meeting all the people from the program and I’m sure they will be lifelong friends whom with I have lifelong memories with.

My internship experience in Dublin this summer was transformative for me in so many ways! While learning so much both personally and professionally, I had incredible experiences all around Ireland. I am so grateful for Connect-123 for making this an unforgettable summer!

I had an absolutely incredible time in Barcelona. I worked at a summer camp for 6 weeks, and once I started getting into the rhythm of it, my confidence skyrocketed. I now feel more secure within myself, and understand that I can do anything I set my mind to. I would recommend doing study abroad to anyone who loves traveling and wants to push themselves out of their comfort zone while fully embracing a new culture.

Getting to experience Sydney for the summer was everything I had hoped for and more. Moving across the world for the summer can be intimidating, but it was truly the best decision I could have made. Through my internship at a financial advisory office, I gained hands-on experience that helped me grow, both personally and professionally. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for my amazing supervisor, Antonella, who made the transition seamless and supported me every step of the way. This experience gave me new confidence, valuable skills, and memories I will carry with me for years to come.

During my internship, I contributed to an international project focused on autism screening and community research priorities. My work involved systematically screening studies, reviewing inclusion/exclusion criteria, and extracting detailed data into shared spreadsheets. I gained experience in critically reading abstracts and full texts, interpreting methodologies, and paying close attention to performance metrics such as sensitivity, specificity, and AUC values. Beyond technical skills, this internship gave me a deeper appreciation for the nuances of autism research — especially the importance of ethical considerations, community involvement, and shifting away from overly medicalized models of disability. I learned how to apply exclusion codes consistently, collaborate with peers across time zones, and manage large datasets precisely. This experience strengthened my research skills and my ability to reflect on the broader impact of scientific work. It challenged me to think critically about equity in autism research, including representation across countries, age ranges, and support needs. I now feel much more confident navigating scientific literature and contributing to conversations around research priorities. Overall, my internship was both practical and meaningful. It reinforced my academic interests in neurobiology and psychology while developing transferable organizational skills, critical analysis, and teamwork skills. I am grateful for the experience and for the opportunity to contribute to research that has real-world impact. Thanks again, and we look forward to keeping in touch!!

I'm more than happy with my internship experience in Dublin, and I'm incredibly grateful for Connect-123 for finding the perfect placement for me. Working at an addiction recovery center gave me valuable insight into the field and allowed me to learn so much about the challenges and rewards of this important work. I also feel that I grew significantly as a person through this experience. I truly appreciate the support that Connect-123 offered during the preparation phase and throughout the entire internship. Thank you Connect-123!

Connect-123 was super helpful in preparing me for my internship and putting me in touch with my supervisor. The organization and role matched exactly what I was looking for, and I really enjoyed the experience. Interning here for the past two months has been a great learning experience!

My time with Connect-123 was definitely unique and memorable. It required me to adapt quickly and rely on my own initiative, which was a major part of my learning process. I’ve learned that I should always be prepared to navigate a lot of independence. I encountered situations that challenged me and helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. It’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression.

I had an amazing experience with Connect-123! They found an internship in the design industry that perfectly matched my interests. I recommend this program to anyone interested in an internship abroad!

My internship was one of those rare experiences where I walked away feeling like I grew both professionally and personally. I learned how to take on real projects, navigate challenges, and see how the skills I’ve been studying actually come to life in a work setting. There were plenty of moments where I felt stretched, but that’s exactly what made the experience so valuable: I left with new confidence and clarity about where I want to head next. And of course, I have to give a little shout-out to Xena Pulliam from Connect123. She played a big role in helping me get matched to the right place and was always supportive throughout the process. She made sure I didn’t just land “an internship,” but the right internship, one that fit me well and pushed me in all the right ways. All in all, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I came in as an intern eager to learn, and I left feeling like I actually made an impact. Plus, I have a few funny stories and memories along the way that I know I’ll be telling for a long time. Thank you for the opportunity to grow, and I’ll make sure I’ll nurture it into something special.

I had an amazing experience this past summer in Dublin interning and studying for eight weeks. At my host organization I learned new problem solving and programming skills. I would recommend this program to any college student that wants to study abroad since Ireland is a beautiful country.

I got to meet so many people from work and it was a great help for me to grow in the hospitality industry. I have also met so many people my age through C123 and made quite a few new friends through this program. It was a great program to meet new people and get out of your comfort zone.

During my four-week live-on-site practicum in Cape Town, South Africa, I experienced significant personal and professional growth. The practicum challenged me to be flexible and constantly be thinking. I observed a certified child life specialist (CCLS) educating children and families about medical procedures, providing trauma-informed care, and offering preparation and support for procedures. The CCLS guided post-procedural play in both outpatient and multiple inpatient settings in a developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed manner. When appropriate, I supported children and families through caregiver respite, normalization play, and post-procedural play. I learned and practiced communicating with children and families from diverse backgrounds, which led me to examine my biases, identify areas for growth, and establish personal and professional boundaries. I learned to grow from feedback, be flexible, and approach new situations with respect and confidence. Our group of 18 started out as strangers, but we left with lifelong friends with many shared experiences.

My Marketing Internship in Dublin was an unforgettable experience that helped me grow both professionally and personally. Throughout my internship, I was tasked with updating the company's social media and app designs to enhance brand consistency and improve user experience, including custom illustrations and UI elements. I also had the opportunity to redesign the website landing page to streamline B2B and user traffic flows, improving layout alignment, visual design, and responsiveness for a more intuitive user experience. My coworkers and new friends made me feel at home in a country across the world. The welcoming atmosphere, supportive colleagues, and vibrant Irish culture made every day exciting and full of learning opportunities.

The program has been great! Through conversation with my boss and the work I have been doing for my internship, I have learned so much about the Industry I aspire to work in and myself! Thank you to Lea Levy and Connect-123 for the amazing opportunity.

I had the greatest two months in Dublin. I believe I was perfectly matched with the company I interned at, and I will never forget the memories and friends I made along the way. I would do this experience again in a heartbeat!

I had a great time last summer! I got to shadow doctors and learn about cancer care and data. I also met amazing people who roomed with me and who I am visiting during my breaks! Overall, definitely recommend.

Connect 123 really helped me to have the best experience possible for my international internship. I had a minor health issue while abroad a couple times and connect was so amazing about making sure I was comfortable in my place of living as well as being amazing with the actual hospital selection and just being present if I needed them. The entire team at connect was awesome and willing to help with absolutely anything I might've needed. I couldn’t have asked for a better roommate experience, I truly love the girls I was with and we are all still friends to day. I’ve made the friends of a lifetime and we’re already planning to see each other again! I had a truly amazing experience and that Is all because of this company.

Cape Town! Cape Town! What can I say, such a beautiful and wonderful experience overall. So many fun adventures with friends and outings on my own. I was hugged by the tastes and music of South African delicacies and culture, overall, an incredible opportunity. At my internship, I worked in the psychosocial department as a counselor, and I have gained so much experience and wise advice from colleagues and supervisors. I created a family in such little time. Thank you Connect-123 and thank you Carla for being so reliable, kind, and respectful, always being there when I had questions and giving me support when I got sick, needed cellular data, to learn about cool places to visit, and the list never ends. Much love from me Fernie :)

I have had an amazing time during the virtual internship and have learned a lot of new technical and soft skills. I thought doing an internship virtually would be difficult because of the lack of in-person contact, but the process was smooth, and I got into the rhythm of things very quickly. I ended up really enjoying the remote aspect of the internship because I was able to manage my own schedule.

Connect-123 exceeded every expectation in helping me secure a transformative remote internship with the Dullah Omar Institute for Constitutional Law, Governance, and Human Rights in Cape Town, South Africa. Thanks to the incredible support of professionals like Xena P., I landed my dream role as a Policy, Research, and Advocacy Intern. This experience deepened my passion for international law and public service. The internship not only sharpened my copyediting and research skills, but also clarified my career path in global policy and human rights. Connect-123’s personalized guidance and commitment to meaningful placements truly set them apart. I’m deeply grateful for their role in launching my professional journey.

My internship in Cape Town was an experience of a lifetime. I met so many great friends in the program, and my internship taught me so much beyond the surface. Being a well-traveled person, I can confidently say that Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve been to.

My time in beautiful Cape Town has been a thrillful and memorable experience. From the cultural food, to the amapiano music, to the life lessons I have learned from my fellow colleagues at my internship site. Observing and having the opportunity to work with not only adults with disabilities, but adults with diagnosed mental disorders has truly helped me gain the knowledge and experience I will need to continue on to the next steps in my career. In addition, our Connect-123 advisor, Carla, was very welcoming and I felt supported by her as she helped answer any questions I had. This experience was truly unforgettable, and a great start to solo travel for me.

I had a great time in Buenos Aires immersing myself in a culture and people filled with such a rich history of food, music, and language. I was able to improve my language skills greatly in both a professional work setting and casual conversation. I recommend an internatiaonl internship to anyone interested. Thank you Connect for this experience of a lifetime!

It is an experience that will stay with me for so long and taught me so many valuable things pertaining to child life. It was amazing to make friends with the same passions as me and the mentorship I received and still receive after the trip from my preceptor is incredibly uplifting and crucial to my journey.

I am grateful for the experience I had in Cape Town. The Connect-123 staff was great to work with, and Carla was a great help in navigating my internship and had great advice about what to see and do in the city. My internship allowed me to work at a NGO and gain hands on experience while also learning about the local culture and community. Cape Town has been an amazing experience that I highly recommend for students looking to study abroad.

My time in Cape Town changed me in ways I didn’t expect. It wasn’t just about the internship—it was about the conversations, the people, the quiet moments of reflection, and the realization that I’m capable of much more than I thought. From climbing Table Mountain to sitting in the office soaking up knowledge, this experience helped me reconnect with my “why.” I came here searching for direction, and I’m leaving with clarity, growth, and a full heart. If you’re someone who dreams beyond their current reality, trust me—this journey is worth i

My time in Cape Town changed me in ways I didn’t expect. It wasn’t just about the internship—it was about the conversations, the people, the quiet moments of reflection, and the realization that I’m capable of much more than I thought. From climbing Table Mountain to sitting in the office soaking up knowledge, this experience helped me reconnect with my “why.” I came here searching for direction, and I’m leaving with clarity, growth, and a full heart. If you’re someone who dreams beyond their current reality, trust me—this journey is worth it.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Buenos Aires! I have been able to eat fantastic food, listen to beautiful music, and feel the pulse of a unique city! Buenos Aires is a blend of cultures and demonstrates how beautiful it can be to accept everyone. I was never bored and saw so many amazing things! My internship was amazing, and I had the pleasure of working with a fantastic group of people for two months! As I leave Buenos Aires, I am leaving with unforgettable memories, a new family, and a different perspective on life!

Cape Town is a beautiful city nestled between tall mountains and a vast ocean whose beautiful views pair perfectly with its endless activities. The diverse city has allowed me to gain different perspectives, lifelong memories, and new friends along my journey. I highly recommend Cape Town for any student who wishes to study abroad, especially in the hands of Connect-123.

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to spend two enriching months in Buenos Aires working as a Research Intern at an organization that promotes democratic participation and digital innovation in public institutions across Latin America. My role involved researching civic engagement and open governance, drafting reports, and internal documents. I also helped coordinate project logistics and engaged with local governments and NGOs to support the organization’s mission of fostering more inclusive and participatory public policies. Beyond the professional growth, what made this experience truly special was the sense of community fostered by Connect-123. From day one, Brenda De Pasquale (shout out to her!) made us feel seen and supported, not just as interns, but as people navigating a new city and culture. She was always present with a smile and great energy, helping us settle in, organizing incredible events like the Iguazú Falls trip (hands down one of the most magical experiences of my life), and recommending the best local spots to explore. I feel so grateful not only for the professional skills I developed, but also for the friendships and memories I take with me. Buenos Aires now feels like a second home.

I loved my experience in Cape Town! I am so grateful for this experience in Cape Town and that I got to do it with Connect-123. All of the Connect-123 staff was so helpful in my preparation to get there, and Carla in Cape Town helped us navigate the internship process and the city. My internship was great, and I learned a lot about how an NGO works. I also learned a lot about myself and what field I want to go in. Outside of work, the other Connect-123 students in the program were great to be with. All of us became friends, and we were always able to get a group together for activities. The Connect-123 events also helped us become closer, and all of the events were extremely fun. I will never forget this amazing experience.

Traveling to South Africa was my first time abroad, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience than the one I had with Connect-123. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with warmth and hospitality by one of the best advisors I’ve ever worked with. During my internship, I had the privilege of meeting incredible people and learning so much from their knowledge and guidance. Beyond work, the group trips were an absolute highlight—fun, well-planned, and filled with unforgettable activities. I loved exploring new experiences and bonding with my peers along the way. This journey is something I’ll always treasure, and I truly hope everyone gets the chance to work with someone as exceptional as Carla!

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.

I would highly suggest interning abroad. It was an amazing experience filled with so much knowledge. I learned more than I could've imagined during this time. At first, it may seem challenging but trust in yourself and the people around you. It will be okay! Connect-123 did an amazing job providing us all with everything we needed. They also did a great job at planning and coordinating activities. I appreciate all their help throughout this program. If you are thinking of going abroad I suggest you do it!

Visiting South Africa for the summer, as a medical student was an amazing experience! With the help of Connect-123, I was able to transition into my clinical experiences with no issues. While maintaining a good balance on tourist fun! Their organized events were some of the best parts of my trip! Their suggestions of local events made me love the culture even more. The people of South Africa were very welcoming and kind to me throughout my whole experience. Their rich and diverse culture, allowed me to learn both in clinic and on excursions. I will definitely be returning one day!

I really enjoyed this experience overall. The Connect 123 program was really helpful and organized throughout the whole experience. The day trips we did were good to learn more about the culture we were entering. The people who were in charge of it all were also helpful and always available to us to reach out if anything was going wrong. In terms of my internship at a creative center for people with disabilities, I cannot give them enough praise. Not only was I completely involved in everything at the organization, they cared about my performance and were wanting to teach me as much as possible. I really enjoyed my coworkers and overall I loved the type of work I did there.

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.

My favorite pre-internship experience in Cape Town with Connect-123 was amazing! I had a great time learning under the supervision of my preceptor at two different hospitals in the Western Cape. I also got to experience some amazing sights that South Africa has to offer. This pre-internship was like no other and I would definitely recommend this experience for anyone in the Child Life field

Cape Town was a great opportunity for me to become more culturally competent in healthcare, and Connect-123 provided a fantastic opportunity and location for me to learn from. They provided excellent recommendations for education and entertainment as I became a local and embraced South African culture!

This child life practicum experience was such an amazing opportunity. I was able to see the world while also learning about child life and how to be a better professional. The instructors made sure I was on the right track but while also bringing fun into the experience. I grew not only in my knowledge and understanding of my field but also in my personal life. This experience has truly impacted my life.

My time in Barcelona was spectacular! Not only was my internship perfect for my skill set and career goals, but my free time was well spent with my the other people on the program. I have made friends for life on this trip and Connect-123 has helped me foster these relationships throughout my time here.

My time in Dublin, Ireland, living on the UCD Campus while interning at an NGO has been an incredible experience. The internship in policy writing allowed me to deeply engage with my passion for sociology and mental health advocacy. Exploring Ireland and neighboring countries enriched my understanding of diverse cultures and provided unforgettable memories. Connecting with new friends and coworkers has been invaluable, fostering a sense of community and belonging. This experience has taught me so much about myself and the workplace, while expanding my knowledge in psychology, sociology, and business organization. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity.

I am beyond grateful for Connect123 and my internship experience in Barcelona. It is the most amazing city with so much to see and do. My internship experience allowed me to grow both professionally and personally which I have no doubt will hugely benefit me in the future. I will cherish the experiences I have had over the past 2 months forever!

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!

Choosing to complete my Child Life Practicum in Cape Town was by far the best decision I could have made. The practicum is a play-based learning experience and gave me real hands-on opportunities to work with children in the hospital environment. Working through a group practicum was amazing as well because I was able to observe others in the field and we could learn from each other. Not only was I able to learn about the field of Child Life but I was also able to see Cape Town and experience things that are not only beautiful but a learning opportunity as well. This was truly a life-changing experience, and I would recommend it to anyone!

Having graduated from college during the pandemic I was not sure how to go about the next steps of my career. I came across Connect-123 while searching for internships online. The application process is very straight forward, you simply fill out your desired field of study and your desired location. I then had a phone call with Carla who filled me in on the internship process and how it works. She asked me about my preferences and objectives for the internship and within only a few weeks she was able to match me with an organisation. Although my internship was remote, I was in frequent communication with the organisation, so I never felt disconnected. Connect-123 also provided tips on how to stay connected and get the most out of the internship. Carla also checked in on me during the internship and reassured me that should I require any assiatance she would be there to help. The internship itself was very rewarding I got to experience working in my chosen field of interest. I was assigned tasks and got to conduct research for the company. I practised soft skills of long distance communication, time management and meeting deadlines. I learned technical skills such as using google docs, creating designs and writing copy for the company. The people I worked with were so welcoming and provided feedback along the way and were appreciative of my contributions. Overall Connect-123 is a wonderful resource in not only in securing an internship but also providing support along the way. Taking the next steps in your professional journey can be daunting but simply knowing Connect-123 is there to support you makes it much easier. I would highly recommend anyone considering an internship to apply through Connect-123.

My time as an intern in Dublin Ireland was a very big step in my life as it showed me what it means to be an business operations intern in an upcoming city. The culture of Dublin and its people was amazing and I can say for certain it is some of the nicest people I have ever met. I would highly recommend an internship overseas abroad because of the various positives it offers outside of the job itself.

This experience with Connect-123 was amazing and was everything that I hoped for. I was nervous about the internship placement at first however, my final internship placement was amazing and I loved the organization and their work. The tourist events that Connect-123 planned were also incredible; the variety of restaurants, the safari tour, and extra excursions we could sign up for. I enjoyed everything and I will add that I loved having my own space, as I got an Airbnb. However, Connect-123 and Carla really made this dream come through and made it easier than I could imagine!!

This opportunity has been one of the greatest experiences of my life and I highly recommend it. I got to immerse myself in the Spanish work culture as a marketing intern at a communications consulting company. I enjoyed learning more Spanish and forming a network with my colleagues. I was also able to learn about the consulting process and was able to work on some of my own projects for the company. I made the best friends with the others in the program and we all had the best time together. We went to dinners, went site seeing, went out, and even travelled together. The Connect-123 events were also fun! P.S. Sophie is the best. :) I am beyond grateful for this opportunity that helped me grow both professionally and personally and brought me the best memories.

My two-month journey in Buenos Aires was nothing short of incredible! Immersing myself in the vibrant culture, my Spanish skills improved significantly as I engaged with the friendly locals and embraced their warmth. The friendships I made were invaluable, and together, we explored the city's iconic landmarks, discovered hidden gems, and indulged in delicious cuisine. Moreover, gaining work experience added a unique dimension to my trip, giving me insights into the local business landscape. I wholeheartedly recommend Buenos Aires to everyone – its energy, culture, and friendly atmosphere make it an absolute must-visit destination that will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Thanks to Connect-123 I was able to have an amazing summer in Barcelona. They helped me find a job in the environmental sustainability field to work during my two months in Barcelona. Working at this organization helped me learn about the Catalonia region and the importance of it. As well as learning about the natural spaces and the Catalan work culture and lifestyle. In this job, I was able to host activities in Spanish which helped me improve my Spanish. C123 made sure to contact us about the job in the beginning and during our time working there which made me feel confident since I knew I had a group of people supporting me. Also, I was able to meet people from all over the US and the world through their events. C123 made sure to encourage everyone to attend these events since this is such an important part of making friendships with the people in the same program as you. Overall, I had a great time in Barcelona and made so many memories with the most amazing people.

Reflecting on my time in Cape Town and the amazing opportunities that Connect-123 provided, I can proudly say that coming here has been the best decision I have done during my time at Penn State. From the instant I set a foot in this amazing country, every single person has made me feel welcomed and loved! Regarding my internship, my placement was an absolute game-changer. Not only for my personal growth, but also because I was able to work alongside talented and passionate people that pushed me to become a better version of myself! Beyond the professional aspect, the trips and activities sponsored by Connect-123 have been nothing but exceptional. From having the time of our life at Food Jams with our program coordinator, Carla, to having a breathtaking safari through the Garden Route. Overall, this has been an unforgettable journey and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity. This has been a wild experience and Connect-123 and this place will always hold a specially place in my life!

I have just left Barcelona after two months, and I already want to be back! I had the best experience exploring a city so unlike where I grew up, and met introspective and wonderful people through my internship at a clinic for sick children, as well as through Connect 123. With like minded new friends, I discovered amazing restaurants throughout the city, visited nearby places up the coast, went to a number of amazing art museums, and even went to a FC Barca game which was the best! My friends were the best, and I am even going to travel with some over the course of my gap year! Over my time working, I was able to form bonds with children struggling with challenging medical issues, as well as their parents, and doing so brought me fulfilment and awe of how such great difficulties can shape a person. All of my colleagues and the families were such lovely humans, and most of all inspired me to not take anything for granted and work through challenges with an open and light mindset. An experience I never would have found on my own, working at the clinic brought me clarity on the things I could see myself doing in the future, and was lots of fun for improving my spanish skills. The Connect 123 activities were a blast, my personal favorite was a tapas night on one of the best tapas streets in Barcelona! I am headed to the University of Washington this September, and while I will be sad to return back to the states, I am doing so with new perspectives of the world, new abilities to make global friends, and a mile long bucket list of places I want to travel to next! Thank you Connect 123!

My experience with an internship through Connect 123 was incredibly exciting; I was ended up working in precisely the field I’m interested in and gained valuable experience that will help me pursue my career. I also really enjoyed the Connect 123 sponsored trips, especially to the cliffs of Moher. One of the best things about being abroad is the ability to travel further- I’ve been able to cheaply travel extensively around Ireland as well as in Germany and Italy. Another thing I appreciate is the automatic community I joined through Connect 123; it was really nice to arrive in a new country knowing that there were already some people I was connected with and who I could contact in case of emergency.

I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to travel to Cape Town, South Africa through Connect123 and gain valuable skills to shape me for my future in Child Life. This program was extremely well organized and gave a well rounded experience both in and out of the hospital. This practicum experience allowed me to work with so many different age groups and diagnoses, and even learn to navigate between language barriers. We got to learn hands-on in various units such as orthopedic, oncology, clinical settings, and inpatient pediatrics. The different hospitals we visited gave me a holistic view of different lifestyles, socioeconomic levels, and hospital dynamics. Beyond the hospital I was able to immerse myself into all Cape Town has to offer through activities such as sandboarding, paragliding, hiking, safari rides, trying local cuisine, and so much more. I can confidently say that traveling to South Africa for my practicum is the single best decision I have ever made, and the people I met and the experience I had in the hospitals will forever have an impact on me. I will carry the skills I learned with me for the rest of my life.

During my internship in Buenos Aires, I got the opportunity to work with medical staff at a local hospital. I was able to analyze patient medication regimens and research cancer chemotherapy drugs. Shadowing physicians and attending rounds gave me the perfect opportunity to enhance my medical Spanish terminology while strengthening my desire to work in patient care. I am super grateful for this opportunity because I got to meet incredible people and also be immersed in a new culture and enhance my Spanish skills. I will always remember my time in Buenos Aires because I was able to become more independent and build confidence in my critical thinking and listening skills, which were highly utilized in an immersive language environment. Being able to travel to Iguazu and Uruguay were also a few highlights of my time spent in Buenos Aires.

I could not be more thankful for the opportunities made possible by Connect-123. Connect-123 facilitated my 3-month Environmental Science and Policy Internship in Barcelona and I could not be more pleased with my experience. They made sure to support me throughout all steps of my internship, and I never felt alone in the process. The application and coordination process is something I wouldn't have been comfortable doing on my own, and I am beyond grateful for all they did to secure such a unique experience for me. I have learned so much about myself and my field throughout my internship experience and the memories I made are ones I will never forget. A special thank you to Adi and Lea for your support and guidance!

My summer in Barcelona was truly incredible thanks to Connect-123. I had an incredible experience living and working in such a vibrant and lively city. As a Biochemical Engineering/Physiology major, I have had the unique opportunity to apply my technical knowledge to real-world scenarios. I worked alongside a diverse and interdisciplinary team to dive into the problems associated with liver injuries and transplants. I participated in countless hands-on experiments and designed multiple setups. I was able to practice literature searching and presentation/project formulation and sit in on multiple business meetings. Additionally, I had the incredible opportunity to practice and develop my Spanish language skills in an entirely Spanish-speaking research project. My experience has shaped my future outlook and career plans and I left my internship with an invitation to return in the future. Barcelona is an incredible city filled with robust culture, incredible food, and amazing people. Being able to complete this program in Barcelona opened my eyes to the world and has provided me with incredible memories, friends, and experiences; all of this was thanks to Connect-123. Thank you for an incredible experience! ¡Hasta luego Barcelona!

For those who don't know, child life bridges the communication gap between patients, their families, and medical professionals by using language that is developmentally appropriate. We can minimize medical trauma through play by offering support prior to, during, and following procedures. To emphasize family-centered treatment, we also offer support for siblings and parents. During my international practicum, I worked in a variety of settings including inpatient oncology, inpatient orthopedics, a general inpatient ward, an HIV clinic, and a behavioral/developmental health clinic in three different pediatric hospitals. These environments gave me the chance to develop better rapport-building skills, support developmentally appropriate medical play, prioritize care, promote child directed play, offer normalization and peer oriented activities, and collaborate with a team on care. The practicum provided me with the skills I needed to be successful in my future work as a child life specialist, and I had the chance to interact with a diverse range of patients on several wards. During my time in Cape Town, I was undoubtedly pushed but also developed a ton of confidence. I built ties with patients and their families and seen the challenges they face every day. While in Cape Town, I gained a lot of knowledge about the child life field and myself, as well as made incredible friends that I will always treasure. Thank you!!

As a first-year medical student, I was searching for a summer experience that would both enhance my education and challenge me to step outside my comfort zone. Because of Cape Town’s unique socioeconomic, cultural, and medical landscape, it was the perfect setting for these two things to be accomplished. My group and I spent nearly a month shadowing healthcare workers both in a public hospital setting and at a home for chronically ill children. There, we gained insight on how the challenges caused by minimal resources can be overcome and how one’s personal health and their social circumstances are deeply intertwined, something that is often veiled in the United States. We learned many other lessons while in Cape Town, and I am confident that this experience will allow us to develop into more understanding, humble, and caring physicians in the future. In addition to the professional and personal growth my colleagues and I attained, we were able to travel around and enjoy some of what South Africa has to offer, including a multi-day safari, shark cage diving near Shark Alley, and wine tastings at some of the best vineyards in the world. Traversing a country for the first time can be a daunting task, but Carla at Connect-123 helped to make our time there stress-free and enjoyable. She was extremely helpful with scheduling excursions and always available to answer any questions we had. The invaluable education, the gorgeous sunrises, but most especially, the amazing individuals I met along the way, made this opportunity truly unforgettable.

My experience interning in Cape Town, South Africa, is one I will never forget! As a public policy and education student, I knew I wanted my time to be spent working within the realm of South African education. After expressing my interests to Carla, she was able to find the perfect fit for me at the Salesian Institute Youth Projects. During the 10 weeks I was there, I was tasked to do all sorts of things including substituting, job-seeking, and more! I loved having the opportunity to meet youth and educators passionate about creating better conditions through education. My students and their experiences have left a significant impact on me that will fuel my outlook on educational equity. Outside of my internship, I was able to explore much of what Cape Town has to offer! From beaches, to hikes, to farmer's market and more, there really is something for everyone in Cape Town during any season. A huge thank you to Connect-123 and Carla for facilitating such a personally impactful experience! I can't wait to visit again!

Finding experiences that relate to my interests and career goals is a difficult task on its own, made much more difficult during a global pandemic. Connect-123 went above and beyond in finding me the perfect internship. While I did have some hesitations and a couple hiccups along the way, Carla and Lea were there for me every step of the way and always had my best interests at heart. Thanks to them, I was able to gain experience in the archaeological field - even while remote! I was able to help develop workshops to help inspire the next generation of archaeologists while learning about the archaeological practices utilized in Ireland. I will always be grateful for the experiences and connections I made through Connect-123.

I could not be more thankful for Connect-123 with their help connecting me with an internship in Dublin. Not only did they help me secure my internship, but they also helped me every step of the way to make sure that I was prepared before, during, and after my internship was complete. I worked as a Community Intern where I was tasked with improving community engagement across social media platforms. Even though I did this internship virtually, I was still able to connect with my supervisors on a professional level, and I will be staying in contact with them throughout my professional life. This helped me learn a lot about my chosen field and how it functions on a day-to-day level before I even graduate college! I never thought that I would be able to work with a company like that but Connect-123 made that possible. Thank you to Carla and the rest of the wonderful team at Connect-123 for helping me get this experience!

I am a senior at Bucknell University majoring in Global Management with a concentration in Europe. Through Bucknell and Connect 123, I had the opportunity to intern in Dublin, at an organization that helps SMEs who are looking for export opportunities. Since the very first day, my supervisor and the staff made me feel like I was at home. They understood I was coming from a different continent and needed to adapt to the work environment and the city. They clearly explained my role in the company and were very enthusiastic to see me learn and develop. I learned about International Trade and the mechanics and structure of a membership organization. In addition to this, I was able to improve my professional communication skills by interacting with SMEs owners (at times) and with my coworkers. Bucknell and Connect 123, did a tremendous job connecting us with our internships and coordinating cultural events to enrich our knowledge of Irish culture. I was grateful to be part of this journey, making long lasting relationships and growing personally and professionally.

Completing my child life practicum in Cape Town, South Africa was a pivotal experience both professionally and personally. Initially I was hesitant about completing an international practicum, but in retrospect, it was one of the best decisions of my life. Completing my practicum abroad allowed me to learn and grown in ways that would have never been possible in the United States. Through this opportunity with Connect-123, I was able to broaden my clinical knowledge and skills and build friendships that will last forever. I spent time at three hospitals which each provided very different experiences of the healthcare setting and the field of child life. This practicum showed me the true meaning of play as a universal language, and I am confident to use the knowledge I obtained in my future as a child life specialist. In addition to clinical experience, learning sessions and planned activities were also provided. Altogether, this was truly a well-rounded opportunity. Outside the hospital, I spent time immersed in the culture and building relationships within the community. It is so easy to fall in love with Cape Town. The opportunity was incredible and undeniably worth it. I am forever grateful for Connect-123, the countless children and families, my preceptor and peers, and Cape Town as a whole.

My internship was with an NGO in Cape Town, South Africa, their work was targeted towards helping empower asylum seekers and refugees. From the beginning, Carla was always available to answer my questions and provide support in achieving my goals for this internship. All her preparations made for a smooth transition to my destination and into my internship. At my internship, I had an incredible time with the staff and clients. The moment I walked through the door the staff were so kind and welcoming. I grew in many ways and developed new skills as an emerging mental health professional during my 3 months there. I was able to be a part of many programs that included counseling, psychosocial assessments, support groups, and community outreach. Carla and Connect-123 went above and beyond, not only helping us get connected with internships but also connecting us to the rich culture of South Africa. From amazing excursions to enjoying local food, I got a unique experience of what Cape Town has to offer. They made the experience all-around a life-changing one! I am so grateful to have met some amazing friends along the way and made lasting memories! My experiences with Connect-123 and my internship are ones I will not soon forget!

I am a senior at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee double majoring in Economics and Environmental Studies. Last summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to intern abroad in Dublin, Ireland through Connect-123. I spent the summer as a Research and Sustainable Development Goals Facilitation Intern at an environmental NGO in Dublin. My work included policy analysis, field work, and organizing and mapping data using programs such as Excel and GIS. Connect-123 planned exciting weekend excursions, ranging from the cliff walks in Bray and Greystones to travelling to Northern Ireland to see Giant’s Causeway and Belfast. I am so grateful for my internship in Dublin and all of the skills I honed during my time abroad!

I looked for an internship in a rather closed field. Connect 123 was the only organisation that could find me an internship in the exact field I wanted. At first I was afraid because it's quite difficult to find a good internship at the moment. But Carla was immediately very reassuring on the phone, she took into account all the details. About 2 weeks later Carla was able to find THE internship that I was looking for. Carla and Léa take great care of you, they know your name: you are not just a number. In addition, the workshops offered by Connect 123 in which you participate are enriching. I've even told Carla that if next year I want to do a new internship, I'll go to them. They are on your side, they defend your interests and goals that you want to achieve during your internship. Carla and Lea are always very available. As for my traineeship, I couldn't have found better. My internship supervisor is very nice, he made me feel like a member of the team straight away. He is also very passionate about what he does. It is an experience that I will repeat with great pleasure.

I worked remotely for a non-profit organization located in Buenos Aires, Argentina through Connect-123. They were a wonderful company to work with and made sure to check up on how the internship was going throughout the semester. The internship experience was fantastic. This was my first internship, and it was wonderful. I wanted to improve my Spanish with this opportunity and Connect-123 made sure to connect me with an organization that would challenge me and improve my Spanish proficiency. Although this was a remote internship, the company was super welcoming and made me feel as if I were there! I hope to visit them one day in person. Even in these trying times with the COVID-19 pandemic still going on, I am so happy to have received this opportunity to connect with people from other countries and other cultures!

As I began looking for an internship for school, I stumbled upon Connect-123’s page. Connect-123 listened to me and took my interests and goals into consideration when helping me find the perfect internship. Because of them I was able to find a place where I was able to work on necessary life skills like communication and planning and learn skills that will benefit me in my future career path as a psychologist. I was a bit apprehensive about the internship being remote, but I had a lot of support both from Connect-123 and the group that I interned for. Overall, I would definitely recommend working with Connect-123. They are a great company that really cares about the people they work with.

Connect-123 did more than pair me with an organization. They learned about my interests and my academic and professional goals to find an organization that I would fit in with and that would help further my professional career while developing and strengthening necessary skills for my career path. Despite the internship being remote, I was never alone through the internship. Connect-123 was extremely professional and helpful in every step of the process and always had my back if I ever needed any help. Thanks to Connect-123 I was able to intern with an organization that works with Human rights and Climate change throughout Africa in over twenty countries. This extremely insightful internship was even better than I imagined thanks to the amazing staff that helped guide me through this experience. I would recommend Connect 123 to anyone who wants an opportunity to help others while gaining incredible experiences in working in other countries.

As an undergraduate student I aspired to intern with a company abroad. My university then connected me with Connect 123. Connect 123 guided me towards an organization that specialized in human rights affairs which was the perfect fit for me as I aspire to work in the international law and human rights sector in the future. The organization was based in Dublin and, although it was virtual, I was able to learn a lot. While interning there, I learned about the importance of keeping yourself informed, raising awareness, as well as how to develop and write research reports on human rights related issues. Connect 123 helped me adjust to this internship with their vast number of workshops and their continued communication with me during the entirety of my internship. Overall, I am grateful to connect 123 for their guidance and encouragement!

As I began my search for internships abroad, my University guided me towards Connect-123 and their amazing team. With them I was able to work remotely with a non-profit organization in Cape Town, South Africa where I created content for their social media pages and YouTube. While interning there I learned about the importance of communication, leadership, creativity, and stepping outside your comfort zone. In fact, in the beginning of my internship I was a bit apprehensive about connecting with the people and the content due to being a remote intern but with Connect-123 supporting me along the way I was able to experience some of the best six months of my professional and personal life. In all, I learned so much during my internship and was able to really understand where I want to go with my career in the future. I will forever be grateful to Connect-123 for opening doors for me and encouraging me to follow my professional and personal dreams. Thank you so much to Carla, Lea, and the team!

My remote internship was facilitated through Drexel University with Connect-123, for a duration of 6 months, which allowed me to learn a lot at my time at the research lab in Dublin. My primary job was to model and animate 3D printing and imaging devices. Connect-123 allowed me to develop important software skills in my field which I will use the rest of life. However, the most important thing Connect-123 did was to allow me to narrow in my major, and find something that I would like to pursue a future career in. Thank you very much for organizing an amazing internship and helping me build my career to the next level. I appreciate everything that you did.

Connect-123 is more than a liaison company looking to connect students to employers and home organizations. Connect-123 goes further, facilitating the dynamic between students and professionals in a supportive environment. When I signed up for a Human Rights and Social Impact Internship with my university, I had no idea what type of work that would encompass. I thought I would randomly get assigned to an organization that may, or may not, suit my interests and skill set. Instead, I was approached by kind, intelligent professionals who had my learning as a core influence in their actions. Through every email interaction, I was asked how I was doing, and what I was learning. I'm not going to say that interning was easy, but growth never is. Connect-123 placed me with an organization focused on people and hands-on application of research, particularly within the law. I was put in a research internship that I would never have found on my own. Working with that organization has now opened doors that I could never have considered. I thank Connect-123 for never settling for me, and for always reaching out a hand, even when I didn't think I needed it.

Through Connect-123 I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to intern at an incredible NGO in Barcelona! Coming out of a rough and uncertain year I was excited to be able to travel again especially with the added enhancing my resume. Connect-123 facilitated the process of finding the perfect summer marketing internship. I grew not only professionally but also personally during my time in Barcelona. I am so thankful to Lea and everyone at Connect-123 for making this opportunity possible!

With the help and guidance of Connect-123 I was able to work with a nonprofit organization in Argentina. Even after Covid-19 cases started to decrease in the U.S., in-person internships were still very unlikely to happen in the summer of 2021. That’s why instead I started looking for virtual internships. I first learned about Connect-123 in a university email that was sent out to encourage students to join virtual internships. Connect-123 caught my eye since that first email because it offered international virtual internships. Since my major is International Relations, I figured this would be a great opportunity for me to build up my resume and gain experience working remotely. I’m very grateful for this opportunity because it allowed me to work with an Argentinian organization that is partnered with many NGOs that help people in vulnerable situations. My role as an intern was mainly translating documents and presentations for the organization’s campaigns so that English speakers could understand the mission and goal of the campaigns. Overall, this internship taught me how to work remotely with people in different time zones that have a different cultural background than my own. It was a great experience and I highly recommend it.

As an aspiring Certified Child Life Specialist, I am incredibly grateful I chose to complete my Child Life Practicum through Connect 1-2-3. This program provided me with the once in a lifetime experience, and I learned so much in just a short four weeks. During my time, I volunteered with two hospitals in South Africa, worked with many different children and families, and met so many warm-hearted people that I will never forget. Connect 1-2-3 is a helpful program that will support and help you even after you complete the program. Completing this program through Connect 1-2-3 helped me step out of my comfort zone in the right direction and prepared me for my future in more ways than I can imagine. I will never forget this experience of a lifetime and the friends I made during my practicum. I highly recommend Connect 1-2-3 to everyone and I hope others choose this program to study internationally!

Connect123 offered me an experience I would have never otherwise been able to have. I have a strong interest in Global Public Health and how this impacts the development of communities. Though my interest was quite broad, Connect123 was able to match me with an organization based in Mumias, Kenya that helped to develop my interests well. Working on project sustainability with the organization, I now have a better understanding of sustainable, and culturally sensitive Public Health approaches, and how to assess them. My professional skills have also developed greatly, as juggling a time difference and completing independent tasks, I have had to remain extra cognizant of my communication and organizational skills. I have met a great community and been exposed to helpful resources at Connect123. For students looking to explore their interests, I would recommend finding an internship with Connect123!

I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with Connect-123 and the internship organization they set me up with! A virtual internship was a new and exciting experience, keeping me motivated and developing new skills. I made connections in Ireland that I will continue to have as I develop my career, as well as practicing the skills the Connect-123 workshops taught me. Connect-123 genuinely wants to see every student succeed, and they work hard to make your program worth it! As a Pre-Med student, the pandemic made opportunities limited, but my virtual internship gives me a nice advantage on my resume, and I thank Connect-123 for a worthwhile experience.

In the times of COVID-19, finding an interior design company that would provide me with strong industry experience as well as still being fully remote was very difficult. Connect-123 made this easy and stress-free. In my initial inquiry phone call, all my questions were answered and my anxieties were eased and within a few weeks, I was matched with a company that fit to exactly what I was looking for in my field in terms of goals, identity, and professionalism. I never felt like I was alone when working through Connect-123 because I always knew I had someone behind me every step of the way and plenty of contacts to reach out to if I was feeling uncertain about anything. They made it obvious that they care about each of their student interns and our future career paths through webinars and group meetings as well as encouraging us to improve and reflect on our work skills. I’m so grateful for Connect-123 and their support and guidance!

A few years ago, interning remotely was an opportunity that seemed entirely infeasible to me. However, with the help of Connect-123 and the amazing company I was placed with, I have gained an immeasurably valuable experience. At first, I was hesitant to intern with a company so physically distant from me, but the team was incredibly accessible to answer my questions and provide support in this new environment. I was able to join a company in Dubai, U.A.E. and gain valuable skills in advocacy work, research in a professional setting, communication across time zones, and even podcast production - something I never would have expected to enjoy so much! Beyond that, I was able to grow a global network of connections that I’m certain will continue to benefit me in the rest of my career. Connect-123 gave me an incredible placement for the Summer of 2021, one that I would never have been able to curate for myself. I am so grateful for this opportunity to stretch myself and unlock new professional passions. The Connect-123 team and my organization were kind, responsive to my needs and career interests, and set me up for a successful summer internship that I will never forget! I highly recommend joining the Connect-123 family!

I am incredibly grateful for the experience that I had with Connect-123. They were able to place me with a non-profit organization in South Africa that directly matched my career goals and preferences. I, unfortunately, was unable to complete my internship in person due to the current pandemic, but Connect-123 was able to still able to place me with a virtual internship. Not only does Connect-123 place you with an internship, but they provide workshops to help their participants succeed in their professional careers. The support they provided throughout the course of my internship was amazing. I appreciate all the Connect-123 staff did to help make me successful during my internship.

I was introduced to Connect-123 through my university. Searching for internship opportunities during the pandemic was a very stressful and trying experience. However, once I was made aware of the Connect-123 global internship program I jumped at the possibility. Now, I am so glad I did! The Connect-123 team did not only provide me a remote internship with a fantastic NGO but also imparted invaluable career advice and great community that does anything to help its members succeed. The wonderful advisors at Connect-123 nurtured my passion and helped facilitate my dream internship, I highly suggest everyone pursue an internship with Connect-123!

I am a senior at Pennsylvania State University with a major in Marketing and Management. This summer I had the honor of working with an incredible NGO as a Marketing and Brand Awareness intern through the support and help from Connect-123. As my spring semester in college was wrapping up fast and also during the global pandemic, I was unsure whether or not to complete the internship experience virtually or in person. From the support of Connect 123, they were able to find an opportunity that gave me the best of both worlds. I was able to start my internship virtually, and when I felt ready to travel was able to complete the rest of my internship in Dublin, both remote and in person. I learned skills of campaign and project management, along with social media marketing. The time went by so fast when you’re having fun! The experience was challenging, impactful, and I was able to develop business skills out of it! I highly recommend this organization and process for anyone!

The internship experience that Connect-123 matched me with was one of the highlights of my college experience. I had been waiting for over a year to intern with Connect-123 because all summer 2020 programs were halted due to the pandemic, and the wait was well worth it! Connect-123 does not only place you into an internship, but also supports you throughout the entire experience, which is one of the many things that made this opportunity stand out to me. I was placed within a non-governmental organization in Argentina, which lined up exactly with my preferences. While in my host organization, I have had the opportunity to be a part of a significant project that investigates all Latin America. I feel deeply grateful for having met the staff at Connect-123, as well as my team in my host organization.

Trusting Connect-123 to match me with an internship was one of the best decisions I’ve made during my 4 years at Michigan State University. They listen to your goals and try to match those goals closely with various internships abroad. Thanks to Connect-123, I was matched with an internship that not only enhanced my skills of design, but also enhanced my skills on a communicative level. The staff at Connect-123 understand that this leap is important for many students, so they make it clear that this is a space to learn about yourself professionally. They take the time to listen and help you grow and they don’t expect you to have everything figured out already. Thanks to their opportunities, not only have I improved my skills, but I have also have an incredible experience to talk about to future employers. I’d definitely recommend this to all other students.

For my master’s degree program, I either needed to complete a master’s paper or an internship. I wanted to intern abroad, but due to the pandemic, it was suspended. However, in a short period, Connect-123 managed to find me a virtual international internship that aligned with my interests. Connect-123 has supported me throughout the process and after landing the internship. The organization provided weekly meetings to discuss the interns’ experiences and develop skills. The organization also hosted virtual workshops. I have been working as an intern for an Argentina-based non-partisan organization that works to strengthen legislatures and consolidate democracy in Latin America. My tasks within the organization range from data gathering to investigation related to the Venezuelan crisis. My role within the organization was to assist the Political Analysis Coordinator in gathering quantitative data about laws passed by 18 countries in Latin America, including the Caribbean. In the last weeks of the internship, I worked on curating the database and making sure it was accurate for analysis. This process is critical for the organization to produce a legislative balance for each of these countries. I have come across the opportunity to stay for longer to help produce the legislative balance. I would be analyzing the quantitative information along with the data department. It could be an opportunity for me to strengthen my quantitative skills. Overall, this internship has helped me strengthen my research and quantitative information skills. It's all thanks to Connect-123 and the extraordinary job they perform.

The coveted internship during/after your junior year of college was beginning to seem out of the question due to COVID-19. After expressing concerns to my advisor, he suggested I contact Connect123- they did the rest. They managed to find me an international internship that not only aligned with my interests, but was flexible around my university schedule. Genuine support from the organization was evident, providing weekly meetings to discuss our experiences and develop skills, along with immediate email responses to any questions. I would highly recommend utilizing the people at Connect123 to help you reach your internship goals.

Connect-123 looked at my dream internship and made it a reality. With my passion for language exchange, economics, and law, Connect-123 placed me with a highly respected legal-economic think-tank in Madrid. It was everything I could have asked for! On top of the amazing placement process, the Connect-123 team always made me feel supported, with weekly workshops on how to succeed and get the most out of my internship, and genuine one-on-one check-ins from my coordinators. Connect-123 is truly the best opportunity to come my way during my entire college experience. This is an amazing organization that I would recommend to everyone!

Connect-123 planned an incredible internship for me. I had an amazing experience interning with an architectural office in Barcelona. I worked on 3D modeling, drawing, and contributed to the production of Virtual Reality and project proposal. I enjoyed the internship and I felt even more passionate about working in the architecture field. Connect-123 really helped make this virtual internship experience possible and meaningful. I was able to communicate smoothly with my advisor and Connect-123. This internship has provided me an incredible opportunity to learn, participate, and have fun, even under the situation of Covid-19.

I had planned on interning abroad over the summer but was unable to due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, my university’s study abroad office told me about Connect-123 and I decided to apply right away. Connect-123 was so helpful with finding an internship that was the right fit for me. Throughout the entire internship process, Connect-123 made sure to check in on me and see how things were going- this really helped me build a solid foundation with my supervisor and with the Connect-123 community. There were always seminars and even some online social events that you could get involved with as much or as little as you wished. I loved these events and tried to go as much as I could as it was a great way to network and stay connected during the pandemic. Having the opportunity to work remotely has taught me a lot about myself both personally and professionally. The ability to work internationally during such unprecedented times was what made me choose Connect-123. Working internationally versus domestically has enhanced my career opportunities: expanding my understanding of cultural diversity and further developing my language skills. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to intern through Connect-123- I know that my semester would not have been the same without it.

Spoiler alert: applying for the Connect-123 virtual internship was the best decision I have made this year. I was heading towards the end of my master’s in International Human Rights Law and, while I was looking for career opportunities abroad, the pandemic restricted my options and hopes like for many of us. I then discovered the Connect-123 virtual internship programme and I applied thinking that I did not have anything to lose, and I am so glad I did! Due to some complications related to the pandemic, I could not land an internship in my first choice destination but they instead found an opportunity that was far greater than I expected when I applied in the first place. I was thrilled as soon as I saw the offer to work in law reform and that’s when I understood how thoughtful the members of Connect-123 are, and how they make sure that the position matches your skills, your future goals, and what you are looking for in this experience. Not only did they find a perfect opportunity that I would not have found on my own, but they also provided me with great support during the whole duration of the internship. I highly recommend it!

I first heard about Connect-123 through my university. I was looking for internship opportunities, but due to the pandemic everything was limited. When I received an email about a global remote internship program, I wasn’t sure what to think, but I applied anyway. I’m so glad I did! I talked about my interests and plans for the future, and the Connect-123 team were able to find a great match for me. They offered helpful zoom sessions to discuss our internships and give us advice on how to develop our skills. I would highly recommend finding an internship through Connect-123.

Being able to work with Connect-123 for a remote internship felt like a reprieve from pandemic concerns. The application process really focused on what we wanted to do and how we could best put our foot forward in our careers. I ended up taking a chance on an internship in a field I wanted to learn more about, but wasn’t quite sure if it was something I really wanted to pursue. I ended up interning in Dublin remotely, and everyone from my supervisors on site to the Connect-123 team was there to make sure I had everything I needed to succeed. The opportunity is unlike anything you could do just within your university, and I highly recommend that every student, regardless of interests, apply.

In the midst of a pandemic, Connect-123 was able to pair me with valuable work experience across the world. I am working for a nanotechnology company inw Barcelona, and the experience learning how nanotechnology reactors work and how a start-up technology company functions has been invaluable. I have been a part of a vital process in growing their company, and with the wonderful advisors in Connect-123, I have been able to make the most of it. I have been able to make a productive use of my time as well as learn and grow in a field I’m interested in. Apply now!

I discovered Connect-123 through my university's study abroad office. I had just been sent home from my year abroad due to Covid-19 when I received the email about Connect-123. Going into my final semester of undergraduate school online was not what I had planned, and the semester looked bleak. So, when I heard about the opportunity to continue my abroad experience online and get great experience, I applied right away. Connect-123 not only took great care in finding me an internship in my area of interest, but they kept checking in on me throughout the internship. These check-ins really helped me adjust to having a school semester and internship online. They were available to answer my questions and support me throughout the process. Connect-123 also hosts seminars for participants, so we can learn how to make the most of our online internships. I definitely would not have been able to find this opportunity on my own, and I would recommend Connect-123 to anyone who wants to contribute meaningful work at an international level. I am grateful for the opportunity Connect-123 provided me and I don't think my final semester would have been the same without it.

I am so grateful to have discovered this opportunity through my university. Connect-123 was very deliberate in pairing me with an internship that I would enjoy and in a field that I was interested in. I was ultimately paired with a human rights lawyer in Barcelona and I have learned so much from her and from the work that I am doing. Being a virtual intern has strengthened and developed so many valuable skills for me, not only through the very well-organized internship but also through the virtual experience. Through all of the bumps in the road along the way, Connect-123 was there to provide me support. They helped me figure out the issues I was having, offered solutions, and gave me what I needed to proceed with confidence. The workshops and discussions also contributed greatly to my personal and professional development. Connect-123 doesn't just put you in an internship, they make sure that you're able to grow in your position and be able to use it in your future endeavors. I highly recommend pursuing an international, virtual internship through Connect-123!

I’m a senior at Michigan State University. This summer I did a remote internship with a women's rights group in Dublin, Ireland. I got paired with them through Connect-123 and I don’t think Connect-123 could have picked a better organization for my internship. The NGO's work is near and dear to my heart and they work in a field that I want to pursue a career in. Early on in the internship, it became clear to me that it was the place I was supposed to be for my internship. The women there are all incredible people and we worked fantastically together, not to mention I was doing work that meant a great deal to me. When it came to pairing me with them, Connect-123 did such a phenomenal job. They took my interests and career goals and found me the perfect internship. As for working remotely this summer, it certainly wasn’t what I had planned. I had a study abroad lined up for this summer which got canceled due to the pandemic. I was hesitant at first to work remotely, but in the end, I’m glad I decided to participate in the internship program. In the beginning, it was a little difficult to adjust to remote work, simply because I’d never done anything like it before, but in the end, I learned so many valuable and marketable skills. I learned things like balancing my work and home life, how to better manage my time, and how to work independently on large projects. With so much uncertainty about the future due to the pandemic, having remote work experience under my belt helps ease some of my worries about finding a job in a pandemic. It’s something I would recommend to anyone considering doing a remote internship.

Connect123 gives the most amazing opportunities that allow you to explore more about your career path. Despite the fact that we are in the midst of a pandemic, they still made sure that I got the best experience. Honestly i wasn't sure if i was pursuing the right career and when i applied for the Connect123 virtual internship, i wanted to do a test run to see if i was heading in the right direction. One of the things I really liked about Connect123 is that they tailor make and customise your internship experience to suit what you are looking for and what you want to get out of it, the experience is unique for everyone. I was placed in an Accounting firm that provided me with valuable knowledge and hands-one experience in the accounting field. I also liked the fact that once they place you in an organization, they always check up on you to make sure everything is going on well and they organize very insightful seminars that help you get through the internship smoothly. They walk with you all the way.Now I can confidently say that I am pursuing the right career. Thanks to Connect123!

I am a senior at University of Colorado Boulder! This summer I worked with Connect-123 and they helped me find a virtual internship in Dublin, Ireland. I had planned to go abroad to Cape Town, but due to the pandemic, I had to make other plans and rather quickly. Connect-123 was able to take my skills and experience and connect me with an environmental engineering project that I worked on for 8 weeks this summer. Over the course of my internship, I did data analysis of crops, forestry, and manure, research on biomass conversion technologies, and technical writing to sum up the research. One of the most challenging aspects of my virtual internship was the time difference. We only had 3-4 hours of overlap in our time zones, so it was very difficult at the beginning to communicate. With tips and advice from the Connect-123 staff, I was able to communicate effectively with my supervisors even though we were in completely different parts of the world. On the other hand, my favorite part of Connect-123 was the community aspect. We had a Whatsapp group-chat with all of the students who got internships through Connect-123 as well as the Connect-123 staff. I found this tool extremely helpful because it was a place where people could share their experiences, ask questions, get career advice, and not feel judged at all. I actually just got a job that is in person at the engineering center at CU. My virtual internship this summer definitely helped me in the process, as it showed that I had virtual experience working with others. Overall, it was a great experience in my internship and with Connect-123, I would definitely recommend others to try this process out as well!

Amidst the global pandemic, the summer of 2020 was looking very uncertain for me. I decided to participate in Connect-123’s virtual internship program, and I could not have been more happy with my decision. The organization’s staff put in great effort to find internship options that suited my needs, and I ended up doing research alongside a professor at a university. The virtual component was definitely a challenge at first, but with Connect-123’s care and assistance, the transition was much easier. By the end of my internship, I was producing graphics and presenting data in ways I had never done before. Not only did this virtual experience teach me a lot about myself, but it also taught me how to work with people of other cultures—something that’s definitely worth investing in!

After a semester of uncertainty and no clear summer plans, I learned about the virtual internship opportunities Connect 123 had to offer students. I was immediately drawn to learning more about Connect 123’s placement process and the internships they could offer to students. I inquired more, and I explained what my ideal internship experience would entail. Connect 123 placed me into the exact internship that I described. I am incredibly grateful for this agency and how much they value the success of all of their interns. I am so happy I found this internship through Connect 123 and that I gained this valuable experience despite the global pandemic.

After a referral by someone I found myself on the Connect-123 website. Just like any other program I went through the reviews by other alumni interns who had worked with the organization. At once, the amazing reviews gave me confidence and assurance that Connect-123 was the way to go . I did my application for virtual internship and it went smoothly as the Connect-123 team is very responsive and professional. They found me an opportunity at an Organization in Argentina and in no time I was in touch with my supervisor. Apart from finding me an organization to work with, Connect-123 went ahead to host seminars which helped me a lot to go through the virtual internship program without any challenges. They also have an amazing way of answering all questions and give you amazing and satisfying feedback through a flowing communication system.On the other hand the world amidst the Covid 19 pandemic but Connect-123 chipped in with the amazing program of remote internship which is a counter to geographical barriers. From Kenya, I got to work in Argentina without having to be there physically. If you are looking for internship, look no more Connect-123 is there for you to offer you the best quality of internship and a life time experience

I had an amazing experience interning with a non-profit which works to empower vulnerable communities in South Africa. I conducted research on gender-based violence within the environmental sector and assisted in both developing programming and garnering funding to address these issues. I loved having the opportunity to contribute to a cause that I felt passionate about and to explore the form of work I am interested in pursuing after college. It was definitely disappointing that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted travel plans and prohibited me from visiting South Africa, but Connect-123 really helped make this virtual cross-cultural experience still meaningful. I was able to form a close connection with my supervisor, and I regularly interacted with other Connect-123 participants around the world through WhatsApp and Zoom. I can't wait to follow up on these connections in person some day in the future.

When the COVID'19 pandemic stripped away my plans to travel to Cape Town, I was nothing short of devastated. However in joining Connect123 for their virtual summer program, I not only found and rewarding internship along my career path but also became a part of an excellent community of fellow students. The support, career development seminars, and overall experience with Connect 123 was excellent and saved my 2020 summer.

As an International Politics major, it has always been within my plans to find an internship internationally. Throughout my search for how to make this process as painless as possible, I ran across Connect-123 and was instantly interested. I had heard many great reviews from previous students having experiences with Connect 123, so I decided to trust their process and take a chance on an experience of a lifetime! After working with Connect 123’s coordinators, I got paired with a gender-based violence organization in Cape Town, South Africa! However, as the world started to suffer from the COVID-19 pandemic, I was unable to travel and work in South Africa due to travel restrictions, but the staff at Connect 123 was with me through all of the challenges by providing very enhanced and creative alternate solutions. I was still able to participate in the internship remotely with the same organization where I worked on their program, workshop, and counseling development by doing lots of research and compiling information to create manuals and guides for social workers to use within their programming. While it was not the summer I had imagined, I still gained a lot of skills that will be useful in our technology centered world going forward. Throughout the summer, Connect 123 was right there with me by providing professional development seminars and fun, cultural sessions to introduce us to our would-be destinations. I will always be grateful to the support that Connect-123 has given me through this unprecedented time.

Due to Covid-19, my summer plans to study abroad in Argentina were cancelled. Luckily, I was able to get a great virtual internship through Connect-123. I worked with them to get placed with an Argentinian company, which has been a great company to work with. Connect-123 has been very helpful along the way, constantly checking in to make sure I’m happy with everything. They have also offered various zoom meetings and seminars which have been very helpful and applicable for my internship. I can’t speak any higher of Connect-123, they have been helpful throughout the whole process.

As a business major, I was eager to explore global markets and business places. Even, with a pandemic, Connect 123 was able to provide an excellent internship program where I was able to learn about different cultures remotely. I don't think you will find any other internship program that is so dedicated to the success and wellbeing of their members and genuinely want to prepare them to succeed in the future. Connect 123 does incredible work finding their members the perfect internship and they were able to find me an internship where I was able to combine my passions of global business, women's empowerment, and sustainability. I was given the opportunity to work directly with the CEO and Founder on projects, engagement, and marketing which allowed me the opportunity to develop my business skills while also growing so much as an individual. Lea and Steven are the most caring and invested individuals and the perfect leaders for Connect 123. This has been the best internship experience of my entire life!

With an epidemic on the rise, I lost all hope of finding an internship that can fit what I want to do after college. During this time, I received bad news of everything being canceled. Until I found Connect-123, this was a great opportunity. It fit my minor of international business and they helped find the perfect internship of my interest. When starting the program, I was afraid that I wasn’t going to have the best communication with my team and the work was going to be very challenging. Soon after the orientation with Connect-123, I felt comfortable and learned many new skills in different cultures, communication, and positive thinking. Soon after, I met my supervisors from my internship, and they made me feel like I’ve been part of the team with their charisma and welcoming discussion. Throughout the whole internship, I was never lost and was always guided into the right path. I’m so glad that I found Connect-123, the experience was better than I expected. They helped find the perfect internship and made me feel appreciated for the work I did to help the organization. I definitely recommend others to join if you can’t travel!

Given the uncertain times amidst the pandemic, I found a way to intern on a research project in Dublin through Connect-123. This opportunity allowed me to gain experience virtually as well as learn to navigate difficulties in communication and learning Ireland's Health Care system compared to the United States systems. I also was given the opportunity to work in groups through WhatsApp to share our achievements as well as difficulties. We were also allowed to attend virtual seminars on where our Connect-123 advisors were located. Within my internship, I have been able to learn about Ireland, Ireland's Health Care System as well as the UK's system. Through Connect-123 I have been able to build my resume, create virtual job opportunities for myself, and start adapting to the new norm of not communicating face to face. My time interning with my advisor has been enjoyable and flexible while I am taking classes at Birmingham-Southern College virtually as well. I have recommended this experience to many girls in my sorority as well as friends at other colleges in Florida. This experience is a great start to beginning my career path as a Physician's Assistant.

I have enjoyed my internship experience with Connect 1-2-3 immensely. I was paired with an organization that was really a great fit. The virtual aspect of my internship was unexpected. I had made plans to spend two months in Cape Town, South Africa. The pandemic changed those plans rather abruptly. However, everyone at Connect 1-2-3 was very helpful, and worked with me to coordinate a virtual internship. I feel that I would not have been able to pivot from an in person traditional internship experience to a virtual one without the responsiveness of the Connect 1-2-3 team. I have returned to graduate study after many years of experience working professionally and volunteering all over the world. I have more than fifteen years of work experience in Human Resources, Program and Volunteer Management. The internship is a requirement for completing a master’s degree at Penn State University School of International Affairs. The host organization I have been paired with has challenged me to use all of my talents and develop a few more. Every day during my assignment I am amazed at the breadth and scope of skills I use to complete tasks for the organization. It has been a great experience and I feel like I am a part of the host organization’s team. We meet almost daily and there are general staff meetings that I participate in from the United States. It’s equally beneficial to be a part of Connect 1-2-3 intern group. The organization provided virtual tours of Cape Town and Barcelona that were memorable. I have visited both countries before and I learned something new. The opportunity to listen to the achievements and talents of other Connect 1-23 participants has been invaluable and motivating. This has been an experience I will not soon forget. I will always have something positive and very interesting to share about my days during this life altering pandemic and I am very grateful.

This past summer I had the amazing opportunity to complete my Child Life Practicum with Connect 123 in Cape Town, South Africa. I was able to not only expand my knowledge in the field of child life but I was able to expand my hands on experience through the unique practicum experience Connect 123 offers. The opportunities I was given to support not only children through their unique healthcare journeys, but their family members as well, gave myself the confidence and skills I needed to continue to pursue the wonderful child life field. The most memorable day I had included, preparing and supporting a 6-year-old girl for day surgery through fun and developmentally appropriate interventions. With the guidance of my amazing preceptors, I was fully prepared to implement the interventions on my own and witness the little girl's fear, stress, and anxiety slowly start to decrease. On top of all of the incredible experiences I had within the hospitals, I managed to meet the most supportive and wonderful group of girls that I still talk to every single day. We had the best times together, taking advantage of all the unimaginable trips Connect 123 offered to us, like the beautiful Safari weekend. Cape Town, South Africa will always have such a special place in my heart, and of course all the incredible people I shared this life changing experience with. I know I will be back in beautiful Cape Town one day.

My child life practicum was absolutely amazing! It has given me the opportunity to take the next step towards my goal of becoming a Child Life Specialist and it was amazing to have done it in such a unique, diverse country. I learned so much about not only South Africa and the people who live there and their culture, but I also learned a lot about myself on this trip. I stepped out of my comfort zone and did things I never would have imagined myself doing like shark care diving and ATVing. I got to spend my time at two amazing and completely different hospitals while working under inspiring supervisors. The friends I have made on this trip have had a huge impact on me and I know we will continue to be friends even though we are from all over. I would recommend doing this program to anyone wanting to complete a child life practicum. This was one of the best experiences I have ever done in my life!

My time in Cape Town, South Africa for my Child Life Practicum was like no other. I am not even sure where to even begin about my journey in Africa. From applying to this practicum, to getting accepted, I was over the moon excited. It was definitely a big step out of my comfort zone to get on a plane and go all the way to Africa by myself without knowing anyone. I was definitely stretched in so many ways there! I was able to rotate between 3 different hospitals, learn about the culture and work with children of all ages. During that time, I was able to experience hands-on and sharpen my skills in Child Life more than anything. I was confirmed on this trip, that Child Life is definitely what I am called to do! Outside of the hospital, I was able to go and explore the beautiful city of Cape Town and do things I would not have been able to do in the United States! So... If this opportunity opens up for you, I say go for it! Your life will forever be changed!

My child life experience in Cape Town, South Africa was nothing short of incredible. When I found out I was accepted into the program I was beyond excited to grow within the field of child life and gain a more global perspective of the profession. During my practicum, I had the opportunity to work in several children’s hospitals around the Cape Town area. Each hospital was unique within itself which further helped me practice my various child life skills. Under supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist, I was given autonomy to build upon my strengths and weaknesses. There are plenty of opportunities for observation of the CCLS’s and other child life students. Collaboration was highly encouraged in order to create hands-on therapeutic interventions that were developmentally appropriate for the child and their family. Every day was filled with unique opportunities for me to gain competence both personally and professionally. I was further able to see play used as a universal language in order to communicate with children. A nontraditional practicum experience outside of the United States opened my eyes more to the benefits of child life. In addition to the work, we still had a great amount of time to explore the area we were living in for the month. There are many amazing experiences that Cape Town has to offer. If you are doing this practicum or are interested, I suggest taking advantage of any and every opportunity you get whether that be in the hospital setting or outside in the local community. It is important to immerse yourself in the culture you are living and working in. I have gained friendships with my practicum group as well as the CCLS who supervised us. I was able to overcome obstacles and step out of my comfort zone. I feel more confident in my abilities as an aspiring child life specialist. I cannot wait to see where this road will take me and I know I will forever reflect on my time in Cape Town throughout my career. If you have the opportunity to do this practicum, I am confident you will have no regrets.

I spent three months interning in Cape Town, South Africa, and it will forever be some of the best months of my life. I gained valuable experience in my field while working for a human rights organization and in the South African Parliament, all while experiencing the unique culture of South Africa and making lifelong friends! Looking for internships is hard, and I didn’t even know where to start after deciding on Cape Town. Thankfully, Connect-123 was there throughout the entire process! Robyn and the crew at Connect-123 helped me find the perfect internship. They also set up my housing before I arrived and met with me when I got to Cape Town to ensure I was settling in! They were always just a call away if I needed anything, and while I never had a single issue during my three months in Cape Town, knowing that they were there if anything should go wrong was reassuring. Connect-123 also set up different events and excursions for all of the interns which was a great way to experience new and unique things that South Africa had to offer. I wouldn’t trade my months in Cape Town for anything, and I’m glad I now have a home away from home in my favorite city in the world.

My Child Life Practicum experience in Cape Town, South Africa was beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I started my adventure to Cape Town by myself, did not know a single person in the child life program, and said yes to living in a country I had never been to before. It sounded crazy, but if you ever get this type of opportunity for yourself, DO IT! My overall experience was incredible, challenging, humbling, joyful, pushed me out of comfort zones, and continued to deepen my passion and love to become a Child Life Specialist. My time here allowed me to support, educate, and advocate for children and families as they coped with their hospital experience in ways I would have never dreamed of being able to! The skill sets provided by the program were beneficial to both my professional and educational career. My experience allowed me to gain a cultural understanding of play as a universal language, learn to break down barriers, adapt to another cultures healthcare system, and witness course work come to life during daily opportunities. Cape Town gave me the opportunity to love and be loved by each and every child, family, staff member, and new friend I met, while also getting to do what I love. I am forever thankful for the ways I was able to learn and grow in South Africa, but most of all I am thankful for all the people who shared with me their heart and home.

My child life practicum in Cape Town, South Africa was unmatched to any traditional practicum in the United States. Under the supervision of a CCLS, I was given the autonomy to practice hands-on therapeutic interventions and procedural preparation to meet the diverse psychosocial needs of hospitalized children and their families. I was able to collaborate with other practicum students for ideas, and work together to do activities at bedside and in play areas that incorporated the whole family unit. These unique opportunities allowed me to work with other healthcare professionals and interact with children with a variety of diagnoses. Both professionally and personally, I gained cross-cultural competence that will translate in all areas of my life. Additionally, we were able to see how child life is utilized in alternative settings, and we were also given ample time to explore South Africa on our own personal time. I have gained friendships within my practicum group and other students through Connect-123 that I will forever cherish. I couldn't have asked for a better practicum experience and I feel more than prepared for my child life internship. My child life practicum in Cape Town, South Africa has been one of my most favorite and best experiences of my life!

I spent my internship in Cape Town, South Africa. It was the most amazing 3 months! I was able to gain experience in my field while experiencing a beautiful new country at the same time. I was able to create many new friendships internationally that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Connect-123 did an amazing job partnering me with a non-profit that fit my career interests perfectly. They not only helped with finding me an internship but also with housing, travel needs, and anything else that I needed while I was abroad. This experience not only taught me a lot about future career goals I also learned a lot about a different culture.

I spent my internship in Cape Town, South Africa. It was the most amazing 3 months! I was able to gain experience in my field while experiencing a beautiful new country at the same time. I was able to create many new friendships internationally that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Connect-123 did an amazing job partnering me with a non-profit that fit my career interests perfectly. They not only helped with finding me an internship but also with housing, travel needs, and anything else that I needed while I was abroad. This experience not only taught me a lot about future career goals I also learned a lot about a different culture.

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.

Connect-123 is so much more than a typical third-party. Behind the forms, emails, and website, there are extraordinary personnel, who foster such a respectful, warm, and genuine culture. Having a resilient and qualified support network is essential for a successful abroad experience, and the staff at Connect-123 are willing to go out of their way for you to reach your goals and/or happiness. While having a great internship was important to me, the support, flexibility, and hospitality offered by Connect-123’s Cape Town team was seemingly priceless.

My 6 month internship in Buenos Aires has surpassed all my expectations. The friendships I’ve made here, with my fellow Connect Interns, with other students studying abroad, and with my coworkers, I know I will cherish for the rest of my life. My experience as a programmer here was 110% hands on. As the only programmer in the company, I was given all the work even remotely related to computers. This alone was much more than I would have managed at an similar internship in the US. Furthermore, because all the websites I created were for clients, I was able to meet with clients and real experience the process of digital marketing. Aside from my job, Buenos Aires the city is wonderful. There is so much green space and culture. Even better, through Connect and the city itself, I was able to participate in a plethora of free activities as well. I would definitely recommend Buenos Aires and Connect 123 to anyone who asked!

My time with Connect-123 in Cape Town, South Africa was amazing. The organization set me up with a great internship in filmmaking where I was able to learn a lot and gain valuable experience with a company that has been successful in the industry for years. The two months I spent in Cape Town were two of the best months of my life and I cannot wait to go back. From the connections I made to everything that I saw and did both at work and outside of it, I was able to accomplish all that I went there for and more. Thank you to the folks at Connect for this opportunity! I will never forget it.

My experience in Cape Town will never be forgotten. As this was my first time out of the country, I was pretty anxious about traveling. However, the amazing Connect-123 family made my transition smooth. I was able to relax and focus on experiencing Cape Town for its greatness. This city had so much to offer because of the endless things to see and do. Every day as I looked up Table Mountain I was reminded that I am in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Every site and every adventure were breathtaking. My internship here was everything I asked for and more. I met tons of nice people with big hearts and bigger laughs. The experience at my internship was than just work. It was an office filled with different cultural perspectives and personalities that enabled me to form a bond I will never forget

My time in Cape Town will forever hold a sincere place in my heart. As much as I would like to capture the essence of the experience into a few simple sentences, it is something only to be fully understood through being there in person. The indescribable feeling of the city is something I will never forget and will cherish for all my days. Cape Town is so much more than a beautiful landscape of mountains, city, and beaches; it is vibrant and home to contrasts, history, and diversity. The people are what made the experience so unforgettable and I am immensely grateful to each person I met along the way. I have Connect-123 to thank for helping me make one of my biggest lifelong dreams come true. My social work internship was everything I hoped for and much more. I savored each moment spent at my placement, an NGO for survivors of prostitution and trafficking. Sometimes life has a strange way of pulling you towards a path or place that you’re meant to journey, which is exactly what this experience was for me. If home is where the heart is, then I certainly found myself another home.

I had an incredible experience in South Africa that I will never forget. Connect-123 provided exciting excursions that really allowed my classmates and I to explore all that Cape Town has to offer. My internship at a nonprofit institute dedicated to environmental conservation and education taught me about how sustainable development can aid in economic development. It was inspiring to work with people who care so much about these important issues and I am excited to follow this example in the US. Thank you Connect-123 for this amazing opportunity!

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 internship in Shanghai, is one I will never forget! I formed amazing relationships with nurses, doctors and staff at the hospital and met many fellow Connect-123 peers. Every day was a new adventure and I learned a lot about myself, while being abroad. I am so grateful for this opportunity and to have explored such a beautiful city and create lifelong memories

August 2018 will forever be one of my favorite months! Not only because I got to spend 3 amazing weeks in the beautiful Cape Town, South Africa; but also, because I was able to spend it doing what I love most - working with children. During my child life practicum, I observed an experienced Certified Child Life Specialist within a Children’s Hospital. I was able to grow as a child life student, learn from her knowledge, and invaluable advice; while independently performing procedural preparation, and implementing developmentally appropriate activities for children of all ages. I also experienced the power of play as a universal language and gained a better overall understanding of the purpose behind child life in an international setting. Not only was I able to provide child life services for hospitalised children, I also made life long friends and we were able to experience the beauty of Cape Town. During our free time, we hiked mountains, went sightseeing, went skydiving, and thanks to Connect-123, we were able to go on a once in a life time safari right in the heart of Africa! If you are ever presented with an opportunity to intern or study abroad, my advice to you is to go for it! Before I left on this journey, I was expecting to make an impact and possibly change lives in Cape Town, but it turns out, the people of South Africa changed mine.

Just like jobs, looking for an internship or volunteering is increasingly becoming very difficult. Sometimes, many people have their applications rejected, not because they are not competent enough, but because their application process/bid lacks vital make or break elements with regards to format and approach. That is where C-123 comes to the rescue !!!!!!!! C-123, believing everyone deserves an opportunity, helped me get the perfect internship i was looking for. The whole process from application to acceptance was meticulously handled and tailor made. Although i arrived slightly late in Cape Town for the internship, i was still given an exclusive orientation about the programme and my new city. Their accommodation facilities and other C-123 recommended places provided me with a very safe and comfortable abode during my time in Cape town. But its get even better. C-123 frequently organised fun activities such as eat outs, movies, picnics, snorkelling, city and township tours, safari, hiking etc. And when you get to do all these in a city like Cape Town, the experience is very unique. I can tell you for sure that what you experience in Cape Town, makes Monaco and Ibiza look basic, lol. In addition, working close to the parliament house, Long street and Short and Long street Market made fully immersed me into the typical Capetonian life. I also got to learn from fellow c-123 interns from various countries and backgrounds. As a final year student at the time, and looking forward to a masters in Ineternational Relations, i needed an internship that would give me a formal introduction into international law and international relations. I gained so much exposure and knowledge from my placement which came in handy during my masters applications. Today i have been accepted to a masters programme in IR at the Geneva School of diplomacy largely thanks to the opportunity C-123 gave me. It built my confidence and knowledge at work, and helped me excel in my application essay and interview. Whether you looking to explore a different country, build your cv, gain career advice/direction or establish strong professional, academic and social networks, C-123 is here to hep you. My experience was lekker!!! (Afrikaans for great). Ps: Thanks to an amazing Programme supervisor by name Saskia Schiel, i would rate my experience 15 out of ten. It means even if you dont meet Saskia or any of her other equally amazing colleagues, you are still guaranteed of a 10 out of 10 experience, so you still win either way. Their wonderful demeanor and round the clock involvement and concern about our well being made me feel at home away from home. A word to the wise is C-123, folks . Thanks and goodluck. Prince is the name! Asagee is the fame!! Always have an aim!!!

My time in Cape Town has undoubtedly been the best time of my life. Through Connect-123 I have met like-minded people, whom share the same sense of adventure and self-discovery as myself. We have experienced as much of Cape Town as we can, all while forging lifelong relationships that are invaluable to each of us. I have surfed some of the coolest waves in the world, hiked to beautiful peaks, and sipped some of the finest wines during my time in Cape Town. My internship at G7 Energies has been nothing short of spectacular, and it has given me the buildings blocks to become a successful engineer in the future. I have been able to apply the important lessons and theory learned in engineering school to aid in multiple projects in the renewable energy industry in South Africa. Thank you Connect-123 for helping me put this internship together as coming to Cape Town has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I wish I could say I was proudly South African, as Cape Town has felt like home from the moment I got here.

My time in Cape Town is something I will treasure forever. Working at the Red Cross Children's Hospital not only gave me valuable experience in a different healthcare setting, but also cultural experiences I would not have had in the USA. Coming home I feel like a better professional who is aware of culture differences that can be found in a health care setting. Although every week we had group meetings, one on ones, and time in the hospital/service sites we still had plenty of time to have fun! My favorite thing we experienced was the safari!

An internship at a children's hospital is a fairly difficult opportunity to secure in the US. Thanks to my healthcare internship in Dublin with Connect-123, I got the opportunity to observe what it is really like in a children’s hospital and how things operate. I spent my days shadowing doctors and nurses at two different children’s hospitals, which was an incredible learning experience. Every healthcare professional I met, as well as those I shadowed and observed, was more than willing to answer my questions and explain any type of medication, diagnosis or procedure. It really was the perfect internship for me and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to advance in my healthcare career, meet some of the most amazing people, and grow into a more independent and confident person. Throughout my time in Dublin, I can honestly say that not only were the people in the hospitals kind, but everyone was! I felt so comfortable living in Dublin and it quickly became my favorite place in the world.

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.

“Connect-123 helped me find a great environmental internship, and guided me every step of the way through the Chinese Visas process. My apartment in Shanghai was lovely and Connect-123 organized frequent events for the group of interns in Shanghai. They also assisted us with mandarin classes if we wanted. Shanghai is a convenient and exciting city - you could get lost in the number of activities there are in the expat community. My internship taught me a lot about NGO work, the environmental movement in China and how to work in a professional environment. Overall, a great experience!"

My mechanical engineering internship in Buenos Aires was one of the most enjoyable, eye-opening, and developmental experiences I've ever had. The friends that I made through Connect-123 events became friends who I will remember for the rest of my life, and I made more treasured memories with them than I can count. One thing I really took away from my summer in Argentina was how to embrace my mistakes: I learned that once I was able to accept that everything I did would not have to be perfect (whether in my Spanish skills or first time industrial design internship), I really grew as a person and began to appreciate all that I was learning. I wouldn't have traded my summer internship for anything and I would do it over again in a heartbeat!

I worked as a marketing/software engineering intern in Dublin and I couldn’t have been more thrilled with the experience. The work environment was very laid back and the people were all very welcoming and friendly. I helped contribute to a project, collecting and analyzing data that will be very useful to the company long after I’m gone. I learned many valuable programming skills along the way and further developed my professional communication and networking skills. The company has a wide-reaching, global presence and it was amazing to work in such an environment. I am so glad that Connect-123 was able to help me find this once in a lifetime opportunity. Not only was my internship great, but being in Ireland was absolutely incredible. Every weekend I visited a new and interesting place and even got to spend time in some nearby countries. I saw so many beautiful places and had so many exciting adventures. It was truly a summer to remember forever!

I spent the summer interning at an animal shelter in Dublin through Connect-123. No matter what internship you are doing, the first few days can be daunting but everyone I met was extremely helpful and exceedingly kind. I chose to do this internship because I wanted to have a relaxing summer before I started medical school. This internship was wonderful partly because they were incredibly flexible scheduling wise, I ended up injuring my hand over the summer and they were more than happy to give me some time off to figure it out. Ireland in general is a great place to spend the summer because you have so many different places right on your proverbial doorstep. The whole of Ireland is the same size as the state of Indiana, meaning you can traverse the whole country in a weekend if you really wanted to. Flights to Europe are also ridiculously cheap so it’s a wonderful excuses to go pamper yourself in Paris (the gluten free offerings are incredible) or go exploring in Lisbon. Nikki and Rosie were my main points of contact for the summer, both of them are amazing and are there for literally anything you need. They organized loads of events in Dublin and around the country, which gave me an opportunity to meet the other connectors and get to know everyone a little bit better. I adored my internship this summer!

For me, interning abroad was truly a 10/10 life experience thanks to Connect-123. I had known that I wanted to intern abroad for a while but I was unsure of what organization I wanted to go through- until I heard about Connect-123 from my friend. I was beyond impressed with everything that Connect-123 offers for the amazing price. I submitted my application very early and was thrilled with the placement I got in Dublin, Ireland doing Public Relations. Connect-123 really listened to what I wanted in an internship and my time interning was above and beyond my expectations. I was able to immensely grow as a human, student, and leader during my time abroad. Having the opportunity to intern internationally is truly life-changing because you adapt to a new workplace culture, are pushed out of your comfort zone, and take chances that you would not usually take. Not only did this experience boost my resume, it boosted my life because I now have amazing friends and connections globally. I could not be more grateful for the opportunity the Connect-123 provided me with!! They are there for you every step of the way and are truly invested in giving you the greatest experience.

My internship is Dublin was absolutely amazing! I interned at a dermatology research centre where I worked closely with my post doc to help develop a topical treatment for a rare genetic skin disease (RDEB). I came into the lab with very little lab experience as I’d just gotten out of freshman year of college. Everyone in the lab was so incredibly patient and willing to help me with whatever I didn’t understand and needed assistance in. During moments of break, I found myself shadowing some of the PhD students in the lab, trying to understand their role in the lab and what project they were working on. Soon, I knew everyone’s name in the lab and had a glimpse of their backstory and how they got to where they are now. I had many incredible experiences and some challenging ones as well, however, I knew I had help and support if I ever needed it. Additionally, Connect-123's group advisors were so helpful and planned many adventures for us on the weekends (big thanks to them). I will never forget my place of Internship and the people there and all of the others I met along the way!

The reason I made the decision to do an internship at all is simply to get as much practical experience as I possibly can. Thus, it was always something I knew I would do this particular summer before University starts again, but the challenge was to actually find somewhere to work. After searching a bit on the internet and being stressed about not finding anything, I eventually stumbled across Connect-123. I have to say that I was very fortunate, as everything just went swimmingly after that. Our e-mail conversation was very efficient, and before I knew it, I arrived in Dublin. Frankly, deciding on Ireland was more or less a spontaneous choice, but after it was confirmed it really did make sense. The fact that the Irish are very proud of their history, especially the Viking Age it seems, it felt like a good place to practice archaeology. My boss was also enthusiastic about the subject and made me visit all these cool sites and museums. What I also appreciated was how involved the people in Connect-123 were. They organized different events and fun things for us to do so that everybody had the chance to meet each other. One thing I can say for sure is that I definitely learned a lot on my journey in Ireland, and I do not regret it for one second.

My time in Cape Town is something I will treasure forever. My Child Life practicum in Cape Town not only gave me valuable experience in a different healthcare setting, but also cultural experiences I would not have had in the USA. Coming home I feel like a better professional who is aware of cultural differences that can be found in a healthcare setting. Although every week we had group meetings, one on ones, and time in the hospital, as well as service dates, we still had plenty of time to have fun! My favorite thing we experienced was the safari!

I was a little skeptical in the beginning of my journey. I was looking for a program that would allow me to gain some experience in the legal field and was unsure about doing an internship abroad, however, I am glad that I did it. It has been an amazing experience and I have met some incredible people along the way. I spent my time interning at a law firm with solicitors and was able to learn so much. The people at the office were exceptional, there was always someone who would be willing to help or answer my questions. Along with the people at the office who were so kind and made me feel welcome, Connect-123 helped make my experience in Dublin one of the best episodes of my life. They eased me into settling into a new environment, explaining anything I was apprehensive about and making me feel comfortable and excited. We were always informed about any events that were being arranged. I loved going to them because of all the different people I would meet and all the new places I would get to visit. I loved my time in Dublin and hopefully, I'll return one day.

My trip to Ireland was hands-down the best experience of my academic career. I worked as a user experience designer at a company that develops travel apps. My company fully accepted me as an equal member of their team, and I met many amazing people who acted both as mentors and friends. I traveled as much as I could on the weekends. Ireland is a gorgeous country with plenty to see and do. I had never traveled abroad before, but the Connect-123 team made it incredibly easy and fun. They took care of all of the logistics - housing, travel paperwork, finding the perfect internship - so I could focus on making the most of my time in Ireland. I am so thankful to Lea, Nikki, and Rosie for making this brilliant experience possible.

During my summer in Dublin I gained more experience and confidence than I ever anticipated! My internship was at a small non-profit that aims to educate students on global issues and how to make a positive change in the world. My work perfectly combined the array of interests that I wanted to cover, including human rights, writing, and strategic communications. I received the best balance of independence and support, from both my organization and Connect-123. The city of Dublin is absolutely amazing, and so were the friends and connections I made. I learned more about myself, different cultures, and my future career goals in these two months than any other summer in my life.

This summer I had an amazing time interning in Dublin. The experience was everything I wanted it to be and more. During the week, I interned at a tech company and gained valuable coding skills. I had the opportunity to work for a global company and observe how work culture differs around the world. On the weekends, I went on different trips around Ireland and visited other countries in Europe. This summer inspired me to travel and I’m already planning my next trip. If you have the opportunity to come to Dublin for a summer, I would definitely recommend it.

Dublin is one of my favorite cities. It's not as big as NYC, and it also has a much more laid back atmosphere than anywhere I've been. I did my internship at a creative studio and shop with a focus on the environment and healthcare design. From the day I started, I helped make the products that were sold in the shop, as well as helping run the cash register. There was a big street festival a few weeks after I arrived, so a lot of work needed to be done to prepare. After the festival, I started helping with an ongoing project that aims to create a green corridor connecting the Botanical Gardens (located in the Northwest Inner City) to the Liffey (the river running through the center of the city). The nature corridor, it is envisioned, will create a ribbon of biodiversity and fertile ground for social innovation, green enterprise and nature-based solutions in Dublin. The Connect-123 coordinators made sure that everyone was adjusting well to life in Ireland, and set up different events for everyone to get together at! For anyone thinking about doing an internship abroad, I couldn't recommend this program enough.

My time in Shanghai has been life-changing. I could see myself pursuing a career in China and travelling a lot more. Connect-123 gets the right balance between helping and supporting you through your experience but also giving you the independence to explore at your own pace. Before you travel, Connect-123 talk through everything you need to do and organise. if you have any queries they respond very quickly and are extremely helpful. When you arrive you're picked up at the airport and taken to your flat. I travelled to Shanghai independently so I was sharing a nice flat with one other Connect-123 intern and 4 other flatmates. That day I was taken around the local area. I thoroughly enjoyed my work, learning a lot about other disciplines and inspiring me to think more about my long-term goals. Especially exploring Shanghai I could see myself living here long term. The connect-123 trips are very worth going on! We did two trips outside of Shanghai whilst I was there and you got to see more historical parts of China. We also did a "Today's China" dinner, where we discussed societal issues in China. That was a great evening of good food, discussion and learning.

My time in Barcelona was an unforgettable experience and an amazing adventure. I’ve dreamt of going to Spain since I was in high school. For me it wasn’t if I’d travel to Barcelona, it was when. It was my first time ever leaving the United States, so to say I was petrified would be an understatement. I’ll never forget boarding the plane, hugging my family goodbye and heading off to the unknown. A million questions flooded me with anxiety from “Will anyone speak English?”, “Who am I going to hang out with?”, or “How am I supposed to get to work everyday?”. When I finally got to my apartment, I was scheduled to meet Kat and some others at a nearby coffee shop. I was welcomed with a warm smile and every single anxiety filled question was answered for me. I met some of the most wonderful, caring, fun, passion filled people I know. We experienced hiking up to Tibidabo Amusement Park, seeing a Flamenco show, running through Parque Ciutadella, reading at Parque Guell, tanning at Barceloneta, shopping on las ramblas, and eating every tapa imaginable. We traveled to other parts of Europe like Italy and Greece, which was crazy to me how easy and affordable it was to travel to from country to country. I truly could not have asked for a better group of people to experience a new place with. I am beyond blessed that I stumbled upon Connect-123. Connect-123 set me up with an awesome internship at the leading pediatrics hospital in Barcelona. I was pushed here to really dive back in to all the years I studied Spanish. In school I was taught how to read and write Spanish very well, but the conversations in class were minimal and usually with another person whose preferred language was English. But I’ll never forget one day at the hospital it all just clicked for me. I was holding real conversations confidently in Spanish with native speakers, which was something I never believed I would be able to do. Besides getting to live in one of the most renown cities in the world, one of the biggest things I will take a way from this whole experience, was being put into situations where my only choice was to try to speak, understand, and learn Spanish. I feel the only way you can truly learn is when you indulge yourself in the culture. I am beyond grateful to Connect-123 and their staff for being inviting and making my transition easy for me. A quote that stuck with me through this experience is, “One day, you’re 17 and you’re planning for someday. And then quietly, without you ever really noticing, someday is today. And then someday is yesterday. And this is your life.” So my best advice to anyone beginning this journey is to live in the moment, go eat as much as you can, and go experience as much as you can, because the 2-3 months you have in Barcelona are going to fly by.

Connect-123 gave me the opportunity to try something that I didn’t think I would be able to do while still in college. As a nursing major, I only see the clinical side of healthcare. Connect-123 gave me the opportunity to do research for my medical and healthcare internship in Dublin. I learned so much and met some amazing people at the research lab where I worked. I have been able to apply the new skills and knowledge that I gained to my studies. Connect-123 made it so easy right from the beginning, from finding housing and figuring out what documents I needed to travel, to getting a phone and making sure I was comfortable traveling to work. I felt fully supported and prepared for everything that came my way. I met such an amazing group of people, who made exploring Dublin, and the rest of Ireland, much more fun. Whether it was hiking the trails in the coastal towns, grabbing a bite to eat, checking out a local festival or event, or exploring Galway or Belfast, there was always someone who was excited to go with you. The Connect-123 community, especially the program coordinator Nikki, couldn’t have been nicer or more welcoming. She knew exactly how overwhelming a new and foreign city can be, but she helped make Dublin feel like home right away. She always made sure we were getting the most out of our internship experiences all while planning fun events and showing us the less touristy side of Dublin. I can’t recommend Connect-123 enough and I already can't wait to visit this wonderful city again!

Living abroad is a liberating experience. Once I stepped off the plane and onto Irish soil, the world grew a little bit smaller. I had never traveled alone before, and the idea of living without any of the comforts of my familiar life was daunting. That is where Connect-123 made life easy. Nikki, my program coordinator, helped me establish the essentials (housing, phone, connections, etc…). I quickly grew comfortable and started to travel throughout Ireland and Europe, experiencing some of the world’s greatest sights, sounds, and tastes. Dublin truly is an international city, and I met people from around the world looking to travel, learn English, study, and work. At my internship, I contributed to a project that reduces agricultural wastes, and was even able to tour a site that converts wastes to energy. This experience helped me to grow into a more confident and independent person and exposed me to new people, ideas, and ways of life.

This was the best decision I ever made! My internship through Connect-123 in Dublin was fantastic. I came in spring, and the weather was lovely. There were flowers, singing birds, and greenery everywhere! I worked next to the Grand Canal, and it was a luxury to have lunch sitting casually next to the canal and enjoying nature. My work environment was lovely, everyone was so nice. Generally, Irish people are friendly, which I think is important when you are far away from home. Dublin is an international city, a multicultural hub, and you hear lots of different languages in the city center. I think Dublin, or Ireland in general, is a place for nature lovers. There are so many outdoor activities to enjoy and it is easy to travel around the country. It's easy to visit places such as Cork and Galway in a couple of hours using public trains and buses. The only thing I wish I'd realized before, is that instead of bringing lots of thick warm clothes, I should've brought mostly waterproof thin clothes, for this time of year.

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 cannot recommend Connect-123 enough! I was excited to learn more about my family history in Ireland, as well as gain new professional skills through this internship. I was nervous to spend 3 months in a foreign country, but Nikki-the Connect program coordinator in Dublin-made me feel so welcome and was a wealth of information for fun things to do both in and out of the city. She also made sure that all the interns in Dublin felt connected and set up activities for us every week! I had an amazing experience, learned new things, and made friends from all over the world-so happy I chose Connect-123to help me through my internship!

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.

I have always wanted to travel, but after graduating, I also wanted to progress my career as well. That is when I looked into internships abroad and I came across Connect-123. The reviews spoke highly of the program and I was not disappointed. My coordinator was wonderful. She made me feel comfortable being in a new country by myself and provided me with amazing ideas to get the most out of my trip. The placement they found was amazing and the people were so nice and helpful. I learned a lot and gained a lot of experience. I worked at a newspaper and wrote at least five articles every week. It was a very busy two months filled with my internship but also a lot of travel and activities. I visited downtown Dublin many times, went to Kilkenny, Glendalough, Wicklow, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Belfast and even travelled to Edinburgh, Scotland. Connect-123 provided me with the best experience of my life where I got the chance to travel and gain experience to further my career. This program is the best choice for students interested in an internship abroad.

As part of the program I am in at my university, students are encouraged to spend at least one quarter studying or working abroad to further prepare us for the global marketplace and provide us with intercultural communication skills. I decided to do the latter, but I had no idea where to start my search for an internship abroad. After looking around at companies that offered internship placements abroad, I settled on Connect-123 because of the countless positive reviews I had read. And I was not disappointed. The Connect program helped me along every step of the way and without them I don't think my experience would have been the same. They helped me find both my internship and housing in Dublin, they made sure I had all the correct travel documents and that someone picked me up from the airport. Additionally the program director for Dublin was so welcoming and friendly, she was constantly organizing events and checking in with us to make sure that everything was okay. My actual internship was as a whole a very rewarding and educational experience, I feel like my professional skills have benefited greatly. The people at Connect did an excellent job of placing me. In general, I would highly encourage anyone considering an internship abroad to just go for it, it’s truly a life changing experience.

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

After graduating from high school last June, I decided to take a semester off - which, thanks to Connect-123, ended up being one of the best decisions I've ever made. In Dublin, I was placed into a small television production company, where I pitched ideas, wrote proposals, and worked closely with industry veterans. I lived close to the City Centre, which made exploring Dublin really convenient. And, most of all, I never felt completely on my own - the incredible Dublin program director always made sure everything was going by smoothly. Without Connect-123’s help, none of this would’ve been possible. So, if you’re reading this testimonial and are wondering if this program is really worth it, let me leave you with the following. Intern abroad if you’re interested in honing in on what you’re passionate about, becoming more mature and independent, and/or opening yourself up to new experiences. Connect-123 really does deliver.

Cape Town is an amazing place with an incredible, important history; it should definitely be on everyone’s bucket lists! I was able go on such amazing adventures, including a safari, wine tasting, sky diving, shark cage diving, and beautiful hikes. The city has delicious food, too. I ate at a few different markets and so many cool restaurants, all with unique atmospheres and aesthetics. I got to work with an organization that improves the lives and educations of youth in Africa, which was a great experience, and is something I’m very passionate about. Also, Connect-123 planned these really fun events for everyone in the program to get to know each other. I still keep in touch with the friends I made in Cape Town. Living and working abroad has taught me so many life skills and given me wonderful experiences I will never forget. I know I’m going to be back there soon!

I had an incredible internship experience with Connect-123 in Shanghai. As a finance major student, I was able to leverage the platform Connect-123 provided to work in an elite boutique investment bank. I enjoyed this investment banking internship experience, and the assignments and projects I worked on were both challenging and exciting. I was given a lot of responsibilities in assisting my supervisor in analyzing various industries, and I had the opportunities to attend meetings with top executives from some of the largest companies. I am grateful for this meaningful experience, and it provided me such an important foundation for my future career endeavor. Besides work, Connect-123’s mentors are super friendly and helpful. They provided us guidance on everything we needed and arranged us for lots of fun activities over the course of the internships. I strongly recommend students to leverage this unique internship platform to advance their careers and studies.

I interned for 7 weeks working in Research. 7 weeks felt like 7 days. I had a wonderful time and it was an extremely fruitful experience; I learned so much! Everyone working there was so kind, friendly, and funny and made me feel very welcomed. My last day was a lot more emotional than I ever thought it would be, it was hard saying my goodbyes- a sign of a great experience and even greater people. Dublin is a beautiful city with so much to do and see. Exploring the city and towns nearby was so much fun and I definitely plan on coming back and exploring Ireland even more. Huge thanks to the Connect 123 team's time & efforts spent answering all my questions and for their patience during the application process. Fun events, hangouts and tours were organized for the C123 members and Nikki gave us suggestions on what to do/where to go during the bank holidays and weekends. She was extremely helpful and checked up on us frequently and was always there to answer any questions we had no matter how silly they were. It’s truly been a wonderful summer. I met awesome people and made great friendships. I'm very thankful for the experience and the memories that came with it! Thank you Connect-123!

Spending a month in Cape Town has changed my life and reassured me that my career choice in Child Life is the right one for me. Connect-123 provided us with opportunities and information to build relationships in the community, in professional settings, and within the other Connect-123 interns. Cape Town is a beautiful country, from the spectacularly rigid surface of Table Mountain to the perfectly sweet children. Working at the children’s hospital taught me more than I ever thought possible about myself and intercultural communication. Many of the children I interacted with did not know a word of English but we were still able to interact and have fun, reinforcing a staple concept of Child Life: play is universal. I was provided with a number of opportunities to challenge myself as well as practice my strengths while working in the hospital. From coloring with the younger kids, to reading young adult novels to the middle schoolers, I was able to implement Child Life concepts into my work. It truly is remarkable what my internship director, my fellow program members, and Connect-123 packed into just 30 days. Strangers quickly turned into friends and adventure buddies, and staff became role models. This experience is one that will forever be written on my heart and I will forever be thankful for my jam-packed, yet short, month in Cape Town!

For 2 months, I had the wonderful experience of working in a day hospital in Cape Town. The staff at the hospital were very welcoming and accommodating to any of our needs. They really included us in the day to day running of the hospital and I’m happy that I was able to contribute in the little way I could. It was a very hands on internship and I was able to gain clinical experience which would have been a lot harder to get in the UK. I’m very grateful to all the clinical staff at the hospital and also the Connect organisers for being so warm and checking in with us regularly. Cape Town is such a beautiful city and I hope to visit again very soon! Thank you so much for all your help and making this experience so memorable!

Having had the experience of studying abroad for four months in Spain, my unease for an adventure in Buenos Aires did not come from lacking language skills. Instead, I feared feeling lonely and out of place, both in the city and in the public hospital where I completed my internship. Truth be told, I did struggle at the beginning because the weather conditions were not short of depressing, which made it difficult to start exploring the city. Shortly after I started my internship, however, I met other program participants at social events and the hospital where I interned. During my time in this hospital, which focuses on care for mothers and children, I rotated among specialties such as obstetrics, pediatrics, and neonatology. The residents became my friends and the doctors took me under their wing, making sure that I understood the medical terminology and the procedures involved in patient treatment. My time in Buenos Aires was filled with close friendships, adventures in the city, and it concluded with a confirmation of my desire to pursue a career in medicine.

Interning at an orthopedic hospital in Cape Town was one of the most rewarding and amazing experiences of my life so far. As a nursing student, it provided me with a deeper understanding of the culture and healthcare system in South Africa, and at the same time I could explore my passion for pediatric nursing. The nurses and doctors alike were all extremely kind and helpful, and allowed you to get up close to any surgeries and procedures that were happening; they would let you help out with essentially anything you were comfortable with. Connect-123 was incredibly helpful with organizing housing, as well as planning events to help you get familiar with the city. There are endless adventures to be had in Cape Town, and my weekends were packed full thanks to the information provided by Connect-123. Being able to live and volunteer in a city as beautiful and diverse as Cape Town will be an experience that I will carry with me for a lifetime.

My summer internship in Shanghai was an absolutely incredible experience and it would not have been possible without Connect-123! They were with me every step of the way to ensure that my summer abroad went as smoothly as possible. This being my first time outside of the U.S., Connect-123 put everything in place for me to enjoy my time in China. One of the great perks was having a local representative (shout out to to Alice, you’re the best!) to help you settle in as well as organizing events throughout the summer. Connect-123 set up trips to tourist sites, dinners, and even a Chinese cooking class! Finding me an internship on the other half of the world is amazing on its own, but Connect-123 is much, much more than that. When looking for possible positions, Connect took into account all of my interests and let me decide what was best. I ended up taking a position at a local financial consulting firm that works with international companies. My role was to jump start their effort to gain more American clients who are operating, or want to operate, in China. As a part of my eight-week internship, I talked with a person at the US Consulate General in Shanghai and also attended a meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. In addition, I also interacted with the Australian and British Chambers in Shanghai to truly gain exposure to the world of international business. My internship gave me meaningful and important work that I enjoyed doing and I also felt that I was able to make a difference while I was there. Outside of my internship, I was able to travel to eight different cities throughout China. While Shanghai and other large cities have a more westernized feel in some sections, seeing and participating in Chinese culture for an extended period of time is an experience I will never forget. I absolutely recommend Connect-123 to anyone interested in traveling or working internationally. You get the great combination of experiencing a new culture while also differentiating your resume. I cannot thank Connect-123 enough for their service and making my experience possible!

Spending my summer with Connect123 abroad in Ireland was incredibly rewarding. Not only was I able to make lifelong friends that I know I will keep in contact for years to come, but I also was able to learn and thrive in a different work environment, country, and culture where I grew truly independent and wish I never had to leave from. I miss working for Proxify and I miss living in Dublin. This is definitely something someone should try who wants to study abroad but can’t afford to miss a semester a school. Along with real work experience I was able to travel all over Ireland and get to know the country and its’ people like the back of my hand. I was also able to affordably travel outside or Ireland, and see more of Europe and what this part of the world has to offer. Connect123 has some amazing coordinators too. Nikki Madden for Ireland was nothing but genuine to all of us! She was also always the biggest help and friend whenever we needed it most. I can’t wait to plan my trip back to Ireland and revisit the country that gave me not only a once in a lifetime opportunity, but a love for a place other than my own home.

Connect-123 was an incredible summer program. Not only did they arrange a research internship with Trinity College Dublin, the top university in Dublin, but they also provided fun opportunities to experience Ireland while socializing with other members of the program! My favorite excursion was definitely the visit to the Hills of Tara! The legends surrounding the place were amazing, the views were unparalleled, and I got to offer a marshmallow to a fairy tree in exchange for a wish. Altogether, it was a fantastic experience. I would highly recommend this program for any student wanting to spend time in Ireland!

Without Connect-123, I would not have been given the once in a lifetime opportunity of completing my Child Life Practicum abroad. I played and loved on the children and families at a pediatric hospital for the month of July. My time in Cape Town was filled with joy, love, and so many wonderful people and experiences. Connect-123 allowed me to gain experience in a government run hospital and even provided an incredible service opportunity in one of the townships. We spent a day loving on the children in an orphanage in the township of Khayelitsha and I left a piece of my heart behind that day. Between the children at the orphanage and the children I played with each day on the wards at the Children’s hospital, it was easy to fall in love with Cape Town. During my last week of my practicum experience at pediatric hospital, I spent a few days in a row with a preschooler in the trauma ward. This three-year-old had one of her legs in traction and could not be up and moving around like most three year olds. During the first two days of playing and engaging with this child, she acted so uninterested but desperately wanted to feel like a kid again after her traumatic experience. When I walked into trauma on the third day, her father said to me how she recognizes me and is so excited to play today. This preschooler that once seemed so uninterested had warmed up to me and giggled the rest of the day as we played. I'll never forget when she started laughing and her dad smiled and said to me "That's the first time I have heard her laugh since we got here" I'll never forget this moment I helped this sweet child feel like herself again and even being a smile to her father's face. I would not have had those special moments with children and their families without the support of Connect-123. I am forever grateful to Connect-123 for giving me this life changing experience by providing the opportunity for me to learn about another culture's healthcare system.

Cape Town was life-changing. Since the first breath I took of its air after landing, I understood I had made the right decision: this country, its nature, the food, the people, everything smelled of beauty and all this beauty turned into family to me in a blink of an eye! I shared this adventure with an incredible bunch of people from my university in England, who showed my same passion to engage with South African culture and history, making this experience even more amazing. Connect-123 also played a huge role in my two months there: besides being extremely helpful and supporting throughout the whole stay, they were able to perfectly understand my interests and to find the right internship for me, giving me the possibility to dive deeply into one of the main issues in South Africa, the education crisis. Tutoring and teaching in a high school in a township, I was immersed in a reality where kids often remain trapped in their disadvantaged background, which makes it difficult for them to get far with or even to begin their studies. My students were thus doing something almost revolutionary: finally totally free from Apartheid, they were finishing their last year of high school and were about to step into tertiary education. Assisting them in this passage was a privilege and the smiles and the excitement on their faces are something I will always keep in my heart: they made me feel at home and their being thankful about the littlest things was the best and most rewarding sensation I have ever felt. I lost my heart in Cape Town, in everything I did and saw and the people I met. I loved my job, which helped me grow as a person and a professional and tremendously clarified my future career path and choices. Someone once said: 'we meet to part and we part to meet' and I like thinking that this will be my first but not only time in this wonderful country.

My experience in Shanghai was absolutely amazing and life changing and I could not have done it without the great service provided by Connect-123. From the time that I applied to the time that I returned home, I always felt that I had the support of the supportive and helpful stuff of Connect-123. My internship site was a great match because I was able to help the company grow and improve by utilizing the skills I already had, while at the same, I was able to explore several areas that I never knew I would have liked. The environment at my company was supportive, fun, and flexible. This allowed me to have a better experience because I was given some guidance, while still having the independence to express and engage with my own ideas. I was also very happy with my accommodation because the location was great and the people living with me were friendly and welcoming. Finally, in terms of Shanghai, I believe I could not have made a better choice for my destination because Shanghai is a very dynamic, modern, accessible, and vibrant city. I learned so much during my time there and I look forward to visiting again someday.

From before we even arrived in Cape Town up until we left for the journey home, the Connect-123 staff was extremely accommodating, supportive, and communicable. I am sure that without the hard working and knowledgeable staff we would not have had even half the experience during our month in Cape Town. They planned many excursions for us, taking a huge burden off us by contacting companies and setting up transportation and meals. In addition, they arranged beneficial experiences based on our professional interests and organized fulfilling community service days throughout our trip. One of the most impressive things about the Connect-123 staff is their genuine passion and care for all their students. They truly wanted us all to have the best trip possible and were always open to feedback on how they could make that happen. I would absolutely recommend Connect-123 to any student looking for a great experience in Cape Town!

It’s amazing what can happen in just a short month, and it would not have been possible without Connect-123. This became evident from our very first meeting, and I knew I had made the best decision to spend my summer with them. Their grasp on Cape Town life and connections around the city are unparalleled. We were connected with some of the best doctors and mentors in Cape Town. Rotating through a community day clinic, secondary hospital, pediatric care center, and touring a first tier government hospital, where the first heart transplant took place, as well as a private hospital, we gained well-rounded insight into the healthcare of Cape Town. Connect-123 made sure we not only had an incredible internship experience, but also amazing opportunities to see the beauty of Cape Town. They gave fantastic recommendations, listened to what we wanted to do, and took the stress of planning, scheduling, and arranging accommodation away, allowing us to more fully enjoy ourselves. The staff at Connect-123 go above and beyond to not only ensure you have an excellent experience, but also work to foster a relationship with you. I can honestly say Connect-123 shaped my time in Cape Town, and for that I am forever grateful. My only regret is that I didn’t stay longer! Thanks again for everything!

My internship in Cape Town was truly amazing! I worked at an Arts and Culture government organisation that is legally mandated to identify, protect and conserve heritage resources, of which, can be both intangible and tangible. My department was predominantly responsible for ensuring heritage resources are not altered in anyway but are preserved and passed on to future generations. I visited various heritage sites and, as part of my outcome based tasks, produced site visit reports. I also responded to permit applications to alter protected sites; but my core project was to update my departments operational policy which was about 10 years old. Here I learned so much -and fast- about the department, the organisation and the country as a whole because I was engaging with a variety of documents. I am particularly happy that all my tasks, and policy update in particular, were an integral part of my department and therefore I contributed to the organisation in a meaningful way. The balance between working indoors and outdoors was perfect particularly as the sites I visited are also tourist sites. However, all this was made so much easier because, outside of work, things were also really wonderful. I was also very happy with Connect-123's hospitality. From the many social activities like Vineyards Tour, Comedy Night, Braai -that they organised, to the simple tips on where to go exploring, they were always available! I enjoyed my internship so much, I decided to extend my stay until end of summer! A.Williams

I spent an amazing 12 weeks living and interning in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Connect 123 placed me with a small NGO focused on promoting citizen security in Argentina, something that greatly interested me and had strong connections to my future plans. I felt right at home in the office and I know that the research that I did was incredibly useful to the organization. The connections that I made professionally are sure to help me greatly as I hope to return to Argentina to work in the future. Connect 123 also placed me with an amazing host family that helped me take huge strides in my comprehension and speaking of the Spanish language. All in all, I immensely improved my ability to speak Spanish, even after a short three months. This internship was incredible and the professional as well as personal growth that I achieved here is something that I could never have replicated elsewhere. I am so happy that I took this step and interned abroad because it has helped me change the way I look at the world and at my future goals. The only bad thing about this was that I had to leave so soon.

The time I spent living and working in Cape Town has proved to be the most powerful and intense experience abroad of my life up-to-date. When I first put foot in South Africa little I realised how much I had to learn about this country and how complicated and contradictory its everyday reality was. The support provided by the Connect-123 staff was invaluable – our program coordinators guided us through life in South Africa, making sure that each of us were getting the most out of our experience whilst staying safe and keeping an eye on budget! There is just so much the city has to offer: within a two-month period I climbed Table Mountain, hiked up Lion’s Head, went paragliding, spent a whole day in Khayelitsha, spent time by the ocean, went on a safari, and visited local markets and art galleries! Working as a journalism intern at a popular community radio station granted me an unequalled platform from where to observe and discover the fast-changing dynamics and phenomena underpinning the South African society. I was able to develop a first-hand knowledge of community media and to interact with a multitude of organizations on the field operating in the areas of the Cape Flats. A piece of advice: make the most out of it, because time will fly past you before you know it!

Picture a stunning, palm-lined coastal city situated in the shadow of Table Mountain -- a city with unmatched culture and welcoming people. Then, picture a knowledgable and relatable team of individuals dedicated to assisting you with everything from finding the perfect weekend brunch spot to finding the best guide for your Cape of Good Hope tour (a tour, I might add, that includes penguins!) You're looking at an internship in Cape Town through the Connect-123 program, and if your experience is anything like mine was, you'll never look back! During my time in South Africa, I was fortunate enough to intern for the Social Justice Coalition, which helped me realize my passion for human rights issues. In addition to great experiences through my job, I was able to participate in some fantastic weekend activities such as cage diving, paragliding, and feeding elephants on safari! Connect-123 helped make this one of the best and most memorable summers of my life, and I would recommend this program to anyone looking for adventure, learning, and a whole lot of excitement!

Coming down to Buenos Aires, I was scared, nervous, anxious but most of all I was excited. I didn’t quite know what to expect and that was thrilling for me. Once I landed in Buenos Aires, I knew I made the right decision. This country, the culture, the people – everything, is amazing. I was instantly welcomed with warm arms by my host family, my Spanish school, and my internship site – blonde hair and all! I think the “worst” part of this experience is the fact that we have to leave after these three short months. I have traveled to Northern and Southern parts of beautiful Argentina, but even better – I have made life long friends. It’s a pretty amazing feeling stepping out of your comfort zone and having it all pay off. I’ve learned about myself, and my goals for myself – both personal and my professional thanks to my internship. I am so thankful for this experience and Connect 123 for helping me. I highly recommend this program or any other “Internship Abroad” for anyone interested in seeing different parts of the world, learning different cultures, and learning more about themselves. Thank you, Connect 123. Sarah Cabala

Three months ago I got on the plane shaking. I had never left the United States before and I had never never left home for so far and for as long as I was about to do with my trip ahead. I had never lived in a big city. I had never left my comfort zone. Much of my family preferred that I go to Europe than South America. Indeed, I was shaking as I got on the plane. Three months later now I am a changed person. Buenos Aires is an incredible city with never-ending options of things to do and it's impossible to get bored. I've had more fun here the past three months that I had in my first 3 years of college! The best aspect of the city, however, is the people. Everyone I've met, from strangers that pass by on the streets, to the worker in an ice cream store next to my apartment, to other students from a local university, and obviously my host family, is always so friendly, caring, and accommodating. Connect 123 provided me with a perfect internship that mixed my career aspirations working in non-profits as well as my passion soccer, which is also the passion of the entire Argentine nation! Although I've studied Spanish for 7 or 8 years, I felt like my language knowledge had plateaued but now not only has my Spanish improved drastically but I will return to my university confusing all my professors as I speak to them like a porteño. I'm so sad to leave and I will most definitely return many times in my life. For the impact it has made on my personal growth, Buenos Aires, Argentina will forever have a special place in my heart.

Traveling and interning in Buenos Aires has been a dream come true! In the future I wanted to work with or in a Latin American country and Connect-123 gave me the opportunity to achieve my goal! Connect-123 found me the perfect internship where i was able to grow and improve my professional skills. Also Connect-123 did a wonderful job to create a community where all of their participants get a chance to come together to explore the city and understand Argentine culture. Everyone here is super nice and extremely helpful and by the end of the trip you're going to feel like one big Connect family! Connect-123, thank you for this one-in-a-lifetime opportunity and ciao Buenos Aires!

I came to South Africa, Cape Town more specifically, to have a direct vision of the reality of a country which underwent recent internal struggle. Being interested in political risk and emergency and conflict situations, I decided that a country like South Africa was the place for me to be in. I wanted to have an unbiased view of the everyday life of the population, their way of thinking and their interesting culture. Thanks to my internship with Connect-123 at a leading human rights organization, working for both the Legal and Advocacy Departments, I managed to have exactly the insight I first aimed at, and more. For instance, I was able with my internship to consult with people from various backgrounds about their human rights abuses and to help the planning of in-loco interventions in different locations aimed at, more generally, increasing awareness of human rights. This internship showed me that there are people who work hard to improve the lives of others and that the ignorance on the knowledge of human rights is still very present, which makes these jobs even more essential. I would have never imagined how much I would have ended up getting involved in all of it: the country, the culture, the people and the issues regarding human rights. This involvement was also helped by the side activities organized by Connect-123 with their impeccable organization and personal involvement, and by the events present in such a beautiful city full of history. For instance, if you ever have the chance don’t miss the lecture on South Africa’s history and culture at UCT, the Township Tour, and the Mandela’s Day Walk for Freedom. Finally, the only negative point is the time length: two months is too short. This is why, if the opportunity presents itself again, I wouldn’t miss the chance of coming back here for longer.

My experience in Buenos Aires has been nothing short of incredible! Connect-123 set me up with a fantastic host family and a great internship at a non-profit, providing me with an experience that went far beyond that which I would have had simply as a tourist. My host family introduced me to just about every type of Argentine cuisine, explained Argentine politics (or at least tried to), and went out of their way to make me feel like part of the family. I also had a great experience at my internship, where everyone went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable. My coworkers included me in all aspects of the non-profit, including numerous conferences where I got to listen to powerful Argentine politicians discuss topics related to peace activism. Although the language barrier was challenging at first, with the help of two weeks of Spanish class, my host family, and my coworkers, my Spanish improved significantly. Of course, I also had plenty of time to travel around Buenos Aires as well as make a few trips outside of the city, making my three months abroad fly by! I couldn’t be more thankful for all the work Connect-123 put into my stay, from the large task of finding me an internship to the small details of teaching me how to use the public transportation. If you are looking for a fun, immersive, and challenging internship experience, I highly recommend using Connect-123!

My experience with my internship was amazing and a once in a lifetime opportunity. On the first day, my coworkers welcomed me with open arms, big smiles, and cookies with my name on them. Through my job I was able to become more confident in my Spanish and absolutely more fluent, as well as improve my professional skills. I was always able to meet new people and develop new friendships in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Connect-123 found me the perfect internship for my goals and my interests. They were there to support me when my experience was good and when it was rocky. It's important to know that not every aspect of your experience will be perfect all the time, but in those moments of turbulence Connect-123 is there to help fix the problem and get you back on your way. The events were all very fun and the people you meet through Connect are all truly amazing, diverse people. You will be happy you made the decision to trust in Connect-123 to make your experience a memorable one!

My time in Buenos Aires was organized by Connect through my University and the experience overall was phenomenal. I had absolutely no problems or setbacks in my 12 weeks and every aspect of the trip exceeded any expectations that I had. My host family was incredibly accommodating and helpful in my language learning experience. My time in Vos, a language school in the city was great as a tool to learn more about Argentina and Buenos Aires and helped in my transition into a Spanish-speaking environment. My internship was a perfect match for my academic interests as well as my interests outside of school. And it was an opportunity to do actually useful and important work within an organization, which isn't something that's guaranteed when you do an internship domestically.

This summer I had the opportunity to intern in Shanghai, China, which provided me with one of the wildest summers I’ll ever have. I spent my time interning at a small consulting firm downtown in the city. There, I was provided with a range of tasks that not only had me testing my business savvy (like reviewing financial reports and projecting cash flows), but also had me learn a variety of new things including Chinese GAAP and Tax laws, regular business facilitations, and a whole lot of Mandarin. Prior to this, I had very little knowledge of the language which made adapting to life in China difficult at first. The challenge however, was one embraced and I have grown immensely not only in my knowledge but in the work environment and personally as well. Connect-123 provided me with the chance to travel abroad and live in a large city, both of which were firsts for me. To this I am forever grateful because they allowed me to experience a whole new culture and lifestyle that I believe has made me a better person. Along with that, they were there with me every step of the way providing support whenever I needed it and checking in out of pure thoughtfulness. This summer allowed me to go to places I never thought I would, meet some of the most kind and genuine people I ever will, and learn some things I never knew existed. I truly believe I have been made better off by this experience and it has distilled in me a desire to further study the culture and learn the language. I am grateful for the opportunity Connect-123 provided me and I hope to travel back to China again (if not for the amazing cuisine) to create many more fond memories. I’m excited for the future and what I’ll be able to accomplish having had this experience.

As a recent college graduate looking to gain some international experience and improve my Spanish, Connect-123 offered everything I was searching for. From day 1, my program coordinators prioritized my interests and found the perfect internship. Interning in a finance and consulting firm, I had the opportunity to work in both English and Spanish while assisting local startups with various aspects of the funding process. As for Barcelona, it speaks for itself. The culture, people, food, and of course the beach are all amazing. I will be forever grateful for this experience and I owe much of that to the team at Connect-123.

I really loved the three months I spent working as an intern at a film and media production studio in Barcelona. It was great getting to know everyone in the office and it provided me with the knowledge I’ll need to further pursue a place in the industry. Barcelona is also really a great city with excellent weather, remarkable culture, beautiful sights, and fun and exciting people! There are definitely worse places to spend the summer gaining valuable work experience. As for the guys at Connect-123, I couldn’t have asked for better service from them. They provided me with all the support I could have needed. I didn’t feel alone and it was great to join them on the weekends for some interesting events in and around the city. You really are in safe hands with them as you’re their priority and I hope I’ll get to see them again in the future. It’s such a shame my flight home had been booked the same day they were planning a surfing lesson!

My three months in Cape Town were the best of my life thus far. As a transfer student taking a gap year, I wanted a rewarding internship experience overseas where I would not only learn a lot about the culture of the country I was living in, but also about myself. Connect-123 set me up with a fantastic internship at an LGBTI non-governmental organization. There, I conducted research on hate crimes legislation and post-rape care and learned about the South African government and how NGOs play an important role in getting legislation passed. I became more educated on South African politics and was even given the opportunity to attend a meeting at Parliament. My coworkers were great, and I became good friends with the other intern I worked with. When I was not working, I was soaking in all the amazing activities Cape Town has to offer. During my three months there, I sky-dived, bungee jumped off the highest bungee bridge in the world, snorkeled with seals, went surfing in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, went paragliding, hiked mountains, canoed through a national park, went zip-lining, explored the beautiful Garden Route, went on safaris, relaxed on the beach, went on wine tours, and had a blast at several concerts. Connect-123 also organized events, including going to a rugby game, cooking a meal with other interns, eating at a restaurant in Bo-Kaap, taking a sunset cruise, and volunteering at a soup kitchen. Connect-123 did a great job checking in to make sure I was happy at my internship and in Cape Town. They were always there if I had a question or needed something in my apartment fixed. They also made great recommendations for things to do in South Africa and they really helped me make the most of my time there. The other interns with Connect-123 were some of the coolest people I’ve ever met. I definitely developed lifelong friendships and I am already planning future trips with my Connect-123 friends. If you are looking for a meaningful internship experience in one of the greatest cities in the world, I highly recommend looking into Connect-123’s Cape Town program. You will not regret it!

Connect-123 was an amazing experience that allowed me to live in Dublin and work at an Irish law firm. Not only was I able to experience day to day life in an office, I was able to attend a number of court cases my firm was involved with. Besides an amazing work experience, Connect-123 gave me the opportunity to travel around Ireland and other parts of Europe. I can honestly say this was one of the best experiences of my life!

I was initially hesitant with the fee but it was well worth it. Interned at a hospital in Buenos Aires and had a great time. I got to see and do a lot at the hospital. The staff was very friendly and taught me a lot. I got to see many surgeries and sit in on office hours. It was an amazing opportunity for my pre-med tract. The program was very helpful and had fun activities to do. BA was a great and very fun city. There was always a lot to see and do. Argentina is a great country The people, culture, and sights are all amazing.

My experience with Connect-123 was nothing short of amazing. My initial expectation was to gain an internship, but I left with so much more. Connect-123 not only guided me to the internship of my dreams, but they also connected me to a new-found family in Cape Town. I built lasting relationships with employers, made life-long friendships and found my home away from home. Working as an intern in marketing not only confirmed my classroom knowledge, but also gave me a platform to develop new skills related to my field. Connect-123 is an experience that will challenge you, connect you and propel your professional career forward. They give you the tools necessary to succeed, so get ready!

As a medical student, I was looking for an experience that was medically related for my resume, but also offered immersion into a different culture. My month long program consisted of shadowing within the Cardio-thoracic department at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. The doctors were all very enthusiastic and willing to work with us throughout the duration of our stay. I am definitely planning on returning to Cape Town for their shadowing opportunities as well as the awesome activities within the city. There was so much to do! It seemed like I could not experience everything the city had to offer in a month. Living Situation: I shared an apartment with another medical student. It was very clean and offered maid service every day but Sunday which made it very nice. I never had to worry about cleaning or buying supplies etc. We also had the option to drop laundry off at the front desk which made life easy. Pros: I would like to take the time to point out how wonderful Robyn was throughout the duration of the trip. As an individual who has lived in Cape Town for many years, she could answer every question we had and went out of her way to always be accessible. Her assistance alone made the price of Connect 123 worth the money. She helped make special requests possible throughout the trip. For example, we wanted to see community clinics at least once throughout our trip. Within a week, Robyn had everything set up. We ended up completing 3 visits during our trip. Cons: I'm not sure if our school caused the confusion, but we initially worked with a Connect 123 liaison in their head office(not Cape town). This would have been ok, but it seemed as if several facts got lost in translation. After informing Robyn of the details that she was missing upon arrival, everything ran smoothly. I would suggest working with the liaison within the city you will be traveling in rather than the head office to help eliminate any confusion.

I spent three months living and working in Dublin and had an amazing time! Connect123 helped me with any questions and problems that occurred before and during my stay - I can only recommend going abroad with one of their programs!

Once I knew I'd be studying and working abroad in Buenos Aires, I began to envision my time there. I pictured a relaxing summer vacation of sight-seeing and having fun. After three months of living here I can say that my experience has been completely different than what I had imagined. Living 'on my own' in a different country was challenging. I had to worry about buying groceries, cooking, protecting myself, navigating a huge city, taking my laundry down the street, budgeting my expenses and being successful at my internship. Managing all these responsibilities was tiring, but definitely doable. After a while, my daily routine became second nature. Whether it was going to a live drawing/jazz event, staying up until 7 am at a boliche, charlando with my colleagues at work, or eating some of the best steak of my life, I began to experience all the great things Buenos Aires had to offer. My time abroad was not always relaxing and tranquil like I had expected it to be. Instead, it was better because I actually lived in Buenos Aires. I experienced the day-to-day ups and downs- something that would go unnoticed if I was just a tourist. I got to know the sounds, smells, and people of this beautiful city, which allowed me to make the most of this experience.

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.

My experience traveling to South Africa this past summer has been life-changing. Being able to learn by seeing and doing in a culture different from my own has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally; and this has given me many skills and experiences to bring home with me. The Connect-123 team had been absolutely incredible during our time in Cape Town through the guidance, support, and genuine care they displayed to us. I am confident that I will use each and every learning experience in my future ambitions and continue to value these experiences throughout my life. Thank you a million for providing the best possible opportunities for us.

As I drove away from the airport and as my gaze fell on the city of Buenos Aires, I immediately knew that this experience would be eye-opening and unique but I was far from imagining to what extent it would be! Buenos Aires is a dynamic and fascinating city, beautiful during the day and frantic during the night. There is so much to do that you cannot possibly get bored and you will never have enough time to get to fully know it; from museums to parcs, cemeteries to “ferias" and from your office to the “boliches”, be ready to have an amazing time. And this experience could not have been smoother and as well orchestrated as with Connect 123! The team is fantastic, responding really quickly to emails and questions, helping me find the best and most suited internships, and helping find an accommodation As soon as I landed in Buenos Aires, I had the confirmation I had made the right decision: a ride had been organized to my accommodation, the next day I had an invaluable orientation during which Paula, the amazing (I cannot stress it enough!) program coordinator, told me about the Do and Don’ts of the city, and finally, during my entire time in Argentina, there were weekly events (wine tasting, shows, tours and so many more) to get to know other Connect 123 interns! I really enjoyed the city and the experience as a whole. I had two internships, one with the Province of Buenos Aires and the other one in a NGO giving business classes to small entrepreneurs and supporting them with microcredits. I really enjoyed both of them as they allowed me to explore and have firsthand experiences in fields I was interested in. My work at the NGO, in underprivileged neighborhoods, led me to see another facet of Buenos Aires that usually gets ignored by tourists and even by locals living in the “microcentro”, giving me a better picture of the diversity and complexity of this city. I got the chance, on top of exploring potential future careers, to discover directly the Argentinian culture, history and people.

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!

I joined Connect-123 because I wanted to experience healthcare abroad; I spent four incredible months in Buenos Aires as an intern with Connect123. During this time I had the opportunity to study Spanish, intern at a public hospital in Buenos Aires, and travel to different regions of Argentina. What stood out the most for me were the people I met and the experiences I had while working as an intern at the hospital. I have worked as a nurse for the past 10 years and I can honestly say that I gained more insight and knowledge in these past months than I could have ever hoped for. The doctors, residents and hospital staff not only went out of their way to educate and answer any questions I had, but they did it with a positive attitude and a smile on their face, despite my less than perfect Spanish. The experience was eye-opening and enlightening, to say the least! I will be forever grateful for this experience!

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.

I just loved Argentina ! The moment I arrived to my living quarters I was in love. The places I saw, the other interns I met, the food, my internship was amazing! I learned so much from being there for 2 months. I learned that I could live, survive in a place that I was unfamiliar in & do what I love. My boss at Estudios Caracol taught me the business side of the media & production side & gave me advice never to place my art in the hands of a business owner. Connect 123 was always checking on me and really cared about how my time there was. The only thing I didn't like was that the company picks you up from the airport, but doesn't drop you back off when you are finished with the program. Other than that Connect 123 is definitely a program I would recommend to others.

From dealing with the culture shock to making lifelong friends, I would say I don´t regret my decision of choosing Barcelona. This city gave me an opportunity to learn more about myself and to grow both personally and professionally. The city has it all: Beautiful architecture, famous attractions, nightlife, and all different types of food! You will find people from all over the world, share different stories and be able to travel with them. My best friend referred me to Connect 1-2-3, and they are there with you in every step of the way. From the first interview, they are able to get to know you and find the internship/volunteer program that best fits your interests. Connect 1-2-3 also offers their students meet-up events that allow us to make new friends with similar goals and common hobbies. This was my first time traveling to Europe and Connect 1-2-3- has made it so easy and comfortable, they are there for guidance and assistance whenever you need it. Thank you! Daniela Silvas California State University San Marcos Digital Marketing Intern

After I graduated college, I wanted to somehow find a way to volunteer in a hospital in Spain and so I researched several organizations until I came across Connect-123. I am very glad I went with Connect-123 and would recommend them to anyone. They were able to provide me with exactly what I was looking for and were with me every step of the way. After arriving alone in Barcelona, it was very comforting to know that I had people here who cared about my safety and that I could reach out to. For instance, when I was sick the staff here was able to get me to the right place within minutes of me asking them. The rest of my stay would have been much less enjoyable without their help. For the very beginning to the end of my stay in Barcelona, I could not have asked for a better experience. The pediatric hospital I worked at for two months was just what I was hoping it would be. Every day I was there had an impact on me and I was able to meet some amazing people along the way. Not only that, but I also gained valuable cultural experience and was able to improve my Spanish greatly. The group get-togethers hosted by the staff here were also very fun to attend and a great way to make friends. I’ve made many lasting memories and owe it to the trip that was made possible by Connect-123.

My experience with Connect-123 Barcelona was more incredible than anything I could have imagined. I had no expectations upon arriving in Barcelona, and soon found myself falling in love with this city and its people. Connect-123 helped make sure I was comfortable, taking the time to find the right internship that would fit my interests, and making sure everything went well from the beginning, to the end! I felt as though I had a constant support while I explored the city. I learned so much at my internship and developed long lasting relationships with my coworkers. I really recommend this program to anyone who is exploring their interests, or looking to forward those they already know! As for Barcelona, there is no better city to be young and curious! It's beautiful, in both its architecture, nature, people, and culture. Thank you so much connect 123!

Great internship experience and a great way to make new connections with people across the globe! I know that the internship I was placed in was perfect for my future career goals and has provided me with experience that has made me more competitive in the work force!

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

"What to say about my experience in Dublin? Honestly, I was scared to write this testimonial because it isn't possible to convey in words how magical my summer was. Upon my arrival in Dublin, I was nervous: what would my roommates be like? Would my job be hard? Too easy? How is the food? Would I get homesick?-- All of the questions you'd imagine having in a new country, I had. My worries quickly vanished. The people I met while living at UCD accommodation are now some of my dearest friends. We explored together, ate together, drank together, and laughed together every single day. Being in a foreign city can be intimidating, but when you're surrounded by people going through the same experience, strong bonds form and nothing is scary anymore. My internship connected me with people from around the world, and everyone was very welcoming. I walked through one of the world's most beautiful universities every day, and I worked on science that I was truly interested in. It gave me valuable work experience that now feeds my success back at school. The community I joined when I embarked on my Connect-123 journey is a community of adventure. When adventurous people come together, lasting friendships are sure to be made. That is exactly what happened for me. Dublin will always hold a special, golden place in my heart.”

When I first arrived to BA, Argentina I was so excited, but I also had so many fears. This was my first time out of the country so my host mom, Connect 123 coordinator Paula, my fellow interns , & my supervisors at work made me feel super welcomed. They all really cared about my well being and answered any questions I had. Thanks to Connect 123 I was able to meet new people, navigate through the city smart & wisely, and work at an amazing job site. I never knew I was capable of functioning in another country outside of my own. I've learned so many things about myself just by being here. If it wasn't for Connect 123 connecting me to everything else & letting me know when things were happening in the province, I don't think my time here would have been as amazing. The only thing I can say I don't like is that Connect 123 arranges a driver to pick you up from the airport, but does not drop you back off to the airport, but other than that, my time here will be an experience I will never forget!

I seriously had the best summer ever this year and it’s all down to these guys! When the idea of an internship in Barcelona appears in your mind, it’s crazy but so overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. Not only did Lea find me a great internship, she was always on hand with advice on housing, expenses and of course some pretty cool things to do with my time in Barcelona! Connect-123 managed to find me a marketing internship at a crazy travel company, where I met and worked with the best people and even got to experience the infamous Tomatina. Marketing wasn’t really an area I had ever considered before as a psychology student, but I still managed to learn so much in my short time there. Barcelona is an amazing place, I visited on a day trip last year and by the time I left I had said to myself “I need to move here”. It’s so much more than just the tourist areas, there’s so much going on and it’s the sort of place you could just happily walk around all day getting lost down side streets. All the neighbourhoods have their own style and it really is a unique sort of place. If you're considering it, the one piece of advice I would give is just go for it! I'm so so happy that I did.

My internship with the Aisling Project was phenomenal in all aspects. My supervisor guided me anytime I needed help and my coworkers were passionate about working with children. I was able to learn about the unique needs of children from less than perfect situations and how to best address those needs. The internship will be valuable to me both in determining my own career goals as well as encouraging future employers that I am capable of working with children.

I had an amazing time interning at Our Lady's Children's Hospital this summer! I worked with brilliant health care providers and saw them work together in order to help patients. My supervisor, Dr. Brendan O'Hare, was very kind and allowed me gain exposure to the surgical and anesthetic fields. I saw so many surgeries such as cardiac, orthopedics, plastics, urology, and ENT. I am very happy with my internship placement, and thankful for Connect 1-2-3's helpfulness! It was truly one of the best experience I have had in my life!

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!

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!

My experience in Dublin is incredible. Working in the Guinness Enterprise Center, which is a co-working space, has given me the opportunity to know more about local companies and meet people with different expertise. Everyday I learnt something new and applied it to the projects in hand. My boss has taught me so much about marketing and the media industry. The more I learnt, the more I realize what I truly want to do for my career life. What makes Dublin so different are its culture and people. Dublin is so international that you can actually meet people from different continents of the world everyday. People here are very friendly and make you feel so welcomed. I love music and arts and there are tons of museums, theaters and concerts; I love foods and there are tons of cafes, restaurants and pubs. Dublin is definitely one of the coolest places I have ever been to. Besides, I can take advantage of its location to travel to the stunning Irish countryside at weekends. Dublin truly is a place where you can both work hard and play hard. Connect-123’s program coordinator Liat has offered me so much help that I could easily settle down in Dublin and enjoy the city. My internship in Dublin has been one of the most unforgettable experiences in my life. Really looking forward to coming back in future.

Interning in Cape Town through Connect’s program has been absolutely wonderful! After working with Connect in Dublin and having a great time, it was the first program I looked at for an internship this summer. They placed me at a great internship where I’ve been able to really get hands on experience in the non-profit sector. My coworkers were excited to have me join them and wanted me to get the most out of my time here, so right from the start I was able to do meaningful work, including grant writing, event planning and participating in strategic meetings. Besides just the internship placement, Connect has really made my time here in Cape Town great. They organize events, arrange housing with other program participants and are always there to help with anything that isn't working out. All the Connect staff I’ve worked with have been so friendly and have always gone above and beyond to help me with anything I need, from local restaurant suggestions all the way to fixing the TV in my apartment. The program Connect offers, where you get to spend more time in a city than just a normal vacation, is truly one of a kind. Living abroad has taught me so much about myself and I’ve gotten to see and do some amazing things that I might not have gotten the opportunity to otherwise. There is so much more to do here in Cape Town than I expected, from hiking and museums to wine tours and safaris. I’ve met some incredible people here in Cape Town, including locals, other students in the Connect program and people from all over the world also enjoying everything Cape Town has to offer.

I could not have asked for a better experience in Dublin. Liat was more than helpful upon arrival. I was placed in a house with a couple other Connect 123 people along with housemates from all over the world. We all got to learn about each other’s home countries. My housemates were my best friends throughout my stay! Liat provided opportunities to meet up with other Connect 123 students during the time I was there. We always enjoyed that because we got to share each other’s work, travel, and social experiences in Ireland. My internship was incredible. I really enjoyed my coworkers and my boss. They were willing to help me learn more about PR and Marketing within their industry. I learned more than I could have imagined. It was an amazing experience to see the Irish culture within a business. I loved learning the differences between American and Irish business/marketing. Liat was always very helpful when we wanted to take a day trip or any sort of trip within Ireland. Traveling all around Ireland was stunning. My housemates and I were very impressed by the sites. Each city we visited was very different, and it was interesting to see that within such a small country. Can’t wait to go back!

I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a special, impactful organization. I worked at a local youth development nonprofit, assisting with Monitoring and Evaluation of programs as well as research for the organization. I was given an immense amount of responsibility right from the get-go of my internship, which is something that defined my entire experience. I was constantly affirmed and supported at work, and I know I am leaving Cape Town with a true family and amazing friends that I will have for the rest of my life. This city, this country, and this internship will always be in my heart.

Traveling abroad is one of the most well-rounding and fulfilling opportunities you can partake in where it has lasting positive effects! From the people you'll meet, the places you'll go, and the food your tastebuds will love - experiencing another culture is truly amazing! I have met honest and hard working people who are dedicated to changing the lives of the young people of Dublin. Being a part of that team gave me a greater sense of my purpose on earth, and allowed me to see the importance of teamwork and flexibility. If you're looking for adventure, work experience, and building lasting connections with people literally around the world, then Having faith in all that is good can help in preparing you for your international goals to be checked off, one at a time! Have Faith, and 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!

The experience which I acquired through my internship programme is the most rewarding experiences any student could have during his/hers' study period. I learned more than during my whole studies. I was able to work with refugees and asylum seekers evaluating their cases and conducting interviews whether over the phone or face to face, and the most difficult thing is taking decisions. All of this helped me to put my theoretical knowledge into practice and realise what from my knowledge is important and useful and what is not. It taught me more than I expected. Not only in my field of studies but in a really life. It also developed my personality and gave me new friends and contacts.

My experience in Cape Town was bittersweet my time there was filled with excitement and new experiences but the work was hard. I spent my 3 months in Cape Town working at Refugee Centre. The stories I heard there were heart wrenching but I wouldn't trade my exeprience for anything. Throughout my time there I began to understand how a non profit in a devoloping country works from the financial setbacks to the day to day problems. I also left with a better understanding of the refugee community. Although their stories are unfathomable it inspires you and humbles you. Having this perspective from the internship helped me to enjoy my days off in Cape Town even more. Connect made it very easy for me to feel comfortable and at home. The workers are friendly and easy to talk to. When I was feeling sick they offered to take me to the clinic and checked up on me everyday to make sure I was okay. Having thier biweekly socials and weekend events makes it so easy to make friends. Everytime you go to an event you meet another intern from a different place wide eyed and filled with excitement. Before you know it you and the intern on your way to skydiving, sand boarding, shark cage diving or whatever crazy adventure you feel like going on that day. I could go on forever about my experience in Cape Town there is plenty to do, it is easy to make friends and Connect makes the transition process as smooth as possible. I definitely recommend using them if your thinking of interning in Cape Town you won't regret it.