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.

With the help of Connect-123, I spent my summer interning in Barcelona with an organization 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 like Cartier Philanthropy. 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 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. I just know I will stay in touch with everyone I met during my time in Barcelona. I have also learned and gained extremely valuable experience during my internship, which will help me in my future endeavors.

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. The housing accommodations and support from the program was behind expectations. I always felt able to reach out if I needed anything or had any questions. I will cherish the experiences I have had over the past 2 months forever!

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.

I’ve wanted to work abroad since I started studying at university, but had always lacked the foresight and planning to be comfortable with spending an extended period overseas. Connect-123 provided me with help in all of these areas; quickly providing job offers, housing availability and all sorts of resources for living in comfort.

My job is in nanotechnology fabrications, and I was surrounded by intelligent and welcoming friends who are invaluable in learning more about science and engineering as well as local culture.

Barcelona has quickly become one of my favorite cities, with newfound lifelong friends, university and job connections and most importantly, incredible food. It’s a bittersweet feeling to know that my time in Barcelona is limited; but I’m already looking forward to visiting again, as well as the following internship through Connect-123 in Dublin!

A great programme to build your personal and professional growth. An internship places you out of your comfort zone in so many different aspects. A worthwhile and rewarding experience.

The first day I arrived, I met my programme coordinator. They made me aware of some important and useful aspects such as the metro system, emergency contacts, as well as a timetable listed with excursions and events that were held for us. These excursions were held every week, here we had the opportunity to meet other interns also on the programme.

I would definitely recommend this programme. Whether you are a student or have finished your studies and would like a break by interning in a different country. There is time to travel as well, especially during weekends and sometimes even after work depending when you finish.

Looking back when I lived in San Diego, California, I still remember walking to my bedroom on a daily basis, sitting at my computer desk, sighing and staring at the enormous poster I had on the wall - it was a world map. It was there to remind, motivate and inspire me to go for the things that I truly wanted – to return to Spain, travel, continue to learning, self-educating, connecting and seeking understanding of other cultures and people. It was a difficult choice and challenge to go back to Spain, especially, this time, as an older guy. But I learned that in the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take. That simple paper on the wall, that world map, kept me on track; it helped me stay focus on my goals and to visualize the possibilities – that it was doable, reachable.

Fast-forward to now, I have reached that goal. And I couldn’t have done it without the help and continuous support of the superb, professional and friendly duo from Connect-123, Zuzana Jurasikova and Mireia Vila. I’m grateful for Connect-123, the journalism/translation/editing internship opportunity with ShBarcelona, and for the new friendships I’ve made with other student “Connectors.” I’m aiming to keep growing personally and professionally in the beautiful city of Barcelona. I’ve no regrets in the choice that I made in joining the Connect-123 family and picking Barcelona as the place to pursue my career objectives. For any young soul out there who’s contemplating on doing an internship in a foreign country that you’re interested in, just do it! I strongly believe in investing in your own experience and education because the impact can be of a positive life change, an unforgettable adventure, a transformative and eye-opening journey – in other words: priceless.