Connect-123

Program Reviews

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Brooklyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A piece of my heart will always be in Dublin!

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!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment was leaving and I was filled with so many unknowns. I had never been out of the country before. I had no idea what to expect from the people I'd meet, or what my internship would be like. I felt like although I was nervous about a lot, instead of framing all my unknowns into fear, I framed them into things to be excited about!
Pros
  • Exploring a new country!
  • Ease of Transportation!
  • Safety and care!
Cons
  • Honestly couldn't really think of many cons.
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Ingrid
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Once-in-lifetime

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!

What was your funniest moment?
Hiking up to the cape point lighthouse in the rain!
Pros
  • Friendly locals
  • Fresh food
  • Geography
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Amelia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Dublin internship!

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.

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Jessica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An unforgettable and life changing experience!

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.

What was your funniest moment?
Learning to use the Dublin bus system and having to ask so many different locals where I was going- and being laughed with when pronouncing locations so terribly wrong!
Pros
  • Experiencing new culture
  • Meeting new people
  • Gaining new sense of independence
Cons
  • None
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Linda
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Abroad program Review

My experience in Dublin as an intern was both challenging and rewarding. It provided me with invaluable insights into the field of social inclusion and allowed me to develop a global mindset. The cultural exchange, the support provided, and the lessons learned will stay with me forever. If you are considering an internship abroad, I would recommend considering opportunities in Dublin, Ireland. It has many cool places to explore and is an ideal place to start an internship abroad for the first time.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Working at my internship because I didn't know what to do or how to do anything but I always asked questions and the staff was helpful and nice to me.
Pros
  • Housing
  • Transportation
  • Friendship
Cons
  • Some internship works
  • Not getting enough significant tasks at work
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Max
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My abroad internship to Dublin

Choosing to intern abroad in Dublin, Ireland was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Of course at first I was a little apprehensive about my internship placement, since I was not sure if It would be a good fit, but I honestly had nothing to worry about. Connect 123 worked tirelessly to find a personalized internship placement that would fit me perfectly, and they were there to support me every step of the way. I will cherish all the memories and experiences I have gained from this opportunity for the rest of my life. Exploring the vibrant city of Dublin, making new friends along the way, and enjoying the excursions that Connect 123 provided for us made the trip very special. To anyone who is interested in studying abroad, I 100% recommend Dublin and I can safely say Connect 123 is the perfect program to support you on your journey..

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Enter this process with a very open mind. Be open to all sorts of new experiences and be ready to emerge your self in the culture as much as possible.
Pros
  • Fulfilling internship
  • So many new experiences
  • Beautiful scenery
Cons
  • Not the best food
  • Unpaid internship
  • Expensive
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Cameron
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Great Step in My Medical Career

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 was a great step in medical journey to understand the societal effects of medicine and how it affected the communities. It was great to hear patient stories about their experience growing up there as well as their opinion of the Western World.

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Abby
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing African experience

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 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. I was able to embrace a different culture and see the world through my own experiences. This experience helped me gain a better understanding of myself and just how AWSOME our creator is. None of this would be possible without him.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Ostrich
Pros
  • I was able to be immersed in a different culture and learn more about it!
  • I grew in my personal life as well as my professional career.
  • I was put out of my comfort zone which caused me to explore new things.
Cons
  • The place I stayed had roaches in it.
  • It’s a bit of an expensive trip.
  • One of the hospitals didn’t allow our students to learn like we should have.
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Emma
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My time in Barcelona was spectacular!

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.

What was your funniest moment?
Trying to fit everything back into our suitcases at the end of the trip! We did a LOT of shopping
Pros
  • Great work experience
  • Amazing group of people I met on the trip
  • Perfect living situation
Cons
  • Long hours without much time off
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Catherine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Summer in Dublin!

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.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Explore as much of Ireland as you can! You have limitless opportunity through the amazing public transit systems offered throughout the Republic of Ireland, and you can easily access Northern Ireland as well.

You also can cheaply explore another country or two by using hostels and RyanAir, but make sure to keep your internship, friends, family, and Connect123 informed about your plans.
Pros
  • Friendly Culture
  • Relaxed Workspace Environment
  • Interesting Excursions
Cons
  • Pricy Food
  • Semi-Irregular Public Transit
  • Less Social Events