Program Reviews

Connect-123 exceeded every expectation in helping me secure a transformative remote internship with a Constitutional Law, Governance, and Human Rights-related non-profit organization in Cape Town, South Africa. Thanks to the incredible support of professionals like Carla and Xena, 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. Connect 123 organized so many great events for us throughout my stay, ensuring that we truly experience the country. We did things such as go on a safari, see the Cape of Good Hope, some great restaurants, a wine tasting, and the District Six museums. And there’s so much beyond just the activities with the group to do. If you have the opportunity, this program is amazing to participate in.

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. Although the argentine accent was quite challenging to understand at first, I appreciated my coworkers patience in conversing with me and eventually was able to understand exactly what was said. This experience broadened my understanding of what it means to speak spanish and how cultural and historical influences seep into daily conversation and pronunciation. I was able to improve my language skills greatly in both a professional work setting and casual conversation. 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. Including clinical experience, cultural humility, how to apply developmental theory, and hoe to prioritize in the medical setting. It was amazing to make friends with the same passions for child life as me. Exploring the country was so much fun, from hiking, ti beach walks, to safari they were all beautiful. 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. The other connect 123 students were great and we were able to organize fun activities. Cape Town has been an amazing experience that I highly recommend for students looking to study abroad.

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. This trip was also my first experience traveling abroad, which went smoothly due to a combination of the students who were in my program and my supervisors at Connect-123. 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!