Program Reviews

Allow me to start by stating simply that Connect-123 has been one of the best organisations I have had the pleasure of working with. From my very first e-mail, to the interview and their subsequent meticulous follow-up, the sheer effervescence of everybody involved made the application process an exciting, rather than overwhelming, experience. I knew if I sent an e-mail I would have a response the next day, and usually within the next hour, even though being Australian I live in one of the world’s most inconvenient time zones. It’s that kind of customer service that would bring me back, without hesitation, to Connect-123 again.

I worked (the use of the word “intern” is actively discouraged in my organisation) for a boutique management consultancy. That they are a small organisation means I had plenty of opportunity to get actively involved simultaneously in any number of projects, ensuring that I was learning new things all the time. The work they do is incredibly diverse, and saw us doing research for a global cable news channel one day, and helping plan an MBA seminar series the next. There is a real focus on professional development too, and my supervisor was very careful to ensure that I returned home having gained genuine value from the experience.

I interned with a non-profit organization called Hoops 4 Hope and Soccer 4 Hope for three months in Cape Town. This experience was by far one of the most amazing things I have ever gone through. I worked with young children in the townships surrounding Cape Town providing them with basic life skills, while also providing them with opportunities to learn and play the great game of soccer. Some of my other day to day duties were organizing a 15-year celebration fundraising event for Soccer 4 Hope and also organizing soccer tournaments for the children in the townships.

Not only did I work for a great organization, but I met some amazing friends along the way. You get to live, travel, and explore with people from all around the world, what more could you ask for? Some of the things I did while I wasn't working included: bungie-jumping, shark cage diving, going on a safari, exploring the wine lands, climbing table mountain, kloofing, and going to some amazing bars/restaurants.

This was truly an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone that wants to have the time of their life.

From the day I decided to spend my summer abroad, Connect -123 made it easy and convenient for me. Connect -123 guided me all along the process of what turned out to be the best summer of my life in the beautiful city of Barcelona.
Connect -123 was very helpful in finding me plenty of options for an internship very quickly and that were all in my very own described interest. Connect- 123 did not only help me with my placement but also with housing, airport pickup and a whole lot of information about Barcelona. I was very happy with Connect-123 for finding a local small Center for Psychotherapy where I learned many great things about my major and life. Having someone to turn to when in doubt about something was great and to know that Connect-123 was there for me made the whole transition to another country much easier.
Connect-123 made my summer in Barcelona the best. Barcelona is an amazing city with plenty of things to offer to anyone. Spending 3 months in this great city was the best decision I could have ever made. Connect-123 made it possible.

Hi-

As one of the cheapest internship programs in Shanghai, I was a little cautious at first. I need not have worried. Lea and her team are dedicated to finding the right internship for you! What I appreciated most about her approach is that you choose where you want to be and then you can have a whole range of businesses to choose from. Some other internship programs you don't know until you arrive, eek. Also if you're not satisfied with any of their selections then you can get your money back. wohoo

In regards to the internship, it was fantastic and I learned a ton. It has definitely been a crown jewel on my resume when applying to employers. I would say to the reviewer that "didn't" get a full time job out of their internship that you shouldn't expect a full time position out of the internship. The logistics of hiring someone full time out of an internship, with the respective visa, is extrodinarliy difficult. Rather you should expect some great international experience in a multinational office.

In regards to support in Shanghai, its a small operation, so I was a little disappointed on that front. I made more friends out of the program than within. The housing company they hook you up with is a little expensive for Shanghai, but worth it for convenience . It's a great location in the city!

All in all, I had a blast and would recommend Connect 123 looking for internship experience in another country.

My internship was in a lifestyle magazine, I worked there for 2 months as a photojournalist. I never expected the work to be so much fun: I went to interesting places, met different people, tried so many new dishes and drinks. This was a huge motivation for me to make good photos for the magazine, so I worked hard and I enjoyed it a lot. I could literally see the quality difference between my photos at the beginning and at the end of my internship so I can sincerely say that I grew professionally in those 2 months.

I found that after talking to other interns here in Shanghai, Connect 123 provided me with everything I needed, and responded in a timely manner to all my concerns and questions with professionalism. While housing and location is nothing fancy, they do try their best to provide you with all the basic needs at a reasonable price. They were able to locate me a job that fit very well in my field of study, and continue to keep me updated. I would highly recommend Connect 123 to someone who has little experience traveling abroad.

The unique characteristic I found about Connect-123 was that they find you an internship catered directly to your career aspirations. Thus, I was absolutely ecstatic that Connect-123 was able to find me an internship aligned directly with my career goals.

The internship was challenging, inspiring, and incredible. The skills that I gained from the internship were unrivaled.

The friends and memories I made in Barcelona are truly unforgettable. My internship and experience in Barcelona were life-changing and it was all made possible by Connect-123.

"During my last year of undergrauate studies at Eastern Washington University I decided that I wanted to work and gain experience abroad. I searched through hundreds of programs that provided assistance to students like me with finding internships abroad. I finally, after 2 months of searching found Connect-123. This program was a great fit for me because it wasn't to expensive and allowed me to stay as long as I wanted without having to pay additional costs for staying a certain period of time. The staff (Melanie and Daniela) were very helpful and provided all of us with everything we needed. Melanie set me up with the biggest coffee chain in Ireland and next thing you know I'm on a plane to Dublin.

My process of going to dublin was a little different than the rest of the group becuase I stayed 5 months and also had a part time job. Melanie and Daniela were very helpful in giving me information about the visa process. It was a very difficult process but in the end it all worked out.

My internship was two jobs in one because my internship was set up this way it allowed me to gain lots of experience and make some extra cash on the side. I worked as an intern four days a week in the office and as a part-time barista in the cafe 1-3 days a week. I learned alot about my field (marketing) and gained some experience within the coffee sector. The people I worked with were amazing and I will never forget them. I loved going in to work everyday because it was a blast. The good thing also was free coffee and lunch, not to mention all the treats I got to taste from propective clients wanting to put their treats in our stores.

Outside of work was an amazing experience to. I loved hanging out with my roommates and getting to know them. I had roomates from Italy, America, France. I also met a ton of amazing people along the way and got the chance to see them again after my internship was finished. Dublin for me was great because I just loved the culture and the atmosphere. Everyone was so nice and welcoming that it allowed me to just relax. Melanie and Daniela made sure our group got to see most of Ireland which was amazing and beautiful. I also did other trips with friends outside of our program as well. I had an amazing time in Dublin and I don't think words can really describe it, you have to just go and see for yourself.

At the end of my internship I was fortunate enough to get the chance to travel to Italy, Spain and Belgium. My roommates from Italy showed me around and I also did some couch surfing which was really great. I encourage everyone to try it.

Overall my time spent in Dublin was truly life changing and I will never forget it."

Having only heard about Connect123 last minute, I decided to enquire about summer internships abroad. Connect were extremely helpful and managed to arrange a 2 month summer internship in just a matter of weeks.

I was thrown in at the deep end on my first day at World Trade Centre Dublin, establishing connections with domestic and international clients. Working amongst a team from a variety of locations around the globe, including India, Ireland, U.S, U.K, Nigeria, Mexico and Spain, I was able to gain experience with interns from different cultures and personalities. Not only in the work place, but my house also contained a diverse group of interns who I thoroughly enjoyed living with.

Our aim was to assist companies with more reliable and useful connections which in turn increases level of business domestically, as well as internationally; adding value to trading activities. One method of doing this was through WTCD's online trade network, WebPort Global. I was also working outside the office, attending a variety of business networking events, presentations and meetings in Dublin.

You will be assigned a Coordinator who will assist you with any questions you may have. Connect will also give you the opportunity to visit well known landmarks in Dublin, ranging from the Guinness Storehouse to the cliff tops just outside of Dublin.
My experience was more than just an internship, as I gained invaluable knowledge about international trade, as well as vital life skills including networking and establishing strong business partnerships.
I strongly recommend an internship with Connect to anyone looking to enhance their CV and stand out from other candidates.

my experience this last 4 months in shanghai has been extremely awesome (and i dont think hyperboles exist in this description)
huge props to connect teams; lea, sherilyn, and jimmy for helping from the beginning to the end; start with the housing, offering so many options of intenships that fit in to you, creating social events, etc. this internship experience really helped me to explore and gain experience in some jobs in field of my competences that really valuable for my future career. Also through this internship, i have expend my networking and make life-time friends. Thank you so much connect 123! A+ (shanghai, i definitely will be back, watch out!! )