Program Reviews

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 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!

Connect-123 provided the opportunity for a life changing experience. Their program was so much more than just a practicum. Through them, I gained child life skills I couldn't have learned anywhere else and developed life-long friendships. We were able to volunteer at several locations, building connections with the community and providing the students with diverse experiences. In addition to hospital settings, we got to visit a school for children with autism, a day center for children with a wide variety of disabilities, and serve at a local foster home. The two hospitals we volunteered at gave us experience in a pediatric clinic, a pediatric ward, and an oncology unit. This program enabled me to learn so many new skills and develop a culturally diverse perspective. I loved experiencing a different culture and getting to know the people. We had the unique experience of getting to advocate for child life in an area where it is not prevalent and see first hand just how effective these principles are. After completing the practicum, I feel so much more confident in my child life skills. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience in one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Connect-123 provided exceptional learning experience as well as memorable activities that allowed us to really experience Cape Town. If you have the chance to participate in a program with them, it's absolutely worth it!

I looked for an internship in a rather closed field. Connect 123 was the only organisation that could find me a traineeship 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 traineeship 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 traineeship, 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!

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. "