Program Reviews

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.

My two month internship in Buenos Aires exceeded all of my expectations. I had the opportunity to help teach English at a school with grades first through seventh. As a Spanish education major and Teaching English as a Second Language minor I am very interested in languages and wanted hands on experience in a school. From working one on one with students, to teaching lessons my education internship allowed me to gain real world experience of what every day life is like in a classroom. Aside from my internship, Buenos Aires is a great place. There is always something to do, from going to museums, shopping at fairs, to hanging out with friends in plazas there is something for everyone. This program is a great way to be immersed in another language and culture and I am so grateful for this opportunity!

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.

As an International Relations student, I was looking for the best option to make an internship abroad. I’m interested in global issues such as: international law, nationality, migration and human rights. Connect 123 made their best and I started to work in a non-profit organization which helps immigrants and refugees to get the naturalization in Dublin, Ireland. This experience is by far one of the best I’ve had as it helped me to grow professionally and personally. First of all, I was able to work in a multicultural environment. Each of my colleagues had different nationality; it helped me to discover new ways of working. Apart from that, I put in practice and strengthened the acquired knowledge during my studies, as I had to learn about Ireland’s immigration law and international treaties regarding asylum seekers and refugees. On a personal level, working with refugees and immigrants who are experiencing really difficult situations, made me realize that we need to raise consciousness when treating them in our countries. Every day they taught many things about life and to stay positive no matter what. On the other hand, knowing Irish society’s idiosyncrasy helped me to be more disciplined. Connect 123 was there before, during and after my internship. They picked me up at the airport and got me to my place; they always were in contact with me to know how my internship was going, and made events for my social integration. I want to invite Latin American’s students and young people to live this experience and to make more presence internationally.

My internship in Dublin had to have been one of the most valuable times in my life. Right off the bat, I was impressed with the placement they got me. I'm a student studying recording arts and music production, and Connect was able to hook me up at one of the premier recording studios in Ireland. Once I arrived in Dublin, Nikki and Rosie were there to help me adjust to living abroad, and made sure I was comfortable in my internship by giving me guidance and encouraging me to proceed independently. During the course of the summer, I was able to learn and excel in my internship, as well as travel all over Europe and see places I never would have otherwise. Connect-123 was sure to provide killer events and trips as well to help all of their interns explore Ireland to the fullest. I can't recommend Connect-123 enough!

My experience with Connect-123 was one of the best things that happened to me. I was initially stressed and hesitant to go to another continent and nervous to be in a place where I know absolutely no one. However, Connect-123 guided me through every step of my journey and found me the job that I was looking for and always comforted me when I was feeling anxious. The coordinators of the program went above and beyond to make people feel welcomed and to assure that they have a great time in the city, and they would organize all sorts of activities and inform us of events happening in the city. I spent two months interning at an immigration law firm. I feel like I found a new family, I built great relationships with my coworkers and found a place that I could call my second home. It was an experience of a lifetime. I loved my stay in Barcelona to the point where I was considering moving back! Barcelona will always hold a special place in my heart. I am forever thankful for this experience!

I honestly cannot fault Connect123 at all. Everything I ever asked for was always catered for and I never had any worries. While planning my internship I was so busy with studying in my third year at University but Lea had everything under control I could trust her 100% to solve any problems or answer any questions I had. She was so efficient and my emails were often answered within minutes. The experience turned out to be so much more than what I ever imagined. I was housed with very fun housemates and we are even now still in contact. I would highly recommend for anybody who is considering joining connect123 to do it, its an experience you will not forget!

Connect-123 facilitated a custom internship in Shanghai for me. I worked at a start-up corporate wellness company that aims to bring sports and wellness to corporates. My role as an intern is mostly event management, with a little bit of marketing. I have learned so much about organizing events, corporate wellness, and the growing demand for technology in the fitness and wellness sector. I also worked out of a fantastic coworking space that has allowed me to work alongside many different international businesses. My internship in Shanghai has been an inspiring and refreshing experience. I am sure it will continue to shape my future and help me grow.

My sustainable development internship with Connect-123 in Buenos Aires over the summer was one of the most interesting and insightful things I've done. Not only did I learn about working in a foreign country and a new language, I learned how to adapt to unexpected situations at work, as well as voice my concerns with my supervisor. I met some of the most amazing people, made lifelong friends, and traveled to fantastic places such as Iguazú and Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. The two most important takeaways for me were learning Spanish and figuring out how to push myself and get out of my comfort zone. It was hands down one the best things I've done!

After graduating college, I wanted to do a bit of travelling but also wanted to maintain a connection with my specialization. This is where Connect-123 came in. I wasn’t expecting them to find something that fit with my area of expertise because it’s not the most studied topic. However, they surprised me with a placement in a wonderful organization that allowed me to share my passion for astronomy. I will always be grateful for Connect-123’s hard work and dedication on finding me this internship in Dublin.

Dublin itself is a marvellous city with a vibrant atmosphere full of kind-hearted people. It’s difficult to walk down a street and not hear/see someone playing a musical instrument or entertaining passersby in some other way. I didn’t live in the city centre itself, but the public transportation system is very well laid out which made travelling quite easy. I stayed with a host family which was absolutely wonderful - I was able to delve right into Irish culture, and now I have a second family abroad!

The Dublin program coordinator is an absolute gem, and it’s obvious that she cares about your experience abroad from the first day you arrive. If you ever need anything or have an issue pop up, she is incredibly easy to reach and makes sure that you’re able to reach the other interns as well.

After completing my internship, I returned to the United States, and after a few months of anxious job-searching, I was fortunate enough to land my dream job as an outreach coordinator at NASA.

Thank you to Connect-123 for helping me to reach this huge goal of mine and for the stellar experience interning abroad!