Professionally, this internship was invaluable to my career and taught me that adaptability and flexibility are essential when facing any situation at work. While you may not always have an immediate answer, a willingness to find the answer is more important. The experience also exposed me to different work schedules and expectations in Spain compared to the U.S. (siesta is important and most people take it!). On a personal level, this internship gave me the chance to meet new people I likely would never have met if I had stayed in my home country. I also developed a deeper appreciation for both Spanish and Catalan culture, especially the food, music, architecture, and way of life.

My first full-time position following my internship was with a nonprofit organization (StreetWise Partners) dedicated to supporting individuals from underserved communities to secure gainful employment. The experience I gained at my internship influenced my decision to continue working within the nonprofit sector, with a particular focus on socio-economic issues. The skills and insights I developed during my internship proved instrumental in this role, especially when coaching and guiding job-seekers participating in the StreetWise Partners’ placement program.

Choosing this internship and living abroad for the first time was one of the best decisions of my life. Being exposed to another culture taught me patience, respect, and above all, empathy. While a lot of the challenges I faced were similar to those in my home country, the experience taught me that it was up to me to decide how to adapt to the situation. I learned to accept that things will never go as planned, and learning to accept that is a lesson in itself. I made friends that I still talk to 9 years later, and having those relationships is truly irreplaceable. Lastly, this internship motivated me to actively maintain my ability to speak another language, and always look for ways to learn new things.