I chose Cisabroad because that's the program my university partners with. From the beginning of my application process, Cisaboard staff was communicative with me and responded to my every concern in a sensitive and timely manner. Due to my physical disability, I had to submit additional paperwork, and the process was handled smoothly.
Alumni Spotlight: Shalom Hernandez
Program:
CIS Abroad - Intern in Barcelona Photos
Shalom is a Senior at The University of Texas at Austin, double majoring in Business and Education. As a Hispanic woman with a physical disability, she is a first-generation student.
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider and university assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
The International Office at my university assisted me with the more than half of the work. Whenever I had questions I reached out, then they would direct me to filling out certain forms, or talking to specific people. I had to let them know my specific housing/living accommodations so they could communicate the information to Cisabroad. I ordered my airplane ticket, and made sure I had submitted all the paperwork required for both my university and Cisabroad.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
When you select your internship placement, let Cisabroad know if any work-related situations arise. The staff once you are in Barcelona are there to help you as much as they can and is within their possibilities.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
Every participant has different schedules because everyone has different jobs. I had the amazing opportunity to intern as an Education intern with Fundacio Pare Manel -- a nonprofit organization focused on developing social and educational action. I had the morning free to explore the city, "tomar cafe con leche" while enjoying the beauty of nature. I would attend work in the afternoon and worked with children or teenagers to help them with their English speaking skills, or do administrative work at times.
There are different activities to be involved during the duration of the program. From visiting companies, cooking classes, dance lessons, to day trips to near, small yet amazingly stunning villages. During summer time the sun goes down very late around 10:00 pm so you'll be having dinner then, you'll like it. The days last longer during summer, and in Barcelona alone there is so much to explore.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear was not having the appropriate accommodations that I need. Since I was little I've learned to adapt to my surroundings however I was traveling independently to a different country. Active communication is key. I made sure I communicated everything, including what I felt comfortable or uncomfortable with.
Being open and sincere about when I needed assistance was very helpful. Once I arrived everyone was extremely caring and helpful, and through their actions I could tell they genuinely cared about my well-being.
Did you feel your experience abroad helped your professional or personal growth?
Most definitely personally. Going abroad taught me so much about myself and all that I am capable of accomplishing. It allowed me to push myself beyond that I thought I was capable of.
Professionally learning about the culture was an adjustment at the beginning. You can have culture exposure classes in the U.S, but going to the country and experiencing firsthand someone's else culture is eye opening and prepares you for the future.