World Endeavors: Intern in Spain

This is my story...I had always wanted to learn a foreign language. Yes, in high school, I took classes. I knew the basic, elementary Spanish, but I was never serious about it. In college I had this yearning to really learn Spanish and I wanted to be more competitive with my resume by having a professional internship abroad. I wanted to go somewhere I have never seen, dance to music I couldn't understand, make memories and friends that I would never forget.

I knew the only way I was able to truly accomplish all of that was to emerge myself in their culture. So I did my research. I didn't want to go through my university, SDSU, because I didn't want to be in the typical situation that most students found themselves experiencing when they went abroad, surrounded by Americans, not forced to speak Spanish because all their friends spoke English.

Not me, I didn't want that, I really wanted to learn. I did my research and I found a program called World Endeavors and saw all the student's individual testimonies, spoke with their representatives and enjoyed every conversation and every story. I applied and was accepted. I was going to Spain! However, I didn't know a soul, but I was so excited for the adventure.

What made my internship so unique and special was that I was part of a program that was not affiliated with a university. This program took applicants all over the world. My peers were from other parts of the country, where English was not their primary language. You were not only learning about the Spanish culture but also learning other cultures from all over the world.

My internship was Spanish speaking only. I had to learn Spanish if I was going to work, live, and make friends in the city. I had always wanted to learn but this time it was different; it was vital that I learn in order to survive in the city.

Valencia was very different than most major cities in Spain. They took great pride over their heritage and did not want to compromise that at all. So this meant they did not speak English and they didn't try when you asked. The city was part of the original kingdom of Spain; so, they had managed to preserve its Castle, pillars, cathedrals, etc., it all was breathtaking. Everyone respects their heritage; you never, ever saw profanity or gang expression written on the Chapels, Cathedrals, museums, etc.

I spent a year and a half living in the Republic of Georgia, and every day I experienced something new and wonderful, but the one trip that stays in my mind is when I traveled to the mountainous region of Svaneti. The mountains are breathtaking, and the region is dotted with countless beautiful old towers and castles. Everyone I met was so friendly and always willing to share a meal and a story with me.

I now appreciate the work that goes into crafting immersive and safe international experiences. It's not just 'plug and play' because everyone is different and there are so many questions to be asked! I would also say that my cross-cultural communication skills have improved. On any given day, I might speak to people in 5 or 6 different countries, so I've had to learn how best to communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds to get the best results.