What makes interning in Uruguay a unique experience for participants?
Margo: Interning in Montevideo is a perfect way to work on your Spanish outside of class, and to develop cultural knowledge. It’s also a boost for the student's CV. Students will take part in daily group Spanish classes in the morning and spend a few hours in the afternoons working at one of our projects. Uruguay’s a great place to work abroad. It’s small enough that you can really familiarize yourself with the places and the people.
What can you tell us about the workplace culture in Uruguay?
Margo: Interns will be speaking another language and integrating in a totally different culture. Intern will gain valuable experience and skills. The job combines routine tasks with more challenging and creative ones, a perfect balance.
Interns must be aware of the fact that they will be working in another culture. They can't expect the same working organization as in their own country. Interns need to be flexible and also need to take initiative.
What level of Spanish proficiency should interns have when considering this internship? Is prior work experience required?
Margo: Interns need to have a good intermediate Spanish level. Adelante will arrange an intensive Spanish language course, 40 hours over two weeks, in the mornings, so students can immerse themselves in the language before the internship starts. Interns have to have prior experience or have to study in the same or similar field the company is working in.
What are some extra-curricular activities participants enjoy while interning in Uruguay?
Margo: Adelante includes one cultural excursion and a horse riding tour in the package the intern is booking. Besides these tours, a large variety of activities and excursions can be booked, such as, tours with Spanish teachers visiting different areas of Montevideo, cooking lessons, one day trips exploring places outside of Montevideo with other Uruguayans. There are still plenty of things to do to keep you busy, from culture to partying to the great outdoors, or learning new skills like tango and Spanish.
What is one piece of advice you would offer someone considering interning in Uruguay?
Margo: I would advise interns to start studying Spanish, if they haven’t done so already, that way you can get a lot more out of what you’ll learn in class and it makes the internship easier too. I would also recommend that they come ready to get involved creatively in the company, because it’s a great opportunity to work in an environment where you can really put your ideas into action and observe the results.
Anything else you would like to share?
Margo: Be flexible, this will make things easier. Remember you are immersing yourself in a totally different culture. Nothing will be the same as at home!!