First off, I had an amazing experience of a lifetime, and this experience has broadened my horizon, changed my perspective about life, culture and the universe generally.
At first there was Language Barriers. Communication was occasionally challenging due to language differences, even though most team members spoke English, but outside the workplace, it was a struggle. This sometimes led to misunderstandings or slowed down collaboration.
Cultural Assumptions, quite invisible, Preconceived notions about work styles and behaviors created initial friction. For instance, assumptions about punctuality and meeting protocols varied, leading to misaligned expectations.
Lack of Cultural Awareness Training, also visible. There was orientation program but not intensive enough to help new interns understand and appreciate the diverse cultural backgrounds of the team. This delayed the process of cultural adaptation and understanding.
But as week progressed and I began my Language classes, everything changed all of a sudden. The environment became very welcoming. Multiculturalism is actively supported within my internship placement where I worked. I later realized I had wrong notion about the people. The Local team was diverse, comprising members from few other countries, which fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment. At my work place, It was easy to interact and feel welcomed.
The organization also encourages the use of English languages in meetings and documentation, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and included even though they have an Official language other than English. This multicultural approach not only enhanced creativity and innovation but also promoted a deeper appreciation for the varied cultural contexts in which we operate.
During my internship, I had an enriching and transformative experience. My role as a Data Analyst allowed me to delve into the intricacies of bee behavior and environmental factors affecting beehive health. Working with the innovative Beekit device, I monitored various parameters such as temperature, humidity, and hive weight, collecting data four times an hour. This granular data provided invaluable insights into the daily and seasonal patterns of the bees, helping us understand their needs and challenges better.
My expectations have changed dramatically since I arrived as I've become more accustomed to and contextualized in my position as a Data Analyst. I had first expected a challenging learning curve and difficulties acclimating to a new work environment and culture. I was struggling to understand the company's working conditions as it is a start-up company with just a team of four persons managing it. I wanted something big, more like working in a well-established company, dressing to go to work every morning, but I realized that I could develop myself faster being I am part of a start-up or a growing company, tasking myself to do more and not where everything has been put in place. I found a really helpful team and It was more satisfying and enlightening than I could have ever expected, thanks to the collaborative attitude and the chance to work on meaningful initiatives.
I embraced Flexibility and I was open to adapting my work style and expectations. Flexibility is actually key to thriving in a new cultural and professional environment.
Also I was always seeking for Support where I needed one, I didn’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The most unfamiliar meal I had the opportunity to try was paella. Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that originated in Valencia, known for its vibrant combination of rice, saffron, vegetables, and various proteins like seafood, chicken, and rabbit.
I had heard a lot about paella but had never tasted it. The idea of a dish mixing seafood with rice and vegetables was intriguing but also a bit daunting, given my unfamiliarity with such a combination.
