A summer for the books!

For my major, I needed to go abroad in a Spanish speaking country. My university offered a program to Madrid but being that I am from Hawaii, I knew I wanted to be near the ocean. This is when I decided I wanted to go to Barcelona. Prior to embarking on my 2019 summer internship I did extensive research to find an organization that would suit me best. Personally I wanted the most legitimate program out there, and after calling three different organizations I decided to continue with Global Experiences (GE).

Once I went forward with GE, they asked me what type of internship I was looking for and I told them I would like to work with a start-up company, preferably a tech start-up. They lined up interviews for two different start-ups. I ended up interning at EcoLocal Market, a mobile app designed to promote local food by using an algorithm to discount products before they expire. I got a lot of hands on experience with website design and operating a frontend system to modify a mobile application. Without getting into too many details, the internship was an excellent fit as I worked with a start-up company last summer.

Throughout the summer our GE program leaders Inma and Saskia organized multiple social events. My favorite was our group trip to Sitges beach. They both served as excellent resources and were there for us if we needed anything. Although I like to think of myself as being independent, it felt good to know that I could turn to Inma or Saskia for help.

As far as the living situation, I was placed in a good area of the city that was close to everything (pharmacy, shopping, food, bars etc). I met people from other programs that were placed in apartments on the outskirts of the city, far from the action. After hearing this, I felt even better with my choice to go abroad with GE. They covered all their bases, from prepping us for our initial interviews with our companies to organizing weekend events for all of us to enjoy.

This was a summer for the books!