AIFS Abroad: Study Abroad in Spain

Why did you choose this program?

I joined this program to explore my digital media career while traveling the world. The organization went above and beyond by matching me with the ideal company to support my growth. This journey has been an incredible opportunity for both personal and professional development, and I’m truly grateful.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

My homestay was incredible; after returning from my internship each day, everything was clean, and I didn’t have to worry about preparing meals. It made life so much easier and allowed me to fully enjoy my time abroad. Living in a homestay is far better than being on your own because it helps you connect with the culture and truly feel at home in the place you’re staying.

The organization did an excellent job pairing me with the right company for my internship and finding the perfect homestay for me. I absolutely loved the experience and felt so grateful for the thoughtful arrangements that made my stay unforgettable.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I cherished every moment because time passed so quickly. Speaking the language allowed me to connect with locals and gave me a deeper sense of belonging, which made me want to return. I even made a friend who taught me so much. Though I was initially hesitant to open up, it turned into an incredible experience. I grew not only as a person but also professionally, discovering new perspectives and strengthening my confidence. The connections I made and the lessons I learned will stay with me forever, shaping my future in ways I never expected.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

My experience was unique because I was interning Monday to Friday while also taking an online class, so weekends were mostly for homework. However, I made sure to balance my time by spending weekends with friends and exploring the beautiful city of Barcelona, making the most of both work and leisure.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I was afraid of being alone and not finding friends, but this program helped me connect with so many people. I was also nervous about exploring the city solo, but by the end, I enjoyed visiting cafes, restaurants, and brunch spots on my own, gaining independence and embracing the experience, of somethimes enjoying the time by yourself in a place you don't know well.

I absolutely loved my experience studying abroad as an intern. It helped me grow in so many ways, both artistically and mentally. I especially enjoyed meeting amazing people who supported me throughout the journey and being able to contribute to the company I worked with.

One of the most incredible parts of the experience was working in a real office, observing the company’s helping the models, making videos around Barcelona, and seeing how everything operated behind the scenes. It gave me a deeper understanding of the industry and inspired me in ways I never imagined.

What position do you hold at Global Experiences? What has been your career path so far?

I am a Program Consultant at Global Experiences. I work with students who are interested in our internships to ensure we can provide them with the experience they're seeking. I get to chat with students from all over the world, and help them to achieve their own personal and career-based goals! It's incredibly rewarding.

My career path has been unique. Upon graduating college, my number one goal was to travel. I held a lot of odd-jobs in various locations around the Pacific Northwest, where I learned how to cook in a seasonal/farm-to-table restaurant, and then spent two years teaching English in South Korea.

After completing a five-month backpacking trip through SE Asia, India, and the US, my wife and I decided to settle down. I came to work at Global Experiences because I know how fortunate I was to have the opportunity to travel and follow my passions. It's my hope to help today's college students gain the skills needed to follow their own dreams, while also experiencing everything our big ole' world has to offer!

What country have you always wanted to visit?

It's impossible for me to pick just ONE country, so these are my top 3 :)

1. Iran: I was an Islamic Studies minor in college, and had the great benefit of learning about the fascinating and misunderstood history of Iran. From its megalomaniac Persian past, to its cosmopolitan east-meets-west mid-60s & 70s, to today's fractured state, Iran is one of the most mysterious places on Earth, and one I feel I have to see to really understand.

2. Russia: I was born at the tail-end of the Cold War. Russia has always been this ominous no-man's land my whole life. It's vast and beautiful and so similar to America, and yet so different all at once. Another one I have to see to really grasp and understand.

3. Myanmar: After spending three months in SE Asia last Spring (2014), my itinerary forced me onward to India. Myanmar, having just opened its borders, is the last untouched gem of SE Asia. More similar to Laos and Cambodia than it's more popular neighbors, Thailand and Vietnam, Myanmar will surely explode with tourism before long. I have to see it before that happens!

Why is language learning and cultural immersion important to you?

I grew up in a small suburban town just SW of Chicago. It was as white-bred middle class as a place could be. While I was thankful for the safety and security as a child, as I grew up I began to resent coming from such a place that increasingly felt sterile and boring.

Cultural immersion showed me how different, yet, at the same time, how similar the rest of the world was. It showed me how many different ways one could live in this world. It showed me the varying definitions of success. It showed me how critical love and understanding and acceptance is. It showed me how much could be overcome simply through conversation and listening. It also showed me the true benefits of community and family.

Upon returning from my travels, I always feel even more fortunate for the family I have, the love I've been surrounded by, and rich with understanding for the interconnected human community we're all apart of.

What unique qualities does your company possess?

Here are two key qualities I see here at Global Experiences that make us an effective and special organization.

First and foremost, we are a group of experienced travelers. At every level of our company, we are staffed with people who have lived and worked abroad.

This kind of experience gives us a first-hand understanding of both the benefits of international travel, and the importance of overcoming the challenges that inherently come with international travel.

Moreover, we all love the revelations and learning opportunities that come from travel. That's something that can reach our interns and the larger community within International Education.

Secondly, we are dedicated to innovation which has shaped and defined us since our inception. We are the original international internship provider, and we continue to redefine this aspect of our larger field.

Our office is a constant incubator and laboratory for what is possible within International Internships. This dedication to constantly making the experience of International Education better and more effective, is one that will have far-reaching implications on this generation of college students!