AIFS Abroad: Study, Intern, or Study & Intern in Spain

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!

If you want an honest opinion read this!!!
Studying abroad has always been something that I wanted to do for a long time. Coming into this I had many expectations, and they were beyond fulfilled. It all started with my arrival day, they were waiting for me at the front door. After my roommates arrived I noticed how much we had in common and became really close in short time. I met so many other people in the program that I’m thankful for and will plan yearly trips with (aka the Queens) . The Coordinators Inma and Saskia are honestly the best duo it is clear that they love what they do and are good at it. They took care of everyone when it came to medical visits, problems with your internships and issues with your roommates. But at the same time they made sure that you got the experience of living on your own. I was worried about housing because it took a while for us to hear about where we would live. but now that I know that they tried to match us at their best of their ability and seeing how close me and my roommates are is all worth it. The trips that the program planned were amazing and had so much fun every time, it was not your typical chaperone field trip because Inma and saskia made sure to treat us like adults and give us freedom but at the same time making sure we were fine. The only down about the program I would say is the amazing sightseeing, food and people. They will make you fall in love and gain weight. I want to move here because that’s how amazing this experience has been. I would definitely recommend it to anyone. If you have questions reach me on ig: @wherearethetops
Warning: I might convince you to go abroad.

Going into my senior year I knew that having a unique and impressive internship on my resume would help to set myself apart from my peers. Good intern experience is extremely difficult to come by without having good connections. Fortunately, I found GE and they have the best connections in many international locations. My goal was to have an internship that would give me some noteworthy experience to add to my resume to set myself apart from my peers who would otherwise appear identical on paper. In that aspect, GE has exceeded my expectations. My internship experience has by far been the best addition to my resume that I could imagine. The GE staff worked hard to pair me with the perfect internship that has helped me to grow professionally

Traveling and living abroad is amazing no matter what city you are in. If you are committed to learning something new about yourself, I promise you traveling is the way to do it. I have experienced an extremely healthy dose of uncomfortability this summer that has coaxed me into becoming a more understanding, patient individual. Every single person can benefit from leaving their comfort zone. You just have to be willing to try.

For me, Barcelona might have been too easy. I wish I would have practiced more Spanish. Regardless, learning about a different culture and observing how people interact differently than what you are used to is extremely interesting. One of my favorite parts about this adventure was how much I learned about people, and about myself.

You want all the tea let me give it to you!!!
Studying abroad has always been one of my goals, coming into this program I had many expectations. All them were fulfilled and I got more than what I expected. It all started with me meeting my roommates on the first day, not only roommates but friends for life. I met one of my best friends who I am planning many trips for the future. Met other friends from other houses who we refer ourselves as QUEENS. The internship Coordinators are AMAZING, Inma and Saskia made sure everyone was okay at all times while making sure they were getting the leaving on your own experience. They are QUEENS !!! And trust me it has a lot of requirements to be one ;). They placed me at a wonderful internship with a great supervisor who was not the typical “I’m your boss and I’m smarter than you person” she helped me grow a lot as a person and in my professional career. If you want a wonderful summer and great internship I would recommend you to do Global Experiences in Barcelona. I got to travel during the weekend and usually worked something out with my supervisors to get a day off to extend my travels. The only down is that I ate too much food (specially patatas bravas) so if you’re not ready to have the best summer of your life and eat good then this program is not for you.

As someone who had already graduated, I was hesitant to intern abroad but I am so so so happy and grateful that I did! Being able to explore my career interests in marketing and event planning all while enjoying the excitement and adventure that Barcelona has to offer is something that I can't even put in words. Traveling/studying abroad is one thing, but if you have the opportunity to do it through Global Experiences I highly recommend it. The support leading up and throughout the program was amazing. By the time I arrived I felt like everything was taken care of - housing, insurance, recommendations, and a ton of amazing events. I think the best part was being there with so many other students who were in the exact same position as me. We were all so open to new experiences and to making friends that by the end we truly felt so close. This is something that will stick with me for the rest of my life and I am so grateful for that. You can talk about how great it is but you really won't know first hand until you experience it. I HIGHLY recommend GE! :)

My Global Experiences internship in Barcelona was an amazing experience all around. Working in Spain took me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to adapt and still work hard in different situations. Living in a city such as Barcelona was also incredible, providing countless opportunities to learn about Spanish culture and grow as a person. The Global Experiences staff was top notch in all areas, and they were always available and willing to help our group out with anything. The program is a good balance. It is planned out very well with excursions and fun cultural experiences, but the work is also productive and beneficial. Thanks to Global Experiences, I have grown this summer both professionally and personally while in Barcelona.

Interning abroad in Barcelona through Global Experiences is hands down one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only did I gain great professional experience, but I also made new friends and immersed myself in a completely new culture. The on site program staff, Inma and Saskia, were amazing, and their passion for this program and its participants was radiant. The housing, program events, and overall sense of community were all thanks to the hard work and devotion of these awesome advisors. Going into the program, I wasn't sure how the quality of housing would be, but all of the accommodations were super nice and exceeded my expectations by far. The apartments were all in great, central locations; this was huge for me as it really made me feel like a true Spaniard living in downtown Barcelona. If you have any doubts about interning in Spain or anywhere else, do it through Global Experiences... you will have the time of your life and leave with friends and memories for life.