It’s hard to believe that my time in Spain has come to an end.  When I was originally interested in this trip, I thought that three months sounded like a long time, but right now I’m wondering how this time has passed so fast and I’m wishing that I didn’t have to return home.  Although I don’t want to leave, I know that I must return to reality and transition back to the American culture.  However, when I do this, I will make sure to incorporate everything that I’ve learned and experienced here in Spain into my life.

My internship disciplined me to be more independent and self-sufficient, due the freedom I was given with my tasks and that I even came up with my own tasks sometimes.  At first it was a challenge not receiving continual feedback on my work, but that just motivated me to make sure I was doing the best job possible.

I was able to push myself out of my comfort-zone and adapt to the culture of the Spanish work culture.  Because I was so willing to integrate myself into the office, I was not only able to form professional working relationships with all of my co-workers and add to my personal network, but I have also made lifelong friends.

Living with a host family really opened my eyes to Spanish everyday life.  The countless conversations I had with my host mom over dinner are some of my favorite memories.  We always chatted about the most interesting topics, which helped my Spanish speaking skills improve immensely.

This Spanish adventure was an amazing professional development experience, but it was much more than that to me.  Yes, I did gain new skills that will aid me in the workplace, but the level of confidence in myself has risen to new heights as well.  The feeling you get when you achieve one of your goals in life is unlike any other.  However, I am not finished yet.  It’s now time to set new goals for myself in order to keep improving as a professional and as an individual.

In this very fast few months that have passed, Madrid has become a home to me.  I really cannot say goodbye to my newfound friends and colleagues because I know that someday I will return to this city that has stolen my heart.  It isn’t goodbye, only hasta luego!