Hello! My name is Carlos Lopez, and I’m currently a student at the University of Pittsburgh, where I am double majoring in International Relations and Spanish. I just finished up my junior year and will be heading into my senior year after summer. Very close to graduation. As I prepare for my upcoming journey abroad, I’m thrilled to introduce myself and share a bit about the path that has led me here, as well as what I hope to gain from this exciting new chapter.

Who I Am

Personally, I’ve always had a strong curiosity about the world around me. How people live, what they value, and how societies are shaped by both history and current events. Growing up in a multicultural environment, I’ve been exposed to different languages and cultures from a young age, which I believe laid the foundation for my academic interests today. I consider myself open-minded and passionate about learning, and I’m always looking for ways to grow through new experiences. I love meeting people from different backgrounds, trying new foods, and engaging in conversations that challenge the way I see the world.

Academically, my studies have focused on understanding the complex dynamics of international relations, how countries cooperate, compete, and confront shared global challenges. Within that field, I’m especially drawn to topics like human rights, political conflict, and diplomacy. I’ve found that studying Spanish alongside international relations has enriched my understanding of different cultures all while language learning has also helped me connect more deeply with the cultures I study.

Professionally, I’m just beginning to start out my path. I know I want to work in a space where I can make a real impact, perhaps in diplomacy, international law, or human rights advocacy. This upcoming internship will actually be my first hands-on professional experience in a global context, and I’m eager to see where it leads. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing how what I’ve learned in the classroom applies to real-world situations and understanding how international organizations operate on the ground.

Why Spain?

This summer, I’ll be heading to Spain as part of an international program that combines academic learning with professional development through an internship placement. I chose Spain for several reasons. First and foremost, I already have a working knowledge of the Spanish language, which gives me a level of comfort and confidence as I prepare to live and work in a foreign country for the next two months. I’m not fluent but I’m looking forward to practicing every day and really pushing myself to communicate professionally and personally in Spanish.

On a more personal level, I’ve always been drawn to Spanish culture. Whether it’s the country’s rich history, vibrant art and music scenes, or world-renowned cuisine, I find Spain fascinating. I’m particularly excited to immerse myself in the day-to-day lifestyle, meet locals, and maybe even pick up some regional slang and cultural nuances along the way. Traveling to a new country can be intimidating, but the idea of being in a place that feels both foreign and somewhat familiar because of the language is really comforting.

Academically, I’m hoping this program will deepen my understanding of the topics I care most about. One of the main components I’m excited for is the research-focused internship. I’m eager to contribute to meaningful work, possibly involving political analysis or human rights advocacy, and to see firsthand how international institutions conduct research that shapes policy. Being in Spain, more specifically Madrid, which is a city with a rich political and social history, it offers a great backdrop for that kind of work.