In Spain, the daily rhythm is just different than what I’m used to in the U.S. People tend to eat much later here. Lunch is usually around 2 or even 3 PM, and dinner often doesn’t happen until 9 or 10 PM. For someone coming from a culture where lunch is at noon and dinner is around 6 or 7, that shift definitely takes some getting used to. During my first few days, I found myself hungry at “normal” times, only to realize that no one else was eating yet at work. Even grabbing a quick snack wasn’t always easy since the whole food schedule follows a different rhythm.

This adjustment has carried over into the workplace, too. My internship follows the local customs, so everything starts a bit later in the morning, and the lunch break comes later in the day. In some ways, that’s actually kind of nice since it gives the day a more relaxed pace. But there are moments when I feel a little out of sync, especially when I start to feel hungry or tired halfway through a long afternoon. I’ve had to learn to eat a bigger breakfast than I normally would. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s one of those small things that adds up when you’re navigating a new culture. Plus, being hungry at work is never fun. Just makes the day last longer and makes me feel sluggish.

This shift hasn’t been difficult in a bad way, but it has made me more aware of how tied I am to certain habits and routines. I’ve realized how much our home culture influences things we don’t even think about, like when to eat, how long a lunch break should be, or how late is “too late” or too early for dinner. Adapting to a new rhythm requires some flexibility, and that’s something I’m actively working on. Instead of resisting the change, I’ve started leaning into it. I’m learning to enjoy the slower pace, take more time to enjoy meals, and not worry so much about the clock.

I think this experience is helping me build a valuable skill which cultural adaptability. It might not seem like a big deal, but being able to adjust to a new pace of life, even something as simple as mealtime, requires openness and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. In a professional setting, that’s huge. If I ever work internationally or with a global team, I know I’ll need to respect and understand different norms, including the little things that affect how people live and work. And while I might be focusing mostly on the meal time, there is no doubt other examples are present. Less personal space, more touchy people (kissing on the cheek, more hand movements, etc.) home rules, fun on weekends. Its all completely different than what I am used to in the United States. But it is really not that hard to adjust to, and if it was at first then I think it has already slipped my mind. I think if I was in another country in like Asia then I will have a lot more difficulty no doubt. Ranging from the acquisition of the language, to understanding the depth of the culture. Spain and the US are relatively same in a lot of aspects while maintaining slight differences in my personal opinion.

Even though I haven’t faced major challenges adjusting to Spanish culture, I’ve learned that the smallest differences can still have an impact. The key has been staying open, being patient with myself, and remembering that I’m here to learn, not just from the internship itself, but from the way people live their daily lives. Eating later, taking time to enjoy meals, and slowing down the day a bit has actually become something I appreciate. It’s not something I’ve fully gotten used to yet. I’m getting there and it’s giving me a deeper understanding of Spanish culture than I expected.