As I wrap up my fourth week living and interning in Madrid, it’s hard to believe how fast time has flown by. Each day is packed with something new, whether it’s digging into performance metrics for Latroupe’s European hostels during the week or soaking up Madrid’s cultural gems on the weekends. I’ve built strong friendships with others in my program and started connecting more meaningfully with coworkers. Still, no experience abroad comes without its challenges. And for me, that challenge has shown up in the most literal and unavoidable way, the heat in Madrid is extreme.
Madrid in the summer is no joke when it comes to weather. Every single day so far has hovered in the mid-90s, and the sun feels relentless from morning to night. While locals seem unfazed, I’ve definetely had a harder time adjusting. What’s made it especially difficult is that my internship requires a professional dress code. That means dress shirts, pants, and closed-toe shoes, even when it feels like the pavement might actually melt beneath my feet.
There’s something deeply humbling about sweating through your dress shirt before you’ve even reached the office. By the time I step into the Latroupe building, I’m already sticky and flushed. Madrid’s beautiful architecture and tiled streets make the walk scenic, but the heat adds a layer of physical discomfort that’s tough to ignore. Some mornings, I find myself wishing for cloud cover or even a sudden downpour, just something to break the intensity.
However, observing how Spanish culture handles the heat in the workplace has been interesting. While many businesses do have air conditioning, the standard here isn’t the icy chill you might expect in a U.S. office building. The A/C is often subtle, more about managing the heat than escaping it entirely. At first, I found this uncomfortable, but I’ve slowly come to see it as part of the local mindset. I have tried my best to adapt to the environment, instead of trying to conquer it.
There’s also the work rhythm to consider. The Spanish workday tends to start later than the typical 9–5 in the U.S, with longer lunch breaks and more flexibility in the afternoon. While I start my days pretty early for Latroupe, I’ve noticed that this slightly slower, more relational pace helps ease the burden of the weather. People here seem to take their time, whether it’s sipping coffee, walking between meetings, or catching up after lunch, and the sense of calmness helps take the edge off even on the hottest days.
Still, I’d be lying if I said I’ve totally adapted. The combination of dress clothes, heat, and a fast-paced schedule has tested me physically and mentally. There are moments when I feel drained by mid-afternoon and have to push through with an extra burst of water, caffeine, or just sheer determination. But even in those moments, I remind myself that this is all part of the experience. Growth doesn’t just happen in the moments of joy and excitement, it happens in the discomfort too.
Fortunately, what has made it all worthwhile is the balance I’ve found outside of work. My weekends feel like vacations, full of exploration, laughter, and connection. I’ve been lucky to create an amazing bond with the friends in my internship program. These social moments have brought me closer not just to my peers but also to Madrid itself. I’m learning the rhythm of the city: late dinners, spontaneous gatherings, and lingering conversations that stretch well into the night. I’ve also formed meaningful connections with some of my coworkers, which has helped make the workplace feel more welcoming and collaborative.
As much as I wish I could trade in my dress shoes for sandals or wear shorts to the office, I’ve come to accept that adapting to local expectations—even uncomfortable ones—is part of the journey. It’s not just about surviving the heat; it’s about learning resilience, patience, and how to take care of myself in a new environment.
Every day I wake up, get dressed, and step into the warm streets of Madrid, I remind myself how lucky I am to be here. Yes, I’m sweating early in the morning, but I’m also growing. I’m learning to balance discomfort with gratitude, structure with spontaneity, and challenge with celebration.