As my international internship at Fundación ACOBE in Madrid comes to a close, I find myself looking back on the many ways this experience has impacted me. Living and working in another country has been both challenging and rewarding, and it has taught me lessons that go far beyond what I could have learned in a classroom. From navigating cultural differences to adjusting to a new pace of life, this experience has helped me grow personally, academically, and professionally. I came to Spain with curiosity and ambition, and I am leaving with a clearer sense of purpose and a stronger sense of who I am.
Personally, this internship has made me more self-aware and independent. Moving to a different country required me to adapt quickly and think on my feet. Whether it was figuring out public transportation, adjusting to a different daily rhythm, or simply finding a grocery store that sold food I liked, I learned to rely on myself in ways I had not before. I also learned to let go of the pressure to have everything figured out right away. Living in Madrid taught me to be more patient with myself and with others. Things do not always move as fast as they do in the United States, and that forced me to slow down and appreciate the present moment.
Academically, this experience deepened my interest in migration, inequality, and social policy. While I had studied these issues in theory at Pitt, working at Fundación ACOBE gave me a first-hand look at how policy decisions shape real lives. I helped fill out legal forms, responded to client questions, and worked alongside staff members who regularly advocate for marginalized populations. This work brought to life the social, political, and economic concepts I had learned in class. It also raised new questions about how governments and institutions can better serve immigrant communities. I now feel more motivated to pursue courses and research that explore these issues in depth.
Professionally, I gained important skills that will be valuable in any career I choose. I became more comfortable communicating in Spanish and learned how to adjust my tone and body language to fit different situations. I developed the ability to explain complicated information in a way that made sense to people with different levels of education and legal knowledge. I also learned how to take initiative. In the beginning, I was hesitant to speak up or ask questions, but as time went on, I realized that being proactive was key to making a meaningful contribution. My confidence grew as I began to trust my instincts and take ownership of my tasks.
There are three main takeaways I plan to carry with me as I return to Pitt and look ahead to my career. First, I have a better understanding of what it means to work across cultures. Communication, values, and expectations vary from place to place, and this experience helped me see that there is no single “right” way to be professional. I plan to bring this cultural awareness back into my academic work and future job settings. Whether I am collaborating with classmates or working in a multicultural office, I will be more thoughtful about how I communicate and more open to alternative ways of doing things.
Second, I have learned the importance of empathy and active listening. So many of the clients I worked with came to Fundación ACOBE in vulnerable positions. They needed not only legal help, but also someone who would treat them with respect and care. This experience reminded me that professionalism is not just about completing tasks efficiently; it is also about how you make people feel in the process. As I move forward, I want to continue building relationships based on trust and respect, whether I am working with clients, peers, or colleagues.
Lastly, I have learned that growth often comes from discomfort. Some of the most important lessons I learned came from moments when I felt unsure or out of place. Whether it was navigating a misunderstanding, facing a language barrier, or making a mistake at work, I learned how to respond with humility and determination. This mindset will stay with me in future academic and professional settings. I am no longer afraid of not knowing everything at once. Instead, I feel more prepared to keep learning, adapting, and stepping into leadership roles even when I do not feel completely ready.
Overall, this internship has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my undergraduate career. It allowed me to apply my academic interests in a real-world context, to grow in confidence, and to connect with people whose stories will stay with me long after I leave. I am excited to return to Pitt with new insights and a stronger sense of direction. This experience has affirmed my passion for social impact and reminded me that meaningful change begins with understanding, listening, and action. I look forward to continuing this journey and applying everything I have learned to both my studies and my future work.
