As my international internship in Spain has ended I’ve had the chance to reflect on everything I’ve experienced, learned, and taken away from this incredible opportunity. First and foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the the Pitt team who helped make this experience possible. Without the opportunity, I might not have been able to take this important step in my academic and professional journey. I’m beyond thankful to have had the chance to live and work abroad which has been something that has challenged and shaped me in ways I didn’t fully anticipate.
Living in Spain and interning in an international setting has been one of the most rewarding and interesting parts of my life so far. It’s pushed me to grow personally, academically, and professionally in ways that I’ll carry with me. I came into the program hoping to apply what I’ve studied at the University of Pittsburgh, international relations and Spanish, in a real-world setting, and I can honestly say that I’ve done exactly that. But more than that, I’ve grown as a person. I’ve become more adaptable, more confident, and more aware of how I fit into the wider world.
On a personal level, this experience has helped me become more independent and more socially open. Living in a different country meant adjusting to new norms, new rhythms, and a new language context. I had to navigate daily life in Spanish, form connections with new people, and operate in an unfamiliar workplace environment. That wasn’t always easy, but it was nice. I’ve become more comfortable striking up conversations, asking questions, and stepping out of my comfort zone. I also learned to enjoy solitude and unstructured time in a new way which is something that’s helped me reflect and reset.
Academically, the internship gave me a chance to apply my coursework in a real-world setting. I wasn’t just reading about international dynamics or human rights issues. I was engaging with them through research projects and discussions with professionals in the field. My Spanish language skills have improved a lot, especially when it comes to using the language in a professional context. I now feel much more comfortable reading, writing, and speaking Spanish in a workplace setting, which is something I had only practiced in classrooms before this. The experience also gave me new perspectives on how international institutions and organizations operate in practice, which has added a new layer of depth to what I’ve learned at Pitt.
Professionally, this was my first time in a workplace where I had real responsibility and was trusted to manage tasks independently. I learned how to take initiative, ask for feedback, and manage my time without constant supervision. At first, I was nervous about the lack of structure, but I quickly realized it was an opportunity to take ownership of my work and grow as a professional. I also saw how cultural differences play a role in professional settings, especially in communication styles, feedback, and workplace culture. Navigating those differences has made me more flexible and better prepared to work in international or multicultural teams in the future.
One of my biggest takeaways from this program is the importance of adaptability. Whether it was adjusting to Spain’s later workday and meal times, figuring out how to complete open-ended assignments, or learning to interpret more indirect communication styles, I had to stay open and flexible. I also came to appreciate the importance of building relationships in the workplace. In Spain, connecting with coworkers on a personal level is a big part of being successful professionally. That emphasis on community and mutual support is something I want to bring back with me. Not only to Pitt, but to any work environment I enter in the future.
Looking ahead, I plan to take everything I’ve learned and use it to deepen my studies and sharpen my career focus. At Pitt, I’ll return to campus with a better understanding of how international relations function outside of the textbook. I also hope to share my experience with other students, especially those considering study abroad or international internships so they can feel more confident taking that leap. Long-term, I’m more motivated than ever to pursue a career in international affairs or human rights work. This internship reminded me that the work I want to do is both real and necessary, and that I’m capable of contributing to it. In the end, this experience wasn’t just about checking a box or filling out a resume, it was about personal growth, real-world learning, and seeing the world through a new lens. I’m coming home with new skills, new friends that also go to Pitt, and a renewed sense of direction. And for that, I’m incredibly grateful and could not be happier. Thanks for an awesome experience!