During my time in Madrid, I have developed several transferable skills, particularly in the area of communication and social interaction, that I never anticipated would become such an important part of my experience. Before arriving in Spain, I was accustomed to keeping interactions with strangers relatively brief. In Pittsburgh, it is common for people to be polite, but conversations with people you do not know usually end after a simple greeting or a quick exchange. Madrid has been very different in that regard. People are much more willing to start conversations, whether they are waiting in line at a café, sitting next to you on the metro, or simply walking through the city. At first, this surprised me because I was not used to that level of openness. However, as time has gone on, I have found myself becoming much more comfortable initiating conversations and engaging with people I have never met before. This has strengthened my confidence in social situations and taught me the importance of building relationships through genuine conversation. I have learned that meaningful interactions do not always have to be planned; sometimes they begin with something as simple as asking a question or commenting on your surroundings. These experiences have helped me become more approachable and adaptable, which are skills that will benefit me regardless of what career I pursue. Whether I eventually work in sales, management, or another business-related field, the ability to connect with people from different backgrounds will always be valuable.

Living in Madrid has also expanded my understanding of cultural awareness in ways that I could not have fully understood from a classroom. Before studying abroad, I knew that cultural differences existed, but knowing about them and experiencing them firsthand are two completely different things. Living with a host family, working alongside Spanish coworkers, and interacting with people from all over the world has allowed me to see how culture influences everyday life. Even simple things such as meal times, greetings, personal space, and the pace of daily life are noticeably different from what I am accustomed to in the United States.

In addition to these transferable skills, my internship has helped me develop several technical and practical skills, particularly in understanding the sales process and customer relations. Before beginning my internship, I underestimated how much preparation and communication goes into every individual customer interaction. I quickly realized that sales is much more complex than simply convincing someone to purchase a product or service. Every customer has different goals, different concerns, and different expectations, meaning that every conversation requires a unique approach.Throughout my internship, I have learned how to communicate with prospective students and answer questions about the language school’s programs in a professional and organized manner. Some people contact the school with very specific questions about schedules, housing, or course levels, while others are unsure of exactly what they are looking for. In those situations, I have learned how to ask thoughtful questions that help me better understand their needs before recommending a program. This has strengthened my problem-solving skills because there is rarely one solution that works for everyone. Instead, I have learned to listen carefully, think critically, and provide information that best fits each person’s situation.

Reflecting on my internship, I can confidently say that this experience has strengthened my desire to pursue a career in sales. I genuinely enjoy meeting new people and learning about what motivates them. There is a unique sense of accomplishment that comes from building trust with someone and helping them find a program that meets their goals. When someone feels comfortable enough to choose a service because of the relationship you have built with them, it is incredibly rewarding. My internship has shown me that successful sales is not about persuading people into making decisions; rather, it is about understanding their needs, communicating honestly, and providing solutions that genuinely benefit them. That realization has changed my perspective on the profession and made me even more excited to continue developing my skills.

Finally, my global competencies have allowed me to navigate cross-cultural situations by combining my knowledge of the Spanish language with my growing understanding of Spanish culture. Although my Spanish is not perfect, I have become much more confident using it in real conversations, both inside and outside of my internship. There have been many situations where I could not express myself exactly the way I would in English, but instead of becoming discouraged, I have learned to adapt. Sometimes this means simplifying my vocabulary, asking follow-up questions, or paying closer attention to body language and context. These experiences have taught me that effective communication involves much more than speaking a language fluently. Working in an international environment has also reminded me that every individual brings different cultural expectations and communication styles. Learning to recognize and respect those differences has made me a more patient, understanding, and flexible communicator. These experiences have not only prepared me for future professional opportunities but have also changed the way I view the world and the people within it.