Working at Jaleo has shown me that there is no universal definition of a successful employee. Every workplace has its own expectations, and those expectations are shaped by the culture around it. During my internship, I have seen that employees earn trust by taking initiative and handling problems without waiting for someone else to step…
Author: Christian Lewand
Context matters
Throughout my time in Spain, I have noticed several differences between the communication styles in Spain and the United States, and learning to adapt to them has helped me become a better communicator both personally and professionally. One of the biggest communication differences I noticed is that Spain tends to have a more high-context communication…
Follow the leader
Before coming to Madrid, I had a pretty basic idea of what leadership looked like. I thought leaders were the people in charge, the ones giving directions, making decisions, and always knowing the right answer. After spending the summer interning at Jaleo Language School, my perspective has changed. I have learned that leadership is not…
Yinzer to Yapper
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…
Beso or Fist-Bump?
Madrid is not as different from Pittsburgh as I initially expected. Before arriving, I imagined that living in Spain would feel completely unfamiliar, but in many ways, Madrid reminds me of home, just on a much larger scale. Both cities are diverse and full of people from different backgrounds, and both offer countless things to…
Mercadona for Lunch?
During my internship, each assignment is unique. Every individual who contacts the company has different needs, whether they are looking for a specific program or have distinct goals in mind. I must consider these varying requirements whenever I work, as each person requires a different approach. This aspect of the job makes complete training challenging,…
WhatsApp with you?
I just finished my first week at my internship, and what I learned so far is that every day is different, presenting both challenges and opportunities for helpful growth. While the core everyday tasks may share similarities, each day brings its unique set of tasks and assignments that require my full attention. One of the…
Becoming a Gato!
I have been settling into Madrid very nicely so far! The city itself is beautiful, full of energy, and the people have been incredibly welcoming. My host family has also been wonderfully accommodating, which has made the transition much easier. One of the most rewarding parts of the experience so far has been realizing that…
PGH -> MAD
Hello! My name is Christian Lewand, and I am a rising Junior! I currently study Global Management and am aiming toward two minors, in Spanish and in Portuguese! I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but after studying at Pitt and getting closer to everyone, I have fallen more in love with my city…

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