An Internship Overseas in Madrid, Spain

During Summer 2018, I traveled to Madrid, Spain through the Fisher Summer Global Internship Program. I worked for two months at Hitachi Consulting as an IT consulting intern, gaining both business and language skills.

Through living and working in a foreign country, I understood more about myself and the world around me. Never before had I lived without my parents, but this summer proved to me that I’m capable of taking care of myself, even in a foreign country. I also learned that not every place in the world functions like America, nor should it be required to. Compared with the United States, Spain possesses a slower and more relaxed business culture and lifestyle. I sometimes struggled with this because of my Type A personality, but the positives of the culture quickly grew on me, and friendships grew just quickly. I’m one to think that deep friendships develop over time with lots of effort, but this summer in Europe showed me otherwise. Whether through other trip participants or coworkers, I discovered friendship isn’t always about how much time you spend with a person but about the quality of time you spend with them.

The first day at my job consisted of a three-and-a-half hour lunch – and my coworkers and I probably could have made it to four! It’s simply the Spanish culture – personal relationships trump business relationships. And in order to create lasting business connections, a strong personal foundation usually occurs first. When we went back to our desks after lunch, I noticed my coworkers often working together and giving their time to help one another, paying no attention to the clock. Yet like most things, there are two sides to a coin. Because of the undisturbed environment, responses to my emails often took much longer than expected. I also sometimes didn’t have any tasks because I completed them much more rapidly than my managers planned. After weighing the pros and cons, I realize the Spaniards work to live while Americans live to work. Observing the Spanish way of life has taught me to savor each moment instead of just rushing or going through the motions.

When not at work or exploring Madrid, you could often find me back home in my apartment. Although I lived “on my own” without family, I still had three roommates. Two months with those girls taught me how to successfully live with others and even enjoy the experience! Being understanding with one another and calling out grievances in their early stages was key. Without food provided, I began to cook healthy meals for myself and even for some of my friends! But even with all the healthy cooking, I managed to get sick several times, including getting a serious sinus infection. Yet without a parent there to help, I knew I was responsible for my own health and wellbeing. I further successfully managed my financial health by carefully budgeting my money. Some of my friends would roll their eyes when I’d open my daily spending tracker, but I saved so much because of that tool. When spending your own hard earned cash, you quickly realize that it doesn’t grow on trees.

As I worked and traveled throughout Spain, I met the most incredible people and formed true friendships. I’m normally a bit more introverted, but this experience allowed me to open up and enjoy all my relationships. The fact that I pushed myself to speak mainly Spanish certainly assisted me in getting to know my coworkers. Meeting up with them for drinks and tapas after work showed that I cared about investing in the friendships. When July 4^thcame around, I even made an Independence Day cake for all my coworkers. It was a special gesture toward them, and they absolutely loved it! By the end of my internship, I felt like those individuals were my second family, and I’m certain I’ll keep in touch with many of them. I furthermore felt like I found a family within my friend group of other OSU students from this program. Doing life together brings people closer like nothing else can.

Looking back on the program, I am deeply thankful for every person I met and for every situation I encountered, whether good or bad. I’m now more confident and ready for adulthood, and I understand that life is more than just school or work. The internship itself provided me with an opportunity to improve my Spanish and gain invaluable work experience, especially relating to data analysis within Excel. Forming coworker relationships in an international setting will also serve me when I go into the workforce and interact with those culturally different from me. Personally, professionally, and academically, my adventures in Spain played a huge part in my development, and I know I’ll be back soon for more!