In the fall of 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Sevilla, Spain for four months, where I also completed an internship. Leading up to this trip, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I had only gotten a passport one year prior for a vacation in Mexico and had never traveled anywhere outside of North America. My view of the world was small, and I was eager to learn more about the world and what this time of my life had in store for me.

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Arriving in Sevilla was both exciting and overwhelming. Everything felt new, from the language and the pace of daily life to the historic streets and culture that surrounded me. Living in a city so different from the small town I grew up in pushed me to step outside my comfort zone in ways I had never experienced before. Simple daily tasks such as navigating public transportation, ordering food, or communicating with coworkers in Spanish quickly became opportunities to learn and grow. During my internship, I was in charge of working the front desk of a local yoga studio where I was tasked with talking to the local members each day. At first, I was terrified, but I quickly learned that those who I encountered saw that I was eager to learn, which in turn led to them helping me and cheering me on. Being so close to my family in the states, I had to quickly find my people in Spain so that I could fully be content with my time there. Below you will see photos of the wonderful people I met along the way including classmates, roommates, professors, and even a friend from Italy that I met from joining a local volleyball league.

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My classes were fully taught in Spanish alongside other students in the study abroad program with me. My professors were locals from Sevilla who quickly recognized the effort I was putting into improving my language skills. They encouraged my hard work and invested time in helping me succeed, often staying after class to review assignments with me and practice speaking Spanish. These moments were incredibly valuable, as they allowed me to build confidence in my abilities while also forming meaningful connections with my instructors. Their patience and support pushed me to challenge myself academically and linguistically, and by the end of the semester I felt far more comfortable communicating and expressing my ideas in Spanish.

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My internship allowed me to gain valuable professional experience while also immersing myself in Spanish culture. Working alongside locals gave me the chance to practice my Spanish in real-world situations and observe differences in workplace culture between Spain and the United States. I learned the importance of adaptability, communication, and cultural awareness in a professional setting. These experiences helped me develop confidence in both my language abilities and my independence. This internship is what sparked my love for international sales and marketing as I learned how different business is done around the world. The idea of selling an American product in Spain fascinated me, and I wanted to learn more about how to be successful in a business setting in a foreign country.

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Outside of work, living in Sevilla gave me the opportunity to explore the city and appreciate its unique traditions. From walking through historic neighborhoods and visiting famous landmarks to enjoying "sobremesas" with friends and experiencing the lively atmosphere of the city, every day offered something new. I was able to experience the holidays in Sevilla, such as Holy Week, which made me truly feel like a local and gave me insight into how they celebrate meaningful traditions. I also had the chance to travel to nearby cities and experience other parts of Spain and Europe, further expanding my understanding of the world and how life is lived outside of the States.
 

One of the most striking aspects of Spanish culture I experienced was the emphasis on community and the value placed on relationships. In Sevilla, daily life is built around connection—whether it’s sharing long meals with friends and family, engaging in lively conversations in cafés, or participating in neighborhood festivals. I noticed that people prioritize presence and quality time over efficiency, a stark contrast to the faster pace I was accustomed to in the United States. This approach to social interaction taught me the importance of slowing down and being fully present in my experiences. It also helped me develop deeper connections with the people around me, as I learned to appreciate moments of conversation and shared enjoyment rather than just focusing on tasks or outcomes.

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Another cultural aspect that resonated with me was the Spanish approach to work-life balance. Even in professional settings, there is a strong recognition of personal time and well-being. Observing coworkers who took breaks for “siestas,” enjoyed long lunches, or engaged in social interactions during the workday highlighted a cultural philosophy I had rarely encountered before: that productivity and fulfillment are not mutually exclusive from taking care of oneself and maintaining personal relationships. This perspective challenged my own assumptions about work habits and success, prompting me to reflect on how I could integrate a healthier balance into my own life while still pursuing ambitious goals. These lessons about connection, community, and balance have left a lasting impression on me and continue to influence how I approach both personal and professional relationships.

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Looking back, my time in Sevilla was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It broadened my perspective, strengthened my independence, and deepened my appreciation for different cultures and ways of life. This experience was also extremely difficult. It tested my patience and gave me the strength I needed to tackle real-world challenges that I may encounter for the rest of my life, professionally and personally. The lessons and memories I gained during those four months will continue to shape my goals and outlook for years to come. I will never forget the people I met in Spain and will always be thankful that I said "yes" to doing the hard things in life.