Is Spain the best internship abroad destination?

08 Jul Is Spain the best internship abroad destination?

Spain is an entire world in itself. As one of the oldest countries in Europe, its long and complex history resulted in a nation divided into multiple regions, each with its own identity. The country is brimming with cultural diversity, and for students like @Cruz Feick who are aspiring for a global career, it’s the perfect internship destination to foster cultural awareness alongside professional growth.

Cruz, a Business Administration and Management student at the University of Oregon, knew exactly that. She spent eight weeks in Spain last fall, completing a Marketing internship in Barcelona during the weekdays and exploring the rest of the country on the weekends.

“I’ve had the chance to reflect on how amazing of an experience and opportunity this was for me to learn, grow, and gain real-world experience in marketing while living abroad,” she wrote in a LinkedIn post.

Getting global work experience as a student

The workplace is becoming increasingly global and it is shifting what companies look for in their employees. This means students with cultural intelligence and the ability to adapt to different markets are more likely to thrive when they enter the workforce.

That said, Cruz’s Marketing internship abroad is undoubtedly very beneficial to her future career. Not simply because she flew halfway across the world for work experience, but because she chose to do it in the multicultural melting pot that is Spain.

“This opportunity came together thanks to Absolute Internship, whose program made securing an impactful global internship seamless.”

At first glance, it may seem like a company that caters to Spanish customers is just that, but it’s actually so much more. With each of Spain’s 17 regions having its own culture, marketing in this country can be quite complex.

“Working in an international startup environment has pushed me to think more strategically about how data informs creative decisions. I’m seeing firsthand how digital marketing shifts when your audience spans multiple cultures and regions,” Cruz wrote, reflecting on her internship with Barcelona-based sports technology company @A-Champs.

“[I’m] sharpening the skills I want to build for a career in marketing strategy and content creation.”

“Four weeks into my internship with A-Champs, and I’ve learned so much about what goes into building a brand from the inside out,” she mentioned.

As a Business Administration major, learning marketing is crucial as it is the bridge that connects a company’s products or services with its customers. And in order to grow a business and drive revenue, knowing how to market to all sorts of people and not just the ones in your immediate circle is essential.

The best place to foster cultural awareness is Spain

While analyzing data on paper to understand diverse audiences is practical, another way to become culturally competent is to experience the world yourself. This is why international internships are so transformative. Students get to visit the places that make up a nation’s history, immerse in their culture, and really live among its people. They aren’t just gaining global work experience, but doing it with actual context abroad.

Cruz made the most of this opportunity and explored the rest of Spain during her days off. From the coastal town of Sitges in the Catalonia region, to the city of Valencia in the Valencian Community, to the medieval city of Girona back in Catalonia, she got to know the country more and more every weekend.

She documented her travels on LinkedIn, recounting what made each location unique and proving how much diversity one can find in Spain’s culture alone.

“I’ve been soaking up as much of Spain as I can. Between exploring and making unforgettable memories with the other interns, this experience has been everything I hoped for and more.”

In her posts, Cruz described Valencia as “incredible” and “full of energy.” Located on the Mediterranean coast, it was the perfect spot to say goodbye to summer in. It’s also the birthplace of paella, and Cruz made sure to note that the city was full of “great eats.”

Her post about the historic city of Girona had a different vibe altogether, focusing on its medieval architecture and winding streets. She added: “I was even able to visit a few spots where Game of Thrones was filmed, which was super cool to see in person.”

Towards the end of her time abroad, Cruz visited Tibidabo, one of the highest points in Barcelona. Taking in the view as she overlooked the entirety of her vibrant host city, she felt the magnificence of being an international student in Spain.

“Amazing use of free will. Instantly reminded of how lucky I am to be here. Unforgettable view. Unforgettable experience. So grateful I got to visit,” she commented.

Come experience Spain as an international intern! Our internship abroad programs in Barcelona and Madrid include a guaranteed internship in your industry of choice, student housing, cultural activities and trips, and many more opportunities to help you grow professionally and personally in these incredible cities.

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