17 Feb When an Internship Shows You Public Relations on a Global Scale
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When students talk about wanting to “make an impact,” the image that often comes to mind is immediate, visible change. A campaign that goes viral. A project that transforms a community overnight. A role that comes with a bold title and clear outcomes.
But impact does not always arrive that way. Sometimes, it’s quieter, showing up as perspective gained, questions reshaped, and a deeper understanding of how the world actually works beyond the classroom. That kind of impact does not always announce itself in the moment, but it has a way of influencing everything that comes next.
For @Indigo Eatmon, a student at @San Diego State University majoring in Public Relations with minors in Sociology and Leadership, that kind of impact came during her internship in Barcelona with @Fundació KIMbcn.
From campus leadership to global professional spaces
Indigo’s academic path has always pointed toward leadership, communication, and justice. On campus, she has been involved in various organizations and programs, seeking ways to grow as a leader and contribute to the world around her. Her interests sit at the intersection of ethical leadership, global visibility, and the role communication plays in shaping a more just society.
Her internship with Fundació KIMbcn marked an important shift. It was not about leaving campus leadership behind, but about extending it into a global, professional context.
A day in the office as an international intern in Barcelona
KIMbcn is a public-private foundation that brings companies, technology experts, and partners together to move ideas from abstract to actual impact. Its role is to support collaboration and technology transfer, helping organizations apply research and innovation in real-world settings and build long-term progress.
“Working with KIMbcn [gave] me valuable insight into how public relations is practiced on a global scale,” Indigo wrote in a LinkedIn post. The experience reinforced her interest in and helped shape how she thinks about communication and visibility across borders.
She contributed to several projects during her internship, and working within a European professional environment also gave her firsthand exposure to different expectations, work cultures, and approaches to collaboration.
From California to Europe!
She even got to attend an event with her internship supervisor, Antoni Paz, Executive Director at KIMbcn. Professionals from all across Europe came together to discuss innovation and regional development, and Indigo gained a clearer picture of how cross-border collaboration actually happens in practice. Communication is not just about messaging, but about context, as what resonates in one country may not translate directly to another.
This commitment to the field and sense of curiosity was then reflected in how Indigo’s work was received. “You brought great energy and professionalism to the team. It was a real pleasure having you at Fundació KIMbcn!” Antoni wrote in a comment.
This goes to prove that sometimes, the most impactful experiences are the ones that change how you see the world.
This internship is a stepping stone, not a finish line
What makes Indigo’s story so compelling is not that she arrived in Barcelona and suddenly had all the answers. It is that this experience represents a stepping stone.
She did not enter the internship as a fully formed global professional, but as a student ready to learn, observe, and grow. She saw how communication and innovation overlap behind the scenes, and gained clarity on the types of environments she may want to work in next and the values she wants to carry forward.
Exploring Barcelona with fellow students in the internship abroad program
Indigo’s experience shows that meaningful growth often happens in the middle spaces. Between campus and career, between theory and practice, and between local involvement and global exposure.
An international intern’s life outside the office
Professional growth is only a part of an international internship. Indigo followed a hybrid setup, with three days in the office and time spent working remotely as well. This structure allowed her to experience a more balanced rhythm of work and life, something that is often difficult to imagine while juggling classes, campus involvement, and future planning.
Outside the office, Indigo immersed herself in the city. She explored Barcelona, made friends with fellow interns, and connected with the local culture. Through Absolute Internship’s program, she participated in city tours, group activities, and trips that encouraged students to experience Spain beyond their internships.
“I really appreciated how Absolute Internship prioritized cultural immersion. They made sure we had plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow interns and local culture alike,” Indigo said in her post.
When you intern abroad, every moment becomes unforgettable
She also spoke fondly about the slower, more intentional pace of life in Spain, particularly the siesta lifestyle. It left an impression on her and challenged the idea that productivity must always come at the expense of rest. That lesson, subtle as it may seem, is one she hopes to carry back with her to the United States.
Redefining what impact looks like
Indigo’s entire internship experience reminds us that impact does not always look dramatic or immediate. Sometimes, it looks like exposure, perspective, confidence gained in navigating unfamiliar spaces, and a clearer understanding of how communication operates across cultures and systems.
For students drawn to public relations, sociology, leadership, or public service, these experiences are foundational. They influence how future decisions are made, what kinds of roles feel aligned, and how students choose to show up in their careers.
Posing in front of the iconic La Sagrada Familia
Indigo returned from Barcelona with more than professional experience. She returned with a broader worldview, a deeper appreciation for global collaboration, and a renewed commitment to ethical communication.
“I want to thank Absolute Internship for organizing such an enriching program. From start to finish, the team made the process seamless and supportive,” she concluded. “Overall, I had an unforgettable experience in Barcelona, both professionally and personally.”
You do not need to have a perfect plan or a dramatic mission statement to benefit from an international internship. You just need curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn.
Our programs are designed to support you every step of the way, providing a guaranteed internship in your industry of choice, career development workshops, cultural activities, student housing, and onsite support to help you thrive while abroad.
Send us a message to explore our internships and take your next step toward a global career!
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