What inspired you to travel abroad?
As a Mexican, seeing the world has always been super important to me! My dream has always been to see the world, learn from other cultures, and see how other Hispanic cultures differ from mine. I have family who travels a lot, and they always told me the importance of traveling, especially while I'm young.
Also, the fact that my parents only know Mexico and the United States made me want to make them proud by seeing more of the world.
With Friends
Why did you choose Absolute Internship?
I chose Absolute Internship because it had more inclusions for the same cost as other providers, which is definitely something to think about in terms of return on investment! I also liked the idea of working abroad rather than studying, just because I thought it would be a more valuable experience and more unique.
I personally never heard of anyone who interned abroad—until I did—and the American university I graduated from has a partnership with them. That helped me feel confident in trusting Absolute to handle all the logistics.
What was your favorite part about Barcelona?
I would say learning so much about just how different and similar Spain is to Mexico. Everyone in Barcelona and Madrid welcomed me with open arms, and I was so happy to see that vibrant energy they have, especially when it comes to living life.
Spaniards, especially Catalans, know how to enjoy their life, and it was something very admirable to see.
Nature at Parc De Ciutadella
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
I would say the people I met. I was able to make friends with locals and amazing friends with other Absolute Interns. I think the people definitely make a difference, as you have the opportunity to connect with others at a deeper and much faster level.
I still speak to the friends I made back then to this day, and I’ve even encountered a few multiple times after the program ended.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
While I personally didn't need help during my program, I really appreciated the fact that we had program coordinators on-site with us so that if we needed anything, they could help. I also thought it was useful that they planned everything—took us on day trips, weekend trips, cultural activities, and even taught us how to use the metro!
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I had 1) stayed longer and 2) not fallen into tourist traps in terms of restaurants and prices. Going abroad is such a special time in your life that the four weeks I stayed there felt like two. Time really does fly by when you’re living your best life, especially in another country that makes you feel like home.
I think it could’ve been possible had I known that going out to eat in Barcelona can be inexpensive if you know where to go. So I definitely took that experience and applied it to future visits.
Describe what a typical day in your life as an intern in Spain looked like.
I would wake up around 7 a.m., shower, get ready, eat breakfast, take a five-minute walk to the metro, take the L1 and then the L3 to get to work, which took about 20 minutes. My office was located on Avenida Diagonal.
I would then start administrative tasks in the office, work with the immigration team by supporting them on projects, and then at 6 p.m. leave to meet with friends at restaurants or hangout spots, watch the sunset, and then head back to the housing to shower and sleep.
Views near W hotel
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I loved exploring the city, going shopping, going to the beach, trying new foods, and watching the beautiful sunsets. I also remember that once we all got close enough, we decided to go on a day trip to a nearby town in Costa Brava and just hang out there.
I found that the more time I spent outside, the more I got to know the city.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I had a studio apartment with its own kitchen, trash can, private bathroom, closet, TV, chair, and desk, as well as a full-size bed. Outside of that, we had laundry in the housing, which was super convenient when I needed to wash my clothes.
We also had a big common area where we would meet downstairs to go to other places or just chill and bond. There was also a space to eat our free breakfast. I loved that it had a pool and fob-style keys because it felt more secure. I also loved how close it was to everything.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
I would say that the amount of time you end up staying there sounds like a long time, but with the internship and enjoying your time there, definitely take advantage of every moment. You won’t want to leave, and at the end of the day, this is a unique opportunity for you to have the best time and experience everything.
Would you recommend this internship program in Barcelona to others? Why?
I 100% would. This program personally changed my life. Absolute has a very personalized placement process, and the placement team makes sure to accommodate your needs based on your qualifications.
Aside from that, the operations team cares very much about your on-site experience, and you can feel that energy through the program coordinators and full-time staff!
Day trip to Monserrat
What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?
I would say that it gets you out of your bubble, making you realize things you never even considered or thought about before. It gives you the opportunity to see things from a different perspective and helps you become a better person.
Not only that, but when you intern abroad specifically, you grow professionally, learn about other working cultures, and work with an international and diverse team—something that you don't get every day in just any program.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
When studying at university in the United States, I was preparing myself to go to law school because I wanted to become an immigration lawyer there. However, after my legal internship under the immigration department in Barcelona, I realized what I knew all along: I needed to go back to Mexico and see the world, not stay in the U.S. just because my parents and I moved there for my education.
I then decided to switch careers. I now specialize in global higher education and helping other students have life-changing experiences, which allows me to travel constantly!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
I would say it’s when you can connect with the culture, with the locals, and either 1) learn a new language if you don’t already know it, or 2) when you already speak the language—as a native Spanish speaker myself—but adapt to a different dialect.
To me, it’s about opening yourself up to new experiences, not closing yourself off, and making sure that you are growing personally!
