Working as an intern in a Spa resort in Spain
What inspired you to go abroad?
Since returning from this program, I have been very active in passing on everything I have learned through my experience and sharing my stories. I think one of the best ways to learn is either by direct experience or someone sharing theirs.
Sure, you can read a guide book or manual on how to travel, learn about culture, or where the top ten best parts of a city are; but the best advice always comes from someone who has been there, tried it, failed at it, or found the most amazing hidden gems along the way. I wanted to experience things on my own.
Why did you choose to work in Spain as a beauty therapist through Instituto Hemingway?
I choose this program for two reasons: language and low-cost. Language because I wanted to improve my Spanish, and low-cost because after some research I found this program to be the cheapest in Spain for long-term stays.
Having fun with classmates
What was your favorite part about Bilbao?
I absolutely loved the atmosphere and the culture of Bilbao in northern Spain where I was for the Spanish course for some weeks. It didn’t have many tourists so I felt fully immersed in the culture. The food, culture, nightlife, shopping, and my professors were all incredible.
The location was beyond beautiful; a coastal setting, incredible waves, and greenery. I felt right at home, but at the same time I learned a lot about myself and what direction to take in my personal life.
What made your experience abroad unique?
The internship is awesome, I mean come on...it allows one to slowly explore the hotel and location and get paid for it. You get to meet other students from around the world and make lifelong friends.
In addition to that, the customer service that everyone receives is excellent, not to mention the attention to detail that they are known for. It was incredible completing an internship overseas in my field in a different culture and language, and, to my surprise, it worked perfectly. I am so confident on my own nowadays!!
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
Enjoying my Spanish course in Bilbao
Instituto Hemingway assisted me with the courses, the internship, how to go to Spain (I was scared about this part!), the financial process, transition into the program, and they answered just about every question that I could think of.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I wanted to go to cities I had seen in the media and I worked hard with Instituto Hemingway to pick typical locations for foreigners. I was wrong!! I think it is better to go to cities for foreign tourists when I travel for fun, but when I work I want to be just another Spaniard.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
When I studied Spanish in Bilbao I woke up at 8:00 a.m., ate a quick breakfast, and got ready to take lessons from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.. Then it was siesta-- time for rest! Usually a pub crawl with my classmates happened after siesta and long nights dancing and having fun!
When I worked at the hotels, the shifts changed quite a lot but I was just dedicated to work and learning as much as possible for 8 hours a day. And then I enjoyed partying on my days off.
Hotel experience in Spain
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
I loved going to the beach on my lunch breaks, talking about art and politics, trying new restaurants, bar hopping, and making friends from all over the world.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
It was in shared apartment with a single room close to school. When I started to work at the hotel I had the same standard of accommodation and no complaints at all.
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
Living in Spain in general is so easy and cheap in many ways compared to other countries. Please take advantage of every precious day and explore the area where you work or study!
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
I went from taking Spanish in high school, barely conversational, to confident and fluent. The program was fantastic! My time abroad in Spain has given me lifelong connections.
Would you recommend your program/provider to others?
YES, by all means!!
