Lost in Translation: My Summer in Barcelona

Earning the “Working Across Cultures” micro-credential helped me get the most out of this program by preparing me to approach my internship with cultural awareness and an open mindset. It encouraged me to reflect on differences, adapt quickly, and build confidence in a professional international environment!

Before I started my internship abroad, I had no idea what to expect. As a biomedical engineering student I found myself placed in a field where I had no prior background in. I was nervous. I wasn’t sure if I’d be useful, if I’d understand the technical work, or if I’d feel out of place. However, as soon as I began my work, I realized that the internship experience was also about learning how to work in a professional environment across cultures, adapting, and about what kind of work interests me!

At my internship, I had the opportunity to contribute to tasks related to infrastructure projects. I got to explore some basic coding, which was a valuable learning experience. While I discovered that coding full-time isn’t the path for me, this insight was incredibly helpful in clarifying my career goals. Working in geotechnical engineering gave me a fresh, outside perspective and helped me sharpen my focus on the areas I’m truly excited about pursuing.

What I Wish I Had Done Differently 

If I could go back and give myself advice before starting this internship, here’s what I’d say:

1. Improve your Spanish beforehand, even if it’s not required.

I wish I had worked on improving my Spanish skills past basic knowledge before arriving because it would have made my internship experience and my cultural experience exponentially better. Being able to communicate even a little more would have helped me connect more deeply with colleagues and locals.

2. Manage friends’ visits carefully.

I was lucky to have many friends visit me during the summer in Barcelona, which was really awesome. But having so many visits early on actually took away a bit from my experience. I wasn’t able to spend as much time bonding with the other students in the program and missed out on some early chances to build those important connections. If you’re planning to have friends visit, I’d recommend keeping visits short and scheduling them toward the middle or end of the program. This gives you time to settle in and form friendships with those traveling alongside you. Those bonds really enhance the whole experience.

3. Don’t expect to have all the answers going in, and don’t limit yourself by your major.

I thought I had to show up knowing everything and that my biomedical engineering background would limit my ability to contribute meaningfully to my placement company. But what really mattered was curiosity and a willingness to learn. While I wasn’t initially excited about working in a field that was not my first choice, it gave me a fresh perspective and transferable skills that I know will help me in the future.

4. Advocate for yourself and don’t be afraid to speak up about the kind of internship or company you want to work with.

This program is ultimately for you, your goals, and your growth so it's totally okay to express your preferences early on. A more aligned placement can make your experience even more meaningful.

Three Helpful Tips for a Summer in Barcelona

1. Meal times are different: Everything in Spain is later. Sunsets at 9:30, Lunch usually happens around 2 pm, and dinner no earlier than 8:00 or 9:00 pm! It's definitely an adjustment so plan your days accordingly!

2. Water is few and far between: No free water at restaurants so be prepared to pay. Make sure to stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months it gets very hot and humid so staying hydrated is important (especially when walking/touring the city)

3. Public transportation is excellent and reliable: Use public transport as your main way to get around. If public transit isn’t available, avoid Uber. Taxis are easy, more efficient, and cheaper!

Reflecting on the Experience

One of the best lessons I learned was the power of saying YES. With so little time in Barcelona this summer, I made a point to always agree to plans with other students in the program. Making friends and exploring the city as much as possible turned out to be one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. There were moments I struggled with language barriers and being able to build rapport with my coworkers due to this language barrier. But those moments gave me confidence too. Each time I made it through a challenge, it reminded me of the importance of pushing myself out of my comfort zone!

Beyond technical skills, this internship offered a firsthand look into a professional engineering environment. I saw how tasks are managed, deadlines are handled, and communication flows within a team. Weekly meetings where team members updated each other on their progress helped me understand how collaboration and accountability function in practice. An especially important part of the experience was navigating intercultural communication.

Working in an international office, I encountered different workplace norms, communication styles, and levels of formality. This taught me to adapt, listen actively, and approach differences with an open mind. While language barriers and cultural differences posed some challenges, they also helped me grow personally and professionally.

Overall, this internship gave me valuable insight into both the technical side of engineering and the human side of working in a global team. My biggest takeaway? You don’t need to have it all figured out. This experience didn’t give me a perfect roadmap for my career, but it gave me direction, self-awareness, and real-world skills!

Check out all CIS Abroad programs in Barcelona here!

Blog by Bella Chiaramonte, UC Davis
Intern in Barcelona