My name is Roop, and I had the incredible opportunity to intern abroad during the summer of 2025 in Barcelona with CIS Abroad! My internship aligned perfectly with my major in computer science. I worked at a startup called Albora, which is a company focused on developing geolocation technology for clients around the world.
My role centered on leading the UI/UX development for several of the company's mapping console systems. Working in a different country came with its fair share of ups and downs, but it ultimately helped me grow both personally and professionally. When I first arrived in Barcelona, everything felt new and exciting. We were given some time to adjust to the city before our internships began, which really helped me ease into the experience. Initially, I had some concerns about working abroad, mainly about navigating an unfamiliar workplace culture. It turns out the work environment in Spain is quite different from what I'm used to back in the U.S.
At Albora, I quickly noticed how much emphasis was placed on work-life balance, and how that balance shaped both the expectations and structure of my work. It was refreshing to see a workplace that truly valued employees' well-being. Throughout the internship, I had to adapt and build new skills, especially when I was asked to complete tasks using tools and coding languages I wasn't entirely familiar with. That was definitely a challenge, but thanks to CIS Abroad, I had access to helpful resources like supportive advisors and the micro-credential course, which guided me on how to handle the technical and cultural challenges of the internship.
One of the most important things I learned was to be proactive and communicate clearly. There were plenty of moments when I didn’t fully understand a task or felt unsure about the next step. But I made it a habit to ask questions, even the small ones. My supervisor later told me that my willingness to communicate made me seem more capable and confident. If I could give one piece of advice to future interns, it would be to always communicate. Especially in a country where English isn't the first language, asking the right questions can make all the difference in your career and your experience.
Another key takeaway from my experience was learning how to manage my time and responsibilities independently. Since I was the only person working on UI/UX team, I had to take ownership of the redesign project from start to finish. This strengthened my independence, work ethic, and accountability. I highly recommend that future interns stay on top of their tasks, avoid procrastination, and keep their supervisors updated regularly. Doing so shows commitment and can lead to meaningful recognition by your company.
Looking back on my time in Barcelona, I gained far more than just technical and professional experience. I immersed myself in a new culture, learned how to navigate a different work environment, and grew in my own confidence and skills. It’s amazing to think how just 6,000 miles away people are living competently different lives than we are. If you're thinking about doing a program like this, I highly recommend it. I’ll carry the professional skills, lessons, memories, and friendships I made in Barcelona with me for the rest of my life!
Check out all CIS Abroad programs in Barcelona here!
Blog by Roop Nijjar, UC Davis
Intern in Barcelona
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