Working Across Cultures: Transitioning from Study Abroad Student to On-Site Intern

There is no doubt we live in a multicultural world where trends, behaviors, and perspectives are ever-changing. As humans we are constantly absorbing information of either unfamiliar contexts or interactions. However what I find most interesting about this idea is that we aren't self-aware to see how these interactions enrich us.

I earned a bachelor's degree in both Spanish and Communications. My last semester of my senior year I decided to be spontaneous and study abroad in Barcelona, Spain. Before the spring semester I was looking at what places I should go and what companies to consider. When looking at my global learning website for Boise State I found CIS Abroad. I saw that this program had many different options of duration and educational opportunities to choose from. My program was a spring semester at the University of Barcelona. This university provided me with the best Spanish immersion experience especially since it was located within the city center. As well as a broad comprehensive range of courses that challenged me and guided me within my international studies.

What is it like to study abroad?

The best way I can describe studying abroad is that it feels like a rollercoaster. It is a whirlwind of emotions. Especially when we see the glamorous side like the picturesque Instagram moments, the new friends, the adventures. But students don't often think about how common it is to feel out of sorts, overwhelmed, or homesick. Especially since most of us are in college or went out of state thinking the distance or change isn't that different. I sure had that same concept.

After being in Spain for 8 months I became reminded of the distance between myself, friends, and family I left behind. Being in Europe I had to step out of my comfort zone and embrace a culture that was completely different to the US. In many ways I had to ‘abandon’ a perspective and lifestyle I had surrounded myself with for 23 years in order to get through five months in a foreign country. At first being here it was hard and I struggled with the time difference and lifestyle. Little things that I found difficult were walking everywhere, personal space, the slow paced behavior, and how ‘relationship oriented’ Spaniards are. Coming from a ‘on the go’ and always being in a rush to slowing down, taking your time, or arriving late was a hard adjustment. Also learning that Spain is a relationship-oriented and inclusive culture, where belonging and hospitality are very important. Physical closeness and direct eye contact was another element I needed to adapt to. I had to learn that it was their way of expressing themselves and acceptance of you.

After feeling distressed for the first few weeks I was able to find a community and start bonding with the other students. I was able to immerse myself in the local customs, learned to navigate a new city, and developed a proficiency in Spanish. I soon started to feel like I belonged here. I became excited and enthusiastic, I started becoming open minded and practicing Spanish. Being able to practice Spanish helped me develop a relationship with locals and put myself in their shoes. I went out sightseeing with friends in the city and at many times people would come up to us and start having a conversation, they weren't always from Spain. Though the study abroad experiences aren't always sunshine and paella it broadens your perspective and deepens your understanding for diversity.

Advice for Students Studying Abroad

1. Reach out: One of the biggest factors I have seen students struggle with is they are hesitant to reach out to their peers and locals. Many students find trouble with building up anxiety and thinking they aren't going to make friends here with their peers or engage with residents. Reaching out and putting yourself out there in my opinion is such a crucial element in coming abroad because I feel it will make or break the experience as a whole. Community is such an important thing students and everyone needs, limiting that leads to missed opportunities, social isolation, and developmental shortcomings.

2. Establish a routine: We all are gonna experience homesickness and struggle with the transition within our host countries. It is all part of the process! One thing I will recommend is implement your routine back home to your host country. Have that idea that it's not gonna look entirely the same, but it makes being away more comfortable and easier. For example before class at Boise State I would always stop and grab a coffee on the way to class. While being in Spain I was fortunate that my roommate and I both had morning class and we would go together before class and sit and have coffee.

3. Don't come with friends from home: I cannot stress this enough. Please do not come with your group of childhood friends, sorority sisters, fraternity brothers or anyone. Studying abroad with friends might seem like a comfortable and convenient choice, but there are a ton of downsides that aren't considered. First it limits your interaction from meeting locals and making new friends. Spending most of your time with friends from home can limit your social circle and interactions, staying within your friend group prevents you from growing and gaining new viewpoints. Second, it limits your independence because friends sway your choices, preventing you from fully understanding your own likes and dislikes. They also influence your decisions and experiences, limiting your individual growth.

Student to onsite Marketing Intern? Why CIS Abroad?

The decision to study abroad is often driven by a desire for adventure, cultural immersion, and personal growth. For many students, including myself, it represents an opportunity to step out of one's comfort zone and gain invaluable life experiences. As I reflect on my time studying abroad, I realize that this journey has not only broadened my horizons but also paved the way for my career aspirations in international relations. Transitioning from a study abroad student to an international marketing intern has been captivating. CIS has helped me keep up with current marketing trends such as social media strategy, and data analytics. They have allowed me to participate in organizing student events, strengthen my skills in business administration, and see the work relationship with European partners for social events.

Being involved within this international environment has boosted my knowledge of international marketing strategies and consumer insights. Learning and experiencing CIS immersion techniques for the students and seeing how they are more interpersonal and authentic, gave me more cultural exposure. CIS has further prepared me to navigate the complexities of global markets with confidence and competence. This company has really taken the time to bring everyone together, and get to know us and help us professionally and personally.

As I embark on this new chapter, I am confident that the skills and insights gained from my study abroad experience and international marketing internship will enable me to make a meaningful impact. This journey has not just been about career advancement but embracing the richness of diverse cultures and perspectives. To shape me into a more well-rounded and globally-minded professional.

How did earning an international micro-credential help me get the most out of my internship?

As a recent graduate I have been noticing the growing importance of micro-credentials within higher education. I feel many of us in our educational journeys run into this phrase “I wish I knew how to do..” or just simply wanting to prove you honed a set of special skills. Earning this international qualification has helped me stay proactive in keeping up with industry trends and broadening my educational horizons. It has allowed me to take a deeper dive within cultural engagement, managing differences, and navigating the global work spaces.

This micro credential has certified a learning outcome within a short period of time. It has helped me foster inclusiveness, gain access and equal opportunities, and form resilience. As it has translated to my internship it has conveyed the importance of social fairness and prosperity. This certification has shown me how I can gain a multifaceted view within and beyond my degree. It has expanded and changed my perspective of education, politics, economics, and professionalism. Having the opportunity to work globally has encouraged me to change the scope of innovative ways to tackle transitional issues.

Want to know more about how you can study abroad in Barcelona? View all available programs here. Not sure where to start? Message one of our advisors here!