At our favorite coffee break spot!
I had the last day of my internship on Monday. I was can not believe my time working with them flew by so fast. They were so welcoming and helpful. I even made lasting friendships with some of them. On my last day they presented me with a going away card that everyone in the office signed. It was a very sweet gesture of them. I am so glad that I participated on this internship program. The lifelong memories I made will shape the way I live my life going forward. Living in Spain and traveling to other European countries has shown me a different way of life that I can now appreciate. My internship provided me the opportunity to work in the international business world.
The chance to see how things function here is unmatched by anything I could have learned back at home. First-hand experience is the only way to understand their culture. They explained to us what to expect on our first day, and I think I was not alone when I thought that they were joking. They told us a few basic rules on the Spanish business culture: time is elastic, there is no personal space, and the will ask lots of questions. All of those held true. They honestly just run on a different clock here. One minute is more like anytime between now and the next two hours. It is an adjustment for us schedule oriented Americans. Personal space does not exist here. I never thought that this would bother me, but people you are just meeting for the first timeare kissing your cheek and the men are getting their aftershave on you, its actually kind of gross sometimes. I know they do it with the best intentions. The people here are more casual, warm, and welcoming and the kissing is just a greeting that fits their culture. I have learned I prefer shaking hand with strangers. But when in Spain do as the Spanish do!
As the time is running out on my time in Barcelona, I feel sad that this, all of this is over. My roommate and I packed last night. We were both excited that we will be home by the end of the week. The emotions tied up in this experience are bittersweet. Our time with this group is over, wewill never be in this situation ever again. This is not the last time I will see the amazing friends I have made, or the last time I will be in Barcelona. I know that I will be back again. Barcelona has been home to me for two months, so I can not imagine not returning multiple times in the future. Until next time..
Barcelona, thank you for the best summer of my life, new lifelong friendships, and irreplaceable memories.
Love,
Lauren