I have been back in America for about 2 weeks and am already missing Barcelona Spain. It was one of the most incredible places I have ever been. My experiences I had are unforgettable and indescribable. I not only had the opportunity to work for a world known famous soccer player and coach, travel to 5 different countries, and make incredible friends, I was able to learn a lot about myself. Living out of your comfort zone is an amazing way to make you more independent and open your eyes to new avenues of life that before may not have been thought of.

Working in Spain taught me so much. I had to learn to be flexible, communicate with people that could not speak my first language, and be patient with their style of life and work culture. After working there for a couple of weeks I was quickly accustomed to the way they worked and learned how to relax and multitask at the same time. I do not think I will ever be able to have the opportunity to work a relaxed 5 hour day and then stroll over for lunch and a swim in the Mediterranean Ocean again, but it was amazing while it lasted. The leisurely lifestyle Spaniards live is definitely something I got used to very quickly.

I left Spain much more fluent in spanish, with many new best friends, and a better idea of what I would like in my future. I loved everything about Barcelona, however came back to America with a much greater appreciation for our country. Living in Spain I realized how fortunate I am to be an American and have the opportunity to work in our country. The economy in Europe is no where near ours and I was able to see first hand some how differently they do things and how little things Americans do to stay organized and function day to day advance us and separate us from several other parts of the world. Little things like knowing how to use excel or powerpoint are technological advantages we as students learn how to use, where in other parts of the country such as Spain, adults that work for big companies are trying to learn how to use the basics of these programs. I was told by several people how amazing it was that I was an american. I came back to the States with a new sense of pride for my country.

Looking back on my experience this summer, it is going to be extremely hard to top in the years to come.  Along with the professional experience I obtained from working at a coworking space, called Meet Bcn, I have gained friendships with over 30 people all discovering a new country together.  It was a great experience, figuring out how to communicate with people from different cultures and just living in a completely different atmosphere.  It was a great two months, probably the best two months of my life so far.

Being back in the United States has been a little different now that I have experienced living in Spain for two months.  Everything is a bit easier to do, like for instance ordering food at a restaurant, or figuring out directions to certain places.  Also, the free water here in the U.S. is something that I am now appreciating ten times more compared to before I left for Barcelona.  The service at restaurants is also more convenient, as waiters and waitresses are more accommodating for your needs. Others things, however, are not as easy to do here in the states.  For instance, there are a lot more rules in the U.S. compared to Spain.  The police are strict and will give you a ticket for something little, unlike how European police give out their tickets.  Overall its good to be back in the states but I do miss Barcelona a lot.

My most memorable moment of my whole experience had to be traveling to Ibiza, and also traveling to Pamplona for running with the bulls.  That was probably the craziest thing I have ever done in my life and I don’t regret any of it.

It is hard to believe that just two and a half short months ago I was anxiously awaiting to depart the Miami International Aiport only to land in Barcelona, Spain for a two month internship. Reflecting back, I cannot think of a more valuable way to spend a summer. Not only did I have one of the most fun summers of my life (as it is my last summer break ever, leading up to senior year), but I have not had a more educational summer as well. I want my last blog to detail the top five best things that I have learned about business, culture, myself and live in general while spending a summer in Barcelona

1) Language. After spending two months in Barcelona, I have learned an huge amount about language. Yes, I have learned how to speak Spanish better (even though I have been taking Spanish classes for the last 9 years and will have a minor after next semester), but I have really learned what language means. Language, truly is the ultimate international passport. What is really amazing about spending a summer speaking 75% Spanish, and 25% English (my internship was all in Spanish), is that people really open up when you speak to them in their native language. The only time I ever heard my boss speak in English to me was when he greeted me on the first day and introduced himself, testing if I would still reply in Spanish, and on our final day together when we said our goodbyes. By the time we said our goodbyes, he told me how much he was honored to have an intern who was willing to speak Spanish with him, and that he believed it to be a reflection of my Character because by speaking his language, it showed that I was truly interested in him. I was happy to learn how far language can go with someone, and how much more it means than just a way of communication.
2) Strive to do what you enjoy. I learned this summer that it will be important for me to choose something that I enjoy by the time of my graduation. Now that I am a Senior in college, I have had two internships and about 5 other jobs/bosses ranging from an internship for a record label to a job serving food for a catering company. Because of the amazing opportunities given to me, I have been able now to work jobs for college educated individuals. This means to me that I can be stuck in an office working a job that I don’t enjoy, or search for a job that I do enjoy and be on my feet more. This summer, doing marketing research for an audio-on-demand website, I have learned that I want to pursue a career in something where I am constantly thinking on my feet and utilizing my creativity. I have learned that there are jobs out there that are fun, and it just takes time to look for them. I had an offer to work for a fortune 500 retailed as an intern this summer and had the option to apply for work for about 15 other companies in Spain. I chose the one that I believed I would be the best at yet challenged the most. Thus I have learned that I love challenge along with a job that requires creativity.
3) It is ok to be unsure of things, and important to ask questions. Almost daily, I found myself unsure of how to tackle certain tasks. I would become very frustrated with my inability to tackle complex tasks right away. Instead of giving up on such tasks, I decided that it was important to ask questions to learn. Essentially, I have learned that I do not know everything (despite that I believed this before). Sometimes tasks are difficult, but if you do not ask questions and take tasks slowly, the end result will not as good as if you do take the time to formulate questions and brainstorm ways to complete a task in the most quality manner.
4) Networking opportunities are everywhere. In Barcelona, I proudly expanded my network. I met industry experts and professionals at my office who I now know will always be there for me to coach me in my career. Also, these same people one day might even hire me! I was lucky that my company even has offices in San Francisco (my home town). I jumped at the opportunity to network with these people. Yet, you never know when you might meet someone else new to network with. I randomly met two guys who work for Accenture and another who works for Oracle, and was able to get their business cards and a “contact me when you graduate and let’s talk.” Being in a foreign city forces you to connect with people on anything that you can. With the guys from Accenture we connected on our love for music, and with the guy from Oracle we connected on our love for San Francisco. It goes to show you that we all have commonalities, and commonalities can provide for great networking opportunities. Ultimately, networking is fun and can be valuable to one’s future.
5) Work/life balance is extremely important. Barcelona is an extremely fun city, and thus there are many distractions. I am someone who always wants to do everything. In Barcelona, I wanted to see every sight there was to see (and I basically saw them all, as I saw Parc Guell, Montjuic, Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, and Barceloneta to name a few), and I also wanted to be able to go out at night and experience Barcelona nightlife. I have learned that basically work/life balance means 8 hours of sleep every night, and that it is ok to not be able to do everything. Even when my peers are off having fun at clubs in downtown Barcelona, it is ok to stay in and relax in order to be prepared for work the next day. Thus, I learned a lot about time management. Time management is much more than just deciding when to complete certain tasks, it is deciding what is more important. Work in the long run is more important than play, but play is important too. One must balance work and play because in order to be happy in life we must feel accomplished, yet we must enjoy life. Ultimately, I have learned that even though I have been successful in college so far with a 3.5 GPA and the U of A honors college, when I graduate college, there will be less time for play.
5) Networking opportunities are everywhere. In Barcelona, I proudly expanded my network. I met industry experts and professionals at my office who I now know will always be there for me to coach me in my career. Also, these same people one day might even hire me! I was lucky that my company even has offices in San Francisco (my home town). I jumped at the opportunity to network with these people. Yet, you never know when you might meet someone else new to network with. I randomly met two guys who work for Accenture and another who works for Oracle, and was able to get their business cards and a “contact me when you graduate and let’s talk.” Being in a foreign city forces you to connect with people on anything that you can. With the guys from Accenture we connected on our love for music, and with the guy from Oracle we connected on our love for San Francisco. It goes to show you that we all have commonalities, and commonalities can provide for great networking opportunities. Ultimately, networking is fun and can be valuable to one’s future.

I am so grateful for such an amazing experience in Barcelona this summer. I truly feel as if I have grown my network in the United States and in Spain too, and while doing so I have learned a lot along the way. I believe that being in Barcelona was an amazing investment in the future and I am proud that I have challenged myself and stayed focused along the way. As I embark on my senior year, I will be coming back to the University of Arizona with a new perspective on life and ultimately a new level of confidence that I know will be forever beneficial. I will strive to one day work again in Barcelona.

(Photo of me standing before the city in which I hope to one day work again)

It didn’t take long before I got on the train on the way to the airport that I realized I was really gonna miss my second home. I guess my unconscious self didn’t want me to leave either because I overslept and missed my flight. Getting passed the grueling and caffeinated 21 hours in the Barcelona airport, I left Spain on a very high note. Being separated from the city and culture is pretty sad and demoralizing when trying to carry it on in the United States. I have learned so much while being there that has changed me as a person in a positive way. I met and became very close with people not only form all around the United States, but the world! Barcelona has opened my eyes to so much and makes me want to travel and explore what else this world has to offer.

The first few days back in Arizona was quiet the culture shock believe it or not. my sleeping schedule was so bizarre and going out at night in the city just depressed me because of what I was used to.

Making the decision to invest in this opportunity has payed off so well and I am so thankful I was blessed to do it.