This summer, I left my hometown of Lexington, Kentucky, and landed in Barcelona, Spain, for a Business internship with an aparthotel company. As someone passionate about language, hospitality, and international business, this experience quickly became more than just an internship—it was a turning point in both my personal and professional growth.
At my internship, I entered a world that combined structure with precise attention to detail. My days began with ensuring the building's front entrance was clean and welcoming, a task that reminded me of the importance of a good first impression. Throughout the week, I managed everything from package deliveries and document organization to preparing apartments for check-in. I developed a supreme eye for detail, and it's something my supervisors emphasized daily because learning the difference of one missing laundry pod or a misplaced soap bottle can make or break a guest experience.
One of my proudest accomplishments was designing an organizational chart for future interns, helping streamline the adjustment to daily operations. I also learned to anticipate the rhythm of the building: Tuesdays and Fridays were for laundry, plant-watering happened weekly, and package notifications were sent through WhatsApp — a communication method that isn't used as professionally back in Kentucky.
Working in Spain meant adapting to a different work culture, one that values personal connection and flexibility more than I was used to. My supervisors balanced direct feedback with kindness, helping me improve without discouraging me. I learned that mistakes — like mixing up the number of dish pods and laundry pods — were just part of the process, especially when you’re working in a second-language environment.
Every day was an opportunity to use and improve my Spanish, whether communicating with coworkers or getting to know the residents. I built real relationships by learning their names, preferences, and routines — from dry cleaning pickups to accommodating families with children. I also felt the power of small gestures, like a warm greeting or remembering someone’s favorite drink.
Outside of work, I immersed myself in everything Barcelona had to offer: I attended a Flamenco dance class, explored the city on foot, mastered the metro system, and made new friends from across the U.S. and the world. I even found a great Nigerian barber and tasted some of the best tapas, tacos, and seafood I’ve ever had. These personal experiences were able to enrich my understanding of the culture in a very unique manner.
What shocked me most was how different the professional atmosphere felt here. Back home, efficiency and output often take center stage. In Barcelona, it was about quality, presence, and human connection. This shift helped me realize that success looks different around the world — and I want a future that allows me to keep learning from those differences.
This internship didn’t just make me a better worker — it made me more adaptable, confident, and open-minded. I now know I want to continue exploring international career paths, particularly in hospitality or business, where I can keep connecting with people across cultures. My decision to intern in Barcelona may have jump-started everything.
