A Day in the Life as an Intern Abroad
Posted on March 1, 2025 by Abby Russ
Suddenly, my alarm jolts me awake. I glance at the time鈥�9:05 AM! You would think after three weeks here, I would be used to this routine of going into the office at 9:30, especially in such an exciting city. I guess old habits do die hard.
I rush to make my bed鈥攁 new habit since arriving at my homestay鈥攁nd check the weather from my balcony. I decide on an outfit, mindful that the office can be chilly due to the lack of heating, a common trait shared among offices in Spain.
As I leave my room, I see my host mom starting her workday at the table. Just last night she was telling me during our sobremesa, a Spanish tradition of spending time with friends and family after a meal, that she would be going to the office she manages today. I laugh to myself, reflecting on how Spaniards prioritize their well-being over strict work hours鈥攁 refreshing contrast to the U.S. This relaxed attitude is why my boss allows me to work remotely two days a week.
On the elevator, I wonder what the conversations between me and my boss will be today. With just the two of us in the office most days, our discussions have been some of the best aspects of my internship. My thoughts are interrupted by a neighbor鈥檚 greeting in Catalan as he steps off the elevator. I appreciate the cordiality here, a nice change from the more familiar interactions back home in 青涩直播.
I head to the metro station next to my apartment, calculating if the 15-minute trip will make me late today. 15 minutes later, I鈥檓 relieved as I walk up the stairs to reach the office. I settle in at my desk next to Tara, my boss, and start on my daily tasks. I usually begin with writing captions for social media, then move on to translating, fact-checking articles, and editing videos. Now that I鈥檓 more comfortable, Tara has been giving me a bit more responsibility, which I鈥檓 excited to take on.
After an hour of work, I slip into my usual routine of taking a break to walk across the street to a local coffee shop. As I step out of the office, I pass a couple walking their dogs. It鈥檚 something I鈥檝e noticed here: dogs are everywhere. At every street corner, there鈥檚 bound to be one trotting by. I absolutely love it.
I walk into the coffee shop and am pleasantly surprised when I see my usual barista ready to take my order. He greets me in Spanish and patiently waits for me to order, even though he already knows I want the mochachino and bocadillo, traditional Spanish sandwich filled with various meat, cheeses, and tomatoes. He remembers our first conversation about me wanting to practice, and now he makes sure to give me plenty of time to speak. It鈥檚 these little moments that make me feel more at home here鈥攂oth in the city and with the language.
Back at the office, I settle in to enjoy my breakfast. Tara is sitting back in her
chair, taking her usual mini-break. We typically use this time to talk about everything
from ourselves to current events happening in both Spain and the U.S. As an American
who moved to Spain 20 years ago, Tara has so many stories to share. She educates me
on the cultural differences she鈥檚 observed over the years. By the end of our conversations,
I鈥檓 always left feeling inspired by herexperiences and accomplishments. Coming to a new country alone was a huge feat in
itself, but now she鈥檚 the editor-in-chief of her own magazine, The Barcelona Metropolitan.
By 1:30, I鈥檝e wrapped up my tasks for the day. I let Tara know I鈥檓 done and I pack up my things to leave. I walk out the door with the mindset of getting lost around the city today. Wandering through Barcelona鈥檚 winding streets, there鈥檚 hidden treasures to find like quaint bookstores or tucked-away cafes. It鈥檚 a reminder that there鈥檚 always something new to discover here.
As I walk down Passeig de Gr脿cia, I鈥檓 in awe as I pass Gaudi鈥檚 houses. His art is on full display all over Barcelona. I love the unique and funky aspects of his work. It鈥檚 one of the reasons why I chose to come to Barcelona, and seeing it in person feels self-fulfilling.
Around 3, I return home for lunch, following the Spanish schedule. It鈥檚 my time to slow down and recharge before the evening. Afterward, I often meet friends to explore places we haven鈥檛 been to yet in the city. Being in a homestay and solely doing an internship led me to feel a little secluded at first, but with all the activities Barcelona SAE has planned, I was able to meet my friends within my first week here.
I leave my homestay with a note that I鈥檒l be home for dinner and take off to meet
my friends at Parc de la Ciutadella. Once I arrive there, we attempt to walk the entirety
of the park. Realizing it was bigger than we thought, we plan to leave soon to make
it to the Correfoc, or fire run, in celebration of one of Barcelona鈥檚 infamous festivals.
Because of my work at the tourist magazine, I get to see all the activities of the
week in Barcelona. It feels like every other week there鈥檚 a festival being celebrated
here. The traditions are so unique and eccentric, that it feels like a must-see. So,
this morning, after going through the articles, I found a list of celebrations going
on today.
This is how I wound up here hiding behind a stranger to avoid the spray of the fire.
As I take a peak around the woman, I see people in costumes running down the street
with sticks shooting off fireworks and embers. Now I know why my homestay family warned
me to cover all my skin. I look at my friends and laugh knowing this will soon become
a memory stamped forever in my mind.
As soon as it ends, I speed to get home for dinner. As I unlock the front door to the apartment, I see my roommate with my host brother and sister setting the table for dinner. I go to help and a few minutes later, we鈥檙e enjoying the traditional Spanish omelet, tortilla de patata. This has become a tradition I look forward to every day. Sitting around the table, practicing our Spanish and their English, while hearing about each other's days is so special. It鈥檚 the best end to the best day.
-Abby Russ, BarcelonaSAE Spring 2024 Intern