Hello! It’s a pleasure to begin writing. My name is Emma Egbert. I am a junior at UO studying finance. It is a gift to be able to study abroad this Spring in 2024. I am a part of the GlobalWorks program, where students are paired with internship opportunities and get to work in another country. My internship is at Infinit Fitness, a venture capital firm where I am getting experience working in finance.
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Throughout my life, I have fluctuated feeling like I fit in with different groups. I explored throughout my adolescence and this has made it a priority for me to be a part of communities where I am accepted. In Oregon, that looks like a strong religious community where I am not rejected. I had some fear that when abroad, I would have a hard time making friends or feeling comfortable disclosing my religion. It was bittersweet leaving Eugene because I’m very aware that not every place is open minded and embracing of differences.
My internship is in Madrid, Spain. From speaking with students here from around the globe, I feel grateful I chose to come here over other places. I feel a renewed sense of gratitude for Eugene being an accepting place. Many students I’ve met in the program have told me there is more judgment in their country towards those of different races, religions, and sexualities. The trip has gone well so far. While it can be hard feeling like an outsider, I think the program itself is tolerant. At my internship there seems to be a culture of diversity and embracing foreigners which I really appreciate. I look forward to continuing this process and improving my language skills!
By Emma Egbert, Diverse Ducks Ambassador
GlobalWorks Internship in Madrid, Spring 2024