Hello again! I have officially been in Barcelona for over a month now, and my experience here has been amazing. I came into this experience with minimal expectations and an open mind, and I think that has allowed me to appreciate everything I've gotten to experience so far.
One of my favorite parts of being here has been getting the opportunity to travel and explore with the people I've met through my internship. We took a trip to Sitges, which was such a beautiful beach town, and later went to Costa Brava, which was just as beautiful. Being able to spend time by the water, explore new places, and enjoy these experiences with people I've gotten close to has made this experience even more special.
We also traveled to Montpellier, France, which was my first time ever visiting France. I was fascinated by everything about being in a new country, especially hearing a language I couldn't really understand. It was such a strange but exciting feeling to realize that I could walk around and experience an entirely different culture just a few hours away from where I was living. It reminded me how much there is in the world that I have never experienced before.
One of the most memorable parts of my time abroad has been experiencing the World Cup. I got to see France play while I was in France and then watch Spain win while I was in Spain. Seeing the excitement in both countries was completely different from anything I've experienced at home. The streets were loud, people were celebrating together, and there was so much happiness and pride in the community. At one point, work was even called off for some of the interns because of the excitement. Being able to support a team in its own country while watching them win was an experience I will never forget.
These experiences have also made me think more about myself. I've realized how independent I can be while still wanting and appreciating a strong community. As the youngest daughter in a Hispanic family, I'm used to being surrounded by family, so being away from home has allowed me to see that I can make my own decisions and navigate new experiences while still staying connected to the people I love. I don't think I've experienced a major culture shift because many parts of Spanish culture feel familiar to me. Instead, I've had smaller moments that have challenged me to see myself differently. I'm definitely starting to miss home, especially my family and my mom's cooking, but I know this experience has given me memories and perspectives that I wouldn't have gotten anywhere else. I already know I want to come back to Spain someday.
Andrea Rivera, Diverse Ducks Ambassador
GlobalWorks Internship in Barcelona, Spain
