Intern Profile: Caroline Lacosse

While studying abroad in Valencia, Spain, I had the opportunity to complete an internship at the Universidad de Valencia, one of the major Spanish universities, through the UVA-Valencia Practicas Program. For my internship, I worked with their Education Department translating a lengthy document originally written in Spanish into English.

I was very grateful for this opportunity because it not only gave me the chance to utilize my knowledge of Spanish, but I also quickly became friends with the faculty. Conversing with the faculty gave me another outlet to practice my Spanish, while I also helped them practice their English. I still keep in contact with some of them and hope to visit them again when I return to Spain. At times, the translation was difficult because the document contained many technical terms, but I was able to ask the faculty questions to find the best possible translation.

Through my internship, I was able to observe some cultural differences between American and Spanish cultures, which I will be able to apply to my international business interests. I observed that while Americans are more accustomed to deadlines, the Spanish generally get work done on their own timeframe (the Spanish definitely take more coffee breaks than Americans!). Americans must also keep in mind that other countries often have different (and more frequent) holidays, leading to an overall different schedule. Specifically in Spain, citizens are required to take vacation time! When doing business with other countries, some Americans may find themselves frustrated if they only think in terms of an American schedule and overall culture.

An internship abroad was definitely a great way for me to not only improve my Spanish language skills, but to learn more about the work environment of another culture. Many of the study abroad programs at SNC offer internship opportunities. Anyone who has the opportunity to complete an internship should most definitely consider the possibility!