Rahul and His Graduation Internship in Barcelona, Spain

It has already been a year since I went to Barcelona for my graduation internship. Looking back on that time often brings a smile, sometimes with a bit of sadness—a smile because it was such a great period, and sadness because it has ended. Now, I have a full-time job at a multinational company that, coincidentally, also has an office in Barcelona. Perhaps, unconsciously, I am finding my way back there.

My internship period in Barcelona was a unique experience where I learned a lot, both personally and professionally. I highly recommend doing an internship abroad—it’s a refreshing change from dealing with NS train delays, unreliable Connexxion buses, and malfunctioning OV-chip cards. Don’t get me wrong, there are also plenty of inconveniences abroad, but they are temporary and easily outweighed by the amazing experience you will have.

During my graduation internship, I got to know a new country and culture, which made the experience even more interesting. It showed me how people from different cultures think and work. Of course, I was already aware that things are done differently everywhere, but experiencing it firsthand is completely different from just knowing it. In Barcelona, almost everyone is tranquilo (relaxed); the working style there is very different from the Netherlands. Stressing is the last thing they want to do, so they keep everything calm. Most employees at my office arrived around 11 AM, followed by a two-hour lunch break at 2 PM, and they stayed at work until 7 or 8 PM. I, however, usually started my parade back to my apartment around 5 PM.

Barcelona is a big city with a well-functioning metro system, but the city's atmosphere makes walking around much more enjoyable. There’s something for everyone—it's a cultural city with a rich history, but also plenty of nightlife options. I climbed several hills, visited museums, played football, went shopping, and more. It’s a city that never gets boring!

It’s difficult to fully describe how I experienced it. I believe that if you have the opportunity to do an internship abroad, you should absolutely go for it. Do some research, ask around, and pick a destination that excites you.

And don’t forget to set clear expectations with your employer—you’re not just there to work, but also to have an amazing time!