Last summer I interned in Madrid for 6 weeks with a company called The Intern Group, the experience changed me and granted me many opportunities. It has opened doors and given me the confidence to continue learning Spanish when I felt disheartened.
In 2020 I was planning to undertake my internship with The Intern Group that summer, but then the world shifted under our feet and travel for most was not an option. Therefore, I decided to postpone my internship (instead of doing it virtually) for the following summer, hoping by then the pandemic would be over. Fast-forward to summer 2021 and the pandemic was still disrupting peoples lives and continues to, however I was in a privileged position and decided to take the risk of travelling to Madrid, not fully knowing how the summer would pan out. What I did know was I needed to escape from the UK for a while and find waves of happiness once again.
When I arrived in Madrid I was mesmerised, immediately I connected with my flatmates and fellow interns, and the first night maybe had a little too much to drink, thanks to Spanish alcohol measurements (which are non-existent). It broke the ice for sure.
As part of an internship with The Intern Group interns can attend events organised by the company, so the first Sunday a group of us took part in a Cable Car ride over Casa de Campo and walked around Madrid. It was a chance to acclimatise and reset before starting my internship the following day.
I was extremely lucky with my internship position and got to work with a small company who specialise in gender equity in corporate organisations. It suited my interests and passions perfectly. My main task as an intern was to translate a gender index into English from Spanish, which tested my Spanish skills and helped me learn more vocabulary, as well as getting to work on an EU Tender alongside some incredible woman.
Interning through The Intern Group enabled me to balance working to gain experience with travelling, and throughout my time living in the heart of Madrid I travelled to places like Berlin, Ibiza, and Barcelona. I even ended my summer trip with a visit to Rome (which is a whole other story and deserves its own blog post). Overall, it was a summer which reignited my passion for travelling and experiencing other cultures. Something I have been fortunate to purse this past year.
Choosing to do an internship which allowed me to obtain work experience in my degree area and practice my Spanish was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The pandemic made me more thankful for the opportunity and gave me additional time to save up, meaning I could fully enjoy the experience without financial worries. As well as breaking down mental barriers which were preventing me from talking without fear of embarrassment in Spanish, I formed new international friendships, and met someone who has showed me unconditional love.
¡Muchísimas gracias a Madrid!
Lots of love,
LJ ✨
If you have any questions about doing an internship abroad or The Intern Group please reach out, either on my blog or instagram!
Laura-Jane Adventures 
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