Study Abroad Experience

During my study abroad experience in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, academic system, and professional environment that transformed both my personal and professional outlook. Living independently in a new country while studying and later completing a professional internship allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and engage deeply with Spanish culture, language, and daily life. This experience was shaped not by a single moment but by the combination of academic coursework, cultural immersion, travel, and my internship at Closet Comunicación.

Each of these components contributed to my understanding of international communication and global business environments. Studying abroad challenged me to adapt to unfamiliar situations, navigate a new city and language, and build meaningful relationships with people from different backgrounds. Through these experiences, I developed greater independence, confidence, and cultural awareness, all of which helped shape both my personal growth and professional aspirations.'

Cultural Immersion

From the moment I arrived in Santiago de Compostela, I was struck by the city’s rhythm and deep sense of history. Attending classes at the Universidad de Santiago de Compostela—one of the oldest universities in the world—made me feel connected to centuries of academic tradition. Adjusting to daily life abroad required independence, adaptability, and confidence, whether it was navigating the city on foot, managing my own schedule, or communicating entirely in Spanish. Over time, I became more comfortable navigating these challenges and began to feel fully integrated into the rhythm of the city.

I quickly came to appreciate the slower pace of life in Spain, where relationships and shared experiences are often valued more than efficiency or strict schedules. Meals were longer, conversations were more relaxed, and daily interactions felt more intentional. This cultural shift encouraged me to become more present in my interactions and more mindful of how communication can strengthen relationships.

Living with a host family also played a crucial role in my cultural immersion. Sharing meals, conversations, and daily routines allowed me to experience Spanish life from an authentic perspective. From trying traditional Galician dishes to adjusting to lunch at 3 p.m. and dinner late in the evening, I learned how deeply culture is embedded in everyday habits. Speaking Spanish at home helped strengthen my language skills while also allowing me to form meaningful connections and friendships.

Personal Growth & Travel

One of the most impactful experiences during my time abroad was completing a portion of the Camino de Santiago. Walking for multiple days through rural towns, farmland, and historic monasteries allowed me to disconnect from technology and fully engage with both my surroundings and my own reflections. The physical challenge of walking long distances each day also reinforced the importance of patience, perseverance, and mental resilience.

Along the route, I met pilgrims from many different countries who were walking the Camino for their own personal, spiritual, or cultural reasons. Hearing their stories and sharing moments along the path created a strong sense of connection among strangers. These interactions reminded me of the power of shared experiences and how travel can bring people together across cultures and backgrounds.

Seeing pilgrims arrive at the cathedral after walking hundreds of kilometers was incredibly moving and made me feel grateful to be living in a city with such spiritual and historical significance. This experience strengthened my connection to Santiago de Compostela and deepened my appreciation for Galicia’s landscapes, traditions, and community.

Academic Experience

Academically, my study abroad program consisted of two months of intensive Spanish-language coursework focused on grammar, culture, and Spanish film. These courses were taught entirely in Spanish and required active participation, written analysis, and class discussions. The immersive academic environment helped me significantly improve my language proficiency while also strengthening my cultural understanding.

Studying these subjects in Spain added an important dimension to the learning experience. Rather than simply reading about Spanish culture in a classroom abroad, I was able to observe many of these cultural themes in everyday life. Discussions about Spanish cinema, literature, and social issues felt more meaningful when they could be connected directly to the environment in which I was living.

These classes also strengthened my ability to communicate complex ideas in Spanish, both verbally and in writing. Presentations, essays, and group discussions required critical thinking and clear expression, which helped prepare me for the professional environment I would later enter during my internship.

Professional Experience

Following the academic portion of my program, I completed a two-month internship at Closet Comunicación, a creative agency in Santiago de Compostela specializing in digital marketing, branding, and communications. This internship allowed me to apply what I had learned in the classroom to real-world marketing and communication projects within a Spanish workplace.

At Closet Comunicación, I worked closely with a small team of six people, which created a collaborative and supportive work environment. My responsibilities included assisting with social media content planning using platforms such as Milanote and Metricool, helping develop a LinkedIn profile for a new client, and organizing databases for media contacts and professional partnerships. These tasks gave me insight into how marketing strategies are planned and executed in a professional setting.

I also attended the Foro Gastronómico de A Coruña with Birdmind, a sustainable furniture company that creates products from rice waste materials. At the event, I helped capture photos and videos and created social media content using CapCut. This experience allowed me to see how digital marketing strategies are applied during real-time events and how brands communicate their identity and values to a broader audience.

Intercultural Workplace Experience

Working in a Spanish professional environment revealed meaningful differences between workplace cultures in Spain and the United States. The atmosphere at Closet Comunicación was collaborative, relaxed, and highly interpersonal. Communication among colleagues was open and informal, and the team prioritized maintaining positive relationships within the workplace.

While adapting to this work environment required flexibility, it also allowed me to experience a different approach to teamwork and productivity. I observed how trust, creativity, and collaboration can contribute to a strong workplace culture. These experiences helped me better understand how professional environments vary across cultures and how communication styles adapt accordingly.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was understanding specialized marketing vocabulary in Spanish. Although I already had a strong foundation in the language, professional terminology sometimes required clarification. Over time, constant exposure to Spanish in a professional context helped me expand my vocabulary and gain confidence communicating in meetings, discussions, and collaborative projects.

Reflection

Overall, my study abroad experience in Santiago de Compostela was transformative. It strengthened my independence, expanded my worldview, and reinforced my interest in international business and intercultural communication. Living abroad challenged me to adapt quickly, embrace unfamiliar situations, and engage with people from different cultural backgrounds.

By combining academic study, cultural immersion, travel, and professional experience, I gained a deeper understanding of how communication functions across cultures and industries. These experiences helped me see how language, cultural awareness, and adaptability are essential skills in today’s global business environment.

Most importantly, this experience confirmed my desire to pursue a career that allows me to work internationally, collaborate with diverse communities, and contribute to projects with cultural, social, or humanitarian impact. Studying and working in Spain gave me a clearer vision of the type of global professional I hope to become.