Studying abroad offers an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture while gaining professional experience. My eight-week stay in Valencia, Spain, as a part of Clemson’s Internship Abroad program was nothing short of transformative.

I had the opportunity to work with a company called Smart Investment, where I gained insight into the financial world and learned how to adapt to a new work environment. During my time in Spain, I embraced professional challenges while being able to soak in the vibrant lifestyle that the local community had to offer.
One of the best aspects of the experience was staying with a host family.

Living with locals provided me with a very unique perspective on Spanish daily life, and it pushed me to adapt quickly to the cultural differences. This ranged from meal times to social customs, and my host family was very welcoming and supportive.

They helped me practice my Spanish, making the transition smoother and adding a personal touch to my time. It was interesting to see how much more family and community-focused the Spanish lifestyle is compared to what I am used to back home.

The professional environment at Smart Investment was a big adjustment, with the work day starting later and the long afternoon breaks called a “siesta.” I spent my days creating presentations and valuations of hotels for the CEO, Rafa Serrano and spent my time doing fulfilling work that taught me a lot about the industry. This allowed me to gain a genuine professional experience that I will be able to carry on in my career moving forward.

Studying abroad allowed me to easily travel throughout Europe, as it is much more affordable and accessible. Over the weekends, I was able to travel to three different countries and throughout Spain, which gave me the opportunity to experience very different cultures during my time.

From strolling the streets of Paris to sailing up the coast of Lisbon, each trip was a new adventure, adding another enriching layer to my trip.

Studying abroad opened my eyes to new ways of living and working, and I returned with a deeper understanding of Spain and myself. It’s an experience I would recommend to anyone looking to broaden their horizons, both personally and professionally.

Steven Chapman is a junior financial management major. Steven can be reached [email protected].