What’s it like to do an IT internship in Spain? Hear about it from Michael, a student of United States International University Africa, Kenya, who traveled to Seville. Exploring the intersection of technology and business, Michael enhanced his skills in AI-driven brand strategy, while immersing himself in Spanish culture. Read on to learn about Michael’s Intern Abroad HQ experience, and gain insights into how this program gave him a clearer vision of the field.
Hi Michael! What did you enjoy discovering about Spanish culture during your internship in Seville?
I was pleasantly surprised to discover a strong sense of community and family values in Seville that resonated deeply with my own upbringing. The warmth and hospitality of the local people debunked my assumption that Europeans tend to be reserved with newcomers.
On my first day, neighbors of my host family went out of their way to greet me and offer recommendations for the city, which felt genuinely welcoming. The importance placed on food as a shared cultural experience also felt familiar - gathering around a meal as a way to connect with others is something that feels universal and echoes the culture I grew up in.
Tell us about your IT internship - what kind of tasks did it involve?
As an IT intern, I supported IT development projects under the direct supervision of the CEO, contributing to my host company’s technical infrastructure and digital operations.
I was also involved in AI-related tasks focused on brand development, exploring how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to strengthen their market presence and communication strategy.
My contributions benefited the organization by introducing innovative technological approaches to business challenges, supporting efficient operations, and helping build a more competitive and modern brand identity in the pet insurance market in Spain.
How did this internship contribute to your long-term career goals?
This IT internship directly aligns with my long-term goal of working at the intersection of technology and business. Working on IT development and AI-driven brand strategy gave me practical experience applying emerging technologies to real business challenges.
The skills I was able to build - including working with AI tools, understanding organizational needs from a strategic level, and communicating technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders - are directly transferable to roles in tech consulting, product development, or digital transformation. This opportunity also gave me firsthand insight into strategic decision-making that will be invaluable regardless of the career path I pursue.
My favorite memory was leading a small project presentation to the local team and seeing them genuinely value my input. It made me feel like a true contributor rather than just an intern. Celebrating afterward with coworkers over tapas in the city center is a moment I’ll always treasure.
I feel significantly more empowered now that I’ve proven to myself I can adapt quickly, communicate across language and cultural barriers, and take on real professional responsibility in an unfamiliar environment. This experience gave me concrete examples of initiative and problem-solving that I can speak to confidently in future job interviews.
What advice would you give to future international interns?
My advice would be to approach the international internship experience with genuine curiosity and humility. Research your host country’s culture, customs, and workplace norms before you go, but stay open - reality is always more nuanced than what you can read about.
Make an effort to learn even a few words of the local language, as this shows respect and opens doors that might otherwise remain closed. Be patient with yourself when things feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable; culture shock is a normal part of the process and it passes. Avoid comparing everything to how things are done at home - instead, try to understand the reasoning behind local practices before forming judgements.
Engage with the people around you with genuine interest and listen more than you speak, especially in the beginning. Most importantly, see the internship as a two-way exchange: you are not just there to give or to work, but to grow. The perspectives, relationships, and self-awareness you gain will be among the most valuable outcomes of the entire experience.
FAQs
No, Spanish language fluency is not required. While the internships are available in both English and Spanish, Spanish language proficiency is not a requirement to apply or succeed. We understand that a language barrier can feel intimidating, which is why we include 10 complimentary Spanish lessons within your first two weeks. As interns will express, making an effort to learn even a few words shows respect and opens doors, but you can definitely thrive and communicate effectively across language barriers while taking on real professional responsibility.
Depending on your skills and the host organization that you’re matched with (examples can include IT firms, fintech companies, or in-house tech teams), interns have scope to be involved in software development, testing new solutions, or improving operational processes. For example, a recent intern worked directly under a CEO, supporting IT development and even exploring how artificial intelligence could strengthen the company’s brand and market presence. You’ll gain practical experience applying emerging technologies to real business challenges.
This internship is designed to enhance your employability, through the acquisition of practical experience. Interns seek to build directly transferable skills, such as understanding organizational needs at a strategic level and communicating technical concepts. Whether you’re aiming for tech consulting, product development, or digital transformation, this experience provides concrete examples of initiative and problem-solving that you can speak to confidently in future job interviews. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to build your cultural competency and global connections.
Absolutely! The culture in Seville is incredibly warm and hospitable, with a strong sense of community. A recent intern noted how quickly they were made to feel welcome, from their very first day. Intern Abroad HQ provides a fully hosted experience, which includes accommodation and select meals. From settling into your host family to celebrating project successes with coworkers over tapas, you’ll be supported both by our local coordinators and the welcoming community in Seville.
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