Alyssa's API Internship Abroad in Barcelona

University Arkansas alumna Alyssa Jones spent the Summer 2022 completing an internship in Barcelona.

Blog post courtesy of API Abroad.

Are you wondering if you should study or intern abroad? If you’re unsure, sometimes hearing the stories of students who have gone before you may help you decide between your options. Take it from Alyssa Jones, a student at The University of Arkansas, who interned abroad at a mental health clinic in Barcelona, Spain. After going abroad to work in a different country, Alyssa shared her story with our API team. Read her experience below and learn why an internship abroad in Barcelona can be an exceptional choice for gaining hands-on work experience!

Alyssa’s Journey

Alyssa had always harbored a deep desire to travel and explore the world, sharing, “I found API through my university’s study abroad office and knew instantly that I didn’t want to just take classes, but really immerse myself in another culture. I wanted to intern in a facility that would benefit me in the future while also giving me hands-on experience.”

The Allure of an Internship Abroad in Barcelona

Choosing an internship abroad in Barcelona was an easy decision for Alyssa. The city’s stunning beaches, architectural marvels by Gaudi, and unique Catalonian culture all beckoned to her adventurous spirit.

Upon arriving in Barcelona, Alyssa formed deep connections with her roommates. She lived with five girls from various corners of the United States, each pursuing different fields of study. Together, they embarked on a transformative summer abroad. From leaning on each other for support to sharing meals, they created lasting memories!

A Transformative Internship Experience

Alyssa’s internship at a mental health clinic provided her with a wealth of captivating stories. As a psychology major aspiring to work in that field, she gained valuable insights. This included a deeper look into professional patient interaction and the importance of building trust before effective work could begin.

One of the big takeaways for her future career were the marked differences in mental health treatment and perception compared to the United States. In Spain, she observed an emphasis on interpersonal relationships and talk therapy, which fostered trust between patients and providers. She noticed this contrasted the more medication-focused approach often seen in America. With this new global perspective from interning abroad, she will carry valuable knowledge into her studies and professional pursuits after graduation.

A Life-Changing Journey

Interning abroad in Barcelona turned out to be a transformative experience for Alyssa. She reflects, “Interning abroad was one of the best things I could have done not only for my professional future, but for my personal understanding of the world. Getting to immerse yourself in another culture is life changing and opens your eyes to a different world, pushing you to grow and adapt”

Alyssa continues, “I’m forever thankful to API and my intern abroad family for the countless memories and the experience of a lifetime!”

It’s Your Turn to Go Abroad

Feeling inspired by Alyssa’s journey? We have internship abroad programs waiting for you all across the globe where you can kickstart your career all while exploring new cultures. Check out other internship abroad programs we offer!

  

Featured Destination: Costa Rica

Photo courtesy of Mallory Hughes

Interested in study abroad, but don't know where to start? Each month we'll feature a new destination, and December's highlighted country is Costa Rica!

Come discover why Costa Rica has been called the “Switzerland of Central America.” Costa Rica is one of the world’s most ecologically and bio-diverse regions with over 500,000 species calling it home. The relatively small country offers something for all students whether that be the bustling metropolis of San Jose or the sandy beaches of the Caribbean coast. From health care to ecology and everything in between, Costa Rica offers programs related to several majors with courses taught in English and Spanish.

Photo courtesy of Lane Justus

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

• CIS Intern Abroad in Costa Rica, placements in hospitality, tourism and event planning (Fall, Spring, Summer)

J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences

• API in San Jose, Costa Rica: Universidad Veritas, Language& Culture (AY, Fall, Spring)
• USAC Costa Rica: Spanish Language, Ecological and Latin American Studies in Heredia (AY, Fall, Spring, Summer)

Sam M. Walton College of Business

• ISA Heredia, Costa Rica: Business, Spanish Language, Latin American Studies & Courses with Locals (AY, Fall, Spring)

College of Education and Health Professions

• CIS Intern Abroad in Costa Rica, placements in health (Fall, Spring, Summer)
• CIS Spanish for Health Professionals in Costa Rica (Summer)
• CEA Medical Spanish & Health Sciences in Costa Rica (Summer)

Photo courtesy of Mallory Hughes

SCHOLARSHIPS

There are many resources and scholarships available for study abroad. Most scholarships and financial aid that students currently receive during the intended term may be used to study abroad. There are also many scholarship opportunities specifically for study abroad available through the University of Arkansas and outside organizations. For more information, visit studyabroad.uark.edu/funding.

WHAT FORMER STUDENTS HAVE SAID

Photo courtesy of Lane Justus

“I studied abroad to Costa Rica during the Summer of 2017 through ISA. I took classes at Universidad Veritas for half of the trip and worked at La Hospital San Juan de Dios for the remaining portion. My study abroad experience in Costa Rica was all that I could have wanted and more. Not only did I have a complete immersion experience to enhance my Spanish speaking ability, but I had so many opportunities to explore the perfect combination of mountains and beaches that is Costa Rica, and learn while doing it. I had so many experiences and learning opportunities that were truly unique to Costa Rica, my favorite being that I joined a research lab as an assistant and was able to help with the genetic analysis of sharks, sea turtles, and sting rays. Costa Ricans or Ticos, as they call themselves, truly embody the Pura Vida lifestyle that they are so proud of: friendly, relaxed, and always looking to make the most of everything. Studying abroad in Costa Rica has been a defining experience within my college career, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is considering.” - Lane Justus, senior Spanish & Political Science major, Summer 2017 ISA Service-Learning in San Jose, Costa Rica

Photo courtesy of Mallory Hughes

“I chose to go to Costa Rica because it is such a small country that you can really get to know the people and places very well in just a short amount of time. I also chose to study here to improve my Spanish skills. The people truly are "the happiest in the world." My host family and also basically everyone I met were so welcoming and helpful and they really just want you to have the best experience possible so they are willing to help in any way. My advice to any student considering Costa Rica is to GO. Go with an open mind and a good attitude and you will experience everything this country and its people have to offer. This was the best decision of my life and I would do it over again without a second thought if I could.” - Mallory Hughes, senior Spanish & Communication major, Fall 2017 USAC Costa Rica: Spanish Language, Ecological, and Latin American Studies in Puntarenas

3 EASY STEPS TO STUDY ABROAD
So, what's next?

1. Drop by the Office of Study Abroad Monday-Friday between 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. to learn about program options and funding opportunities.
2. Meet with your Academic Advisor to discuss your academic plan. 
3. Schedule an appointment with your Study Abroad Advisor. 

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Check out these 5 Reasons to Study Abroad in Costa Rica.

For additional information visit studyabroad.uark.edu or contact us at studyabr@uark.edu, or 479-575-7582.

Featured Destination: Italy

Interested in study abroad, but don't know where to start? There are lots of ways to do it and so many places where you might go. Each month we'll feature a new destination, and October's highlighted country is Italy!

Italy is the 5th most visited country in the world and the top country by numbers for University of Arkansas study abroad students. A modern nation with a long history of art and architecture, Italy offers something for all students. The country's diverse geography gives students a chance to explore everything from mountains to coastlines. Students can experience ancient Roman ruins and majestic cathedrals, and stroll the cobblestone streets to class. As programs offer courses in both English and Italian, there is no need to let a language barrier hold you back!

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Below are some highlighted programs in Italy for each U of A college. Students should note that while programs may focus on specific areas of study, most are open to all majors.

Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

• U of A Rome Center: Open Campus Program (Summer)
• SAI Italy, Hospitality, Tourism & Gastronomy (Spring, Summer, Fall)
• AIFS Italy, England,and France: Fashion Marketing & Merchandising (Summer) 

Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design

• U of A Rome Center: Open Campus Program (Summer)
• U of A Rome Center: Architecture & Design (Spring)

J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences

• U of A Rome Center: Open Campus Program (Summer)
• U of A Rome Center: Spring 2019 Global Studies Program (Spring)
• U of A Rome Center: Literature & Law in Rome (Summer)
• U of A Rome Center: Internship in Italy (Summer)
• AIFS Florence (Spring, Summer, Fall)
• USAC Torino (Spring, Summer, Fall, AY)

Sam M. Walton College of Business

• U of A Rome Center: Open Campus Program (Summer)
• U of A Rome Center: Marketing in Rome (Summer)
• U of A Rome Center: Internship in Italy (Summer)
• CIMBA (Summer)

College of Education and Health Professions

• U of A Rome Center: Open Campus Program (Summer)
• USAC Reggio Emilia, Italy: Education Studies (Spring, Summer, Fall) 

College of Engineering

• U of A Exchange: Politecnico di Torino, College of Engineering (Spring)
• U of A Rome Center: All Roads Lead to Rome: 2500 Years of Civil Engineering in Italy (Summer
• U of A Rome Center: Open Campus Program (Summer)
• U of A Rome Center: Engineering Economics in Rome (Summer)
  

School of Law

• U of A Rome Center: Literature & Law in Rome (Summer)

SCHOLARSHIPS

There are many resources and scholarships available for study abroad. Most scholarships and financial aid that students currently receive may be used to study abroad. There are also many scholarship opportunities specifically for study abroad available through the University of Arkansas and outside organizations. For more information visit studyabroad.uark.edu/funding.

WHAT FORMER STUDENTS HAVE SAID

"My experience in Rome was unforgettable. As much as I love Fayetteville, there was something totally surreal about walking past the Vatican on my way to class every morning. For those considering studying abroad in Italy, I highly recommend it." - Patrick Dougherty, Engineering Economics in Rome, May 2018

"Studying abroad in Florence was an absolute dream. There was lots to do, but the city was small enough that I could walk to class, parks, and restaurants without having to use public transportation. My best advice would be to do good research on the program you are going with and read student reviews, and then trust the process! A lot of the things I stressed about ended up being a non-issue, and I wasted time worrying about them." - Reagan Broach, API in Florence, Italy: Lorenzo de’ Medici – The Italian International Institute, Summer 2017

3 EASY STEPS TO STUDY ABROAD
So, what's next?

1. Drop by Monday-Friday between 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. to meet with a peer advisor and learn about program options and funding opportunities.
2. Meet with your Academic Advisor to discuss your academic plan. 
3. Schedule an appointment with your Study Abroad Advisor. 

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Check out these 5 Reasons to Study Abroad in Italy.

For additional information visit studyabroad.uark.edu or contact us at studyabr@uark.edu, or 479-575-7582.

First month in Florence! #HogsAbroad in Italy

I have already fallen in love with this place. I have learned so much already about Italian culture and I still have much more to learn. My classes are all business related and it is interesting hearing the perspective of professors that were born and raised in Italy. I have eaten 100 panini already and other Italian cuisine, cant wait to try more! Above is a picture of my adventure to Capri.

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Maddy is a junior International Business major, spending the spring 2018 semester in Italy through her API program at Lorenzo de' Medici - The Italian International Institute in Florence.

Read more from Maddy at https://maddyflorence.wordpress.com/.

Don't miss your opportunity to study abroad! Start your search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/.

Get ready Florence! #HogsAbroad in Italy

My name is Maddy and I am an International Business major and attempting to minor in French. I have been so lucky to receive a scholarship through the Walton College of Business! I will be spending four months in Florence, Italy through the API program and hope to update on my travels through this blog! I chose this program mainly because of the excursions included into our tuition. I get to go to many places in Italy!

So my adventure begins in less than 2 months! I have dreamt of studying abroad since I was a little girl and my dreams are finally coming true.

I want to immerse myself in different cultures, learn of diverse religions, and see the most beautiful art Europe has to offer. Most importantly, I want to grow as a student. This program will ultimately help with my major, International Business. Learning different languages is key to setting me apart from other students. Going abroad will give me insight to what my possible future occupation will be like. I want to see how European businesses work and get use to traveling to places I’ve never been.

I am so grateful for this special and wonderful opportunity!

Ciao!

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Maddy, a junior International Business major, is preparing for her Spring 2018 API program at Lorenzo de' Medici - The Italian International Institute in Florence.
Maddy is also a recipient of our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship.
Read more from Maddy at https://maddyflorence.wordpress.com/.
Don't miss your opportunity to study abroad! Start your search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/.