Why did you decide to intern abroad with The Intern Group?
Rocio: I was looking for opportunities to work abroad after finishing my studies and after some time I realized that it’s really hard to do it without help. I’ve always liked the idea of going somewhere as a local as opposed to a tourist, so I dreamed of living in another country, if only for a while. I love immersing in different cultures and learn from others that come from such different backgrounds and have such different life stories.
I started doing a lot of research and I found that The Intern Group seemed like a reliable and trustworthy company and one that helped with the most annoying bits of such an experience (like finding accommodation, pay for transport and get the Visa). So, being a full time student in my last year I needed someone to relieve this burden from me and I chose them. And it was the best decision!
What is one piece of advice you'd give future The Intern Group students?
Rocio: I would tell them to dare to live this new experience. Open up all your senses, your heart and soul, to receive everything this new temporary life has to give you. Say yes to the invitations and go to the meet ups, even if you are shy. I am too, but I found amazing new friends because I decided to be open. And I discovered fantastic places, explored sunny parks, ate wonderful food, even found my “local pub” and drank loads of pints.
Try not to let the problems/issues you may have ruin your whole experience. Sometimes bad things happen, at home or at another country, but there is always a solution, and next day will be brighter. I promise if you are open to this new experience, whatever it may bring, you will go back home fulfilled and happy and wiser.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Rocio: I think an internship abroad is a key tool to open up more doors in your future in the professional aspect. Prospect employers seem me more as someone proactive, someone who takes challenges and that can adapt to different environments. Also, I have a larger contact network and I could practice my English and therefore prove that I’m proficient with it.
On the other hand, in the personal aspect, it added so much more. Seeing so many beautiful places, landscape and things and living new experiences taught me new ways to see the world and myself. I became more independent and learned how to rely on myself. All my qualities deep within came to the surface and made me a person a little bit wiser. I have new eyes to see old things in a new light. But most important, I made amazing new friends from across the globe and I know that they will last a lifetime. This is what I am most grateful for.
Describe your favorite must-have food that you tried abroad.
Rocio: I love food so this question is very important to me haha. In London and Britain in general it is known that everybody drinks tea and drinks beer and eats loads of stuff for breakfast. But the most delicious local meal I had by far was the Sunday Roast.
It is a traditional roast (there are different meats and even a vegetarian option) that it is served, of course, on Sundays. It consist in a mix of vegetables such as potatoes, turnips, carrots, asparagus, etc. roasted until they are sssoooft as a cloud, accompanying a piece of roasted meat. I tried chicken and it was unbelievable. I didn’t even like chicken so much before. The vegetarian option was also very good; it was some kind of pumpkin bake, delicious. You have to try it!!