Embarking on a study abroad journey is a challenge in itself, but participating in an internship abroad adds another layer of complexity. When I decided to join CEA CAPA's Study+Internship program in Seville, Spain, I was prepared to step out of my comfort zone and embrace an entirely new experience; however, no amount of preparation could fully brace me for my first day at work. Surrounded by people speaking a different language, understanding different cultural norms, and operating under a different work system, I felt extremely out of place.
During the first couple of weeks, doubts clouded my mind, questioning if this program was really the right fit for me. Assigned to assist teachers across six classes with students ranging from 4 to 16 years old, each with varying English proficiency levels, I found myself unsure about how to connect with them. Teaching English was uncharted territory for me, and while I desired to forge connections with the students, I lacked the know-how to do so. Gradually, I mustered the courage to step out of my shell and engage more actively with both teachers and students. I learned to celebrate small victories, setting daily goals to connect with specific students. With time, my confidence grew, and I leaned on my teacher mentors for guidance and constructive feedback. Some teachers even provided opportunities for me to push my boundaries by designing and leading educational games for the students. Though far from flawless, the practice of designing and leading lessons, assessing the effectiveness of each one proved extremely valuable.
While not every moment was filled with joy, the dedication invested in engaging and improving within the internship role will provide extreme benefits in the long run. I felt like I jumped off the deep end with this experience, but the unwavering support and encouragement from both teachers and the CEA CAPA staff enabled me to push beyond my comfort zone and achieve success.
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking experiences for me abroad were the moments when I had to converse with locals in restaurants or public settings. Initiating dialogue in another language, especially when I wasn't entirely confident in my skills, proved quite stressful. Despite the initial unease, however, I made a conscious effort to engage in small talk or share prepared comments with these new people. Over time, I saw a gradual improvement in my ability to communicate.
To my surprise, the people I interacted with were incredibly understanding and supportive of my efforts to learn Spanish. Some even attempted to bridge the language gap by mixing in a bit of Spanglish, drawing from their own knowledge of English. With consistent practice, I began to feel more confident speaking with strangers, and I grew comfortable enough to ask for clarification if needed. While it wasn't always smooth sailing, I can confidently say that I made significant progress in navigating these conversations, which I consider a testament to my personal growth during my time abroad.
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad
Hi Mary! Thanks for sharing your feedback about studying and interning abroad in Prague. I'm right there with you in that it's the coolest city and experiencing its history is unlike anywhere else. So glad you got the chance to explore!