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Felicity Chen, Sydney Internship

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Felicity SkydivingI’m writing this on the plane from Sydney to Hong Kong and I suppose this is my reflection about by time studying abroad—my experiences, learning, and self-actualization.

I’ll begin with experiences. Sydney is a beautiful, beautiful city. Modern and historic architecture meld effortlessly as one, and the sparkling water brings peace of mind. It is not quite too large, not quite too crowded. There are tourists, but they weren’t obnoxious. The prices of things did freak me out for the first week or so, but I got used to it. The program itself was the perfect size, allowing me to have my own choice of friends, but being able to at least meet once or recognize everyone in the program. We went out quite possibly to every recognizable bar, club, and lounge in Sydney. I made new friends, some of which included owners of restaurants and bars that we frequented, and natives from Sydney and Melbourne. I saw the most beautiful fireworks in Darling Harbor, learned how to Surf, and sky dived across a beach. I had the opportunity to travel to Melbourne, Tasmania, and Cairns (The Great Barrier Reef). And finally, I did a 24-hour last harrah, where I showed my father all the touristy things to do (see my photos) and even brought him to Lednyak and Associates in Chippendale, where I had interned for the last two months.

I learned to budget in order to experience the land down under as fully as I could. I improved my negotiating skills, and taught myself how to stand up for myself, as well as clearly think through delivering my ideas in ways that people can fully understand, both verbally and in writing. I figured out that I’m not very witty, but my friends still accept me anyway. I also realized that every relationship takes time and effort to build, and each one you have, whether it be a significant other or a good friend, truly deserves your time.

And yet with so much that I experienced and learned, I haven’t quite felt like I said goodbye. Usually, I have this overwhelming sense of sadness, regret, and separation anxiety from the people I became friends with over the course of a program. This time is different. I feel like I have developed that blasé attitude that CGS taught us in Social Science, where copious experiences leave you feeling indifferent. At first, it made me feel insecure, as I am used to a wave of depression signifying an awesome trip that I’ll never forget. But I suppose now I realize that being underwhelmed by the end IS really quite beautiful. It may be because I’m still thousands of miles away from home, and haven’t gotten that chance yet to be by myself. It also may be the fact that I just watched Divergent on this flight (awesome movie, watch it if you haven’t), that I’m feeling even more ‘unfactioned.’ I leave Australia with beautiful memories and amazing friends. Those relationships that I have built will last a lifetime, and those that don’t will decide to be a part of my life when they wish to. And in the blasé, I find myself divergent. And perhaps it’s because this plane ride to my next destination is not a farewell to the charming encounters in Australia, but a see you later.

Travis Pozzetta, Madrid Internship

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Travis Spain 4Internship: I studied abroad in Madrid at La Universidad Autónoma de Madrid during Spring 2014. I interned with Management Solutions, an international business consulting firm. I worked in the central Management Solutions office with I+D, the Research and Development department. The primary responsibilities of I+D are to research and report on the macroeconomic, financial, and regulatory conditions of regions in which its clients operate. I was responsible for major contributions to several ongoing projects. I spent most of my internship working from a company laptop, compiling information and creating Spanish-language reports and PowerPoint presentations. My research mostly supported the work of the rest of team, and I was assigned to several different topics, from summarizing and translating the Model Risk Management regulations included in IFRS 9, to reporting on the broad financial panoramas of the US and UK. Additionally, I helped with the final versions of many of the English reports produced by I+D, as I was the only native speaker in the department.

I learned: One thing that I learned was the importance of communication and collaboration in an office environment, something that was difficult for me at first due to the language barrier. Fortunately, the team was very supportive and made accommodations for me at first, knowing that I was coming to Madrid as a person who had limited experience with working in a second language. Eventually, as I improved, they raised their expectations and gave me projects that were more complex and required a greater Spanish speaking aptitude.

Another thing I learned a lot about was perspective. Since I’ve only ever taken classes in the US, I had a very “US-centric” education up until my semester abroad. Between the business classes and my conversations with Spanish students, I learned a lot about Spanish culture and worldviews and how different one’s perception can be, based upon personal experience and values. I feel that this trip helped me learn to relate more with values and perspectives that are very distinct from my own.

I was surprised by: The thing that surprised me the most was how easy it was to adjust to an environment that was completely foreign to me. Before the program started I was fairly nervous, especially because I wasn’t sure that my Spanish would be good enough. Even so, within the first week of our arrival I felt much more comfortable, especially knowing that the BU Madrid staff was there to help with anything I needed. Before I knew it, I was going through my days with no problems at all. It truly felt like I was a part of the community rather than a foreigner.

The hardest part: The hardest part of my experience was getting used to the Spanish upper education system. I knew that it would be a challenge taking classes at the Autónoma with native speakers, but the main issue for me was the lack of structure throughout the semester. Classes were twice a week and totally lecture-based, as the program details explained, but this was difficult for me because I’m accustomed to a different learning style. The only other grades besides exams were projects and attendance. Other people will certainly excel in this system, but the combination of exclusively lecture-based classes and the Spanish-language environment was a challenge. Regardless, the teachers were accommodating for international students and I was very happy with my progress by the end of the semester.

The best part: A very difficult question, but the best part for me was the ability to travel. I was fortunate enough to take a few weekend trips in Spain and around Europe, and it was life changing. The countries are close enough, but with the cultural differences it almost felt like I was visiting different worlds. I think travelling gave me a greater appreciation for Madrid, and I loved feeling like I was coming home at the end of the trips.

My tips: I advise you to make the most of this incredible location! Madrid is an absolutely amazing city, and there are so many opportunities throughout the semester to explore it further. Be sure to visit the many beautiful museums, try the local cuisine, and make Spanish friends! You will be very busy during the semester, so plan ahead and make the most of your limited time. Spain is a large and diverse country, so you should be sure to see other cities as well.

Entrepreneurship Development Institute Internship 2014 – Sixth Week, Addison and Bradley

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EDI-SEWA-JumpingAddison and Bradley leave us with their lasting thoughts on their time interning in India….

After 4 weeks of background research and conducting interviews in the Varanasi cluster, we had all the information we needed for our 3-year business plan, process documentation* and promotional material. The final 2 weeks of the EDI internship were used to compile all of these documents together. Whilst long days, hectic schedules and a lot of chai were needed to produce these documents, we thoroughly enjoyed our work and were motivated by the fact that these documents could improve the three-handloom clusters under EDI. At the end of the internship, we gave a presentation on our findings and recommendations to students and senior faculty members of EDI, which was well received. Our main recommendation was for the clusters to set up a Marketing Team which would implement and oversee marketing initiatives in order to strengthen brand equity.

In the last weeks of our internship, we used every opportunity to explore more of Ahmedabad which included Sunday markets, Hindu temples, and Indian cuisine. The Sunday market was a blessing for anyone looking for last minute gifts and also a curse for anyone who can’t avoid a good bargain or two . . . I unfortunately fell into both categories!

As our internship drew to an end, it was unfortunately time to say goodbye to all the wonderful people and colleagues we had met along the way. Nevertheless, we all enjoyed the farewell meals, and welcoming Sharmishta (Newcastle University Business School’s International Relations Manager) to Ahmedabad.

From auto-rickshaws to handloom clusters, the 6 week internship with EDI is one that I will never forget. Whilst it’s hard to sum-up an experience like this one in a blog, it can easily be done in a word – people. The people I’ve met and worked with along the way – EDI employers & students; Boston & Newcastle University; citizens of India and especially the other interns – have made this experience possible, and better than I could have imagined. An internship in India has offered me a diverse cultural experience leading to new friendships, and enhanced my international network. In addition, I have gained practical and professional marketing experience, and developed as a global citizen.

It is for the above reasons and many more that I strongly recommend this internship – and any other Global Experience Opportunity (GEO) – to anyone who wants to build an exceptional international portfolio.

* The purpose of the process documentation was to produce a clear and accessible standalone document which outlined all EDI interventions within the three-handloom clusters. This allows EDI and other parties to easily review past interventions.

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