Making the decision to intern abroad was something I honestly debated for a while. I could get an internship in the U.S. in the comfort of a city I knew well, or I could step outside of my comfort zone and gain experience through an international internship. This decision came with a lot of thought. I was worried about what it would feel like being alone in a country I had never been to and, let alone, not being able to speak the country's national language fluently. 

Getting to Barcelona 

After being accepted into CEA CAPA’s internship program in Barcelona, I decided to just go for it, and I am so glad I did. The second I landed in Barcelona; I did not look back. The CEA CAPA staff were extremely supportive in helping me feel as comfortable as I could when they greeted me at the airport. They provided us with transport to our apartments from the airport. This was extremely helpful, as entering a new country for the first time can be very overwhelming. 

I was the second of my six roommates to arrive at our apartment. We did not know each other before but were able to connect prior to leaving through the information CEA CAPA provides before departure. My Barcelona roommate experience brought me lifelong friends and unforgettable experiences with them. Three of us all had our internships on the same street, so we all walked to our first day of work together, which definitely helped calm the first-day nerves.  

Our Barcelona Balcony 

First Weekend Trip with the Roommates 

Internship Highlights 

I interned for Sara Folch Interior Design, where I had the opportunity to help redesign a luxury yacht, renovate a small apartment, rehabilitate a century-old expansive villa, and touch on a theatrical entry. We went on-site visits to see all these projects, except for the yacht. As someone in the interior architecture and design field, being able to go on-site visits is an exciting experience in itself. Aside from visiting these projects, Barcelona is the perfect city to intern in for anyone who appreciates architecture, urban planning, and interior design. The thought and effort that went into the design of every detail in Barcelona often goes unnoticed. I would take the same path to work each day and always find something new to look at. 

From Barcelona to Madrid 

Standing Out 

As I am getting ready to graduate, having this international internship experience on my resume makes me stand out among other candidates. It is something that is super easy to speak about when asked in interviews. From my experience interviewing, talking about a unique opportunity you had makes you more recognizable in the crowd. When designing these spaces for clients during my internship, it was notable that individual culture impacted different design decisions. Having hands-on experience with client opinions enriched my professional skills while allowing me to gain a unique perspective on the world we live in. Having this talking point makes me feel more relaxed in interviews because I know it is something I can easily discuss in relation to various questions that might be asked throughout the interview process. This international internship experience provided me with knowledge I would not have discovered any other way. 

Casa Soler Site Visit - Sara Folch Interior Design 

Showroom Visit for Design Inspiration 

Reflecting On My Internship Experience in Barcelona  

Embracing the decision to intern in Barcelona not only opened doors to professional growth but also created a sense of self-discovery. The initial apprehensions about being in a foreign country by myself disappeared as I immersed myself in the vibrant culture of Barcelona. Beyond the internship program, the daily life experiences—from savoring local cuisine to navigating the city's streets—became another part of my unforgettable journey. The new friendships that were created with my roommates, built through shared adventures and exploration, transformed into lifelong friendships. These connections, along with the rich professional experiences, collectively shaped my understanding of both design and life. 

Barcelona, with its unique blend of historical and modern aspects, provided the backdrop for both a career-enhancing internship and a transformative chapter in my life story. As I look back on interning abroad, I realize that the decision to go to Barcelona was not just a career move but an experience that has left a permanent mark on my personal and professional identity. I would highly recommend taking the leap to intern abroad to anyone who is considering it. 

This post written by Madison O’Brien, a CEA CAPA Alumni Ambassador, from the University of Kansas and interned in Barcelona, Spain.