International Internships and Study Abroad in Spain

Exploring Internships, Academics, and Cultural Enrichment in Seville

This past summer, 34 College of Business students participated in a study abroad program in the historic city of Seville, capital of the Andalucia region and the largest city in Southern Spain. This 6-week study is the largest and longest College of Business study abroad trip in more than 20 years.

Students were able to earn nine credits toward their business degree by taking one international marketing class and one management class: Global Strategy & Policy, which is a capstone course. Additionally, most students participated in a 6-week internship with a local company in Spain, where they were able to the additional three credits.

Faculty from several departments led the trip: Joseph Patton, DBA and Management Instructor, Assistant Dean for Accreditation and International Programs and Marketing Instructor Marc Rhorer, Ph.D., and Executive Director of Student Services Kimberly Paulus.

“Classes in marketing, management AND an internship makes this program bigger than any one department - this is true College of Business initiative.  This Spain study abroad program is a key part of the College’s efforts to provide more international opportunities to our students”

– Marc Rhorer, Assistant Dean and Instructor 

For most students, the internship was the highlight of their study abroad trip.They got the chance to gain real working experience while navigating an international context, an opportunity they can include on resumes and discuss in job interviews. 

“This program gave our students valuable work experience in an international setting. This opportunity would be very difficult for them to secure and achieve on their own. Having an internship abroad gives our students an advantage when interviewing for jobs.”

– Joseph Patton, Faculty Leader and Instructor

The student internships were secured from companies across a spectrum of industries: 

• Project management for Housin American Cars, a Spanish company developing plans to import cars from the U.S. to Spain.
• Servicios de Asistencia Medica de Urgencia (SAMU), an emergency response company. Students worked on securing grant funding for the company’s expansion to Washington, DC.
• Social media marketing for We Love Spain, a tourism company focused on the college market.
• Project management and marketing for CLIC, a local language school.
• Business Development for Espartinas, a small city outside of Seville trying to attract funding and investment with the European Union.
• Communication work for Futbolistas, a women run non-profit focused on soccer for girls.

Kevin Paredes, international business major and president of the Student Global Business Association (SGBA) conducted his internship with the emergency response company SAMU. “Personally, and professionally, I grew from these experiences in Spain like never before in my life. I believe that a large portion of this is from the internship and working independently without parental assistance. I has been very rewarding, challenging, and interesting and I experience new things every day.”

"This internship program was very important in my decision to come on this trip. As an international business major, the ability for me to put 'International Internship in Spain' on my resume is very valuable. This program is perfect and I love the way it is organized. Earning nine credits is very helpful for me and my graduation plan."

– Riley Olson, International Business Major

"Having an international internship is something that didn’t sound possible! I would’ve never imagined that I am doing an internship in Spain and it’s something that will stick with me forever. It’s something that will be a talking point in my job interviews and show that I can work great even in a foreign setting."

– Lynette Gomez, Management Major

Classes took place in the afternoon, while in the morning, students completed their internships or alternatively took Spanish language classes. Students lived with families in local neighborhoods, further enriching the cultural experience. The group visited local companies to learn their business, management and marketing operations, and meet with executive staff. These visits included exploring a local olive grove and olive oil producer, an organic fertilizer manufacturer, and the Sevilla Futbol Club. 

In addition to their coursework, students participated in many cultural events in the evenings, such as flamenco dance shows, ceramic classes, paella cooking workshops, boat rides, kayak trips and more. The trip also featured two all day excursions – one to the world famous Mesquita of Cordoba and another to the ancient city of Cadiz, a major port during the time of the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors and now the Spanish. Many students extended their stay over the weekend at the beach after this excursion.

While in Seville, students could see the amazing sites and popular film locations: cathedral, palaces, bridges and medieval streets. The Roman ruins at Italica (“The Dragon Pit”) the Real Alcazar (“The Palace of Dorne”) both were featured prominently in Game of Thrones.

"Studying abroad in Spain was a life changing experience! I immersed myself into not only the Spanish culture, but the whole European culture as well. I spent any and all free time I had to travel to explore different areas of Europe and Spain. It was such an insightful experience that really shaped my perspective on the world and my perspective of myself and what I wanted out of life."

– Catalina Arias, Pre-business Major

For students who would like a longer immersive experience, the six-week duration was very attractive. The price of $4,450 provided students a great value, included all housing and meals for the duration of the program as well as all of the excursions and activities.   

"Students who participated in this study abroad trip not only got to take nine credits towards their degree program, but they also got the experience of a lifetime. We were able to provide the students a real insight into the daily life of a Spaniard. They were fully immersed into the culture and every student, when surveyed, would not have changed a thing. They were all so grateful for this experience. I would highly recommend every student complete this faculty led trip during their academic career, if given the opportunity."

– Kim Paulus, Executive Director of Student Services.

If you would like additional information about the 2024 program with dates set for May 10-June 21, please contact Joseph Patton at jpatton6@fau.edu.

-FAU-