Kara Dempsey, B.A., Spanish with a Certificate in European Studies.
College of Letters & Science, December 2003.

As a Spanish major, I really tried to take advantage of my study abroad experience in Oaxaca, Mexico during the summer of my sophomore year. Although I enjoyed my experience, learned a lot, and made an effort to immerse myself in the culture, my time abroad was far too short. After taking numerous European and Spanish literature classes, as well as all the courses to complete my European Studies certificate, I was convinced that it would be a wonderful and beneficial experience to move abroad after my graduation. I decided to focus my search on opportunities in Spain.

I started researching positions and programs during the winter break of 2002-2003, right before my last semester of college. I knew I didn’t want to just jump into the job market in the US: I wanted to take some time to see the world and improve my resume. After returning from Mexico, although I was still considering a career as an elementary teacher, I decided that I would pursue other opportunities at that moment.

Working through the materials available in the Letters & Science / School of Human Ecology Career Services office, I began researching programs and opportunities available to American graduates in Europe (primarily): au pair exchanges, soccer camp counseling in Spain, as well as the Peace Corps, teaching abroad in Japan, and many, many others. I realized I had to narrow my focus. After researching and applying to multiple programs in Spain as well as in numerous Spanish speaking countries in Latin America, I accepted an internship FactorModa Madrid in Spain, running January - June 2004.

I am exceptionally pleased with my internship and what I have learned at the company. My duties include promoting international business contacts within Europe, translating important legal documents, reading applications of new businesses, and directly assisting companies and clients in Spain. Additionally, my “business Spanish” has greatly improved and I am beginning to learn basic business words in many other languages.

In April 2004 I was chosen to be the company representative during a week long business trip in London, England which promoted international business correspondence and commerce among countries within the European Union. This was a fantastic experience! I was based out of the Spanish Commercial Office in London and had the opportunity to make contacts with company representatives from across the EU.

I was also surprised by how valuable my English speaking and writing abilities are in Europe, because so much of international business is conducted in English. I was also able to use my language skills to teach English in an adult ESL (English as a Second Language) class at a language school in Madrid.

As the only American at my office, I have been working “without a net” - looking and reaching out rather than settling into the comfort of an expatriate community - meeting and befriending local Spaniards and greatly improving my Spanish as well as my knowledge of the culture.

I have truly enjoyed my internship experience and would recommend working abroad to any one who is interested in seeing the world, and learning about another culture.