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Internship abroad: Mette’s Student Experience in Spain
At Student Experience, helping students to a next-level student life is what we're all about. And we're not just talking about our residents; this applies to our interns, too! Meet Mette, our Marketing intern from Amsterdam, who got the opportunity to head to sunny Granada for a month to continue her internship. While helping our team in Spain, she's improving her Spanish, eating endless tapas, and soaking in the sun. Curious what it’s like to intern abroad with us? Keep reading!
1. Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your studies and internship?
My name is Mette, I’m 19 years old, and I study International Business at the HU University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. I started in 2023 and am currently finishing my second year. I’m originally from a town near Amsterdam.
In March 2025, I started my internship at Student Experience as a Marketing and Events Intern. For the first four months, I was based in the Netherlands, where I organized events at Student Experience in Amsterdam and Leiden, created content for social media, and supported the MarCommerce team where needed. A month ago, I had the exciting opportunity to move to Granada, Spain, to continue my internship. Here, my role has shifted more towards content creation, guerrilla marketing, and also supporting the Spanish MarCommerce team.
2. What does your typical day look like while working in our complex in Spain? Is it different from your work in the Netherlands?
Yes, it’s quite different! Back home, I travelled 1.5 hours to the Amsterdam office each day. Now, I live at the Student Experience complex in Granada, so the office is just a minute away from my room!
I usually start my day around 7:30 or 8:00 AM with breakfast, either in my room or at the DO EAT restaurant with my colleagues. I then work until about 5:00 or 6:00 PM. During the workday I usually go flyering, create content and support the MarCommerce team where needed. After work, I often work out, swim, or head into the city for dinner. I've mostly adjusted to the Spanish rhythm by now!
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3. What has been your biggest challenge adapting to life and work in Spain?
Definitely speaking Spanish. While I already had a base from high school and university, speaking it daily is a new challenge, especially since people speak so quickly, and the Granada accent is known for being fast! But I’m making progress every day and really enjoying it. Learning the language has always been a goal of mine, so this has been a great opportunity to practice.
4. What major differences have you noticed between the work culture in Spain and the Netherlands?
The work culture in Spain is more flexible. People tend to start and finish later, and with the heat, short breaks and staying hydrated, especially when flyering, are important. Meal times are also different: lunch is usually around 2 PM and dinner as late as 9 or 10 PM. Overall, it’s a more adaptable rhythm compared to the structured, time-focused culture back home.
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5. What have you enjoyed most about living in Spain outside of work?
The people, culture, and food! Spanish people are very warm and welcoming, and I felt at home quickly. Granada is a stunning city full of history, with beautiful places like the Alhambra and the Albaicín district. I love exploring the city, trying typical Spanish dishes, gazpacho and Jamón Ibérico are my favourites, and just enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
6. What are the most valuable skills or insights you've gained during your internship abroad?
I’ve learned a lot, from improving my Spanish and adapting to a new work culture, to gaining new marketing skills and becoming more independent. This is my first time living on my own, and doing so in a different country has taught me how to navigate challenges, communicate across cultures, and step out of my comfort zone. It’s been a huge personal and professional growth experience.
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7. Would you recommend this experience to others, and why?
Absolutely! I’m so grateful for this opportunity and would recommend it to anyone. An internship abroad is an incredible chance to grow both personally and professionally, you get to work in a new environment, meet amazing people, and fully immerse yourself in a different culture. My experience with Student Experience has shown me how valuable this is, and living in Spain has helped me develop new skills and confidence. It’s also made me even more excited for my upcoming move to Madrid, where I’ll do a minor for my studies. If you’re thinking about interning abroad, go for it, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made!
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