Where Are They Now - Medical Internship - Adelante Abroad

Letter from 2001 EMT Internships Abroad

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Where Are They Now - Medical Internship - Adelante Abroad

We received an email last week from a past candidate who joined our EMT internship program back in 2001. It’s always a pleasure to hear from our alumni and learn how taking an internship with Adelante has impacted a candidate’s career.

If you were a past candidate and wish to share your experience after your Adelante internship, please feel free to contact us and share your story!

Dear Adelante,

I decided to do a random internet search on Adelante to see how far the company has come since I participated in my Adelante internship ~16 years ago.  After my graduation from Duke University in 2001 with a degree in History and Spanish, Adelante offered me the opportunity to pursue an internship as an EMT in Spain.  This seemed like a perfect fit for me as I was applying to medical schools upon graduation.  I not only got to spend time with the EMS service in Spain, I also was able to take the basic EMS course during my internship; I even passed the course while some of my Spanish classmates weren’t as successful as I.

In addition to the EMT internship, I signed on to teach English to Spanish adults while in Spain.  In many ways, I was able to do 2 internships during my time in Spain.  A few other Americans (6 of us in total) participated in a variety of internships through Adelante while I was in Spain.  I have stayed in close touch with Brian S. who also did the EMT internship.  As Americans, we shared one common, unique experience back then – we were in Spain on September 11, 2001.  Kimberly came to visit us not long after 9/11 to check on us while were there.

I have had many experiences since my internship with Adelante.  I completed medical school at UNC-Chapel Hill, completed residency at the University of Michigan, and completed fellowship training in Chicago.  I’m married, and my wife and I have a 1 year old little girl.  I’m in private practice in NC as an allergy specialist.  I’m also currently about half way through completion of an MBA degree through UNC-CH.  (Of note, Brian S. completed dental school at College of Dental Medicine-Arizona and after a a few years in practice as a dentist has actually gone back to school to complete an MD degree at Chicago Medical School.)

The reason I’m sending this email is not actually to describe my accomplishments over the past 16 years.  Rather, I thought I’d let you know that since my internship with Adelante, I have competed countless interviews in my career.  And while I feel that my CV could take an interviewer in any number of directions, almost every interviewer has asked me, “I see you interned as an EMT in Spain; tell me about that.”  For whatever reason, It has been a talking point that has saved me on so many levels throughout my career.  Brian and I have talked about this over the years, and he has expressed the same experience in interviews.

Just wanted to say thanks!

Sincerely,

Colin F., MD

 

Interested in learning more about our internship programs? We’re still accepting Summer internships abroad for 2017, and we offer programs year-round – our candidates can intern from 1 to 12 months duration in various countries of choice.

Visit Internships Abroad

If you were a past candidate and wish to share your experience after your Adelante internship, please feel free to contact us and share your story!

Where Are They Now? – Kerry L. (Adelante Alum Update)

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Where Are They Now Kerry L | Adelante Abroad | Adelante Alum

Kerry L., Former Intern in Barcelona (2010)

From time to time, we like to catch up with our former intern and study abroad candidates. Many have used their experience with Adelante Abroad as a stepping stone onto bigger and better things in their lives. Nothing gives us greater joy than hearing about how their experiences affected and impacted them. 

As I looked down at Barcelona from my window seat on the plane, I remember feeling overwhelmed by not only the incredible view below me, but also an understanding that the months ahead would change my life.

Kerry L | Adelante Abroad Alum BarcelonaDuring my two months in Catalonia’s capital, every day was an incredible learning experience and an opportunity to immerse myself in the vibrant, alluring culture of Barcelona. I cherished my commute to Interway, my internship office; walking past and gazing up at Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, riding the metro, and finally ordering my chocolate croissant and espresso before stepping into the office.  When you live and work in a foreign country, you are constantly pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and learning how to adapt and succeed at the same time. This whirlwind of change transformed how I carried myself and widened my perspective of the world. 

kerry-l-barcelonaMy Spanish improved each day from persistence to practice with everyone  I interacted with: my apartment host, baristas, colleagues, as well as Spanish and other international friends I met (and still keep in touch with to this day). In addition to walking away with great confidence in my Spanish speaking abilities, I was able to design an entire promotional catalog for Interway during my time as an marketing intern.

When I arrived back in New York City, I kept my passion for travel and foreign culture, and pursued an internship position at a Travel & Tourism PR Communications firm. The defining and proudest moment of my interview was when the President looked up from scanning from resume and said “You worked in Barcelona for a few months? ¡Que interesante!” I replied “una experiencia maravillosa.” I got the internship, which ultimately lead into a full time position at the agency. A wonderful experience indeed.

I learned that nothing has brought me more joy, knowledge, and experience in life than traveling.

“To travel is to evolve” – Pierre Bernando

Kerrry L | Intern in Barcelona alum | Adelante Abroad

– Kerry L.

Then: Recent Ithaca College Graduate, Ithaca, NY 

Now: Activation Manager, J3 Studios/Universal McCann, New York, NY

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Are you interested in participating in an international internship in Barcelona like Kerry? Check out all the details and information for our intern in Barcelona program!

 

Where Are They Now? – Amanda M. (Former Intern Update)

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amanda-madrid-corrides-de-toresAmanda M., Former Intern in Madrid (2012)

From time to time, we like to catch up with our former intern and study abroad candidates. Of course, many have used their experience with Adelante Abroad as a stepping stone onto bigger and better things in their lives. Nothing gives us greater joy than hearing about how their experiences affected and impacted them. The following is an example of this.

DSCN2432Madrid. Ah, Madrid. There is no place quite like it. The people, history, culture, food, and transportation systems are nothing short of amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed my 3 months in the heart of Spain. I had a hard time adjusting at first because my Spanish-speaking abilities were very basic upon arrival. However, after taking a two week intensive language course with native speakers and becoming immersed in the culture, I became much more confident in my ability to communicate with others.

amanda-madrid-2012-adelante-abroadI was fortunate to meet other interns in the Adelante program while in Madrid. We were able to take trips on the weekends to other cities in Spain as well as other nearby countries! It was so wonderful to be able to experience so many cities and countries in the short time I was there. My internship placement was teaching English to immigrant children. I enjoyed the children so much! They were a lot of fun and very forgiving that my Spanish wasn’t that great yet. We were able to teach each other while I was interning there. I’ll never forget those little ones! They definitely taught me that connection with each other surpasses language.

This internship gave me such an enriching experience as not only a person, but as a professional as well. Since my internship, I have had potential employers tell me that my resume stood out not only for my credentials, but because I had done an internship abroad! I’m so happy that I was able to have the opportunity to do an internship in a country I love, as well as in my own field as an early childhood development professional. What an amazing experience! I’ll never forget it!

amanda-madrid-pyramid

-Amanda M.

Then: University of Missouri M.S. Graduate, Early Childhood and Family Development

Now: Pre-Kindergarten Lead Teacher, Austin, TX

Where Are They Now? – Lynn T. (Former Intern Update)

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Lynn T., Former Intern in Barcelona (2011)

From time to time, we like to catch up with our former intern and study abroad candidates. Of course, many have used their experience with Adelante Abroad as a stepping stone onto bigger and better things in their lives. Nothing gives us greater joy than hearing about how their experiences affected and impacted them. The following is an example of this.


architecture-lynn-adelante-abroadWhen I enrolled for Adelante, I was still in graduate school and my visa in London was running out.  I moved over to Barcelona for an internship at a language school for a marketing internship. I had my TEFL certification allowing me to teach English as a foreign language. My marketing internship involved helping set up a website and the growth of how we were going to grow the language school. Because of my TEFL certification, my internship ended up hiring me as an English teacher as well! This was fantastic as I was still in grad school, I had an internship, and I was able to work.

9 months prior to my Adelante internship I had just graduated with my Bachelor degree, and I had already completed 2 internships. Applying for a job was tough. Employers wanted experience, but in order to have experience, you needed experience. It was a never-ending circle. Internships were a great opportunity to gain more experience in the work field that you’re trying to get into. My Adelante internship is the internship that seems to stand out the most on my resume.

When I left Barcelona I had just finished my Master’s Degree. My resume now had 3 internships, a Bachelor Degree and a Master’s Degree yet the thing all employers wanted to discuss, was my internship in Barcelona.

Where Are They Now - Lynn T.When I left for Barcelona, I went alone. I knew no one there, nor speak the language. Barcelona is in the state of Catalonia so many of the people there speak Catalan as well as Spanish- the two are very hard to tell the difference. Spain also borders France, so many of the locals also spoke French. During my time in Barcelona, Adelante put me in a language school to help me with my Spanish ability. I was able to make friends through my Spanish classes as well as through the internship & job.

Adelante was a great company to go through for an internship. I was placed in a house with locals. They were the loveliest people and the house was close to transportation. The language school that I worked at (and had an internship at) was amazing. The people were so friendly and included me in all activities. I loved every minute spent there.

Living in foreign countries provide a whole new prospective on life. You learn and grow so much as a person. My internship was only the start. This was 5 years ago and I am still living overseas.

I’ve been working in the software industry for the past few years and currently live in Sydney, Australia.

Going to Europe is always a good idea. Barcelona is a great location and easy to get around. If you’re going to do an internship in Barcelona, you’re going to love it.

Where Are They Now, Lynn T.

 – Lynn T.

Then: Masters of Organizational and Leadership Studies Management, Azusa Pacific University

Now: International Merchant Sales Specialist, MINDBODY, Inc., Syndey, Australia

Where Are They Now? – Mike F. (Former Intern Update)

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Mike F., Former Intern in Chile (2012)

From time to time, we like to catch up with our former intern and study abroad candidates. Of course, many have used their experience with Adelante Abroad as a stepping stone onto bigger and better things in their lives. Nothing gives us greater joy than hearing about how their experiences affected and impacted them. The following is an example of this.

When I arrived in Viña del Mar, Chile in July of 2012, I had no idea my experience in South America over the next 5 months would shape where I am today. The language I learned and experiences I had will stick with me forever. Myself and the friends I made along the way (whom I still keep in touch with) climbed a volcano in Southern Chile, camped in the desert in Northern Chile, took jeeps across the salts flats of Bolivia, visited the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, volunteered at a medical clinic in Cusco,  and made a 4 day trek to Machu Picchu. The list goes on…

My time in South America pushed the limits of my comfort and gave me a unique perspective on the world as a whole.  This perspective has proven very valuable while in college as well as after graduation when pursuing employment. I currently work as an associate scientist at a biotechnology company and I can confidently say that the free-thinking and multicultural environment I experienced while abroad positively affects the way I do my job now.

I now have the ‘travel bug’ after making another trip abroad to  Europe this past summer and with plans to visit South America again in the near future. I would encourage anyone considering going abroad to stop considering and just do it! It is experience that will change your life and one that you will never forget!

 – Mike F.

Then: Biology major, Northeastern University

Now: Associate Scientist, Biogen

Where Are They Now – Jennifer L.

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Jennifer L.

1. Which city and country did you go to with Adelante Abroad?

Internship in Madrid, Spain

2. Would you go back to that country/region?

Yes! I love speaking Spanish, love the diversity of the country, love to flamenco dance…there are many things that I love about Spain!! After my internship with Adelante I returned to Spain three more times!

3. Would you participate in another program with Adelante Abroad?

Not at this time, as I am at a different point in my life and career. But I would recommend it whole-heartedly.

4. Have you travelled more since your time abroad with Adelante? If so, where, when, what did you do?

Yes. I worked in France (and traveled all around Europe while I lived there for a year), studied Spanish in Barcelona for a month, and traveled for work in Russia, Eastern Europe, Thailand, Philippines, and Brazil. Then I went to Cuba to study abroad during my Master’s studies. For a business development consultancy and for my Master’s thesis I spent significant time in Turkey. I have also traveled to the Mediterranean, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, Israel, and Jordan for vacation.

5. Did you find that your international experience helped you to get a job? Did you keep up your Spanish / Mandarin language learned on your Adelante Abroad program?

Yes.

6. What are you doing now? Studies ongoing? Job? Living situation?

I am the Director of Operations and Finance at an educational non-profit that is seeking to create the next generation of women’s leaders. We teach girls K through High School leadership skills through developing emotional and social intelligence. I graduated from NYU nearly two years ago with a Master’s in Global Affairs and Women’s Development. I’m living with my boyfriend in San Francsico. In my spare time I still flamenco dance and perform in the community – continuing my love for flamenco that I studied in Madrid!

7. Tips or Advice you have for someone thinking about doing an international internship or study abroad program?

JUST DO IT!

Not only do you learn about a new culture, way of life, and perspective, but you also learn so much about yourself that will surely stay with you for the rest of your life.