As a native Wisconsinite who thrives watching football in “The Frozen Tundra” and craves snow days on campus, it is an understatement to say I was nervous about the average 96ºF temperatures in Seville, Spain, where my UW Signature Internship was this summer. However, much to my utmost pleasure, I quickly learned that Seville, Spain is also home to a different, friendlier kind of warmth that I surely could get used to.
The first inkling of the warm-heartedness I would experience in Seville came about as I was arriving to the city for the first time. After delayed flights, rearranging transportation, and sitting in an airport all day, a disheveled version of myself hopped off the airport shuttle with the intent to take the metro to my new apartment. The issue, though, was this same stop was also a transit area for the tram, the local bus, regional underground trains, and the metro. After meandering up and down the street, and down into what seemed to be the metro, I came across two girls about my age sitting on a bench. With seemingly few other options, I approached the girls and asked if they could point me in the right direction. They went the extra mile by kindly showing me where the metro was, how to buy a ticket, and even which line to take, all while welcoming me to Seville and wishing me the best of luck.
I soon found out that was not a unique experience in this city. The kindness ranges from a simple “Hola!” from every stranger I come across to being offered mounds and mounds of support and encouragement in my internship at the English Social Club. Easy to say, I can take this kind of heat.
Riley Lynch
Hometown: Black Earth, Wisconsin
Major: Social Work; English
Program: English Social Club (ESC) English Language Teaching Internship
I chose this program because of how interested I am in Spanish culture and how the internship will provide me with a lot of exposure and practice in teaching English. I am excited to develop into a more confident teacher and acquire effective TESOL methods as well as improve my Spanish language skills.
To explore international internship options available to UW-Madison undergraduate students, visit the intern abroad webpage or meet with an Intern Abroad advisor.