Internships, Volunteering, and Global Impact: Sara’s Experience as an International Student in Barcelona
Sara, an ESEI alumna from Lebanon, describes her time studying and working in Barcelona as “maybe the best experience that I’ve ever had during my 23 years.” After completing a Bachelor’s in International Relations, she decided to pursue a Master’s in International Relations and International Business at ESEI, hoping to open more professional opportunities and gain international experience.
Combining Studies and a Full-Time Internship
One of Sara’s favourite aspects of her experience at ESEI was the flexibility of the classes. “Our classes are in the evenings from 6 to 9, which gives you a lot of free time during the day,” she explains. This schedule allowed her to focus on a full-time internship at Benevity, a Canadian company that connects corporations with nonprofits worldwide.
“I started mid-November and spent most of my time there. I worked full-time, 40 hours a week, and then went to uni in the evenings. I made so many connections and friends—my manager was amazing and it felt like I was really a part of the team.”
Benevity: Bridging Corporations and Nonprofits
At Benevity, Sara joined the nonprofit partnerships team, a role that required her to liaise with organisations across Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. “My job was to get in contact with nonprofits and try to get as many volunteering activities and opportunities from them,” she says. She adds that Benevity acts as “the middleman between nonprofits and the corporate world, connecting them so companies can support these organisations and volunteer.”
Sara’s role went beyond typical internship responsibilities. She attended meetings, participated in strategic discussions, and worked at the same level as regular employees.
“I had the same workload, the same rules, the same responsibilities as a normal employee. That experience helped me grow professionally and understand the real demands of an international company.”
Volunteering Beyond the Office
What made Sara’s internship even more meaningful was the emphasis on volunteering and social impact. She often participated in volunteering activities with different organisations. One of her favourite experiences involved playing football with community groups, helping build engagement and teamwork in a fun, interactive way.
Another particularly memorable initiative was supporting organisations that help immigrants settle into their new communities.
“We went to homes, helped them move, and got to know their backgrounds and cultures. It was amazing to learn about their experiences and just be there for them,”
She recalls. These activities allowed Sara to contribute directly to the local community, complementing her professional experience with a hands-on understanding of social responsibility.
Living and Exploring in Barcelona
Outside work and study, Sara fully embraced life as an international student, exploring the city and discovering local culture. “I went out by myself, explored new cities, used public transport, and just observed people. I really enjoyed that.
Running became a big part of her routine, and she even participated in local races. One memorable event was the Cursa dels Nassos, a traditional race held every year on 31 December to mark the last day of the year. She also joined a local race in Sabadell with a friend from university, photographing all the participants and sharing the pictures with them.
Sara also explored new hobbies while in Barcelona. “I learned how to DJ, and I’m planning to continue learning and share this journey with everyone, maybe even make it to an international stage one day,” she shares enthusiastically. “I learned a lot. I grew a lot. And I came back home with a different perspective,” she says.
A New Chapter with SheAI
After returning home, Sara has started a remote internship with SheAI, a Barcelona-based social enterprise focused on empowering women through artificial intelligence.
“It’s a remote internship, so I can work independently, which is great. At SheAI, I help optimise courses for women learning AI, ensuring they follow UN guidelines. I also provide subtitles in different languages to reach more people and assist with marketing to promote these courses,” she explains. Sara is fluent in English, French, and Arabic, which allows her to support the courses in multiple languages and reach a broader international audience.
This new role combines Sara’s passion for social impact with her professional skills, allowing her to continue contributing meaningfully while gaining experience in a cutting-edge, socially responsible business.
Final Thoughts
Sara’s journey demonstrates how international internships can be transformative. From her immersive experience at Benevity to volunteering across Barcelona and her new role at SheAI, she has gained invaluable professional skills, forged lifelong connections, and made a real impact in her community. Her story is a reminder that combining academic learning with hands-on work and social responsibility can create a truly life-changing experience.
Explore ESEI’s Programmes
👉If you’re considering starting your own journey in Barcelona, explore ESEI’s Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes and see how we can support you as you settle into life here.
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