Spain: Riley Lynch (An Impactful Moment)

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.

This is the metro station I took my first night and soon became very familiar with!
This is the metro station I took my first night and soon became very familiar with!

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 is standing outside and smiling for a photo.

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.