Julia Frey learned event planning and community organization skills during her study abroad experience with City Girls Barcelona.
How did you get your internship?
I got my internship with City Girls Barcelona through an existing partnership that my summer study abroad program had. The program had partnerships with various local organizations, offering a range of internship opportunities tailored to students’ interests and career goals. I chose City Girls Barcelona because of its focus on fostering a vibrant community for women, which resonated with my personal and professional aspirations.
Why did you choose this internship?
I was drawn to City Girls Barcelona because of its mission to empower women in a culturally rich and dynamic city like Barcelona. Their work in organizing events, workshops, and networking opportunities for women from diverse backgrounds seemed like a perfect fit for me. I wanted to contribute to a cause that aligns with my values and provides a supportive environment for personal growth and community engagement.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
During my internship with City Girls, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a variety of activities. I attended numerous City Girl events where I observed and participated in different aspects of event management. I provided constructive feedback on these events, helping to improve future activities. A highlight of my internship was the chance to create and host my own event, where I got to explore skills in planning, organizing, and executing a successful event, showcasing my ability to lead and innovate within the organization.
If you worked on a big project, describe it.
One of the most memorable projects I worked on was organizing and hosting a sunset paddle boarding event as a goodbye event for other students in my study abroad program. I coordinated with vendors to get the paddleboards, handled all the logistics, and promoted the event to get as many participants as possible. The turnout was amazing, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. It was incredibly rewarding to see my idea come to life and to create a memorable evening for everyone involved. It brought us closer and gave us a great way to wrap up our journey. This was meaningful to me because I got to use my planning skills to create a memorable experience for everyone.
What is the impact of your internship experience?
This internship had a huge impact on how I see community building and event management. I got better at project management, communication, and teamwork. But more importantly, I learned how crucial it is to create supportive and empowering spaces for women. The experience taught me to balance creativity with practical planning and strengthened my commitment to working in areas that promote social good.