Skip to main content
IES Abroad Home
  • Advisors & Faculty
  • Alumni
  • Parents
  • Donors
  • 800.995.2300
  • Request a Catalog
  • Favorites
  • Sign Up
  • Sign In

Search form

Apply now
  • Study Abroad
    • Overview
    • Benefits of Study Abroad
    • How to Study Abroad
    • Picking Your Program
    • What's Included
    • Diversity Resources
    • Community-Based Learning
    • Contact a Past Student
  • Internships
    • Overview
    • Summer
    • Semester
    • Virtual
    • Internship Fields
    • Contact a Past Intern
  • Our Programs
    • Program Finder
    • Programs by Location
    • Programs by Area of Study
    • Programs by Interest
    • Spring 2022
    • Summer 2022
    • Fall 2022 Protocols
  • Scholarships & Aid
    • What We Offer
    • How to Apply
    • Application
    • Additional Resources
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • What We Do
    • Why IES Abroad
    • Our Leadership
    • Diversity Commitment
    • Global Good Commitment
    • Health & Safety
    • News
    • Events
    • Awards
    • Film Festival
    • Contact Us
    • Jobs
  • Blogs
    • Student Blogs
    • Correspondent Application

You are here

Home | World of Difference Alumni Profile - Christian Canizal

Untitled-1c.png

Christian Canizal

IES Abroad Program: Barcelona - Full-Time Semester Internship, Fall 2017
U.S. College / University: Elmhurst College
Major: Interdisciplinary Communications 


What words would you use to describe your identity(ies)?
Motivated, adventure seeking, loving

What motivated you to choose to intern abroad?
At the time I needed internship experience, and I always wanted to study abroad. When the opportunity to intern abroad presented itself, I did everything in my power to take full advantage of the opportunity. One of the best decisions of my life.

When you interned abroad, did your identity(ies) influence your experience in significant and/or surprising ways? If so, how?
Yes, being abroad allowed me to be more open to other cultures, languages, and food. I didn't know anything about Catalunya, and, obviously, it played a big role while I was there with all the protest and the overall political climate. Being in a business setting where Spanish is the primary language, helped me better communicate with my boss, CEOs, and other businesses. Finally, food. I was a picky eater before I went abroad. Living with a host family and trying traditional plates such as melon con jamón, you quickly grow to appreciate a traditional Spanish dish.

Has interning abroad impacted your educational and/or professional aspirations or path? If so, how? 
Yes, it's paid dividends. I was able to land an internship with CBS Chicago as a sports intern as a direct result of interning abroad. When I applied to be an intern at CBS before interning abroad, I was denied because of my lack of experience. I completed an internship in the summer at Free Range Office as a content creator, and overseas I Interned with eStreams.tv as an eSports journalist. After returning home, I applied and earned my dream internship.

Christian Canizal.jpg

What experiences or skills gained from interning abroad continue to influence your life now?
I'm now able to adapt to any situation. I arrived a day late for my program in Barcelona, and I knew that I would have to catch a bus from the city centre the next morning.  It was my first day, I was in a foreign country, I only had about four hours of sleep, and I had to search for people I had never seen in my life. It was weird, and a bit scary, but it forced me to adapt.

In one sentence, tell students who identify similarly why interning abroad is a good idea, particularly for them. 
Traveling is exercise for the soul.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I'm grateful for the help I received during my search to study abroad, and I'm thankful for the friendships and connections as a result of interning abroad. One day I hope to steer students to a route that will benefit them for the rest of their life.

Read more from Christian about what it's like to intern abroad as a first-generation student. 

 

We're celebrating a #worldofdifference by sharing inspiring stories of our students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, members of the LGBTQ+ community, first-generation college students, young adults with a history of overcoming diversity, and more.

 

"Traveling is exercise for the soul." 

Build a World of Difference With Us

When students see themselves reflected in others who have already traveled places they’ve only dreamed about, they’re more likely to realize what’s possible no matter their identity or circumstances. Your story could make a world of difference for them.

Share Your Story

CONNECT WITH US

instagram icon youtube icon facebook icon blogging icon linkedin icon twitter icontiktok icon

  • Explore
    • Study Abroad
    • Request a Catalog
    • Student Diversity & Access
  • Find a Program
    • All Programs
    • By Area of Study
    • By Location
    • By Interest
  • Learn More
    • Career Benefits
    • Ambassadors
    • Global Citizen of the Year
  • Get Started
    • Create an Account
    • Apply
    • Deadlines
    • Application Requirements
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • What We Do
    • Health & Safety
    • Jobs
    • Media Outreach
    • News
    • Make a Donation

IES Abroad

Founded in 1950, IES Abroad is a not-for-profit provider with 140+ study abroad and internship programs around the world for college/university students.

IES Abroad comprises study abroad programming, Customized & Faculty-Led Programs, IES Internships, and the Study Abroad Foundation (SAF).

IES Abroad is a 501(c)(3) entity. The federal tax identification number for IES Abroad is 36-2251912.

Contact Us

800.995.2300
[email protected]
33 W. Monroe St., Suite 2300
Chicago, IL  60603

Submit an Inquiry

IESAbroad
IES Internships
Customized & Faculty-Led
Study Abroad Foundation

© Copyright IES Abroad 2022. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy