My time studying and working in Montevideo, Uruguay was one of the most transformative experiences of my academic career. Through my internship with a startup company, Payflex, and my broader experience living abroad, I gained valuable insight into international business while also developing greater independence, adaptability, and confidence in my ability to navigate new environments. Immersing myself in a different culture and language pushed me outside of my comfort zone and allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. This experience not only strengthened my understanding of global markets, but also reshaped how I approach challenges, communication, and new opportunities.

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One of the ways I immersed myself into the culture of Montevideo was by attending a language exchange every Saturday. This was by far the most crucial resource I had in improving my Spanish and is where I made some of my best local friends. Every Saturday, an organization hosted a language exchange event where people of all ages, from all countries came to practice their language skills. There were exchange students from all over South America and the world, all with the shared goal of learning languages together. This was a routine I hope to find a way to continue in the U.S, whether that is by joining a language club or by creating my own. 

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During my internship, I was responsible for researching potential U.S. clients, specifically in the Miami, Florida area. I created a database of businesses ranging from family-owned supermarkets and cruise lines to large international franchises such as McDonald’s. My role also included preparing to initiate contact with these companies to gauge interest in Payflex’s services. This experience gave me firsthand insight into what it takes for a company to enter a new market, something that strongly aligns with my academic focus in Language and International Business. I learned that many Latin American companies target Miami as an entry point due to its strong cultural and linguistic ties to the region. Through my work and conversations with the founders, I also gained a deeper understanding of the challenges of starting a business in Uruguay, where higher costs and barriers to entry can discourage entrepreneurship.

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My academic background played an important role in my success during the internship. In particular, my marketing courses helped me think strategically about how to position Payflex in a new market. I applied concepts such as identifying niche audiences and targeting businesses with connections to Latin America, which made my research more focused and effective. It was rewarding to see how the skills I had developed in the classroom translated directly into a real-world, international business setting.

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Beyond the technical aspects of my role, this experience shaped me in more meaningful ways. Although my coworkers were fluent in English, living and working in Montevideo pushed me to engage with Spanish in everyday life. Whether interacting with locals, navigating the city, or building relationships, I became more confident in my ability to communicate across languages. Over time, I realized that fluency is not just about speaking perfectly, but about being willing to engage, make mistakes, and connect with others. This shift in mindset greatly increased my confidence, both linguistically and personally.

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While living in Montevideo I found that most people I interacted with were extremely kind and hospitable, becomign something I associated with their culture. There where multiple occasions when a local found out I was from the U.S and would then immediately proceed to tell me about their favorite places to visit, foods to try, and would express how happy they were that I was visiting their city. The sense of pride Uruguayans felt for their country was unmatched by anything I have experienced prior. I believe this is due to the homogeneity of their population and the country being incredibly small, only half the size of the state of South Carolina (about 3.5 million people). Regardless of the reasons, their hospitality and pride in their country was a lovely thing to experience. ​

 

Reflecting on my time in Montevideo as a whole, I recognize how much I grew both professionally and personally. Living in a new country, adapting to a different culture, and building relationships in another language pushed me outside of my comfort zone in ways I had never experienced before. One of the most defining moments of my time abroad was taking a solo trip to Patagonia just before returning to the United States. Traveling alone, without a structured plan or specific goal, was a significant step for me. It challenged me to rely entirely on myself, navigate unfamiliar environments, and fully embrace the experience of exploration. That trip became a powerful reminder of how much my confidence had grown during my time abroad.

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Overall, my experience in Montevideo exceeded my expectations. While I gained valuable professional experience at Payflex and improved my Spanish by attending language exchanges, the most important takeaway was the confidence I developed in my own abilities. I left Uruguay not only with new skills and knowledge, but with a stronger sense of independence, adaptability, and willingness to take on new challenges. This experience has had a lasting impact on how I approach both my academic and professional goals moving forward.

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