Kulissien takaa - My Internship Experience

By Alex Rodrigo · From Marcilla, Navarra, Spain

My name is Alex Rodrigo, I’m from Marcilla, a small town in Navarra, Spain. I’m currently finishing my studies in Web Application Development (DAW), and recently I had the opportunity to spend three months in Finland, doing my final internship abroad. It has been a truly unforgettable experience, one that challenged me, shaped me, and taught me more than I could have imagined.

I lived in Lappeenranta and worked in the nearby town of Imatra. The cultural difference between Spain and Finland is striking, and adapting to it wasn’t always easy. But if I had to choose the biggest shock, I’d say the weather really got to me – it’s cold in a way that somehow seeps into your soul! Still, every single day brought something new, and that constant sense of discovery made the whole adventure exciting.

I came to Finland alone, which was a big personal challenge. Being far from my family, friends, and everything familiar, I expected to feel isolated – and at times, I did. But the people I met here completely changed my experience. Thanks to their warmth and openness, I never really felt alone. I made new friends, shared great moments, and slowly built a small life for myself in this new country.

For my internship, I worked at Robocamp ry, where I developed a marketing application based on a map of the area. It was the first time I tackled a project like this from scratch, and I learned so much, not only about coding but also about working independently and being responsible for my own progress. It was a professional challenge that helped me grow both as a developer and as a person.

One of the most valuable things I’ve gained from this experience is independence. Living alone, managing my own schedule, cooking, organizing my life – it pushed me to become more self-reliant and confident in myself. The work environment at Robocamp was very welcoming, and that made everything smoother. I always felt supported, even when dealing with things that were totally new to me.

I would 100% recommend this kind of experience to anyone. Getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing a new culture, especially in such a connected world, helps you grow in unexpected ways. You start to see things from different perspectives and understand people better – both essential skills in today’s world.

Looking back, I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished during these three months. I didn’t just finish my studies – I learned how to live on my own, how to adapt, and how to thrive in a completely different environment. I carry these lessons with me, and I know they will help me not only professionally, but throughout my life.

Alex Rodrigo - Linkedin