This semester, seven dedicated Spanish students completed internships across various organizations, applying their language skills and gaining invaluable experience in different professional fields. These internships provided the students with unique opportunities to enhance their Spanish language proficiency while making meaningful contributions to the organizations they served.
Kevin Guirola interned at the UF Levin College of Law Immigration Clinic, where he provided interpretation services for vulnerable, low-income immigrants during client meetings. He also assisted with the review of Spanish language documents such as birth certificates and political party cards. This internship allowed Kevin to develop a deeper understanding of the legal challenges faced by immigrant communities and the vital role of language services in supporting their access to justice.
Roberto Blanco and Asha Clarke interned at the Florida Museum, collaborating with Alberto Lopez Torres in the outreach office and working on the translation of museum collections. Their efforts contributed to making the museum’s exhibits more accessible to Spanish-speaking visitors, fostering a more inclusive and engaging experience for all.
Caroline Labrit, Brandon Lancho, and Ana Xu worked with the UF Center for New Students, Parent, & Family Engagement, helping to translate the Family Workbook for 2023. Their contributions will enable Spanish-speaking families to better support their students as they navigate their academic journey at the university.
Julia Romano interned at Veterans Affairs (VA) Gainesville, focusing on projects related to mental health and suicide prevention among the Hispanic veteran population. Although she did not have direct contact with veterans, Julia interviewed community leaders, conducted literature reviews, and translated or developed materials in Spanish to assist in the VA’s outreach efforts.
These internships showcase the diverse opportunities available for Spanish students to apply their language skills in real-world settings. We congratulate all seven students on their successful internships and look forward to seeing how their experiences will shape their future careers.