Kenidy Irvine, an international business major from Grand Island, Nebraska, studied and interned in in Spain as part of the Nebraska in Barcelona program hosted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business. Her eight-week summer internship provided a tailored opportunity to immerse herself in a thriving small business called Cornet Barcelona.

Cornet Barcelona creates handcrafted wine glasses and glassware inspired by the stained glass of La Sagrada Familia Basilica, the famous unfinished Roman Catholic church. During Irvine’s internship, the company prepared to expand by opening its first restaurant in Barcelona’s Port Olímpic area. A tribute to Antoni Gaudí, El Tribut features Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine in an environment inspired by the famous architect.

"This internship provided invaluable insights into marketing and the crucial role of technology in business," Irvine said. "The lessons I learned here will be key to my future success as I aspire to start my own business."

Irvine managed Cornet Barcelona’s social media channels, crafting months of engaging content that advanced their brand and creatively showcased their products.

"As I created social media content for Cornet Barcelona, I not only promoted their products but also showcased the rich culture of Spain," she said. "Cristina Grimaldo, my mentor at Cornet, emphasized the importance of a marketing strategy that focuses 30% on the product and 70% on culture. This pushed me to explore and understand the nuances between Spain’s diverse traditions, especially the unique history, language and customs of Catalonia. By immersing myself in these distinctions, I was able to authentically represent the vibrant life of Barcelona and Catalonian traditions, creating content that truly resonated with the audience. This experience taught me the power of culturally informed marketing, which connects with people on a deeper, more personal level."

Grimaldo, marketing director for Cornet Barcelona, regularly hosts international interns, including a few Huskers before Irvine. Working in a business connected to tourism, Grimaldo sees the partnership as a win-win.

“We were excited to work with interns from other countries to bring new perspectives and fresh ideas," she said. "We get to work with people like Kenidy, who was exceptional in her role, demonstrating a strong dedication and creativity that we truly appreciated. She quickly grasped the Cornet philosophy, understanding what our customers were passionate about and produced high-quality content that resonated with our audience."

Entering a startup environment rooted in a different culture pushed Irvine out of her comfort zone, giving her firsthand experience with cultural differences in business practices between Spain and the U.S.

“Before arriving, I thought the Spanish work culture would be more relaxed and balanced compared to the fast-paced nature of the U.S.," she recalled. "However, I found it fascinating how much people truly enjoyed their work without the pressure of constant urgency. The slower pace allowed for a more thoughtful, intentional approach, fostering a deeper sense of satisfaction and creativity. This experience reshaped my understanding of what a fulfilling work environment can look like."

Outside her internship, she attended six weeks of classes at the Institute for American Universities (IAU), learning about the culture, language and business practices that make this city unique. Students in the Nebraska in Barcelona program can earn between six and nine credits by choosing from many classes, including 20 business classes, at IAU. The flexible summer program offers extended internship placement options of eight and 11 weeks.

After her impactful summer abroad, Irvine started her senior year inspired and equipped with the skills and life experience that will shape her future endeavors.

“Studying and interning abroad pushed me out of my comfort zone. I had a wonderful experience working with Cristina, who taught me so much, and met some wonderful people from Barcelona and all over the world. I even had time to visit beautiful places in Spain and travel to Italy, Switzerland, France and Portugal. This journey has truly been transformative for me."

The program and scholarship application deadline for the Summer 2025 Nebraska in Barcelona program is Feb. 1. For more information, schedule an appointment with the Business Global Experiences Coordinator by emailing businessabroad@unl.edu.