Study Abroad Programs -橋大学海外への留学プログラムマップ2023年度
TIONAL TALEN 2023 ebruary 1 To March )  ER ( ) ERNATIONAL TALENT PROGRAMME 2023 STUDENT REFLECTIONS T A B L E O F

お問い合わせ先
国際教育交流センター留学生・海外留学相談室URL…https://international.hit-u.ac.jp/cgee/advising/学務部教務課TEL…042-580-8764 ／ E-mail…edu-gs.g@ad.hit-u.ac.jp教務課グローバルスキルズチーム(海外語学研修(英語)および一橋大学サマースクール等留学制度) TEL…042-580-8175 ／ E-mail…g-skills.g@ad.hit-u.ac.jp Bergé International Talent Programme 2023 Student Reflections一橋大学異文化交流研修(春期・スペイン企業派遣)学生体験記2023年8月発行発行者一橋大学国際教育交流センター 〒186-8601　東京都国立市2-1印刷株式会社オリエンタルデザインYUKANO IDEA https://www.yukano-idea.com 01  Opening Remarks 03   Course Information 06  Member Introductions 08  Bergé y Compañía Introduction 10  Bergé & Astara Office Life 14  Official Visits & Activities 20  A Day In Madrid 22  Student Reflections 46 Tips for Travelling in Spain 48  Around the Accomodation 50  Who is the Biggest Spender? 51  Local Delicacies 53  Our Footprints Around Spain 59  Messages from Korean Colleagues 60  Concluding Words
On March 16, 2023, just three days after returning from the International Talent Programme (ITP) 2023, this year's six students hosted a reception in downtown Tokyo for Hitotsubashi ITP alumni. The participants ranged from the class of 2008 through 2020, from countries such as China, Hungary, Malaysia, South Korea, Turkey, and Japan. Still jetlagged, the current ITP students organized an enjoyable party, which recaptured the heart-warming and fun-loving spirit that has always been a hallmark of ITP. Coincidentally, that evening marked the first time in 11 years that the South Korean President and Japanese Prime Minister held a summit meeting in downtown Tokyo to mend ties following years of dispute between the two nations regarding forced labor during Japan's occupation of the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945. The Tokyo Summit became a reality largely due to Korean South President Yoon's initiative to create a public foundation funded by private Korean companies to compensate victims of the forced labor. The Tokyo summit took place a few blocks away from our reception venue, as two country leaders and family members dined at "Renga-tei," a historic Western-style restaurant. According to the media, the venue was chosen in response to President Yoon stating that he could never forget the taste of Japanese "omurice" or fried rice wrapped in an omelette. President Yoon's father had studied at Hitotsubashi University at one point, and clearly President Yoon has a fond memory of visiting Japan and enjoying the taste of omurice as a youth. The Chairman of Bergé once said that creating personal and emotional ties between countries will promote business and trade much more effectively than international policies and treaties. The establishment of ITP has certainly fostered such personal mutual understanding and respect among Spain, South Korea, Japan, and the world. Our Tokyo get-together was a living proof of this ethos, as was the Tokyo Summit taking place at the same time. I would like to convey my deepest appreciation to everyone at Bergé y Compañía who developed and carried out the International Talent Programme - Chairman Mr. Jaime Gorbeña, and International Talent Programme Coordinator Ms. Lucía Los Arcos Magdalena, wonderful Bergé mentors and staff members, all of whom have taken great care of our students these 14 years. ¡Gracias por todo!本体験記内には、職場の同僚とワインを飲むといったビジネスシーンの表記や写真があります。スペインでは昼食の一部としてワインを１～２杯飲み、その中で商談や懇談を行うのが一般的な慣習です。昼食の後もまた働くわけですから深酒はしません。日本における接待や懇談に相当する部分が午後２時から４時の間に行われているといった感覚です。一方で、酔って大声を上げたり、はしゃいだり、迷惑をかける行為は大人らしさを欠く行為としてタブーとされています（お祭りはその限りではありません）。上手にお酒をたしなむことはスペイン文化において人間関係構築の潤滑油として根付いています。これらの文化背景を踏まえた上で飲酒に関する表記をご理解いただければ幸いです。 Jin Abe Associate Professor Director Center for Global Education and Exchange Hitotsubashi University
Life is a Dream: Freedom, Lockdown “Imprisonment”, and Life Lessons Welcome back to Japan! The magnificent Spanish philosophical play "Life is a Dream" written by Calderón de la Barca in 1636, dramatizes the human situation and the mystery of life. The play has been described as a supreme example of "Spanish Age Drama". The story focuses on the fictional Segismundo, Prince of Poland, who has been imprisoned in a tower, since birth, by his father, King Basilio, following a dire prophecy that the prince would bring disaster to the country and death to the King. Under unusual circumstances, after having lived for several decades in his prison tower, Segismundo is briefly freed, but is quickly imprisoned again after spending an event-filled day outside. You could easily say that he lived a lifetime in that one day. However, upon awaking in his prison cell, the prince is convinced that everything he experienced was all just a dream. Comparing Segismundo's experience in Life is a Dream to the Covid-19 lockdown, one can draw parallels between the feeling of being trapped and limited by external circumstances. During the lockdown, the International Talent Program went into a three- year hiatus. Just like Segismundo trapped in his prison cell, many of us were "imprisoned" in our homes with our movements and interactions with others severely restricted, unable to fully participate in society, and engage with the world around us. This situation left us feeling powerless and frustrated. Moreover, we were forced to confront our own mortality and consider the bigger picture. Segismundo grapples with the question of whether life is just a dream or if there is something more to it, while the Covid-19 lockdown made us realize the importance of taking care of our physical and mental health, and the value of our connections with others. We were reminded that life is precious and that we should cherish the moments we have with loved ones. As difficult as these experiences were, they ultimately lead to personal growth and a greater appreciation for the precious moments of life. Now, back in Japan, as you return to your regular lives, it is important to reflect on the significance of this experience. In the words of Calderón de la Barca, "Life is a dream, and dreams, are only dreams." This quote captures the fleeting nature of our experiences and the importance of cherishing every moment. Just like Segismundo, you have the potential to rule your own kingdom, to shape your own destiny, and to make an impact in the lives of those around you. Your five-week internship has undoubtedly been a transformative experience, which truly was a dream come true. We know that you worked hard and made the most of your time living in Madrid and working at Bergé y Compañía. You gained valuable knowledge and skills, made new connections, and were exposed to a different culture and ways of working that will undoubtedly shape your future and contribute to your personal and professional growth that will be invaluable as you move forward in your career and personal life. However, like all dreams, your internship has come to an end, and it is now up to you to make the most of the lessons you have learned. This booklet encourages you to reflect on your experiences, to ask questions, and because of putting the 60-page manuscript together, you have continued to seek out opportunities for growth and development. Welcome to this new chapter in your life. Let the play Life is a Dream be a metaphor for the limitless potential that lies within you. As you navigate this journey, remember to hold onto your dreams, embrace your strengths, and seize the opportunities that come your way. With a positive mindset and a willingness to take risks, you can make your dreams a reality and create a life that is full of joy, purpose, and meaning. Congratulations on completing your internship! John F. Mancuso Associate Professor Hitotsubashi University Mori Arinori Institute for Higher Education And Global Mobility, Center for General Education Schedule 曜日時限Instructors教員秋冬学期水曜日４限ときに４～５限(15:15～最大18:55)阿部仁ジョンF.マンキューソ
Course Outline 授業概要
異文化交流研修(春期・スペイン企業派遣)では、春季休業期間に5週間、スペイン・Bergé社にて、グループスタディ形式で異文化に触れ、講義、研修、実習に参加する。
Attainment Target 授業科目の到達目標
文化の違いを越えて協働する経験を通じ、グローバル社会で実力を発揮できる自信を育て、異文化環境におけるコミュニケーション能力(自分から発信する力、異なる考えを受信する力)を向上することを学習目標とする。
Grading Criteria 成績評価の方法
オリエンテーションプログラムへの参加とクラス運営(役割)への貢献度(30%)、派遣先によるパフォーマンス評定(30%)、体験記の完成(40％)により総合評価する。妥当な理由がない限り欠席は2回までとし3回以上欠席したものはFとする。

C A L E N D E R
2 0 2 3

M E M B E R
I N T R O D U C T I O N S
Chikage Tomita
Faculty : Social Science Year : Sophomore Curiosity, learning, and experience are three of my strengths. Whenever I am at a major point of my life, I always cherish these strengths, and yes, I am about to be at major turning point. I am currently enrolled in the second year of university, and despite lack of recognition of my lifetime interest and knowledge about business, I am urged to think about my future career. A deeper reason why I applied for this program is that I want to explore myself at this pivotal point in my life and be more knowledgeable about global business community. When I first came across this program, I thought this program would provide me with the opportunities to learn about what it is like to work aboard and whether working outside Japan is suitable for me or not. Throughout the five-week internship, I would like to not only acquire business skills, but also know more about myself. On top of that, I am completely new to Spain. I do not know a single word in Spanish, the Spanish lifestyle, as well as Spanish culture. With my curiosity in a new world, desire to learn, and expand my experience, I am excited to go on an adventure with my fellow colleagues and always, to have a wonderful time there!
Ryota Akiyama
Faculty：Economics Year : Sophomore
Jodee Chia
Faculty：Commerce Year：Sophomore It is a great honor that I was chosen as a member of this program. I am writing this self- introduction with a big expectation that participating in the International Talent Program will give me a lot of great experiences. I like to communicate with people because that broadens my view and is a good chance to realize different ways of thinking. No doubt there will be many chances to improve myself during this program. At first, what I was just interested in was going abroad and working in a foreign company, However, as I researched about this program, I started to develop a stronger desire to join this program because I can learn not only communication skills, but also some practical skills such as marketing used at Bergé y Compañía, one of the biggest companies in Spain. One of my dreams is running my own company, so for this big dream, l will try my best to make a big progress while in this program. As the saying goes, "The moment you stop accepting challenges is the moment you stop moving forward." I live by the idea of stepping out of my comfort zone and constantly challenging myself to reach a new height. Leaving my home country, Malaysia, and pursuing tertiary education in a new environment, Japan, had never been easy. However, I have been enjoying every moment of it, the hardship alongside with the rewards it offers. I stumbled upon the International Talent Program at Bergé y Compañia while I was casually scrolling across the homepage of Hitotsubashi University, but this program caught my attention in no time. The international work environment, the trip to Spain, the culture exchange experience it offers is as if a dream had come true to me. I have always longed to be a global citizen and l believe this program will be a steppingstone to my goal. On top of that, exploring Spain has always been on my bucket list since I started studying Spanish.  I am eager to see what this five-week program holds for me and what awaits me in the "country of passion".
Riko Yoshimura
Faculty : Social Science Year : Sophomore My future dream is to run a business in a Spanish- speaking country. I started to have an interest in such countries when I read several books about South America. The difference between Japan and the countries in the book was really attractive to me because people in those countries seemed to be so generous and the scenery of the cities looked lovely, and I hoped to work in one of those countries someday in the future. This dream is a little relevant to the Spanish language. In the countries where I want to go in the future, Spanish is often the official language although other languages are spoken in South America. So, because of this fact, I also began to have an interest in Spain. I looked up Spain on the internet, and I learned Spain is the country that has a truly unique culture and a lot of beautiful architecture. From my future plan and interest in the Spanish language and the country of Spain, I decided to apply to this internship program. Through this program, I want to be a better Spanish speaker and learn how people in Spain work. I have never been abroad, so I only know about the Japanese workstyle. This may cause difficulties when I work in other countries in the future. By experiencing this internship in Spain, I want to learn about another way to work and be accustomed to the workstyle in other countries for the success of my future plan. I am confident that this internship will help me realize my dream and give me various skills and knowledge.
Yoshiaki Abe
Faculty：Commerce and Management Year : Sophomore It is a great honor to participate in the Bergé International Talent Programme. It would be fair to say that I am most looking forward to this program because I have been dreaming of making use of my ability on the international stage. At Hitotsubashi University, I mainly study commerce and management such as marketing, finance, and accounting. I also have been doing an internship at a Japanese startup and so I have learned the difficulty of doing business. Hence, I would like to find a way to apply that knowledge and experience to the global business world. Furthermore, I heard that there are a lot of differences between Spain and Japan from the perspectives of culture, working style, and the way of thinking. I expect that I can reflect on myself by working in Bergé y Compañía and experiencing Spanish culture such as seeing historic monuments, visiting famous places, eating Spanish food, and the engaging with the various people I will meet during the five-week internship. All my experiences in Spain, no matter how trivial, will be helpful for my future in order to work with those who have diverse backgrounds.
Natsuki Nakamura
Faculty：Commerce Year：Freshman l became intrigued by this International Talent Program when I discovered that Korean and Japanese students travel and work together. When I was in high school, I attended an online design-thinking program. The program participants had various backgrounds and from them, I could learn unique opinions which I had never thought of before. I found that people with different backgrounds can stimulate each other and make the project much better. As I don't have any travel and work experience in other countries, this International Talent Program is very exciting for me. I am sure that I can absorb a lot of knowledge from all the experiences I will have in Spain. Presently, I am in the university club which runs shops located in Kunitachi City, and I have a big interest in real management. This program is also a great opportunity for me to learn real management at Bergé y Compañía, which is one of the biggest companies in Spain. In the future, I want to work as an accountant. To understand the company accurately, accountants need to know many companies' working styles. This program will enhance my knowledge of working in an overseas company.

C O M P A Ñ Í A
I N T R O D U C T I O N
About
Bergé y Compañía is an investor holding group first established in Bilbao in 1870 as a ship broker and stevedoring company. Between 1940 and 1960 the corporation established a nationwide network, opening offices at principal ports in Spain. In 1979, Bergé y Compañía began to diversify with the importation of automotive distribution companies. Since then, the group has expanded into new areas such as finance, logistics, insurance brokerage, environment, and new technologies. Currently, with a team of more than 4,500 people, Bergé y Compañía is a leader in two sectors: the automotive and logistics services. Present in 16 countries, the group has two main sub-holdings: Bergé, whose main activities are intermodal logistic services: and Astara, dedicated to the distribution of automobiles and the development of mobility projects within the new digital economy. This year, in 2023, the company sees the 153rd anniversary of its foundation. Bergé y Compañía intends to strengthen the bond with Japan and South Korea by offering Hitotsubashi University and Chung-Ang University students a chance to participate in the International Talent Programme. Since 2008, more than a hundred outstanding students have participated in the programme, gained priceless experiences, and have made wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
Divisions
Bergé (Infrastructure and Logistic Services) Developed to port operations, vehicle logistics, energy logistics, general logistics, and shipping. Leading company in handling goods via ports, ship brokerage, comprehensive car logistics, outsourcing of industrial logistics and transportation of wind-powered generators and their components from the manufacturing source to their destinations. Bodega Castillo de Cuzcurrita (Cuzcurrita Castle Winery) Built from the late 14th to the early 15th Century, had been subject of various purchases and sales, until 1999 when it was acquired by Bergé y Compañía, producing approximately 72,000 bottles of outstanding Rioja wine annually. Astara (Automotive) Astara is an open, personal and sustainable mobility company. We help you go where you want to go, your way. We offer solutions that range from vehicle ownership to pay-per-use (subscription and sharing).
Colección Bergé
(Contemporary Art Collection) Works from emerging artists that reflect our reality and projection to the future with references from the past and the beginnings of art. The collection is representative of the company and its 153 years of history, with a desire to always look to the future. Bergé's office is located on the third floor of an impressive office building. The building has elevators with glass doors, uses cool colors and overall, the impression is a truly modern look. When we entered the office, we immediately saw the front desk. The women at the front desk always greeted us with a smile. Also, in this area there were some ornaments that are relevant to logistics, like a model ship and a rudder. The office was mainly separated into two parts: meeting rooms and places for individuals to work. The meeting room walls were made of glass, and all the offices had large windows that allowed a lot of light to enter. Partly because of that feature, the office has a bright atmosphere and it made us feel comfortable to work. Also, at the places individuals work, there were computers for each employee, and that is where they basically do most of their work. My impression of the office was that it focused on the ease of working for its employees. In the office, there are two places for coffee breaks, and we often interacted with our mentors there. The coffee break rooms were not only used as an area to rest but also as a place to have a conversation so work topics could be further explored. O F F I C E
L I F E
Bergé We were divided into different departments according to our areas of interest, and our mentors each specialized in the job we were going to do for the five weeks. Riko belonged to the department of human resources, and Jodee belonged to the legal department. Our mentors looked so busy, but they often took time out of their busy schedule to take care of us. We were allotted work by our mentors, and we did it ourselves but sometimes we asked our mentors questions or for assistance. For example, we received explanations about the departments we belonged to, joined meetings, made slides on certain themes, made reports for our mentors, and gave presentations to them. We went to the office and started work at nine in the morning. First, we did our task for a few hours and then took a break while drinking coffee. This coffee drinking time was not just a break, but a good time to interact with mentors and Korean colleagues. After a few more hours of work, we had lunch at about 2 pm. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, after lunch, we had Spanish class. And we continued our work again and left the office at 5 pm. This schedule was our routine. At the end of the internship, we made a final presentation regarding each theme important to our departments. On the last day, each of us gave a presentation and demonstrated what we had learned. Our mentors gave us their opinions and we expressed our appreciation. Thanks to the mentors who kindly taught us how to work, we were able to make successful presentations. Astara is a member of the Bergé y Compañía group and provides automobile logistics service. They oversee logistics, storage, inspection, and delivery of a variety of types of automobiles such as new cars, used cars, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles. Moreover, they aim to provide efficient and high-quality services which match customers' needs. Their mission is to become a leading company in automobile logistics. Also, they place importance on consideration for the environment and achievement of social responsibility. For example, they actively try to reduce the amount of CO2 and utilize renewable energy. At the same time, they collaborate with the local community from the perspectives of culture, education, and sports. Interns are assigned to a variety of departments: finance, marketing, logistics, human resources, etc. The finance department plays an important role in managing money. By analyzing B/S (balance sheets) or P/L (profit and loss statements), they suggest how the company can make a profit more efficiently and effectively. As for the marketing department, Astara is making every effort to promote marketing on social media such as TikTok. As they follow the trend, they can take effective measures. The logistics department tries to make the transportation of goods operate smoothly and safely. When you go to Ciempozuelos center, you can see an array of various cars and how they are delivered from other countries. Human resources foster the company's ability by hiring people who want to make use of their ability in Astara. At the same time, they try to improve the work environment by providing employees with a safe and comfortable place to work.

L I F E-
Astara When you first visit the office, on the ground floor, a large screen greets you with the word, "Welcome". The screen provides visitors and workers with OR everyone with information about Astara world market share and it is updated in real time. You may be surprised how Astara has contributed to world trade and this area is one of the coolest parts of the Astara office. Also, some interns took Spanish classes, and because of all the natural light which came through the many windows we were always happy. The first and second floors are named as "Forward" and "Better" respectively. The floor plan is similar to each other. There are desks for employees and a lot of meeting rooms. Every time you go there, you can see people work seriously and, at the same time, you become eager to work hard. Then in "Further", the third floor, you can see lovely scenery from the rooftop. There is a big conference room which is used for an important meeting. Also, this floor is quiet because people mainly work in the first and second floor. The first basement floor is called "Mobility Lab". There are some meeting rooms and all of them look like a laboratory for repair and inspection. It seems to me that everyone loves this floor because there is an eating space and a coffee machine. Staff can chat with teammates in the morning and they can take coffee breaks whenever they want. The second basement floor is called "Parking". This area houses many cool cars. Seeing them all will take your breath away! O F F I C I A L   V I S I T S A N D A C T I V I T I E S Palacio Real de Madrid As a first official visit organized by Bergé y Compañía, we, all six Japanese and six Korean colleagues, visited the Palacio Real de Madrid. This was the first time during the five-week internship that Japanese and Koreans did something as a group. The current Palacio Real de Madrid was rebuilt in the 18th century by Felipe V. Presently, the king of Spain and the royal fazmily do not live in the building, but it is still used for important government events. Thankfully, the building is open to the public so we can take a tour and see many of the beautiful rooms. After visiting the Palacio Peal de Madrid, we went to eat lunch with our mentor, Miha. This was a good opportunity to introduce ourselves to our Korean colleagues. We enjoyed great Spanish food and talking with our new friends as well.
Trip to Cuzcurrita Day 1
As a second official trip, we visited Cuzcurrita, where the and great meals as well. wine factory run by Bergé y Compañía is located. The On the first day we ate lunch together and toured the wine vineyard is located in a small village and has a population factory. After that, we ate dinner in the castle, which is also of only around 500. We all enjoyed the beautiful cityscapes the hotel we stayed in.
On the second day, in the morning, we walked around the     Catedral de Burgos. It is a cathedral made for the Blessed castle where we stayed and enjoyed talking about this Virgin Mary. beautiful city. Then we left Cuzucrrita for Burgos to see the Ciempozuelos Logistic Center On February 15, we visited Ciempozuelos, where one of the     exported, and distributed through Bergé y Compañía's logistic center operated by Bergé y Compañía is located. We extensive network. took a tour of the center and learned how cars are imported, Dinner at the Japanese Ambassador's House On February 17, all Japanese students were invited to a     food served there was amazing. We spent a great time with dinner held in the Japanese ambassador's house hosted by the host, Ambassador Takahiro Nakamae, and learned a lot the Ambassador himself. It was a great honor for us, and the from our discussion with him. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Tour & Atlético Madrid Football Match February 19 was a busy day for us because we went to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium to take a tour and then had the opportunity to watch a home game between Atlético Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao. its history. After that, we went to watch the football game. The game was interesting and all of us got a precious experience. Atlético Madrid won the match 1 to 0. As some may know, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is the home stadium of one of the best teams on earth: Real Madrid. We could learn how the team is great by learning We watched "La Liga" live!! Trip to Toledo On February 25, we went on our last official trip—a trip to      is popular with tourists. We enjoyed the great landscape and Toledo. Toledo is one of the most famous cities in Spain learned Spanish history directly by walking the city streets and entering some of the buildings. because it was the capital of Spain before Felipe II moved the capital to Madrid. This is one of the reasons why Toledo Bergé Contemporary Art Collectio On March 1, we visited the contemporary art collection work. All the art exhibited in the collection owned by Bergé y Compañía. Bergé has this collection and a good explanation led us to understand the works for their employees. It aims at making them inspired from deeper.
Weekday By Natsuki
7:00-7:50 MORNING
On weekdays, I usually woke up at around 7:00 AM. I'm not good at waking up early, so sometimes other team members. called me to wake me up. When I finished preparing for the work, I would go down to the hotel's ground floor to eat breakfast there. I enjoyed tasty coffee and many kinds of 8:00-9:00 COMMUTING
9:00-17:30 WORK
orked at the Bergé Astara offices in the marketing department and did research about car promotions on SNS, made PowerPoint presentations, and sometimes did face-to-face or online meetings with my mentors. They helped me a lot and gave me some advice about my work. 14:00-16:00  SPANISH CLASS Every Tuesday and Thursday after lunch, my colleagues and I had a Spanish class. We were divided into two classes and studied Spanish for an hour. The classes were held online, so we talked with our teacher through teams. It was sometimes difficult to take classes online, but it was very convenient because we could take classes from other colleagues and ate hamburgers, pizzas, and sandwiches. I also went to a Japanese food restaurant once and enjoyed Japanese noodles. However, the food was quite expensive, so I cooked pasta and rice at the hotel and started to bring a bento from the third week. In the Astara office, there are tableware and icrowave ovens, so I could enjoy my bento.
11:00-14:00 SHOPPING
On weekends, a few colleagues and I would go to some shopping areas on foot. I especially enjoyed shopping near the Sol train station. Fashionable clothes shops are located there. One day I bought a shirt and shoes and one of my colleagues bought a few accessories.
14:30-17:30 PRADO MUI
The Prado Museum is a 20-minute walk from There are more than 1,700 works by world-famo painters such as Goya, El Greco, and Velazquez. The museum is huge, and three hours is not enough to see all the artworks. I have seen some copies of these works in 17:30-18:30 CAFÉ TIM There are many stylish cafés nearby our hotel colleagues in the cafe Weekend By Ryota nearby our hotel. There are many kinds of restaurants, but Spanish food restaurants and tapas bars are especially good. We ordered some dishes and shared them. On other days, we cooked by ourselves in our room. Once, we cooked okonomiyaki and shared it with some of our Korean )-20:00 VISIT A CATHEDRA visit, but we couldn't have time to go to the cathedral next to it, so I went there alone. The interior of the cathedral was very impressive. When I visited there, a mass was being held, and I could feel the holy atmosphere. The cathedral was lit up in the night and was very beautiful.

Chikage
Tomita
During my time in the human resources department at Astara, I was initially tasked with the responsibility of researching other companies in the car industry and their employee retention strategies. However, as the weeks progressed, I was given more opportunities to work in different areas of the department. I was particularly interested in the international sector, where I was able to assist with the standardization of English language requirements for the company. To do this, I researched various English training programs offered by other offices. On another occasion, I worked with the environmental sector on designing suitable office environments for Astara.
Work
As I immersed myself in various aspects of the human resources department, I began to appreciate the significance of their work. Their roles went beyond recruitment and employee welfare, as they were the driving force behind maintaining the company's office culture and fostering inter-departmental connections. Overall, my experience at Astra taught me that human resources are integral to a company's success. They are not just responsible for the people, but also for the office environment and communication channels that connect the different departments. It was a valuable lesson that gave me a hint to deicide my future career. Leading a team in a program can be a challenging experience, especially when trying to navigate the dynamics of a group with diverse backgrounds and personalities. As the leader of the Japan team, I faced many obstacles in determining how to balance taking care of my team and allowing them their own space. One of the most difficult parts of my role was knowing when to intervene in someone's personal space. There were times when I noticed a team member feeling lonely or isolated, but I struggled with deciding whether to approach them or not. I wondered if they needed their space to work through their feelings, or if my presence would be a welcome source of comfort. Furthermore, building friendships within the team was also a
Challenges
challenge for me. With team members hailing from different communities and backgrounds, it was difficult to establish a bond. As a leader, I felt the pressure of ensuring that everyone felt comfortable and included, but this proved to be a difficult task. Despite these challenges, I learned that being a good leader requires a delicate balance of knowing when to intervene and when to allow your team to work through situations on their own. It also means being patient and taking the time to understand each team member's unique background and perspective. While it was a difficult experience, I came out of the program with newfound leadership skills that will serve me well in the future. Spain is a country that has left a lasting impression on me. What stood out the most was the incredible work-life balance that the Spanish people seemed to have. The Spanish are enthusiastic and passionate about life, and their warmth and kindness were felt everywhere we went. The people were very friendly and always seemed to have a smile on their faces, which made it easy to connect with them. The food was another highlight of my trip. The Spanish are famous for their delicious cuisine, and every meal we had was a culinary adventure. From paella to tapas to churros, there was always something new and exciting to try. In addition to the food, I was impressed by the fashion sense of the Spanish people. They were always well-dressed and stylish, and it seemed like they took great pride in their appearance. Finally, traveling around Spain was an unforgettable experience. The country is filled with breathtaking scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether it was exploring the stunning architecture of Barcelona or the historic streets of Madrid, there was never a dull moment. Overall, my impression of Spain is that it is a country that values work-life balance, hospitality, and good living. I hope to return someday and continue to explore all that this amazing country has to offer.
My Impression of Spain
Achievements
When I first started my five-week internship at the office, I was filled with apprehension and uncertainty. I wasn't sure if I would fit in with my colleagues or be able to handle the workload. However, l was fortunate to work with an amazing boss and colleagues who were very welcoming and supportive. Their kindness and concern helped me overcome my initial nervousness and allowed me to enjoy my job. I recognized the importance of having a healthy work-life balance, and I made an effort to enjoy the friendship of my colleagues outside of work hours. This allowed me to build stronger relationships with them and to appreciate the value of having a supportive work environment. Overall, my experience at the office taught me the importance of balancing responsibility and fun. It showed me that with the support of a positive work environment and a great team, it is possible to overcome any initial doubts or uncertainties and thrive in a new work environment.

R E F L E C T I O N S
Ryota
Akiyama
This program was my first time doing an internship, so before starting to work, I was a little nervous. I was in the Astara IT department, which controls all Internet devices used in Astara and analyzes the data by using statistics. The first problem was caused by language. English was the only language I could use to communicate in the company, but both my mentor and I are not native English speakers. Sometimes it was hard for us to say what we wanted to say. However, my mentor, who is the leader of the department, was a great person and spent a lot of time helping me until I perfectly understood my task. Since I was in the IT department, my work was mainly about data. My mentor gave me the data and I made a presentation which shows the problems
Work
revealed by the data. For example, one of my tasks was analyzing the data related to printers. My mentor gave me the data which included the information about when, where, by who, and how many sheets were printed through a year separated by month. I made some tables and graphs from the data, and then analyzed it to know whether the way of using the printer was appropriate. From this information, I made a presentation showing some problems and possible solutions and made a presentation to my mentor. This is just one example of all of my work. I did many kinds of tasks related to IT. All these experiences were new to me and definitely had a good effect on my life. Since this Internship is held in a foreign country, where English is not a native language, everything was new to me and of course I had many difficulties. However, these difficulties were never negative to me, rather they were chances to improve myself. Through this program I tried to do many kinds of activities, from making daily conversation in English to working in a Spanish company, which seemed hard for me. Out of all my challenges, one of the biggest challenges was communicating with people only in English. Besides talking only with my Japanese colleagues, I spoke English the rest of my time, which was most of the day. This was my first experience to speak English so much and
Challenges
this situation continued till March 12. At first, I had difficulties just listening to what people were saying. Facing this problem, I sometimes asked to speak slowly and sometimes asked the meaning of a word. I never gave up trying to understand what they were saying. This had slowly but surely improved my English skills. After some weeks passed, I was much better at communicating in English, but far from perfect though. These steps of learning and results gave me confidence and helped in not only when I should speak English, but also when to try to start something new. I am not saying that this situation was easy or did not have difficulties, but all such challenges obviously will become essential in my life.
Achievements
This was my first time to stay in the foreign county such a long time. Everything was new to me. My achievements are mainly two. One is related to Work. I had never joined any internship even in Japan, so this was my first chance to know what companies are like. I also had interests in working in a foreign company. Starting to work in Astara, I noticed that working in the company is different from my image. I am not sure about Japanese companies' standard, but in Astara, working seemed to be flexible. At first, I was given several tasks from my mentor which had different deadlines. Then I should manage my time to complete all of them. Sometimes new tasks come before finishing everything, so it was a little hard for me. However, from this experience I learned      an interest in boxing as well. the tips of what is work and how I manage time to finish tasks smoothly. The second achievement is about English. During this problem, I tried to speak as much English as possible. This helped me a lot to learn how to "communicate" in English. I did not get new vocabulary or new high-level grammar, however, I learned a lot about how to use my English in real conversation. I tried to dive into this new world. For example, I joined a boxing class held in the Astara office. In it, no one except the one who invited me could hardly speak English, but I finally got used to it. I learned some Spanish and little about boxing from them. This precious experience made me confident to try something new and gave me Before joining this program, all I knew about Spain was only the Sagrada Família and that Spain is called the country of passion. So, when I arrived in Spain, I was first impressed by the beautiful cityscapes. All the streets were like ones in movies, and all the people seemed to be film characters. All the food was great too, especially tortilla was my favorite. I really like Spanish cities, culture, and buildings. However, one point I love the most is the people of Spain. People were really kind, and I loved their smiles. Every time I talked with Spanish people, they made eye contact and smiled till the end of our conversation. I felt this was different from Japanese culture. In the company, I had many similar experiences. When Spanish people passed by each other, whoever he/she was, they would say "Hola" or "Buenos", which meant "Hello" or "Good morning". At first it seemed unusual to me, but soon I understood that this made people happy. Additionally, in the morning, many people were in front of the coffee machine and had a conversation mainly about their work. I felt that people in Spain were more open to other people and tried to make small communication with others compared to people in Japan. As a conclusion, I loved and enjoyed Spanish food, cities, historic buildings, and people there. I want to visit Spain again.
My Impression of Spain

Jodee
Chia Assigned to the Compliance section of the Legal Department at Bergé, I was initially apprehensive due to my lack of prior experience in this field. However, my mentor, Virginia, was incredibly helpful in orienting me to the department's operation and has provided me with the opportunities to attend training sessions with external parties. To further deepen my understanding of compliance, I was tasked with researching and compiling reports on critical areas such as the Whistle Blowing Channel, Data Protection, and Anti-Corruption Policies of Bergé. Additionally, I provided my insights into the company's current Code of Conduct, allowing me to gain a more comprehensive
Work
perspective on the organization's ethical standards. For my final task, I was required to present a detailed explanation of the compliance department's roles to my Korean colleagues and mentors. It was a fantastic opportunity for me to showcase my learning and demonstrate my understanding of the team's vital responsibilities. This unique experience has been truly invaluable, as it has given me a broader understanding of the legal aspects. I felt privileged to be a part of a team responsible for ensuring that the organization operates within legal boundaries while also safeguarding its reputation and credibility. Initially, being assigned to the Legal Department as a commerce student seemed like a daunting task for me. Legal terms and concepts were not a part of my area of expertise, and I had to put in double the effort to keep up and learn as quickly as possible. However, my lack of familiarity with legal matters did not diminish my interest in the field. Despite taking only a few law classes during my time at university, I have always been intrigued by legal issues, particularly because of their close association to the finance sector, which is where I hope to build my career. During my stint at the Legal Department,
Challenges
I had the opportunity to attend joint meetings with the Finance Department, which provided a better understanding of how the two departments operate in tandem. While it has been challenging to navigate a field that I am not as familiar with, I have been eager to learn and have been actively seeking opportunities to expand my legal knowledge. I believe that my time at the Legal Department had been a challenging but rewarding experience, and this experience will definitely be an asset to my overall personal and professional growth. From the moment I set foot in Spain, I was struck by the slow- paced and relaxed vibe of the country. Even in Madrid, a bustling metropolis, I felt a sense of calm and tranquility that I had never experienced before. It was as if time moved differently in Spain, giving me a chance to truly unwind and appreciate the beauty of the country. As I traveled throughout Spain, I was continually amazed by the abundance of artistic expression that surrounded me. From the colorful street art in Barcelona to the mesmerizing flamenco dance performances in Seville, creativity and beauty seemed to be everywhere. When it came to nightlife, the experience was unlike anything I had ever encountered before. It wasn't about getting drunk, but rather enjoying life and socializing with others. Of course, I couldn't leave Spain without indulging in the amazing food. The flavors were bold and exciting, and there was such a variety of dishes to try. Personally, the tapas that won my heart were the calamares near Plaza Mayor, and I lost count of how many churros con chocolate I devoured. Not to forget the delicious sangria and wine that flowed so freely as well. I remember one of my mentors warning us that visiting Spain first might set our expectations too high for the rest of Europe. And while I haven't yet been to other European countries, I can see why she said that. The chill atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and amazing food have all left an indelible mark on my heart. I'm grateful that Spain was my first European country, and no matter where I am in the world, I know that sipping wine or dancing the night away will always bring back memories of my unforgettable five weeks in Spain.
My Impression of Spain
Despite the initial language barrier, I was able to communicate effectively with my colleagues at Bergé, and even showcase my capabilities. Thankfully, my colleagues had a good command of English, which made the communication process much smoother. It was the first time in a long time that I had been in a country where I didn't speak the native language, so being able to thrive there for five weeks, while having fun and forming new connections with my colleagues, was one of my biggest achievements.
Achievements
My time at Bergé has also allowed me to fine-tune my soft skills, as I learned that academic knowledge alone is not enough to succeed in the workplace. The ability to connect and communicate with others is extremely vital in any workplace, and I was fortunate enough to have this realization early on in my career. The work culture in Spain, where there are multiple breaks during the workday, presented its own challenges in terms of bonding with colleagues, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and eventually got the hang of it.

Riko
Yoshimura
Work
As an intern in the Human Resources department of Bergé y Compañía in Madrid, I had the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the field of HR. I researched the company's policies and procedures to familiarize myself with the department's responsibilities. Networking with my colleagues in the HR department and listening to them about their work helped me gain a better understanding of HR practices and make valuable connections in the field. I also took Spanish classes to improve my communication skills with Spanish-speaking colleagues. Throughout my internship, I was given a variety of tasks, researching strategies of other companies about welfare, making presentations, and reading the book, "For Your Improvement" about the abilities and competences that are essential for work in terms of human resources. Also, I had never been abroad, so it was a fresh and interesting experience to communicate with my colleagues in English. I talked about various topics with my colleagues. They taught me not only about my job, but areas not directly related to work, like the history of Spain. I think it was a very valuable experience for me. Overall, my internship at Bergé was a transformative experience. I gained valuable skills and knowledge in the field of HR, and had the opportunity to immerse myself in the culture of Madrid. I think that this internship in Spain had a very positive impact on me, who had little overseas experience. The first challenge I experienced was the barrier of language. I had never been to other countries until joining this program, so this was my first experience communicating in a different country and using a language different from my native one. In daily conversation, I had to use Spanish, but I could speak only a little Spanish. So I was a little reluctant to even go shopping alone at a store. Also, at first, I was afraid to talk with my mentor and Korean colleagues in English because I thought my English ability is not so high and I was worried about what I would do if my feelings were not conveyed well. I was able to solve this language problem later, but the language barrier was a pretty big problem for me to have a conversation with people around me. Moreover, I noticed that the reason why I couldn't express my feelings well to others was not only the language barrier, but also my own problems. So, my second challenge was that I was not very good at voicing my opinion perhaps because there are not so many people who assert themselves strongly in Japan and I didn't get used to expressing my opinion clearly. Therefore, I often showed shyness and could not express my thoughts well. I was frustrated with myself because I couldn't express my opinions well and compared myself to the other members. I feel that this weakness has improved a little through the internship, but it has not been completely improved. Therefore, I feel that it will be my future task.
Challenges
Before I went to Spain, I had the impression that Spain was a cheerful and passionate country, and that image didn't change after I arrived there. The people I met in Spain were friendly and welcoming and the streets of Madrid were always alive with energy, so I immediately felt a favorable impression of the country. Also, I have long admired European architecture, so when I first saw the streets of Madrid, I was really moved. The street view was of course very beautiful, and not only the cultural properties but also the houses where people live were beautiful too. In Spain, I visited many cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Toledo, Granada, etc. Each city had its own characteristics, and I feel that Spain is a country that has cultural diversity. I guess this cultural diversity comes from the complex history of culture. And I felt the Spanish "passionate" aspect when I went to see a football game. Perhaps because the home of one team was in Madrid, the spectators who came to see the game were so overjoyed when their team scored a goal, and they were very angry when their team's players were given a yellow card. I was shocked by the intensity of emotional ups and downs. From this experience, I understood why Spain is called, "The Land of Passion".
My Impression of Spain
It was my first time living in another country, so I was surprised and happy about how much I was able to accomplish, which was far more than I imagined. First, I could learn various information from people I communicated with in Spain. I talked with Japanese colleagues from Hitotsubashi, colleagues from Korea, and Bergé colleagues. They each had their own personality and charm. Some of them were very different from the people I have met in my life so far, and sometimes they had values that are completely different from my own. So, I was often surprised when learning about such personal perspectives. However, I think learning about new values from Spaniards was a very fresh and good experience for me. In particular, I think the Korean colleagues were some of the people I interacted with the most in this program. Perhaps because Korea and Japan belong to the same East Asian region, they often have commonalities in terms of culture and language,
Achievements
and it was very interesting to discover them together. Also, I feel that I was able to grow through communication with them. When I arrived in Spain, I was afraid to have communication with people in English. I was afraid that my feelings would not be conveyed to the others because of the language barrier, so, at first, I talked with only Japanese members. However, I thought that I could not continue in this manner, and I started to actively try to talk with people other than Japanese members, even when I couldn't speak English well, I found people around me tried to understand me, and my feelings were transmitted to them more than I imagined. After realizing that, I began to more actively communicate with them. This growth had a very positive impact on me, as a person who wants to go to various countries and work abroad in the future.

R E F L E C T I O N S
Yoshiaki
Abe
Work
I was assigned to the Astara finance department. Members of the finance team mainly analyze profit and loss statements (P/ L) and balance sheets (B/L) to consider asset investments and cost savings. I was given the opportunity to analyze profit and loss statements, issue invoices, and hold one-on-one meetings with members of the Portuguese branch. All tasks were interesting to me. However, the most challenging and rewarding task was the one-on-one meetings. My mentor, Ana, asked me to set up one-on-one meetings with six members in the Portuguese finance team to learn about their tasks and find room for improvements. Since it was the first time to organize meetings and conduct interviews in English, I was very nervous. However, with Ana's help and a lot of practice, I gradually got accustomed to doing interviews. Through this task, I was surprised by how rewarding the finance team tasks were. I had the fixed idea that all they must do was to analyze figures on the P/L sheet and B/L sheet. However, since they oversaw different companies and those companies provided Astara with different types of automobiles (private cars, ambulances, and trucks), the figures on sheets have connotations and this is the most rewarding aspect of the finance department. By analyzing and comparing those sheets, they find a better way for all companies to make more profit and achieve their goals. I learned finance to some extent in Japan, but actual work experience in Astara provided me with a more practical way to learn. I enjoyed Spanish culture such as food, wine, and football to my heart's content.  The most impressive aspect was the influence of religion: Christianity and Islam. I visited many places namely La Sagrada Familia, the Alhambra, and Toledo Cathedral. Needless to say, all of them are totally different from Japanese shrines, temples, or castles. Moreover, each building is different from others. For example, La Sagrada Familia is strongly influenced by Christianity and depicts some stories about Jesus. On the other hand, the
Challenges
Alhambra is influenced by Islam and decorated with elaborate arabesque. The impact of religion was more significant than I had expected. Furthermore, these buildings tell us Spanish history. For instance, the Alhambra let me know about the Reconquista, a series of campaigns by Christian states to recapture territory from Muslims. In short, visiting historically important places and reviewing history promoted me to actively understand different cultures.
Achievements
The most challenging point during the five-week internship was to engage in "voluntarism" because I often waited for instructions from my mentor or superiors before I started a new task. In order to take initiative, I decided to change my mind through this internship, but to be honest, it was not easy. I firstly hesitated to talk to my mentor when I started working because she was very busy. She was in charge of the entire department and had several meetings every day. I thought, by asking her some questions, I might trouble her. However, I did not want to spoil this special internship, so I gradually contacted her. Before speaking to her, I prepared what I wanted to consult her about. She warmly welcomed my request and gave a lot of feedback regarding my task. Also, she told me to rely on her anytime and as many times as I needed. Thanks to her kindness, I had a lot of valuable experience at Astara and started to positively take initiative little by little. Finally, when I reflect on this experience, I learned the difference between hesitation and consideration. We should not hesitate to act in a good way. All we have to do is to consider the situation and to make concessions with each other. In Spain, I enjoyed food, football, wine, and sightseeing spots. But, to catch a bus to return to Madrid. I panicked. I talked to an elderly the most attractive aspect was the people. couple and asked them to take me to the bus stop. They willingly Before visiting Spain, I had only learned a little Spanish, so I mostly accepted my request and even changed their usual route to guide spoke English in supermarkets, restaurants, and Astara. However, I me there. sometimes met people who did not speak English. In other words, In such ways, Spanish people warmly welcomed me and helped we could not communicate in Spanish or English. When I was at me a lot. Although tourist guidebooks provide us with a huge a loss, the person I was trying to communicate with showed me amount of information about sightseeing spots, meeting Spanish people in such ways will definitely attract you to the people and pictures on their smartphone to help me understand. Once, at night, in Segovia, I lost my way to the bus stop, and I had      make you love Spain, just as I did.
My Impression of Spain

Natsuki
Nakamura
Work
I worked in the marketing department of Astara. In the first week, my mentors explained to me their tasks and I learned that one group in this department was working on unpaid media and another group was dealing with paid media. From the second week, I was working on two tasks. One regarded the research about websites of five car brands which Astara deals with. The brands were Mitsubishi, Subaru, SsangYong, Maxus, and Aiways. My tasks specifically concerned Mitsubishi and Subaru in that I compared the Spanish websites with the Japanese ones and looked for differences and similarities. I also researched each website's online system to purchase a car. I was surprised that Spanish websites have an advanced online system that enables us to buy cars only by mouse clicks. In the final week, I did an online presentation to my colleagues. Another task was researching posts on TikTok. I watched posts of six car brand accounts and compared the content and post frequency. It was my first time using TikTok, but it was very interesting to find the differences between each post and think about which post takes viewers' attention. It was a precious experience to do practical marketing research, and I learned that tenacious effort is very important for marketing to analyze competitors and find the best promotion strategy. The biggest challenge for me was communicating in English. This internship was the first time for me to use English practically, so I felt very nervous when I talked with my mentors only in English. At the beginning of the internship, I just listened to my mentors' explanations, and I could hardly say my opinion. Still, I tried to react and ask questions to my mentors, and I was gradually able to say my idea in English. Finally, I did both online and face-to- face presentations answering questions from my mentors. The conversations with Korean colleagues were also a great chance to speak English, and I got used to communicating in English through them. The reason I felt nervous was that I cannot be confident with my pronunciation and the correctness of my English usage. However, I realized the most important point is the willingness to communicate. I think that is essential regardless of the kind of language, so I would like to remember this experience when I speak Japanese.
Challenges
There was a harmony between traditional culture and modern life in Spain. When I walked around Madrid, I saw many stylish shops and chain stores. However, there was also old architecture such as a museum and a cathedral next to such shops. Sometimes shops themselves were old buildings. In other examples, musicians played their songs anywhere, on streets, at stations, and even on the train. People in Spain accepted this as part of their life. During my time in Spain, I was especially impressed with the Spanish people. They are very generous and always help people in trouble. When we couldn't use the coin laundry, a lady told us how to use it and helped us. At another time when we were lost in Segovia, an elderly couple guided us until we arrived at our destination. I learned real consideration from them. I sometimes hesitate to help people, but now I strongly hope I'll do the same for people around me.
My Impression of Spain
Achievements
Through this program, I came to care about what I think and feel. Before I went to Spain, I just took experiences and the environment around me for granted. However, everything including food, culture, and lifestyle in Spain was very different from those in Japan and I was impressed with them every time I had a new encounter. From these experiences, I realized what I like and don't like. Moreover, I learned a lot from Japanese colleagues and Korean colleagues. When we talked together, most of them expressed their opinions clearly. I often hesitated to show my opinions, so I learned a lot from their attitude. In addition, I got inspired by their opinions that I never thought of before, and I came to realize my own opinion. This program was a great opportunity for me to understand myself as well as to know different cultures and opinions. Make sure to get a converter because the electric socket is totally different from the socket in Japan. You can bring a multi-outlet extension cord so that you don't need to buy lots of converters. Get some slippers for the flights. It's a long journey to Spain and your legs will get tired. Make sure to check the exchange rate in Japan. Sometimes the rate is higher in Spain. Bring moisturizer because the climate is super dry. Everything in Doha Airport is expensive, so if you cannot eat the meal on the flight, it's recommended to bring a light meal from Japan. Bring sunglasses. 3 out of 6 people bought sunglasses in Spain. TIPS FOR TRAVELLING Uniqlo ultra-light down jacket is a must. Clothes are cheap, but the quality isn't good. Do not expect too much. Winter sales start in the beginning of February and end in mid-February. If you want something at a cheaper price, make sure to check when the sales end. Bring your favorite food seasonings because eating outside can be expensive. If you cook at home, grocery food is more affordable. Vegetables are even cheaper than Japan. Bring some medicine. Lots of people got colds because of the dry climate and fatigue. Bring Tupperware so that you can bring your own lunch to the office. Eating outside can be expensive. You can visit some museums for free at a particular date and time. Do online research before visiting museums. It is recommended to know a bit about football teams before watching the game. This may help you get more excited. AROUND
THE
ACCOMODATION
Coin Laundry We went to a coin laundry almost once a week. It is located 3 minutes from our hotel, so it was very convenient. By using machines, we can both wash and dry our clothes. However, it took almost one hour to finish the entire process. So, while you wait you can go food shopping at supermarkets or just chat with colleagues.
Templo de Debod
This is an ancient Egyptian temple dating back to the 2nd BC which was transported to Cuartel de la Montaña Park. The temple is famous for its beautiful sunset view. On weekends, people picnic, and some people are performing there. The atmosphere is laidback and cozy, and you can relax while forgetting about your daily life.
Cerralbo Museum
Just a five-minute walk from our hotel, there is Cerralbo Museum. It was once the house of Duke Cerralbo and now everyone can see elegant rooms and his paintings, sculptures, and armor collections. On Thursday and Saturday evenings and Sundays, admission is free, so l recommend you go there after work or on free weekends.
Palacio Real
A short walk from Plaza de España is Palacio Real (Royal Palace). The palace is a fine example of both Baroque and Classicism architectural styles. In the palace, there are hundreds of elegant rooms, and upon entering you certainly can feel as if you were a prince or a princess.
Supermarkets
There are two supermarkets on the next street from our hotel called Dia and Carrefour. We went there two or three times a week and bought some groceries such as vegetables, water, bread, and snacks. Unlike Japanese supermarkets, you weigh vegetables and fruits by yourself when you put them in the cart. These markets offer an impressive selection of produce, meats, fish, and other food products.
Pharmacy
You can also find a pharmacy near our hotel. This pharmacy is just like a Japanese pharmacy. Everyone can get sick in an unusual environment, so it is important to know where a pharmacy is.
Hotel Riu Rooftop Bar
In front of Plaza de España, there is a famous hotel called Hotel Riu Plaza España. The rooftop bar is on top of this hotel and the Madrid city view from there is amazing. In addition, there is a glass walkway suspended 27 floors in the air where you can enjoy a thrilling experience. Though the drinks there are quite expensive, you can enter there for only 5 euro if you go there by 5 pm on weekdays, and it is worth visiting to just see the view.
Plaza de España
This plaza was constructed in 1930. In the middle, there are statues of Cervantes and Don Quijote. Many people take a walk in the plaza and there are some boutiques and hotels around that area as well. There is also the Plaza de España metro station, which is the station we used during the week to go to the office.
Gran Via
Similar to Sol, the Gran Via is one of the main streets in Madrid, which includes a variety of shops. There are also movie theaters, hotels, and some brand shops. Most shops are in buildings that are wonderful examples of traditional European architecture, and they are worth seeing. To enjoy Madrid, you cannot skip the Gran Via.
Puerta de Sol
It is one of the most popular and busiest areas in Madrid. There are restaurants, cafes, chocolate shops, boutiques, shoe shops, and so much more. Near Sol Station, there is also a famous department store called El Corte Inglés. You can purchase anything you need or want in this massive store; and just window shopping is also enjoyable. …Our Hotel … Suites Viena Plaza de España
Park Infantile
Plaza España
Next to Plaza de España, there is a small park. It has some playground equipment such as slides and swings. In the daytime, many families and children have fun there. We sometimes went there to take a walk at night. AROUND THE ACCOMODATION 49 48

INVOICE

In Spain, there are a lot of temptations such as food (wine, ham, croquette, etc.), fashion (ZARA, LOEWE, etc.), culture (museums), to name just a few. Needless to say, we spent a large amount of money. So, along with reviewing how much money we spent, we think it's fun to find out "Who is the biggest spender?". We tried to cut the cost of transportation for trips to other cities and sometimes cooked meals by ourselves. The ranking is below:
/ R A N K I N G /

Ryota was the biggest spender. He spent a lot of money on souvenirs for his friends. When we prepared to go back to Japan from Madrid, he had several pieces of luggage and all of them were very heavy. Once he opened one to show us and it was filled with some bottles of wine, foodstuff, etc. Also, some of my colleagues bought commemorative gifts for themselves. For example, Riko bought LOEWE perfume because this is a Spanish brand. In addition, Jodee bought a charm that says "Spain" in tiny letters. As for Yoshiaki, one of his most favorite and memorable souvenirs is Señorío de Cuzcurrita, a red wine made in Cuzcurrita. Yoshiaki gave it to his family as a souvenir and they said it was very delicious. More than half of Yoshiaki's spending was for traveling and food. As for traveling, we tried to make a reservation for inexpensive but nice hostels and transportation such as bus and Renfe (train). However, as we wanted to visit as many places as possible, we needed to use a lot of money in total. In addition, there are many nice restaurants and a lot of people recommended some restaurants to us. Every time we went to one of them, we had a great time and enjoyed eating Spanish food and drinking wine. Like this, all of us spent a lot of money and we could not resist the temptation. However, we also spent an unforgettable and amazing time in Spain. In this sense, everyone is the biggest spender. P A E L L A The most popular food in Spain is paella, and so we had paella in many different restaurants. Depending on the restaurant, one plate costs about 15 euro on average, and the serving is big enough for two people. There are different types of paella, and our favo- rite was arroz negro (black paella).
S A N G R I A
Our favorite drink of the trip. We had sangria almost every day, but never got bored of the “cocktail”. You can get one glass for around 2 euro, but a bottle was 9 euro, so we often ordered the bottle and shared it with 4 people.
WINE
When we arrived at the hotel, we were given a bottle of wine from Cuzcurrita, which is a winery owned and operated by Bergé y Compañía. Cuzcurrita is probably the best wine you could drink in Spain. Almost everywhere you go in Spain, you can get wine for reasonable prices. S919V91 elicacie
CHURROS
There are lots of churros shops around Madrid. When you eat churros, you dip it into hot chocolate, and that's when the churros rise to another level of flavor and enjoy- ment. One point you must be careful about is that some shops are expensive and not very tasty, while others are reasonable and offer delicious churros y chocolate. You might have to research a little bit about the shops before going.
TAPAS
We had tapas every day, and we enjoyed a lot of different kinds. In the “San Miguel market“, you can enjoy hundreds of different tapas. We often had tapas with wine and or Sangria, and that was the best com- bination!  Calamari  and croquettes were probably our most favorite tapas.
In addition to the places that the Bergé y Compañia staff showed us, we used our free time to explore many other parts of Spain on our own, too.
SEGOVIA
Nestled just an hour away from Madrid is the quaint city of Segovia, which we reached via an affordable 4 euro bus ride. Our first stop was the magnificent Alcazar of Segovia. The fairy-tale fortress perched high on a hill with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. We were left in awe by the intricate details of its Gothic architecture. Next, we made our way to the iconic Aqueduct, a marvel of engineering that has stood the test of time for over 2,000 years. The sheer scale of this ancient structure took our breath away, and we couldn't resist taking many pictures in front of it. But it wasn't just the architecture that impressed us. The local cuisine was a feast for the senses, with dishes like cochinillo (roast suckling pig) and Castilian soup, which tantalized our taste buds. As we headed back to Madrid after a full day of exploring, feeling well-fed and content, we couldn't help but feel grateful for our first weekend gateway.
Taking advantage of a free weekend from the internship events, we went on a trip to Barcelona. We did all the planning for this trip by ourselves. I think that this activity increased our sense of unity as a group, and all the experience we gained from the planning could also be used in our work. We heard from many people that Barcelona is a very charming and beautiful city with a number of important buildings by Gaudi. We felt the difference between Madrid and Barcelona from the moment we arrived. I remember that we talked about how, just like in Japan, each city in another country has its own characteristics. The first place we went to in Barcelona was Park Güell. As we approached Park Güell, we felt excited. The anticipation of exploring the iconic park designed by Antoni Gaudí was palpable. As we entered the park, our senses were immediately awakened. The vibrant colors of the mosaic tiles that adorned the structures, the whimsical shapes of the architectural elements, and the stunning views of the city below left us in awe. We felt a sense of wonder and inspiration as we wandered through the park, discovering hidden nooks and crannies, and marveling at Gaudî's genius. The playful and artistic atmosphere of the park brought joy to our hearts, and we were captivated by its beauty. After going there, we went to a fancy restaurant and enjoyed a typical Spanish dinner. Both the drinks and dishes were so good. On the second day in Barcelona, we went to Casa Mila. Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, is an architectural masterpiece designed by Antoni Gaudí. As we arrived at this iconic building, we were struck by its unique and unconventional appearance. The undulating facade, made of limestone, seemed to flow like waves, and the wrought-iron balconies resembled seaweed swaying in the breeze. The building's organic forms and intricate details left us in awe of Gaudi's innovative approach to architecture. The interior was a symphony of curves, with spiral staircases, arches, and vaulted ceilings that felt like being inside a surrealist dream. The rooftop was a true highlight, with its stunning views of Barcelona and its surreal chimneys that resembled abstract sculptures. We were captivated by the way Gaudí incorporated both form and function in his design, creating a harmonious blend of art and functionality. We were also struck by the building's historical significance and the attention to detail in its restoration, which preserved its original beauty. The museum inside Casa Mila provided us with a deeper understanding of Gaudi's vision and the history of the building. After going there, we went to Tibidabo Amusement Park and the nearby church. Both were located on a small mountain, so the view from the top was amazing. On the last day in Barcelona, we first went to Palau de la Música Catalana, concert venue. Visiting Palau de la Música Catalana was a truly awe-inspiring experience. The exterior, adorned with vibrant mosaics, stained glass windows, and intricate sculptures, showcased the unique blend of Catalan modernism and art nouveau architecture. Stepping inside, the main concert hall was a breathtaking sight, with its abundant natural light filtering through stained glass, ornate decorative elements, and a majestic organ. The anticipation and excitement were palpable as we took our seats, knowing we were about to witness a performance in this extraordinary setting. The exceptional acoustics heightened the musical experience, and the rich ambiance of the hall immersed us in its history and culture.
BARCELONA
At the end of our trip in Barcelona we visited the Sagrada Familia. This was the place we were looking forward to the most on this trip. Visiting Sagrada Familia was a truly mesmerizing experience that left us captivated by its breathtaking architecture and rich symbolism. This architecture was designed by Antoni Gaudí too, and the basilica is a masterpiece that evokes a sense of wonder and admiration. The exterior of Sagrada Familia is a visual feast for the eyes, with its intricate facades adorned with countless ornate details. The sculptures of biblical figures, geometric patterns, and natural elements are a testament to Gaudi's creative genius and attention to detail. The sheer size and complexity of the exterior, with its soaring spires and intricate ornamentation, left us in awe of the level of craftsmanship and artistic vision. Stepping inside, we were immediately struck by the ethereal beauty of the interior. The play of light and color through the stunning stained-glass windows, depicting scenes from nature and biblical narratives, created a mesmerizing ambiance that filled us with a sense of serenity and awe. The towering columns, resembling trees with branching limbs, were a marvel of architectural design, showcasing Gaudi's innovative approach to form and structure. The symbolism infused throughout the basilica was thought- provoking and profound. From the nativity facade to the passion facade, and the central nave, each element conveyed a deeper meaning and inspired contemplation. Gaudi's spiritual and naturalistic inspirations were evident in every corner, and we were deeply moved by the depth of his artistic vision. The ongoing construction work at Sagrada Familia, a project that has been in progress for over a century and continues to this day, was a testament to the unwavering dedication and skill of the artisans and workers involved. It added to our appreciation for the enduring legacy of this iconic landmark and left us with a sense of wonder at the masterpiece that Sagrada Familia is.
GRANADA
Granada is one of the most historic places in Spain because it was fallen by the Reconquista, a centuries-long Christian military campaign to recapture Muslim- controlled territory. So, you can feel the Islamic culture in many areas throughout the city. We stayed in Granada about half day, and we spent almost all of our time in the Alhambra, a palace and fortress built by the Moors in the 13th century. The Alhambra was much larger than we expected. We are surprised at some monuments in the Alhambra. Firstly, the Court of the Lions. We have seen the statues of lions in textbooks in Japan, but we were captivated by their cuteness when looking at them in real life. Secondly, we were moved by the reflection of the Palace in the water. We have also seen this picture in a book, but seeing this spot in person is more spectacular. Thirdly, we noticed the elaborate and complicated patterns etched in the walls, one of the characteristics of Islamic culture. The symmetrical design added to the beauty of the overall structure. My favorite point was the scenery from the terrace. You can overlook the city of Granada. The brown roofs of all the houses in the distance created a calm atmosphere that made us feel relaxed. Also, at lunch, we tried wine produced in Granada. The taste was stronger and slightly more full-bodied than the wine we tried at a restaurant in Madrid. Also, the food we all enjoyed matched the wine perfectly.
In Sevilla, we went to the Plaza de España, a semi-circular building with a diameter of 200m built for the Ibero-American exhibition of 1929 and surrounded by a large park area. One of the most fascinating aspects of this sightseeing spot is the wall tiles decorated with complicated geometric patterns. Compared to the tiles in the Alhambra, the Plaza de España tiles were more colorful and striking to us. Also, we were surprised by the fact that this plaza was used as a filming location for planet Naboo in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Lawrence of Arabia, and The Spanish Princess. Furthermore, we were absorbed in watching flamenco, a Spanish dance and music with passionate rhythms, guitar, singing and intricate footwork. While watching the dance and listening to the music, We felt like we were about to dance, too. Another sightseeing spot we went to in Sevilla was the Real Maestranza Bullring and Museum. We were amazed by how big it was. Unfortunately, we were not able to see any bullfights because it was under construction. However, we learned the history of the bullring in the museum and saw the unique costumes that are used in this Spanish tradition.
All the moments with my colleagues were amazing! Before starting the ITP program, l thought we could only be in a formal relationship because it's a company setting. However, it was so fun and there were lots of moments that were unforgettable. We went to lots of places, and there was a great balance between work and play. Hopefully we can see each other soon in Korea and Japan! Take care and thank you for everything! My internship experience at Bergé was truly valuable. Working in the finance department allowed me to gain practical skills and insights related to my major. Additionally, collaborating with colleagues from Japan and other diverse cultural backgrounds helped me broaden my perspectives and appreciate the value of diversity in the workplace. I am grateful for this experience, and I believe it will be beneficial for my future career endeavors. I want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone at Bergé for making my internship memorable and rewarding.
HYUN YOUNG KIM
This five-week internship was the first time for me to experience European culture and everything, everyone, and every moment was very new to me. My time in Spain was enough to make me more flexible and open-minded to diverse cultures. From the situations that I have never been in before, I also discovered new and various aspects of myself.
SEUNG MIN CHOU
The ITP program from Bergé y Compañía provides numerous valuable opportunities for participants who are prepared to take full advantage of them. During the program, I had the privilege of meeting and learning from highly skilled and passionate employees who were successfully pursuing the same career path that I aspire to pursue. The program also provided well-planned and enjoyable cultural experiences that cannot be replicated outside of Spain. Overall, the program was both comfortable and highly rewarding, offering me a wealth of valuable experiences and knowledge that will continue to benefit me in my future career endeavors. The weeks I got to spend in Spain were truly unforgettable. Working alongside my mentor by partaking in business development not only helped me amass practical work experience, but also inculcated in me an inquisitive mindset which I will continue for the rest of my professional career. My time at Bergé is the most precious experience that I had in university. All the colleagues were so nice, and every company staff did their best to help us. It was amazing to learn the culture and language of a completely different country. I am sure that I have grown more globally by meeting people from various countries as well as the experience of working abroad.
As the chief editor of this report, it brings me great joy to share with you the unforgettable experiences we had during our five-week internship at Bergé y Compañía, Spain. Due to the pandemic, the past three years have been challenging for everyone. However, thanks to the dedication and commitment of the executives of Bergé y Compañia, who were able to make this internship happen, we are immensely grateful to them. Our time at Bergé y Compañia was nothing short of extraordinary. From the educational visits and trips to the opportunity to experience the rich Spanish culture and cuisine, each moment was a valuable learning experience. The memories we have made during this internship will stay with us for the remainder of our lives. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone at Bergé y Compañía for providing us with this invaluable opportunity. Their unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement allowed us to develop our skills and grow both personally and professionally. The knowledge and experiences gained during our time in Spain will undoubtedly serve as valuable assets as we embark on our careers. I also want to express my appreciation to our colleagues from Chung Aun University, Korea, who were an integral part of our journey. They were a tremendous asset to the entire team, bringing their unique perspectives and expertise to all the projects. We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside them and learn from their wealth of knowledge, and we will always cherish the friendships we have formed during our time together in Spain Finally, I cannot forget to mention our mentors for the program, Jin and John, who played a vital role in keeping us on track during the internship and to produce this report.  Without their guidance, this program and this report would not have been possible. I also want to thank my team members for their hard work and dedication in living up to the standards set forth. As we move forward, we leave this program with a newfound appreciation for the power of collaboration and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.  We encourage future Hitotsubashi University students to take advantage of the International Talent Program, as it is an incredible way to gain valuable insights and experiences. Once again, thank you to Bergé y Compañía, Jin, John, my team members, and everyone else who made this program an unforgettable experience.