Ignasi Fabregas Parra of Spain Shares Highlights from his Exchange Program

When we first received Ignasi's application to participate in our intern visa exchange program earlier this year, he was already an accomplished student of biomedical sciences with previous internship experience in translational control in hepatic and lung cancers.  Following his third year at Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Ignasi was ready to gain hands-on experience in advanced biomedical research techniques and looked to the United States for the most cutting-edge approaches and a multicultural environment. 

Ignasi applied for a summer internship with Grifols, S.A., a multi-national pharmaceutical company headquartered in Spain, and was thrilled to accept an offer with them for a three-month internship in Berkeley, California. "I chose California because of its global reputation as a biotech hub. Working in the heart of the industry offered me a chance to expand my professional network, and I was curious to experience a different work culture, particularly in a renowned company like Grifols Diagnostics."

Ignasi's internship lived up to his expectations and then some. "The pace and scale of work were quite different compared to my experience back home. In California, there was a much more collaborative environment, with a strong focus on cutting-edge innovation and the direct application of research. In contrast, in my home country, while there is a solid foundation in research, the approach tends to be more traditional, with less emphasis on immediate industry applications and cross-departmental collaboration. The innovative mindset and rapid pace of progress in California stood out as a key difference."

Beyond the outstanding professional development that Ignasi enjoyed, the personal and cultural aspects proved equally insightful. "One of my favorite memories was spending time at the Berkeley campus with friends, sitting on the grass and having engaging conversations about a variety of fascinating topics. We were able to discuss interesting ideas in a relaxed atmosphere, which really made the experience special."

Below, Ignasi tells us more about his daily life  during his internship and answers questions about the cultural differences he observed, lessons learned, and his advice for future exchange visitors.

What was your area of focus during your internship?

During my internship, my main area of focus was working with a specific pharmaceutical drug. Our goal was to analyze and understand certain issues it was facing, with the aim of optimizing it for the market. This involved identifying key problems, researching potential solutions, and collaborating with the team to improve the drug's overall performance and effectiveness.

Can you describe a typical day during your program?

A typical day involved working in the lab on projects related to immunology and protein purification, attending team meetings, and occasionally shadowing senior scientists. I also spent time reading scientific literature and preparing reports on the data I gathered.

Did you observe any unique methods or practices?

Yes, one unique method I observed and learned during my internship was the use of mass spectrometry for analyzing complex biological samples. This technique was essential for identifying and quantifying molecules within the drug we were working on. In particular, I gained hands-on experience with sample preparation, data acquisition, and interpreting the mass spectrometry results. Compared to what I had learned back home, the equipment was more advanced, and the team utilized high-throughput methods to speed up the process, which allowed for more efficient drug analysis and optimization.

What were some of the cultural differences you noticed between the U.S. and Spain

One of the biggest cultural differences I noticed between the U.S. and Spain was the pace of daily life. In the U.S., everything felt more fast-paced and on-the-go, while in Spain, life tends to be more laid-back, especially when it comes to meals and socializing.
Another difference was the way people socialize. In Spain, gatherings are often spontaneous, with people meeting friends for tapas or coffee without much planning. In the U.S., social events are usually more scheduled, and plans are made in advance.

How did you adapt to the local customs and traditions?

I took advantage of the diverse cultural scene by attending local festivals, exploring new cuisines, and immersing myself in the community to better understand and appreciate the local way of life.

Did you participate in any local cultural/sightseeing activities?

I explored the Golden Gate Bridge, visited Alcatraz, and enjoyed hiking in nearby parks. I also attended local events such as farmers’ markets and explored the diverse food scene in San Francisco. Additionally, I had the opportunity to visit Silicon Valley, where I toured some of the world’s leading tech companies. It was fascinating to see the innovation happening there and how it impacts the global economy. These experiences gave me a deeper appreciation for the unique cultural and technological landscape of the Bay Area.

How did you find making friends on the program?

Making friends was somewhat challenging at first due to the cultural differences, but Grifols really encouraged social interactions through team lunches and various events. Once I participated in these activities, I was able to build connections with my colleagues more easily. The supportive environment at Grifols made it easier to engage with others, and I found that sharing meals and experiences helped a lot on my way to building stronger connections.

Did you face any challenges with the language barrier, and how did you overcome them?

Fortunately, I did not face major challenges since I’m fluent in English. However, adapting to some slang and informal communication styles took some time.

What were your main modes of transportation, and how did you find getting around?

I mostly used public transportation like buses and BART in San Francisco, which was convenient, though sometimes crowded. I also used ridesharing services like Uber when necessary.

How do you think this experience has impacted you personally and professionally?

This experience has had a profound impact on me both personally and professionally. Personally, it has improved my independence and adaptability, pushing me to step out of my comfort zone and interacting with new environments with more confidence.

Professionally, I gained valuable insights into the operations of large biotech companies, deepening my understanding of the industry. Additionally, I learned new techniques in diagnostics research, which have enriched my skill set and enhanced my ability to contribute effectively in future projects. Overall, this internship has significantly expanded my perspective and prepared me for the challenges ahead.

What advice would you give to someone considering going abroad on a CIP Program?

Be open to new experiences, both professionally and socially. It’s important to embrace the local culture and network as much as possible because those connections can be invaluable.

What do you wish you had known before coming to the US that would have helped your experience?

I wish I had known how important networking is in the U.S., especially in the biotech field. Also, understanding more about the work culture would have made the adaptation process smoother.

If you could do it all over again, would you change anything about your experience?

If I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t change anything about my experience. Every moment, both the challenges and the successes, contributed to my growth and learning. I appreciate how each aspect of the internship shaped my skills and perspective, making it a truly valuable journey.

How do you plan to stay connected with the people and culture you experienced in the U.S.?

I plan to stay in touch with the colleagues I met through LinkedIn and professional networks. I’m also considering returning for another internship or even pursuing further studies in the U.S.

What are your plans for the future, and how has your internship abroad experience influenced them?

My plans for the future include applying for a PhD, which I am now even more motivated to pursue after my internship. This experience has solidified my desire to work in the biotech field, and I see great potential in returning to the U.S. to advance my career. The insights I gained and the connections I made during my internship have inspired me to seek opportunities that will allow me to contribute to innovative research and make a meaningful impact in the industry.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to Grifols for their incredible support throughout my internship. The welcoming environment and guidance from my colleagues made a significant difference in my experience, allowing me to learn and grow both personally and professionally. I also want to thank CIP for sponsoring me, as their support made this invaluable opportunity possible. I truly appreciate both organizations for contributing to my journey in the biotech field.