Why Intern Abroad?
Growing up with family outside the U.S. and having the opportunity to travel at a young age, planted the seed for my passion for international exchange. The opportunity to intern abroad particularly piqued my interest because it gives me the chance to not only gain real world experience in my field of interest, but it also allows me to continue to expand my worldview in a unique way!


Meet Frieda L. from Orange County, California, who received a B.A. Communications from UCLA! 

Why MiAltar?
My internship at MiAltar has been a great balance of learning and responsibility. I wanted a space where I could apply my skills, receive valuable feedback, and continue developing while working on projects that truly matter. I appreciate the team dynamics and having the chance to collaborate while also taking ownership of meaningful tasks motivates me to do my best. 

On a personal level, building altars and ofrendas has always been part of my family’s traditions, so when I learned about the mission behind MiAltar, I felt an immediate connection. MiAltar carries so much significance, offering people a way to grieve and connect in a personal, meaningful way. 

Interning at MiAltar has also helped me become more flexible, especially since the company is still growing and evolving, which keeps things exciting and allows me to stay engaged. I’ve had the chance to lead meetings, create newsletters, blogs, and social media content. The small team environment has given me space to grow, receive direct feedback, and feel like a valued contributor. It’s not just about hard work; it’s genuinely fun being part of the team. Working alongside the other interns, as well as Jacquie and Shinu, has been such a valuable and rewarding experience that I don’t think I could’ve gotten anywhere else.

Why Intern Abroad?
I was really drawn to an international internship because I wanted to challenge myself beyond my city. This experience has absolutely been worthwhile; it’s given me hands-on experience, allowed me to develop practical skills, and helped me grow both personally and professionally. 

Growing up, I’ve always wanted to travel, but I just never knew how I could do it. This has been a great way to do so because I'm able to work and live in a different country, which has pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. It’s been a rewarding mix of professional growth, cultural learning, and personal adventure.

Meet Paulina from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, currently studying Political Science & Spanish, with minor in Law, Justice & Social Change at the University of Michigan!

Why MiAltar?
I was really drawn to MiAltar because of their idea to help and honor their loved ones in a personal way. It felt different from other companies, especially since Dia de Muertos is a big part of my culture. I felt as though I could resonate with their mission more. Being at a startup, especially abroad, has put me in a fast-paced environment where I am flexible and take on several different roles. 

Working on different projects, brainstorming, and being able to contribute in real ways has made the experience so much more meaningful. Being a part of a small team of people who are passionate and open minded creates that nice working environment, and is allowing me to grow a lot professionally and personally. 

Why Intern Abroad?
Growing up, my parents instilled in me the idea that if you ever have the chance to travel or experience something outside of the “norm”, take it. They, and so many others, never had the opportunity; so when the chance to intern abroad appeared, I knew I had to say yes. Before interning abroad, I’ve already had the opportunity of traveling to many different countries in the world so I knew I was prepared. However, contributing to a start-up company and being in another country has added an extra layer of growth. 

I’m so grateful that I have this opportunity to intern abroad because it continues to remind me that there is so much more than just what I’ve grown up around in the US; more perspectives, stories, and ways of doing things. 


*** MIAltar is thrilled to have these girls on our team for the summer. Want to see more of what they’re up to? Head to our Instagram and TikTok for behind-the-scenes content, story takeovers, and more moments from their time with MiAltar.

Inspired by their journey? Share your own story with us at hello@mialtarvirtual.com or explore our other blogs. 

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We invite you to create a digital altar on MiAltar at www.mialtarvirtual.com

Also find us @mialtarvirtual on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.  

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Frieda Lopez is from Orange County, California, and received a B.A. Communications from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).