San Diego Internship Experience: Hawaii, Yoga and New Routines

My San Diego internship experience continues

During my third month in the United States, my San Diego internship experience has continued to grow in a very positive way. After spending my second month discovering more of the West Coast and enjoying life in California, this month has been about building new routines, trying new activities, and making the most of every opportunity.

I feel that each month brings something different. The first month was mainly about adapting, the second one was about exploring the West Coast, and this third month has felt like a more complete combination of work, travel, sport, and personal growth.

A trip to Hawaii

One of the highlights of this month was visiting Hawaii. After spending time in California, it felt like a completely different experience, with its landscapes, beaches, nature, and relaxed atmosphere.

The trip was a great opportunity to disconnect and explore a new side of the United States. Hawaii stands out for its mix of beaches, mountains, tropical scenery, and strong local culture, making it perfect for anyone who enjoys nature and outdoor activities.

One of the places that impressed me the most was Waimea Canyon in Kauai, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” The views are incredible, with deep valleys and vibrant colors that are even more impressive in person.

Another unforgettable experience was exploring the Na Pali Coast. I highly recommend the boat tour, as it offers a unique perspective of the cliffs, waterfalls, and hidden beaches. It is one of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen.

If you enjoy hiking, this area also offers amazing trails, but it is important to plan ahead. Access is limited, and you need to book permits and transportation in advance.

The link bellow explains how to get the permit and where, I hope this saves some time, it´s an incredible experience!

Kalalau Trail Permits: 2026 Booking Guide & Strategies – Kalalau Trail

For me, visiting Hawaii was a reminder of how valuable it is to take advantage of the chance to travel while doing an internship abroad. Even though work is the main part of the experience, these trips make the time in the U.S. even more memorable.

Back in San Diego: surf and outdoor life

At the same time, San Diego continues to be a very important part of my experience. This month, I have continued enjoying the outdoor lifestyle that makes the city so special. One of the activities I have enjoyed the most is surfing.

Surfing is definitely not easy at the beginning, but it is one of the best ways to enjoy living close to the ocean. It requires patience and a good attitude, but it is also very fun. Even if you fall many times, the experience is worth it.

San Diego is a perfect place to try surfing because the beach culture is such an important part of the city. For anyone doing an internship here, I would recommend trying it at least once. It is a great way to disconnect after work, spend time outside, and experience something very typical of Southern California.

Discovering yoga in San Diego

Another activity I have tried this month is yoga, and I have really enjoyed it. It has become one of my favorite discoveries during my time here. Yoga is a great way to stay active, relax, and create a better balance between work and personal life.

I would highly recommend trying yoga during an internship abroad, especially if you are living in a city like San Diego, where there are many studios and outdoor classes. It is a good way to take care of yourself, meet people, and disconnect from the routine.

For me, yoga has been a very positive addition to my weekly schedule. It has helped me feel better physically and mentally, and it is something I would like to continue doing.

Growing at work

At work, this month has also been very positive. I am enjoying my internship a lot and I feel that I am becoming more confident with my tasks. As I understand more about the company, the projects, and the energy sector in the United States, I am able to connect ideas more easily and see how my work fits into the bigger picture.

What I like most about this experience is the combination of technical learning and business understanding. I am not only learning about data and market analysis, but also about how companies identify opportunities and make decisions in a real professional environment.

This San Diego internship experience is helping me develop skills that will be useful for my future career. It is also teaching me how to work in an international environment, communicate better, and become more independent.

Practical advice for future interns

One practical recommendation I would give to future interns is to open an American bank account if possible. In my experience, having a U.S. bank account can make daily life much easier. It can help with payments, transfers, rent, subscriptions, and other practical things that come up while living abroad.

At the beginning, it may seem like a small detail, but it can make the whole experience more convenient. Managing money from a foreign account or card can sometimes be complicated, so having a local account can save time and make everything feel more organized.

I would also recommend creating routines outside work. For example, trying yoga, surfing, going to the beach, or doing any local activity can make the experience much richer. An internship abroad is not only about professional development; it is also about learning how to live in a new place and enjoying the lifestyle around you.

Making the most of the experience

My biggest advice is to stay open to new experiences. Travel when you can, try activities you would not normally do, and take advantage of the fact that you are living in a different country.

Hawaii was one of the best examples of this. It was a trip that allowed me to discover a completely different place and create memories outside my daily routine. Surfing and yoga have also helped me enjoy San Diego in a more local and active way.

At the same time, it is important to stay focused at work and keep learning as much as possible. The best part of this experience is being able to combine both sides: professional growth and personal discovery.

In a nutshell

Overall, my third month has been a very complete one. I have continued learning and growing at work, while also enjoying new experiences such as visiting Hawaii, surfing in San Diego, and trying yoga.

This month has helped me appreciate even more the opportunity of living and working abroad. Every month has brought something different, and this one has been especially meaningful because it has combined travel, sport, work, and personal routines.

My San Diego internship experience continues to be a very enriching journey, both professionally and personally. I am excited to keep learning, exploring, and making the most of the time I have left in the United States.

You can also read more about my West Coast internship experience and My first month in San Diego in my previous blog posts:https://www.architect-us.com/blog/2026/03/j-1-visa-internship-experience-preparing-for-san-diego/