The University Libraries’ Jon Bilbao Basque Library, along with the College of Liberal Arts’ Center for Basque Studies, recently welcomed two graduates from the Basque Country to the United States. The student interns, Jone Martinez Garralda and Garazi Etxaniz Civico, are visiting the University and Reno for approximately six months as they work to complete professional internships with the Jon Bilbao Basque Library and the Center for Basque Studies as part of the Basque Country’s highly competitive Global Training Program.
The Global Training Program encourages recent graduates from Basque universities to apply for global internship opportunities outside of the Basque Country. Applicants are put through an intensive interview and vetting process. Selected interns are paid a small stipend and carry out activities and projects related to their academic and professional profiles in companies or organizations in foreign countries, with a practical, previously planned training program.
Jone Martinez Garralda, the Jon Bilbao Basque Library intern with the University Libraries, has an art history degree and then went on to get a master’s degree in library science before applying for the Global Training Program internship.
In her role, she is working in the Basque Library archives, and learning other aspects of library work and theory. She spends time on the desk, is working with the poster collection and answering different patron requests.
“I wanted to live a different experience,” she said. “I knew I needed more professional training and I was excited to apply for this incredible opportunity.”
She said the application process was a rollercoaster.
“It took a long time to apply and I was filled with all kinds of emotions,” she said. “At first I thought … maybe this is a bad idea. Then, I was scared, but I stuck with it and kept going. It was a lot of up and down, but I made it and I was able to seal the deal and land the internship!”
Garazi Etxaniz Civico, the Center for Basque Studies intern, has her degree in graphic design. She was working as a freelance designer in the Basque Country before landing the internship and making the trip to Reno. She said she had a few friends depart the Basque Country for similar opportunities to see the world. She said it was “now or never” for her.
“I wanted to see what the world had to offer, and the internship seemed like the right opportunity for me,” she said. “The application process was overwhelming, but I felt very satisfied when I learned I had been selected for the internship with the Center for Basque Studies.”
In her role, Garazi is working on the Center for Basque Studies webpage, as well as their newsletter.
They both said these internship roles are helping build a bridge to connect people with information that will help them discover their own unique Basque roots, culture and/or academic interests. The interns are learning how to do this professionally, using library resources and strategies, with the hope that they will take the skills they gained back to the Basque Country to benefit the people and businesses at home.
They both were very pleased to know that here, in Reno, there is a dedicated Basque Library.
“I have to pinch myself when I enter the Center and the Library,” Garazi said. “I have my own office in this wonderful space, and I have the support of the faculty and staff who work here. It feels really good to be in such a great place!”
They both expressed excitement to be in the U.S. and are open to new experiences, new people and American culture.
The two interns didn’t know one another prior to the internship, but they have grown closer thanks to the opportunity.
Because it is their first time visiting the U.S., the two interns were connected prior to making the trip to Reno.
“Garazi and I didn’t know one another before the internship opportunity,” Jone said. “We were connected through the program and were able to meet in the Basque Country before coming over. It was scary to think about making such a long trip to a faraway place alone, but we were in touch with Iñaki Arrieta Baro, head of the Basque Libraria, and Xabier Irujo, chair of the Basque Studies Centre, for about two weeks before coming over. They called us regularly to check in and make sure things were going okay and that we were all set and that we were both ready to settle in Reno.”
Garazi knew some Basque Ph.D. students in Reno. She reached out to them, and they were able to meet her and Jone at the airport. Garazi said, “What a relief it was to see a familiar face when we arrived in Reno!”
Once in Reno, the interns were able to have lunch with a group of Basque women.
“It was incredible to see and feel the Basque culture and community in Reno,” Garazi said. “I get choked up when I think about how these women live, breathe and celebrate the culture. We got to learn about their families, and it felt so welcoming. I know I am not in the Basque Country, but there is a sense of home here, and that is very comforting to both of us. It helps ease the feelings of homesickness that come with being so far away from our own families and friends.”
“I want to extend a sincere thanks to all of those who have helped welcome us to Reno and the University with open arms,” Garazi said.
In addition to their professional experience, the interns have attended a Wolf Pack basketball game and visited Las Vegas’ Valley of Fire. Next, they plan to visit Yosemite and learn a few new country western line dances!
“I am so impressed with the community within a community at the University,” Jone said. “For example, having access to Pack Provisions, student clubs and organizations on campus ... it is incredible to see how people support one another here and how willing the community is to come together and support students. Reno and the campus feels like a little town with a very strong community! It’s a big, little city within The Biggest Little City!”
“When we attended the basketball game, we felt like we were in the movie 'High School Musical,'” both interns said. “Seeing the players was awesome but seeing the cheerleaders and the band, having popcorn and a drink: That was amazing! We even got a free pink scarf and funny hat at the game. The match itself was confusing to us, but we had the best time just being there!”
When asked about what advice they’d give to others in the Basque Country who are interested in the Global Training Program, Garazi said, “Everyone is scared, but just go for it. Don’t think twice.”
Jone said, “You have to play the game and try, otherwise you may miss out on how great of an experience it can be.”
