How Our Summer Interns Are Exploring the Area

This summer, our interns have discovered that the South Bend–Elkhart region offers far more than just meaningful professional experiences. Between local coffee shops, festivals, parks, restaurants, and community events, many have found themselves exploring a new city, building friendships, and creating memories that will last long after their internships end.

We asked a few of our interns to share some of their favorite places and experiences from the summer.

Intern Mayuki Shares:

"This summer in South Bend has been an incredible shift for me. Coming from a bustling, big city in India where my summers are typically packed and fast-paced, I've fully embraced the calmer, 'slow living' lifestyle here.

The community is incredibly friendly, and it's been refreshing to build a steady, reliable routine. My weekends often start with a relaxing run along the river near IUSB, followed by a stroll through the South Bend Farmers Market and Howard Park with DeLo's coffee in hand. My roommates and I have also made it a tradition to do our grocery runs at Trader Joe's and try a new restaurant every week. So far, Nom Nom Pho right across from our office and Macri's are my absolute favorites.

Getting involved and making friends has also been easier than I expected. The Intern Connect program has been fantastic for helping me understand the community, especially during our walk through the Near Northwest Neighborhood and hearing the stories behind the area. Getting their weekly event updates keeps me in the loop about what's happening locally.

One of my favorite memories was attending an arts and music festival near the zoo with the other interns. Checking out the local talent, browsing the shops, and getting rockstar-style temporary tattoos was a blast.

As we head into the second half of the internship, I'm looking forward to exploring even more local gems and enjoying the relaxing pace before heading back home."

Intern Angel Shares:

"Although I already live in South Bend, this internship has allowed me to experience my hometown in a whole new way.

I've enjoyed discovering places I hadn't explored before, trying new restaurants, and spending time with fellow interns who have quickly become great friends. Seeing the city through fresh eyes has helped me appreciate everything the South Bend region has to offer and has made this summer especially meaningful.

This experience has also been a great opportunity for personal and professional growth. I've enjoyed working on projects that challenge me to learn new skills, think creatively, and become a better young professional. Every day has pushed me to grow while allowing me to build connections with people who share similar goals and ambitions.

Before the summer ends, I'm looking forward to exploring even more of the area and continuing to make the most of this experience."

Intern Ahana Shares:

"South Bend was not a city I had on my radar before joining enFocus. Having spent my entire life in cities with populations in the millions, I expected the transition to a smaller community to be challenging. Instead, it became one of the most rewarding parts of my internship.

A large part of that was the enFocus intern cohort itself. Arriving alongside so many other interns meant there was always someone eager to explore a new coffee shop, attend a local event, or simply wander through a neighborhood together. Those shared experiences transformed an unfamiliar place into one that quickly began to feel welcoming.

What surprised me most was just how vibrant South Bend is during the summer. Through events like Rebel Art Fest and volunteering at the Leeper Park Art Fair, I was able to experience the city's creative community firsthand and meet many of the people who make its arts scene so special.

Weekends were filled with festivals, live music, local markets, and even trips to the Potawatomi Zoo, making it easy to appreciate the city's character beyond the workplace.

As an intern, I came expecting to gain professional experience, but I also found a community that encouraged exploration, creativity, and connection. South Bend showed me that a city's impact isn't measured by its size, but by the people and experiences that make you feel at home."

Intern Ethan Shares:

"This summer has been a great chance to explore South Bend and get a feel for the area. One of my favorite spots so far has been the South Bend Chocolate Cafe. Their turtle mocha has become a regular treat, and it's fun to see a local business with so much history built right into the experience.

I've also spent a lot of time around Eddy Street Commons, grabbing dinner with other interns or wandering through the shops on a nice evening. Walking around Notre Dame's campus has honestly been one of the best parts of the internship. Between the Basilica, the Grotto, and the lakes, there's always something new to notice, and it's a nice change of pace from where I'm from because the campus has a quieter, small-town feel.

Compared to where I normally spend my year, South Bend moves at a slower pace, which I've really come to appreciate. There's less traffic, more green space, and a strong sense of community that's been easy to settle into. Before the summer wraps up, I'm hoping to catch a few more local events, try more restaurants downtown, and take another walk around the lakes on campus before the weather turns.

Overall, it's been a rewarding summer getting to know South Bend and the surrounding area."

From discovering hidden local gems to building lifelong friendships, our interns' experiences highlight something we hear time and time again: the South Bend–Elkhart region is more than a place to work. It's a place to grow, explore, and build community.

At enFocus, we believe meaningful professional experiences are strengthened by meaningful connections to the communities we serve. We're grateful to play a small role in helping talented students not only develop their careers but also discover what makes this region feel like home.