Madrid is the ideal destination for those seeking an internship abroad. Eager to gain hands-on industry experience and boost his resume, Isaac spent 8 weeks interning in Spain’s capital. Immersing himself in a global work environment, Isaac developed meaningful professional connections and built a strong foundation for a successful career in the field. Read on to learn more and explore why Madrid should be at the top of your list for an internship in Spain!
Hi Isacc! Tell us - what did you do for your internship in Spain?
As an intern in Spain, I was placed with a tech startup that focused on utilizing 360° AI rooms to support various mental health issues. I worked at the intersection of mental wellness and virtual reality, helping to shape the company’s Canadian market expansion strategy.
My role focused on outreach, securing investors or relationships with those willing to offer advice as the company expands. I also contributed to the marketing and design sector of the company, offering my perspective and making tweaks to company pitch slideshows and the website. The aim was to make the presentation more visually pleasing and user friendly, as this will be the consumers first impression of the company.
How did your expectations of the internship change over time?
My expectations changed the more familiar I became with my workplace and the Spanish culture. I expected to play a small role and to complete my tasks, whether or not it moved the company forward. I soon learned that what I was doing would have a real impact on the company, and I was playing a real part in the potential expansion of my placement and its relationship with investors abroad.
In retrospect, I didn’t need to be afraid to take control. I was allowed to speak up, make changes, be productive and confident in my role, as my place in the organization as an intern was just as important as the role of a full time employee.
What was it like to intern abroad in a Spanish workplace?
One of the main things I noticed at my workplace was how open and expressive communication between colleagues was. It’s common in Spain for colleagues to greet each other with a hug or a kiss on the cheek, and everyone would talk freely about their personal lives, despite the professional setting. This surprised me at first, since those in Canadian workplaces tend to keep their personal and professional lives quite separate. It really showed me how emotional connection can build stronger teams and that warmth and openness are leadership strengths, not just social habits.
Spanish work hours are also completely different, including later lunches and longer evenings. This type of schedule creates opportunities to build trust and connection, but also a better work/life balance. I now see the value of slowing down and being more intentional in both my work and my interactions.
How do you think the internship contributed towards your career goals?
This internship has contributed towards my long term goals as it has given me business experience in an international landscape. I am majoring in International Business at university, so working abroad in Spain has given me valuable experience in my major, and future work abroad.
I have significantly increased my sense of independence, overcoming language barriers and quickly becoming familiar with a foreign landscape. Doing that and being able to live and work in such an environment is a good way to begin my career in International Business.
How do you feel now that you have returned home?
I feel far more empowered now than I did before. This internship pushed me to work independently on high-stakes projects and helped me develop tangible skills in research, strategy, and communication. Seeing my work make an impact in a real company, even across borders, gave me a new sense of what’s possible.
It also showed me that I can navigate ambiguity and cultural differences, which are key traits in any global or technological role. I now feel more prepared to take on leadership roles or entrepreneurial ventures in the future.
Ready to plan your own international internship?
Our step-by-step guide on how it works provides you with more information on how to get started. The process is user friendly - just submit your application to begin. It doesn’t cost anything to apply and won’t take more than 5 minutes. However, your formal expression of interest provides the foundation for us to help you take the next steps.
320+ internship programs across 26 countries
Placements tailored to your academic requirements or career interests
Exclusive experiential learning curriculum
We help you develop and articulate the soft skills most favored by employers
Most affordable & flexible
We organize everything, including local accommodation, from only $1129 USD
