Building strong relationships through a Psychology internship in Barcelona

Psychology interns in Barcelona can be placed alongside experienced therapists in private practices, non-profit organizations, and healthcare centers, providing essential support to clients from diverse backgrounds.

Eager to strengthen her Spanish, gain hands-on experience, and earn affordable academic credit, second-year San Diego State University psychology student Mackenzie traveled to Barcelona to complete a 12-week psychology internship.

Discover what she learned, the projects she contributed to, and the meaningful impact she made along the way.

Hi Mackenzie! What was the overall experience of adjusting to a new environment like?

My first week on the Psychology internship program was full of all kinds of emotions, some good, some tough, but I could already tell they were shaping my experience in an important way. I didn’t expect to feel homesick or to struggle with making new friends and adjusting to a new place, but it became clear pretty quickly that this would be part of the process.

I knew the language barrier would be challenging, even with the bit of Spanish I learned in school. Still, the service workers were incredibly kind and patient when I couldn’t quite find the right words. That support made a big difference in helping me settle in.

Everyone at my internship was also very warm and welcoming. I had already learned a lot, and I actually looked forward to going into the clinic each day.

One of the most meaningful parts of settling in was working with kids from so many different backgrounds and cultures. Seeing those dynamics up close, in a field I hoped to go into, was really rewarding and helped me feel more grounded in the experience.

What did your role as a psychology intern involve on a day-to-day basis?

As a psychology intern at a pediatric health center that provides personalized care in pediatric medicine, developmental support, psychological services, and dental health, I gained hands-on observational experience across all of these areas.

I shadowed healthcare professionals during pediatric consultations, where I observed clinical assessments, patient interactions, and care planning. I also listened in on consultations with patients and their families, which helped me better understand communication strategies and improve my Catalan.

How did this internship connect to your future goals in psychology?

My long-term goal is to earn my PhD in psychology, specifically focusing on neurodevelopment and treating patients throughout their lives. My placement focused on patient care and working with kids who continuously came back, making a lasting impact on their lives.

I learned how to treat recurring patients and how to build relationships with families. In addition, since the clinic worked with children from many different backgrounds and cultural experiences, I learned how to work with all kinds of people and understand what was important to them.

What personal placement contributions did you make?

During my internship, I believe one of my unique contributions was bringing a student perspective while also adapting to a new culture and way of working. I had a strong willingness to learn and reflect on my interactions with people, which helped me notice details that others might overlook.

I also brought a calm and patient approach, along with a generally positive outlook, which felt especially important in a pediatric setting. On top of that, I was able to connect what I had learned from my psychology background to what I was observing in the clinic, which helped me engage more thoughtfully with the experience.

What was one of the most memorable moments from your internship?

My favorite memory from my program was the last day at the clinic. I brought pastries from a local bakery near my apartment and shared them with the team after they closed. They told me I was their best student and really appreciated how well I worked with the kids and how I attempted Spanish whenever I could.

Up until that point, I wasn’t sure if I had truly been helpful or made much of an impact, so hearing that was incredibly rewarding. The founder of the clinic even came in to take a photo of me with a thank-you card I made for them and posted it on their Instagram, thanking me for everything. I truly have never felt more appreciated, and it was beyond rewarding to hear firsthand that I had made such an impact.

What advice would I give someone preparing for a similar experience abroad?

I would tell them to go into their placement with a very open mind, as they are going to experience a new culture and new ways of doing and saying things. I would encourage them to pick up on common sayings and local dialect in order to better understand the culture they are immersing themselves in.

How has this experience influenced your confidence and future direction?

I feel especially empowered after completing my internship. I gained invaluable confidence and communication skills within my field, and I am even more excited to pursue the path I want to take in order to achieve my goals. I also want to continue expanding my Spanish and hopefully become fluent enough to return to Spain and work with children there again.

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