Psychology internships in Madrid, Spain offer an incredible opportunity to deepen your practical experience through hands-on learning, professional shadowing, and real-world observation.
Driven by a desire to build meaningful connections, explore diverse therapeutic approaches, and take part in consultations and therapy sessions, Leona traveled abroad to complete a transformative 12-week Psychology internship.
Read on to discover how this international experience helped shape her growth - both personally and professionally.
Hi Leona! How did you find your first week in Madrid?
My first week in Madrid was just as amazing as I had imagined, if not better. The weather was absolutely perfect and warm, which is so important to me. I spent time exploring the city by foot, going to local stores, parks and museums.
My favorite thing has been the late night culture of Spanish people. Having dinner late (tapas), and drinks, as well as all the stores being open late. Coming from someone who has lived in Amsterdam where stores close at 4pm this is a big shock, in the best way possible. I couldn’t wait to spend late evenings in Madrid having dinner and drinks with new friends.
What kind of Psychology internship tasks were you involved in?
As a Clinical Psychology intern, I support therapeutic work by observing and assisting in sessions, preparing case notes, and participating in supervision discussions. My tasks included monitoring patient progress, reflecting on therapeutic techniques (like CBT, ACT, EMDR), planning and supporting relaxation classes, and contributing to treatment planning under supervision.
This internship role benefited the organization by providing additional support in patient care, strengthening the therapeutic process through detailed observation, and ensuring smooth coordination between clinicians, supervisors, and patients.
How did your internship experience evolve over 12 weeks?
When I first arrived, to commence my internship abroad, I expected to mainly observe clinical work and focus on theoretical learning. With time, as I became more familiar with the setting and my role, I realized how much value there is in the small, practical aspects of being part of a clinical team, such as paying attention to subtle nonverbal cues, understanding the therapeutic alliance, and navigating the dynamics between supervisor, therapist, and patient.
My expectations as a psychology intern shifted from a focus on “absorbing knowledge” to also actively engaging with the therapeutic process, reflecting on cases, and recognizing my own professional development as an important part of the internship.
From this experience, I would advise future international psychology interns to be patient with the learning curve and to embrace uncertainty rather than feel pressured to immediately “understand everything.”
How has this psychology internship contributed to your long term career goals?
This internship contributed to my long-term goal of becoming a clinical psychologist by giving me first-hand experience in patient interaction and supervision. I learnt to observe therapeutic techniques, recognize client needs, and reflect critically on sessions. Skills such as building rapport, note-taking, and applying theory in practice are directly transferable to future clinical roles and will support my development in graduate studies and professional practice.
Overall, this internship experience has left me feeling significantly more empowered to succeed in clinical psychology. Working with real patients and conducting my first solo therapy sessions showed me that I am capable of handling the emotional, practical, and professional demands of the field. I gained confidence in my communication skills, my ability to build rapport, and my capacity to adapt across language and cultural barriers.
At the same time, the experience made me more aware of the areas I still want to grow, such as improving my Spanish and seeking more in-person clinical practice. Rather than discouraging me, these insights have motivated me. I now feel both grounded and inspired: grounded because I understand the realities of clinical work, and inspired because I know I can rise to those challenges.
What has been the hardest thing about returning home?
The hardest part of returning to my regular lifestyle is adjusting to the slower pace and reduced sense of independence compared to living and working in Madrid. During the internship, I was constantly challenged - linguistically, culturally, and professionally - which pushed me to grow quickly.
Returning home means stepping out of a learning environment and leaving behind the daily sense of purpose that came from working with real patients. I miss the routine of meaningful clinical work, the multicultural atmosphere, and the feeling of being fully immersed in a new city. The internship made my everyday life feel broader, more exciting, and more connected to my future career.
What advice would you give to others considering an internship abroad?
Enter with curiosity, not assumptions – be open to learning rather than expecting things to work the same way they do at home. Practice humility and respect – show genuine interest in local customs, ask questions when unsure, and don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know. Build cultural intelligence – observe how colleagues interact, mirror appropriate behaviors, and be flexible
Now that your internship is complete, what’s next for you?
Having completed my internship, I feel motivated to continue growing both personally and professionally. My next steps involve strengthening my clinical foundation and expanding the skills I began building in Madrid. I want to continue improving my Spanish so I can confidently work with more diverse clients in the future. I also plan to seek additional hands-on clinical experiences.
On a personal level, I want to maintain the independence, adaptability, and cultural awareness I gained during the program. Ultimately, this internship has given me a clearer vision of the psychologist I want to become, and I’m committed to taking every step necessary to grow into that role.
Ready to plan your own internship abroad?
If you’re ready to take the leap, I have no doubt you will be rewarded with the experience of a lifetime! The Intern Abroad HQ application process is straightforward. Just apply to express your interest.
FAQs
The day-to-day duties of practicing psychologists can be diverse, encompassing an array of psychosocial support and counseling services. Internship tasks often include treatment observation, case study analysis, researching patient symptoms and interventions, supporting administrative work and contributing to resource development and educational content creation.
Psychology internships in Madrid are suitable for students and recent graduates with at least one year of relevant college/university study in social work, health sciences, psychology, nursing, public health, or a related field.
The program fee for internships in Madrid covers your airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, five Spanish language lessons, in addition to the internship placement arrangement, plus comprehensive pre-departure and in-country support services.
Spanish language proficiency is not a requirement to join. However, interns should expect that a language barrier can still be encountered. Patient consultations will often be in Spanish, so interns should be prepared for the very natural and normal frustration of not always understanding what is being said around them. Should a language barrier arise during an observational occasion, your supervisor will be able to provide you with a debrief afterwards, concerning the relevant information. Come prepared and willing to surmount a language barrier (and ask for help when needed), as opposed to being intimidated by it.
Participants typically develop communication skills within a professional working environment, an understanding of the day-to-day duties of practicing psychologists and practice and develop Spanish language proficiency within a professional setting.
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