Your guide to interning abroad in Spain

What do people love about interning in Spain?

Blessed with a beautiful Mediterranean climate, sun-kissed beaches, incredible food, and a history that runs from as far back as the Roman Empire (and beyond), Spain is one of the richest countries in the world for culture, history, and nature.

Spain boasts a reputation as having some of the best food in the world. From tapas, Paella, fresh seafood, dried meats, fresh fruit and vegetables enjoyed in lively markets, bars and restaurants, Spanish cuisine is delicious, healthy and full of flavor.

Work is important to the Spanish, but they definitely know how to enjoy life beyond the office. Lengthy lunches, a morning coffee break and of course, the infamous siesta all prove that the Spanish love to live their personal lives just as much as working.

With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Madrid is Spain’s sunniest capital. Coastal Barcelona and Andalusian paradises like Valencia have plenty of sun and year-round beautiful weather, and happy weather makes for happy people.

The country is rich with history and architecture, offering 48 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Gothic, Moorish, Romanesque and Baroque, Spain’s churches and cathedrals are works of art. Getting lost in its ancient buildings or strolling through the streets, you will find a country with a rich past, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere.

“Spain was amazing! I don’t think I could’ve picked a better location for my internship abroad. Valencia has everything you could want in a European city – great weather, the beach, varied architecture, museums, a ton of bars, restaurants, discotecas, and a diverse population of international students and young professionals. Valencia also has easy access to beautiful towns nearby and quick transportation to other cities by train or countries by flight. Spain as a whole has a wonderful culture, and the people are very friendly and warm. For me, Valencia as a city was a big highlight.” - Mary Kate Kelly, Marketing & Communications internship in Spain

I don’t speak Spanish - will this be an issue?

This is no problem - Spanish language proficiency is not an eligibility requirement to intern in Spain. The only exception to this is the Tourism & Hospitality internship in Valencia. All other internships in Spain are open to English language speakers.

That being said, participants should expect that a language barrier can still be encountered to a certain extent and should be prepared for the very natural and normal frustration of not always understanding what is being said around them. While your supervisor will be able to communicate with you in English, they may lack fluency, so it is important that you meet them halfway. Just as they are working to accommodate your English, you too must work to accommodate their Spanish (you are in Spain after all!). Making the effort to do so will enhance your experience, confidence, and cultural competency.

We love to encourage beginner Spanish speakers to come and expand their confidence and vocabulary. The internship orientation includes five Spanish language lessons. These introductory lessons are designed to be fun and social, providing an ice-breaker, and assisting with your social and cultural integration.

Interns who wish to continue with these lessons are welcome to make arrangements to do so. Lessons are tailored to each individual’s current level and classes run Monday to Friday in conjunction with the internship experience. There are plenty of options to suit all levels and language tuition budgets!

“At my internship placement, I was able to develop my Spanish language skills while learning how a healthcare non-profit in Spain functions. I was able to immerse myself in the Spanish culture, allowing me to learn and grow in more ways than one. I am forever thankful for having had this opportunity.” - Mariah Ulness, Medical internship in Spain

What is internship accommodation like?

Internship accommodation in Madrid and Barcelona is provided in furnished apartments or selected hotel / hostel rooms. Upon the confirmation of specific internship details, accommodation arrangements are made, taking into consideration the location of internship placements, to ensure that any commute time is as convenient as possible.

For the internship accommodation in Madrid and Barcelona, bedding and furnishings are provided, as well as common areas such as lounge, kitchen and laundry facilities. Standard amenities include whiteware (i.e. washing machine, stovetop, fridge, microwave) and clean linen (i.e. bed sheets, pillows, towels). Accommodation includes internet / WiFi access. In most cases, between four to six guests can be accommodated per apartment, or selected hotel / hostel room, so participants should be prepared to share living arrangements. Please note that shared apartments may be mixed-gender. However, every guest has a private room within the accommodation, with either a single or double bed.

If you intern in Valencia, host family accommodation is provided instead, with the added benefit of meal inclusions and a private room for each guest. Most of our homestays are an apartment or house with one or more spare rooms that are used to host our international interns. You will be provided with your own key and can come and go as you please. Your host family will provide you with delicious, authentic home cooked meals, however you are more than welcome to enjoy some of the local restaurants and spend weekends exploring the region. Being accommodated with a local host family allows interns to better immerse themselves in the local culture.

“Since stepping foot in Spain, my host family has been nothing short of kind and welcoming. They enjoyed spending time with me and hearing about my day. They were helpful and supportive and acted almost like a set of parents here in Spain. I was so lucky to have been placed with them!” - Riley Morgan, Marketing & Communications internship in Spain

What makes the internships in Spain so unique?

Our coordinating team in Spain know the companies that host interns personally, having worked with them for many years. The amount of internship sectors available makes each opportunity unique.

We analyze each intern’s profile, resume and motivation letter to form a complete idea of their internship preference. When we know the student’s preferred sector and specific interests, we then contact the appropriate placements that we consider to be the best fit for the intern’s requirements. We relay these options to the intern, and they can provide their feedback to us. We also ensure that each intern is assigned a supervisor at their placement. Mentorship is crucial during an internship, as they provide guidance in regard to acclimating to the new work environment, helping with business procedures, while offering friendly feedback and support.

This is a customized process but of course, each individual internship experience varies. Interns who are at a more introductory level, you should reasonably expect a more introductory internship. Likewise, if you’re interning for a shorter duration, you will have a different experience from someone who is interning for a longer duration. Placement preferences are considered but always subject to availability.

“My supervisor was professional, but also candid and easy-going. Right from the start I was asked what I specifically wanted to gain and learn from the internship experience. This way they could find the best way to curate responsibilities and tasks that would truly prepare me for the type of profession I wanted to do.” - Ray Walker, Psychology internship in Spain

How can interns spend their weekends?

Interns have the evenings and weekends free to spend as they like, and there is no shortage of wonderful things to see and do!

• In Valencia you can visit the state-of-the-art science, cultural and architectural complex, L’Oceanogràfic aquarium, Mercado Central public market or the historic old town. The lively Plaza de la Virgen is central to Valencia, where it is surrounded by iconic historic buildings and outdoor cafes. You’ll see the Apostle Doors of the Valencia Cathedral, the Miguelete tower, and Neptune relaxing in la Fuente del Turia. From the plaza, you can also enter the Barrio del Carmen at Calle Caballeros - this is a trendy part of the medieval Valencia Old Town, from where you can also check out the Gothic-style Torres de Serranos, part of the old city walls, which mark the entrance to the Old Quarter of Valencia.

• As the capital of Spain, Madrid is a hub for culture, art, sport, language and cuisine. It’s well known for its breathtaking landmarks, great nightlife, fun activities and stunning architecture. Here are just a few examples of the attractions you won’t want to miss. You can grab delicious tapas at Mercado de San Miguel, visit the Museo Nacional del Prado, treat your tastebuds at Chocolateria San Ginés or bring a picnic and enjoy this beautiful slice of nature at El Retiro Park

• If you’re in Barcelona, you’ll love the unique architecture by Antonio Gaudi, as well as the vibrant culture, colorful art scene, delicious food and excellent football. You can discover the hidden alleyways of the Gothic Quarter, marvel at the Sagrada Família, sit and enjoy live music, savor the flavors on offer at the Boqueria Market or hire a boat and discover the wonders of the Mediterranean coastline. There are endless things to see and do!

“My favorite memory of my internship was meeting people from all walks of life. Creating friendships, connecting, and talking with so many different people was the best thing ever! You don’t know how big the world is until you get out of your bubble, talk to locals, and other travelers. It makes you grateful to experience such a welcoming culture.” - Georgia Taul, Legal Practice internship in Spain

How is ongoing support provided to interns in-country?

When in Spain, your local team becomes your first point of contact, providing 24/7 support with any questions or concerns. At the internship placement itself, interns are assigned a supervisor who provides close support and acts as their mentor. Local staff are in constant contact with the internship placements and the various supervisors, to make sure everything is running smoothly, and the intern is having a positive experience.

Your Program Manager from Intern Abroad HQ maintains contact throughout the duration of your internship via the experiential learning curriculum or weekly “reflection” submissions. These reflections allow us to monitor an intern’s experience and gauge whether or not we can provide any additional support. Although we’re not in-country, we continue to provide oversight throughout the internship and always remain available as a resource, should interns need assistance to resolve anything. It’s our priority to ensure that both the intern and their placement team all gain the maximum benefit and enjoyment from the shared experience and cultural exchange.

For the interns that are working with Intern Abroad HQ to obtain academic credit, there are additional layers of support available, to enrich your learning experience. Intern Abroad HQ offers variable credits to accommodate diverse durations of interning and service learning. These credits may be applied worldwide.

“My favorite memory from the internship has been feeling like a part of a team. I have enjoyed learning about my organisation’s history and working with their international marketing department. It has been a very enjoyable and a rewarding experience.” - Connor Blair, Marketing & Communications internship in Spain

What might a typical day look like for an intern?

Each intern has a different schedule, based on their supervisor’s requirements or any requirements they may have from their school (if they’re interning for course credit). Generally speaking, interns begin around 9 or 10 a.m. and finish around 5 or 6 p.m. Intern tasks can vary day-to-day, depending on the projects and tasks that are most relevant at any given time, so come into the experience with flexibility and an open mind.

Lunch time in Spain is typically between 2 and 4 pm. This is in line with the concept of “la siesta”, which can last for up to two hours, so interns need to account for the midday break. During the siesta break, you can rest and enjoy a relaxed mealtime - preferably with some pleasant company and conversation. Otherwise, return to the homestay accommodation for lunch, go shopping, enjoy the sights or even take a nap if the heat of the day requires it!

“I made fast friends and spent more quality time with them than anticipated - meeting between Spanish language class and my internship schedule, working alongside each other in co-working space, and going for walks throughout the day.” - Nicholas Blaikie-Puk, Legal Practice internship in Spain

What transport options are available in Spain?

Depending on the location of your internship and accommodation, interns usually either walk, take the bus, or use the metro. Spain has amazing transport networks to get you from A to B and only a few internships located on the outskirts of the city center would require a commute time of more than 40 minutes. There are also public bicycles available to rent, as well as electric scooters. Many interns choose to enjoy exploring the city, and getting to and from their placements on foot or by bike! We are always on hand to let you know the best means to get to and from your placement each day.

“My proudest accomplishment was taking this big step of solo traveling. It forced me to challenge myself and help improve my Spanish every day. I explored Valencia with another intern from Florida. Every day we walked around, went to gardens and had picnics, biked, visited museums, the beach and shopped. It was easy to get around!” - Mary McLean, Marketing & Communications internship in Spain

How much extra spending money should I budget?

Ultimately, depending on your own spending habits and lifestyle choices, personal budgets can vary enormously. It’s wise to research tourism activities in advance to get an idea of what you’d like to do and how much you need to earmark for this – for example, sightseeing the historical sites may not cost as much as fine dining and shopping every weekend.

Internships in Valencia include three meals per day, served at the homestay (daily breakfast, lunch and dinner). Therefore the main cost per week would be for transportation (if needed), snacks, tourism activities, sports activities, gym memberships, or eating out. Between US$80 - US$140 per week should be enough - depending on what you participate in.

In Madrid and Barcelona, your internship program fee covers your airport pick up and accommodation. However, you will need to budget for meals, water, lunches, travel, shopping, personal expenses, and return transport to the airport. A budget of approx. €35 or €40 per person, per day, is probably sufficient for buying every meal and enjoying great food (approx. US$40). However, if you eat out at restaurants and buy beverages frequently, this will cost a lot more than just purchasing food from supermarkets and preparing your own meals within the accommodation’s kitchen facilities.

Some interns opt to take Spanish language lessons during their time in Spain as well. We of course recommend this, as the lessons are encouraged as a great way to up your skills. Group lessons are recommended, since they’re fun and social, but you could also arrange private classes.

If you want to plan trips further afield (such as weekend trips to other destinations in Europe), then you should research the costs and budget for this accordingly.

“I am very happy with Intern Abroad HQ’s ability to work with me and allowing me to gain this once in a lifetime opportunity. I would not only look at it as an internship placement but also as an investment opportunity. This is an investment in your professional career that will only pay dividends in the long run. You are setting yourself up for success by doing an internship with Intern Abroad HQ!” - Aaron Ruiz, Marketing & Communications internship in Spain

What are your top tips for having a successful internship?

All interns are encouraged to be proactive and open minded. The most successful interns are typically those who are adaptable, have a positive mindset, and are confident enough to ask for a little help or assistance when/if needed.

The culture in Spain can be quite different and overwhelming at first - just like any new experience may be - so it’s important to make your best effort to learn, ask questions, take in new ideas, and - in general - have a motivated and eager mindset!

It’s also essential that interns communicate with their supervisor and our team if any questions or concerns arise. We aim to ensure that everyone is feeling comfortable and on-track with their goals, but we can’t help if we don’t know what someone is thinking or feeling.

It’s also great when interns have the confidence to express their ideas and creativity. International interns are so important here! Local businesses really benefit from fresh perspectives, students with new ideas and methods, and international support when it comes to English content, customer service, and international outreach.

“Everyone that I was in contact with during the internship process was so kind and made it very clear that I was welcome to get in touch with them and ask for help when I needed it. The advice I would give to someone is to really take advantage of the amount of support you’ll have available, along with the time you’ll be committing. There is a lot to learn about ourselves when we are put into challenging situations that push us to build on our abilities.” - Beatriz Elfred Yumul, Psychology internship in Spain

How can I start planning my internship in Spain?

Found your ideal opportunity yet? Check out our amazing range of internship opportunities offered out of Spain!

Submit your interest via our online application form (for free). We’ll review your application to confirm you’re a good match for your chosen internship program and that there is availability for the dates you’ve requested. We can then accept you into the program.

Once you’re accepted, you can reserve your place by paying a deposit of $499 USD. This confirmation allows us to reserve your desired internship dates while we arrange your placement and customize your internship. Then let the adventure begin!