Looking for an unforgettable internship experience in Europe? Intern Abroad HQ offers flexible and affordable internships in Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Tenerife, that will add an impressive edge to your resume!
Hola! My name is Sarah, and I’m the Intern Abroad HQ Program Manager for many of our international internships in Spain! Starting from a minimum duration requirement of just 2 weeks, internship start dates are available year round. Let us take care of connecting you with a network of host organizations within your field, while also arranging your airport pick up, accommodation, meals and providing 24/7 in-country support.
Internships in Spain are available within the following fields:
- Business
- Creative Arts & Media
- Health Science
- Social Science
- STEM
- Animal Sciences
- Environmental Science
Read on to find out why I think Spain should be top of your list for best internship destination!
Contents
- What did you love about Spain?
- I don't speak Spanish - will this be an issue?
- What is internship accommodation like?
- What makes interning in Spain so unique?
- How can interns spend their weekends?
- What kind of support will I have before and after my arrival?
- What might a typical day look like for an intern?
- What transport options are available in Spain?
- How much extra spending money should I budget?
- What are your top tips for having a successful internship?
- How can I start planning my internship in Spain?
What did you love about Spain?
Blessed with a beautiful Mediterranean climate, sunny beaches, incredible food, and a history that runs from as far back as the Roman Empire, Spain is one of the richest countries in the world for culture, history, and nature.
With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Madrid is Spain’s sunniest capital. Seville is known as the cultural heartbeat of the country and an architecture lover’s dream. 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 and strolling through the streets, I found a country with a rich past, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere. I would get lost for hours just walking around and soaking up my surroundings - which were completely different from what I was used to back home!
Spain also 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 - I really couldn’t get enough during my time there!
While work is important to the Spanish, so too is life beyond the office. Lengthy lunches, going out for coffee and the infamous siesta really helped show me the importance of slowing down and enjoying a greater work life balance. Spanish people tend to take their time. Without strict schedules I felt free to follow my own desires, which was incredibly refreshing.
”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.”
I don’t speak Spanish - will this be an issue?
This is no problem - Spanish language proficiency is not an eligibility requirement to join most of our internships in Spain.
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!). For me, even just learning some basic phrases went a long way. Being able to say “hello”, “goodbye” and “thank you” in Spanish not only helped my confidence, but showed those around me I was willing to make an effort! Everyone I met was very accommodating and understanding when it came to the language, willing to help me bridge the gap, even if it meant using a translator app!
Internship in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia includes five Spanish language lessons. For me, the lessons were fun and social, providing an ice-breaker, and assisting with my social and cultural integration. Lessons are tailored to each individual’s current level and run Monday to Friday. You can choose to complete these prior to your arrival, or during your first 2 weeks in the country around your internship schedule.
”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.”
What is internship accommodation like?
Internship accommodation in Madrid and Barcelona is provided in shared student apartments. Every guest will have their own room with bedding and furnishings provided. In some cases, between 3-4 guests can be accommodated per apartment, so participants should be prepared to get to know one another and share common areas such as lounge, kitchen, bathrooms 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.
If you intern in Valencia or Seville, host family accommodation is provided instead, with the added benefit of having meals included. Most of our homestays are based in apartment buildings and have one or more spare rooms used for hosting.
During my time in Valencia I was accommodated with a lovely woman and her son. I was provided with my own room and an apartment key to come and go as I pleased. My host mother provided me with 3 home cooked meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner), however, I also enjoyed going out and exploring local restaurants around the neighborhood.
Being accommodated with a local host family made me feel really safe and supported. It was reassuring to know that I had someone I could go to for advice when it came to the area, the language and the culture. I was also able to practice my Spanish and learn more about Spanish customs. I could not recommend staying with a host family enough and plan to visit my host mother again when i’m next in Valencia!
”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!”
What makes interning 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.”
How can interns spend their weekends?
Interns have the evenings and weekends free to spend as they like, and while I was in Valencia, there was 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, surrounded by iconic historic buildings and outdoor cafes. Our amazing local team in Valencia is always hosting social events. Interns can enjoy a flamenco show, join a Tapas tasting, a Paella cooking class, a day trip to the coastal town of Peniscola and more!
- 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!
- If interning in Seville, your days can be spent basking in the stunning tilework, arches, courtyards, gardens and water features of the city's intrinsic architecture. The Catedral de Sevilla is a masterpiece and the largest gothic cathedral in the world. The iconic Plaza de Españat’s is a wonderful place to sit back and soak up the views, full of street performers and musicians adding to the lively atmosphere.
”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.”
What kind of support will I have before and after my arrival?
As the Program Manager for many of our internships based in Spain, I am often the person providing pre departure support. (You can also check out insights from another of our Program Managers - see: Experiencing Seville, Spain as an Intern Abroad HQ Program Manager
If you have any questions leading up to your start date, or are unsure what you need to do (or when you should be doing it) we are always happy to help! You can call, email or book an online call with your Program Manager at Intern Abroad HQ, any stage for assistance.
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.
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.
Once in Spain, support is provided to you by our lovely local team and your direct placement supervisor. While the Intern Abroad HQ team continue to monitor your experience from afar (and remain available for support should you need it), given that your local team and your direct placement supervisor are physically based where you are, they are in the best position to take the lead upon your arrival in country.
You will be introduced to your local team and placement supervisor prior to your start date. Following your arrival, your local team will provide an orientation at their office that covers health and safety guidelines, emergency contacts and procedures, advice about local cultural norms and expectations. This orientation is usually followed by a walking tour, where the team will show you the historic sites as well as best places to eat, drink and shop! Be sure to bring a sturdy pair of walking shoes!
Your local team is always available should you need any support while your experience is underway. Having issues with your placement? Unsure of what to do in your free time? Confused about how public transport works? Your local team is there to help!
”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.”
What might a typical day look like for an intern?
Each intern will have a slightly different schedule, depending on the daily work hours their placement recognises (or requirements they may have from their school/university). Generally interns will begin around 9am and finish around 5pm. Intern tasks can vary day-to-day, depending on the projects and tasks that are most relevant at any given time, so it’s important to come into the experience with flexibility and an open mind!
For me, I’d wake up and have breakfast with my host family before jumping on a bus (or putting on my walking shoes) to make my way to my Spanish language lesson or the placement I was set to check out for the day (likely grabbing a coffee on the way!). 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 id often spend this time having lunch, exploring nearby shops, reading a book or stretching my legs.
At the end of the day I’d return home for dinner, meet up with people to socialize, join in an activity arranged by our local team or simply relax and have an early night. Your schedule is really what you make of it, so every day can be different! It’s important to keep in mind that experiences vary, and it takes some time to settle in and gain a sense of your “new normal”.
”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.”
What transport options are available in Spain?
Airport pickup is included in your internship program fee, but once at your accommodation and your internship is underway, you will need to budget independently for getting around the city you’re based in. This is incredibly easy, as Spain is known for having quick and reliable metro, bus and tram systems.
When in Valencia, It seemed everywhere I looked a new metro station or bus stop would pop up, so I never felt far from a source to get me where I needed to be. Valencia has an extensive metro system with six lines in total, each number and color coded. It can be a little confusing at first (especially if you’re from a small town like me!) but I found after taking the same route a few times and getting some guidance from the local team, I soon got on top of it. It’s all about practice! Tickets could be purchased from machines at almost every metro or tram station. A single trip will cost you around €1.50.
Commute times and methods of commuting will always differ depending on the distance between your accommodation and placement, as well as which city you’re based in. In many cases, interns should expect a commute time of 30-45 minutes by public transportation (metro or bus).
Despite the great public transport available, I chose to walk pretty much everywhere. Valencia is flat and the weather amazing, so getting my steps in and enjoying the sunshine was my preference! My advice - invest in a good pair of comfortable trainers!
”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!”
How much extra spending money should I budget?
Depending on your own spending habits and lifestyle choices, personal budgets can vary enormously. Prior to my departure I researched tourism activities to get an idea of what I’d like to do and how much I would need to set aside for this – for example, entrance fees to some of the local historical sites may not cost as much as day trips away.
Internships in Valencia include three meals per day, served at the homestay (daily breakfast, lunch and dinner). Therefore my main costs per week were for transportation around the city (as needed), snacks, tourism activities, shopping, eating out (and coffees!). Between US$80 - US$140 per week should be enough - depending on what you’re planning to 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. US$35 or US$40 per person, per day, is probably sufficient. 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.
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.
Some interns opt to take additional Spanish language lessons during their time in Spain (outside of the initial 5 that are offered). We of course recommend this (as the lessons are encouraged as a great way to up your skills!) but these also come with an additional cost!
”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!”
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 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, local team and myself if they have any questions or concerns. Our aim is 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 in Spain! Local businesses really benefit from fresh perspectives, people 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.”
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!
