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Medical Internships in Barcelona

Medical Internships in Barcelona

If you’re passionate about health sciences and looking to boost your resume with a unique and culturally diverse learning experience, then a medical internship in Barcelona is for you! Come prepared to intern alongside a range of medical staff in the provision of care to patients from all walks of life. Enhance your medical knowledge, skills and experience through the support and observation of medical consultations, treatments and surgeries.

Internship Highlights:
  • Gain practical experience through supporting qualified Medical personnel.
  • Develop confidence and communication skills, related to both general and medical Spanish.
  • Gain insight into patient management within modern healthcare systems.
  • Build your experiential learning abroad, experiencing one of Europe’s most vibrant destinations.
Type of host organizations:
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Non-profit health centers
Fully hosted experience from $3668
Includes accommodation
Typical schedule: Approx. Monday to Friday, 8 hours
Minimum duration 4 weeks, up to 12 weeks maximum
Internships in Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, & Tenerife
Get job-ready with our Experiential Learning Curriculum
Suitable for English language speakers
Eligibility requirements and Associated career paths
Eligibility requirement

Medical internships in Barcelona are suitable for pre-med and medical students of diverse healthcare-related disciplines, as well as recent graduates (Medical, Nursing, Midwifery, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Physician’s Assistant, etc). Interns must have a commitment to medical observation of both surgical and non surgical procedures.

Language requirements

This internship is conducted in English. However, interns should expect that a language barrier can still be encountered to a certain extent. With the exception of fluent or native Spanish language speakers, all interns are required to participate in 5 (complimentary) remote Spanish language lessons, prior to their start date or within the first 2 weeks of their internship.

Associated career paths

Medical Doctor, Physician, Nurse, General Practitioner, Pediatrician, Surgeon, Orderly, Medical Assistant, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapist, Disability Support Worker, Pharmacist, Mental Health Practitioner, Social Worker, Medical Scribe, Nutritionist, Medical Administrator, Medical Receptionist, Ophthalmologist

Internship details

Enhance your practical knowledge, cultural intelligence and networking skills alongside experienced medical professionals on a Medical internship in Barcelona. A destination that offers a broad range of modern services for patient care, interns have the unique opportunity to shadow and assist with a variety of day to day activities, treatments and procedures. Boost your resume and gain sought-after professional skills & experience in a range of settings.

This is an in-country internship, with accommodation included. You can explore remote internships, if you are looking for an internship program that you can undertake from home.

As a Medical intern, you’ll gain experience from trained medical staff as they go about their daily duties, familiarizing yourself with modern healthcare systems in action, building communication skills and understanding patient relationship management. While your role as an intern can vary, tasks and responsibilities will primarily involve assisting in a participatory and observational capacity, depending on skills and experience.

In all aspects of your internship activities, interns must prioritize the goal of improving the health of patients, while adhering to the standards and regulations of your internship placement. Interns should not expect to be directly “hands on” with patients, and should cooperate with their supervisor, according to the needs of the placement and its patients/clients.

Supervision on these medical internships is handled by a range of medical staff. Interns must expect to work in a multidisciplinary team, which could include nurses, doctors, or other department heads.

Spanish language proficiency is not a requirement to join. However, interns should expect that a language barrier can still be encountered to a certain extent. Most patient interactions will be conducted in Spanish, although your supervisor will speak English. Your supervisor will provide opportunities to debrief following sessions, ensuring you are able to follow the work as it is conducted. Come prepared and willing to surmount a language barrier (and ask for help when needed), as opposed to being intimidated by it.

This internship includes five complimentary Spanish language lessons, which must be scheduled within the first two weeks of the internship. These should be considered mandatory for anyone who is not already a fluent Spanish speaker. Any additional Spanish language lessons must be coordinated and paid for separately. We encourage all interns to take advantage of the opportunity to learn some Spanish skills during their program (or develop their existing vocabulary).

Understand and expect that individual internship experiences vary, as the specific placement that you’re assigned will depend on review of your resume and your current level of studies and experience. Therefore, if you’re 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.

In all cases, interns should expect that the first week of your experience will focus on settling in and gaining some introductory knowledge, as you will not “hit the ground running”. Rather, you should start with learning about the placement to gain an understanding of what you can build upon, develop, learn, and contribute. Ensure that you ask questions and provide feedback during the introductory period, so that your supervisor understands how you’re progressing. This will help them to better understand important details, such as how quickly you learn, what you find challenging, what you find interesting, etc.

Career Benefits

Medical interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
  • Supporting local staff with medical and administration functions.

  • Assisting with general administrative tasks.

  • Observation of healthcare across a range of medical departments.

  • Assisting with the provision of care and support to patients.

Professional development opportunities:
  • Observe medical consultations, treatments and surgeries.

  • Practice and hone Spanish language skills, especially in medical contexts.

  • Build communication skills and understand patient relationship management.

  • Gain practical skills and boost your employability, with guidance from Intern Abroad HQ’s Experiential Learning Curriculum to support your learning and cultural intelligence.

Are you eligible for this internship?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

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What recent interns said about their experience

GB
Giovanna Ozorio Bastos
September 2024

I truly enjoyed my experience and was welcomed by a friendly and warm staff in my internship, I have developed my clinical skills and I personally have grown and matured a lot after this experience.

...
MN
Marianna Nader
August 2024

This program was absolutely amazing. I grew so much as a person and have much more knowledge in the medical field. In regards to why someone should consider doing this internship; For me, it has been the best way to learn about medicine as a field, a doctor's lifestyle, different healthcare system than one's home system, and most importantly if you genuinely are interested in pursuing a medical related career. The surgeon I rotated with was phenomenal in that she took the time to explain procedures to the best of her abilities beforehand. I learned about different medical settings such as clinics and hospitals with different procedures within these settings whether it be reconstructive vs aesthetic surgery. With that said, this was completed in the beautiful city of Barcelona. This was a 10/10 experience and would fully recommend it.

...
MQ
Mia Quijano
July 2024

I enjoyed everything about this internship and am very grateful for the opportunity to work closely with the doctors.

...
ER
Ella Ruef
July 2024

I really liked my placement in the medical clinic. They were extremely nice and helpful. My accommodation was super nice and I met some wonderful people.

...
CV
Charles Verkamp
July 2024

I really enjoyed being immersed fully into the Spanish culture, both as intern, and as someone visiting the city. I think I have gained valuable lessons and will have gained irreplaceable experiences.

...
BS
Brooke Stadtherr
July 2024

This internship gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in the Spanish culture while progressing my personal and professional development. It gave me a newfound independence and confidence to speak in Spanish. Working in a multi-cultural environment and practising cultural competency is a valuable trait in the workplace, especially in the medical setting.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Our commitment to providing safe internship experiences

Academic credit available for all internships

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing an internship abroad or remote internship program with Intern Abroad HQ.

Learn about course credit

Program fees

It’s free to apply for this internship. Once we have reviewed your suitability and accepted you onto this program, you’ll need to pay a deposit of US$499 to confirm your place. The remaining balance of your Program Fee (less your initial US$499 deposit payment) will be due no less than 60 days before your internship start date.

Duration
Program Fee (USD)
4 weeks $3,668 Equivalent to $131 /day
5 weeks $4,040 Equivalent to $115 /day
6 weeks $4,427 Equivalent to $105 /day
8 weeks $5,084 Equivalent to $90 /day
10 weeks $5,864 Equivalent to $83 /day
12 weeks $6,524 Equivalent to $77 /day
  • Airport pick-up
  • Accommodation
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • Program orientation
  • Dedicated support before, during, and after your internship
  • In-country guidance for social and tourist activities
  • Sourcing and securing your internship placement
  • Personalization of your internship plan
  • Coaching from your supervisor
  • Documented portfolio of your experiential learnings
  • Academic credit facilitation
  • International reference letter
  • Certificate of Internship Completion
  • All in-country transportation
  • Meals
  • Visa (if required), flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check
  • Transfer back to the airport at the end of your internship program
  • Personal spending money for snacks, drinks, public transport, laundry, and leisure activities during your free time.
  • A deposit of $499 (approximately 499) is required to secure your internship
  • European students who wish to receive Erasmus funding for their internship in Spain are encouraged to apply and outline their specific requirements.
  • Balance of your Program Fee is due 70 days before your internship start date. The Program Fee payment can also be completed in installments through our Zero-Fee Payment Plan. Learn more.
  • All payments attract a 5% transaction fee to cover international banking fees and currency charges.
  • Terms and Conditions apply.

Spanish lessons

Fluency in Spanish is not a requirement for interns in Valencia, however basic Spanish skills are strongly recommended. Your program fees include five introductory Spanish language lessons which are provided in order to boost confidence and assist with social and cultural integration. However, any additional Spanish language lessons must be coordinated and paid for separately.

We encourage all interns to take advantage of the opportunity to learn some Spanish skills during their program (or develop their existing vocabulary) to maximize the impact of the internship experience. The language lessons are tailored to each interns current level of Spanish, run from Monday to Friday and can be accommodated around your internship schedule. Classes are run in small groups by certified native speaking Spanish teachers.

Weekends and travel

During the internship schedule, interns have weekends available for free time. It’s almost impossible not to fall in love with a city like Barcelona. With its unique architecture inspired by world renowned artist Antonio Gaudi, vibrant culture, colorful art scene, delicious food and excellent football, interns will be spoilt for choice as to how best to spend their weekends and free time.

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!

  • Sagrada Familia: The life’s work of Catalonia’s most famous architect, Antoni Gaud, you’ll be awestruck by the contrasting façades, sculpted details and stained glass.
  • Picasso Museum: Enjoy over 4,000 works by the famous artist himself.
  • Dos Pebrots: Eat like a Catalan and try a range of delicious traditional dishes at this popular restaurant famous for its Mediterranean cuisine.
  • Gaudí’s Park Güell: Gardens, color, sculpture, there is no better place to enjoy the sunshine than basking in the wacky architecture of Gaudi.
  • Barcelona’s beaches: With 4.5 km of coastline, you can’t miss a chance to relax and unwind with a cool drink and a good book alongside blue ocean waters.
  • La Boqueria Market: Enjoy fresh produce, local dishes, delicious smells and the taste of Spain in Barcelona’s best known market.

Arrival and Orientation

Internships in Barcelona begin on the first and third Monday of each month. Exceptions may be made to this when start dates are shifted to avoid public holiday disruptions or closed when the program has already reached capacity. Duration options are 4 ,6, 8 and 12 weeks only. (Please consider choosing an internship in Valencia if you’re looking for more flexibility with your start date and duration).

Airport pick up and accommodation is included in the Program Fee. Accommodation is covered from the Sunday night before Monday start dates - interns are required to arrive no later than the Sunday before their Monday start date, as orientations are held on the Monday.

The typical port of entry is the Aeroport de Barcelona-El Prat (BCN). If you are planning to spend time independently in Spain prior to the internship and will not require an airport pick up, we can discuss alternative arrival logistics.

Upon arrival, interns will be met, greeted, and transferred to their accommodation. The last night of the accommodation is the Friday night of the final week, leaving interns free to depart on Saturday. Extra nights of accommodation can be arranged in advance, if requested, and are subject to availability.

Orientation covers important details for your internship, including introductions, information about culture, customs, rules, expectations, safety, language lessons, cultural excursions, and more. Your specific internship placement orientation will follow the general orientation, as you’ll be shown how to travel to and from your internship and be introduced to the team you’ll be joining.

Your internship program fee includes five introductory online Spanish language lessons which are provided as a way of boosting confidence and assisting with social and cultural integration prior to arrival. Any additional Spanish language lessons must be coordinated and paid for separately.

Please note that all participants are advised not to book flights until they have first registered to confirm their internship placement.

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Accommodation and WiFi

Interns in Barcelona are accommodated in clean and comfortable, fully furnished apartments or selected hotel / hostel rooms. Final accommodation bookings are always dependent on availability. If a commute is required (from your accommodation to your internship placement) then the travel time is usually between 45 to 60 minutes, maximum. There are ample public transportation options to utilize such as buses, metro, trams, and taxis.

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.

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.

Meals

Internships in Barcelona do not include meals, as kitchen facilities are provided within all of the accommodations and supermarkets are easily accessible.

In Barcelona, breakfast is usually a light meal, consisting of coffee and a pastry. You can find offers for this around the city for less than €5. Prepare to pay twice as much, or more, if you want more of an international “brunch” style of breakfast instead. After a light breakfast, it’s common to have a midday snack and you can get fresh fruits from the markets for this.

There are many excellent restaurants to choose from in Barcelona and they typically offer special lunch menus in the afternoon, the “menú del día”, which ranges from €10–€15 (this is what the locals will eat). The menú del día normally includes two to three courses, bread, a drink and some water. Lunch is the main meal of the day in Spain, so you might opt for a lighter dinner in the evening.

If you’re eating out for dinner, expect that it will be late. Simple tapas can cost about €4 - €6 each (depending on where you are choosing to dine).

A budget of approx. €35 or €40 per person, per day, (approx. US$40) is probably sufficient for buying every meal and enjoying great food. However, depending on your own spending habits and lifestyle choices, personal budgets can vary enormously. 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.

Essential country information

Capital Madrid
Population 46.5 million
Languages Spanish (official), Catalan, Galician, Basque, Occitan (co-official languages)
Currency Euro (€ - EUR)
Time zone UTC+01:00
Weather and climate:

Spain has a very varied climate, according to the geographical situation of different regions. Most of the country is considered to be within a Mediterranean zone, which is characterized by warm/hot and dry summers. However, areas with relatively high rainfall are considered to be oceanic climatic regions, rather than Mediterranean. The northern quarter of Spain, which is within the Atlantic region, falls within this oceanic climate category, where winter and summer temperatures are influenced by the ocean. The southeastern quarter of Spain has a semi-arid climate, where the dry season can extend beyond the typical summer season.

In Barcelona, it is dry year round. The summers are warm, muggy, and mostly clear. The hot summer season runs from June through September, with an average daily high temperature above 91°F (33°C). The winter months, from November through March, are cold, windy, and partly cloudy. During this time, the average daily high temperature is below 58°F (15°C).

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