Medical Internships in Valencia

Spain Internship Abroad Medical & Healthcare

Medical internships in Spain are perfect for pre-med and undergraduate students looking to gain international healthcare experience. Interns are placed in private hospitals or clinics, or non-profit health centers in the Valencia region, and assist and learn from local doctors and nurses with daily consultations, examinations and treatments.

Internship Highlights:

Assisting medical professionals with patient care and gaining a real world insight into treatments and therapies
Gain practical experience on a customized internship in a medical field of interest to you
Enjoy traveling and living in Valencia, with easy access to wider Spain and the Mediterranean

Type of host organizations:

Private hospitals and clinics
Outpatient clinics
Non-profit health centers
Pharmacies

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Gain academic or course credit

Fully hosted experience from US$2,450

Includes accommodation & meals

Typical schedule: Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm

Minimum duration 2 weeks, up to 24 Weeks maximum

5 introductory Spanish lessons included

Get job-ready with our Experiential Learning Curriculum

Internships align with UN Sustainable Development Goals

Eligibility requirement

Suitable for students from a pre-med school educational level and up, including health science, medical, nursing, and other related studies.

Language requirements

This internship is conducted in English.

Associated career paths

Physician, Nurse, General Practitioner, Disability Support Worker, Pharmacist, Mental Health Practitioner, Social Worker, Medical Scribe, Nutritionist, Medical Administrator, Medical Receptionist, Ophthalmologist

Internship details

Medical internships in Spain are perfect for pre-med and undergraduate students looking to gain international healthcare experience. Interns are placed in private hospitals or clinics, or non-profit health centers in the Valencia region and assist and learn from local doctors and nurses with daily consultations, examinations and treatments.

This is an in-country internship that includes accommodation and meals.

As a Medical intern in Spain, you’ll gain a first hand insight into life as a healthcare professional. Interns are closely guided by local medical professionals, providing the chance to learn firsthand, build your practical skills, and develop experience from real life consultations and treatments.

Internship placements are available in a wide range of hospitals, departments and clinics around the vibrant coastal city of Valencia. Your role as an intern is customized by our team with your own skills, experience and interests in mind. Interns looking for experience in a particular field of healthcare should include details in your application, so that we can guide you accordingly. Please note that special requests are subject to availability.

While your role as an intern can vary based on your level of experience and study, your tasks and responsibilities will primarily involve assisting, observing, and shadowing across a range of daily situations, including patient consultations and treatments, medical administration, test evaluation and examinations, treatment establishment and follow ups. Interns can also help to design and improve various processes, as well as assist with ongoing research and teaching projects.

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. It is important to be prepared for a language barrier, as 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.

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. Interns should be prepared for the very natural and normal frustration of not always understanding what is being said around them. Come prepared and willing to surmount a language barrier (and ask for help when needed), as opposed to being intimidated by it. Bear in mind that internships in Spain include five introductory Spanish language lessons, which are provided during the orientation period. 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).

Valencia is a popular tourist city on Spain’s south-eastern Mediterranean Coast. It’s well known for its historic old town and relaxed way of life. In recent years, Valencia has established itself as a fantastic hub for culture and enterprise. While the city is broadly celebrated for its modern City of Arts and Sciences Museum, it’s an equally desirable destination if you love the outdoors, excellent cuisine and fantastic weather!

Career Benefits

Medical interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:

Assisting with patient care and treatment in a range of specialist or general departments
Observing and shadowing consultations
Medical testing and test evaluation
Collaborating on research and teaching projects
Assisting with general administrative tasks

Professional development opportunities:

Gain first hand understanding of patient consultation procedures
Build communication skills and understand patient relationship management
Observe and assist with medical techniques, tests and treatments
Learn from trained and experienced medical professionals in Spain
Gain familiarity with modern healthcare systems in action
Practice and hone Spanish language skills
Gain practical skills and boost your employability, with guidance from Intern Abroad HQ’s Experiential Learning Curriculum to support your learning and cultural intelligence.

Spain photo gallery

”During my internship I was tasked with assisting doctors in their diagnosis and treatment of patients. I am excited to begin medical school with this background and build off what I learned through my internship.”

Read reviews from our Spain Interns

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$449 to confirm your place. The remaining balance of your Program Fee (less your initial US$449 deposit payment) will be due no less than 60 days before your internship start date.

Duration	Program Fee (USD)
2 weeks	$2,450Equivalent to $175/day
3 weeks	$2,713Equivalent to $129/day
4 weeks	$3,025Equivalent to $108/day
5 weeks	$3,288Equivalent to $93/day
6 weeks	$3,576Equivalent to $85/day
8 weeks	$4,101Equivalent to $73/day
10 weeks	$4,682Equivalent to $66/day
12 weeks	$5,207Equivalent to $61/day
16 weeks	$6,368Equivalent to $56/day
20 weeks	$7,419Equivalent to $52/day
24 weeks	$8,469Equivalent to $50/day

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Accommodation
Meals
24/7 in-country support
Airport pick-up
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

Visa (if required), flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check
Transfer back to the airport at the end of your internship program
Optional extras, such as language lessons
Souvenirs and leisure activities during your free time
Personal spending money to cover basic expenses such as drinks, snacks, laundry, public transportation, and any meals not included in your Program Fee

A deposit of $449 USD 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 60 days before your internship start date.
All payments attract a 5% transaction fee to cover international banking fees and currency charges.
Terms and Conditions apply.

Arrival and Orientation

Internships in Spain begin every Monday. 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. The minimum duration requirement is 2 weeks up to a maximum duration of 24 weeks.

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

The typical port of entry is the Valencia Airport (VLC). If you are planning to spend time independently in Spain prior to your internship and will not require an airport pick up, we can discuss alternative arrival logistics with you.

Upon arrival, interns will be met, greeted, and transferred to the accommodation. The last night of the accommodation is the Saturday night of the final week, leaving interns free to depart on Sunday. 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.

The Orientation also includes five introductory Spanish language lessons which are provided as a way of boosting confidence and assisting with social and cultural integration. 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

All interns in Spain are hosted in various homestay accommodations (which are typically located within apartment buildings). These are usually situated around the city centre, where it is easy to access both the central office of the local team (where Spanish language lessons also take place) and the designated internship placement.

In most cases, interns will receive their own bedroom. However, some bedrooms may be shared with another program participant of the same gender. Any given homestay may accommodate up to 2 to 3 interns at any given time. Bathrooms and common areas are shared. Living is comfortable and WiFi is provided in most of the home-stays, although it is not guaranteed. Laundry is included - usually it will be done once a week.

If a commute is required (to either the internship placement or the central office) then the travel time is usually between 45 to 60 minutes, maximum. There are ample public transportation options to utilize (including mobile phone apps, which can be downloaded at the program orientation) such as buses, subway, trams, and taxis. The city is flat and the climate is typically very pleasant, so public bicycles are also available. Interns may also opt to simply walk during the daytime and enjoy the sights of the city!

Please note that the accommodation pictured in the photo gallery of this webpage is provided as an example. Since we work with more than one apartment, the exact accommodation that you’re assigned may differ from the photos. Rooms sizes vary.

Meals

Internships in Spain include three meals per day provided by the host family (daily breakfast, lunch and dinner). Do not be surprised if you’re not joined in a hearty breakfast by your host family, as locals do not typically have a heavy breakfast (coffee may suffice!) However, interns can expect breakfast to consist of items such as bread/pastries, spreads, fruit, and coffee (you may even try a delicious local espresso, served with condensed milk to sweeten it).

Lunch time in Valencia is typically between 2 and 4 pm. This time is in line with the concept of “la siesta”, allowing time to rest and enjoy a relaxed mealtime - preferably with some pleasant company and conversation.

If you choose to opt out of lunch or dinner, any day of the week, you should communicate this back to your host family. There are many excellent restaurants to choose from in Valencia and they typically offer special lunch menus in the afternoon, which are designed to provide an affordable set meal option (they could range anywhere between €5.00 and €12.00). One of the most famous dishes in Valencia is paella - a must try!

Dinner time in Spain is typically served later in the evening, usually between 8 pm-10 pm, due to eating a late lunch. Typical dishes may include ingredients such as noodles or pasta, seafood, rice, and in-season salads/vegetables.

Please be sure to let us know of any specific dietary requirements that you have in advance (i.e. allergies and intolerances), so that we may ensure your hosts are aware and make recommendations to you accordingly.

Spanish lessons

Fluency in Spanish is not a requirement for interns in Valencia, however basic Spanish skills are strongly recommended. The Orientation includes 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).

Affordable Spanish language lessons are offered directly through our local team in Valencia. Most lessons are two hours and can be arranged in coordination with the internship schedule. Spanish lessons can be arranged directly with the local team once registered for the program or at the orientation in-country (ask about online Skype lessons if you’d like to get a head start on your learning). Lessons are tailored to the student’s level based on their entry-level test, placing them on the most suitable course for them, within a timetable of Monday to Friday.

Lessons for 4 hours per week:

1-4 weeks = €36 per week
5-8 weeks = €28 per week
8+ weeks = €22 per week

Lessons for 6 hours per week:

1-4 weeks = €51 per week
5-8 weeks = €39 per week
8+ weeks = €33 per week

Lessons for 10 hours per week:

1 week = €80 per week
2-3 weeks = €70 per week
3+ weeks = €55 per week

Lessons for 20 hours per week:

1 week = €140 per week
2-3 weeks = €120 per week
4-6 weeks = €90 per week
6+ weeks = €80 per week

Weekends and travel

Most internship placements in Valencia have a morning schedule and require a commitment of between 25-30 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Interns have the weekends free and there is no shortage of wonderful things to see and do in Valencia! Cultural activities, excursions and weekend trips are frequently organized by our local team in Valencia, who will communicate to interns in-country when fun plans are being made. Interns staying for longer durations, or who wish to travel before or after their internship program, can visit other regions of Spain (or even Europe). The local team will be happy to make travel and tourism recommendations. However, while you’re in Valencia, these are just a few examples of the attractions you won’t want to miss:

City of Arts and Sciences / Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias: This state-of-the-art science, cultural and architectural complex is the most important modern tourist destination in the city of Valencia and counts as one of the “12 Treasures of Spain”. It encompasses the Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe and Hemisfèric (for IMAX, 3D and other screenings).
L’Oceanogràfic: L’Oceanogràfic is an impressive aquarium, designed by the architect Félix Candela and the structural engineers Alberto Domingo and Carlos Lázaro. You’ll see 500 species in versions of the world’s main marine ecosystems.
Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia: If you love arts and theater, don’t miss an event at Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia - Valencia’s beautiful performing arts and cultural centre.
Mercado Central, Valencia: Strolling through this indoor public market will inundate you with colorful sights and interesting produce. It’s located in the city center across from the Llotja de la Seda (a Gothic-style civil building) and the church of the Juanes.
Plaza de la Virgen: This lively plaza 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.

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Essential country information

Capital	Madrid
Population	46.5 million
Languages	Spanish (official), Catalan, Galician, Basque, Occitan (co-official languages)
Currency	Spainn Rand (ZAR)
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 characterised 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 Valencia, where the Intern Abroad HQ internship program is based, 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 81°F (27°C). The winter months, from November through March, are cold, windy, and partly cloudy. During this time, the average daily high temperature is below 65°F (18°C). The average low of the coldest day of the year (around early January) is 43°F (6°C).