Medical Internships in Valencia
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:
- Outpatient clinics
- Non-profit health centers
- Pharmacies
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 clinics, non-profit health centers and pharmacies 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. 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.
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).
If you have preferences for a particular field, please let us know when applying. 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.
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.
Career Benefits
Medical interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
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Assisting with patient care and treatment in a range of specialist or general departments
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Observing and shadowing consultations
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Medical testing and test evaluation
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Collaborating on research and teaching projects
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Assisting with general administrative tasks
Professional development opportunities:
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Gain first hand understanding of patient consultation procedures
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Build communication skills and understand patient relationship management
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Observe and assist with medical techniques, tests and treatments
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Learn from trained and experienced medical professionals in Spain
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Gain familiarity with modern healthcare systems in action
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Practice and hone Spanish language skills
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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.
Not sure which program to join?
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What recent interns said about their experience
i most enjoyed learning about a new culture, practicing my language skills and working with new people.
I loved how this internship showed how non verbal communication is a great skill to have especially in the medical world.
It was an incredible opportunity that allowed me to dive into my field while experiencing the vibrant culture of the city. During my time there, I grew both professionally and personally, and I’m so grateful for everything I learned. Valencia turned out to be the perfect place for this chapter of my journey, and I’m excited to see where these experiences will take me next. Would 100% recommend Intern Abroad HQ and Valencia.
I am very glad that - thanks to this Medical internship in Spain - I got the opportunity to combine gaining valuable experience in my specialty and work experience in another country with its own language and mentality.
I had an exceptional experience that exceeded all my expectations. From the initial application process to the completion of my placement, the support and guidance provided by Intern Abroad HQ was outstanding. The staff was incredibly helpful and responsive, ensuring that all my questions were answered and that I felt prepared for my journey. The internship placement itself was well-organized and tailored to my academic and professional goals. I had the opportunity to work in a dynamic and supportive environment that allowed me to apply my theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, significantly enhancing my skills and confidence. I highly recommend their programs to anyone looking to gain valuable professional experience, develop cross-cultural competencies, and make lasting memories. Intern Abroad HQ truly provides a comprehensive and enriching internship experience that prepares individuals for future academic and career success.
I really enjoyed meeting and interacting with various other interns from around the world at both my placement, and at social gatherings. I have gained confidence in myself to explore and interact in different cultures, which will aid me for my future endeavours.
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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 creditProgram 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) |
---|---|
2 weeks | $2,749 Equivalent to $196 /day |
3 weeks | $3,060 Equivalent to $145 /day |
4 weeks | $3,420 Equivalent to $122 /day |
5 weeks | $3,730 Equivalent to $106 /day |
6 weeks | $4,066 Equivalent to $96 /day |
8 weeks | $4,687 Equivalent to $83 /day |
10 weeks | $5,364 Equivalent to $76 /day |
12 weeks | $5,985 Equivalent to $71 /day |
16 weeks | $7,338 Equivalent to $65 /day |
20 weeks | $8,581 Equivalent to $61 /day |
24 weeks | $9,822 Equivalent to $58 /day |
- Airport pick-up
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- 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
- 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.
Free-time experiences & tours in Valencia
Take your internship to the next level with Intern Abroad HQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Valencia! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto an internship program.
Sit back and enjoy a traditional Flamenco show
Spend a day on the water, getting to know other interns and enhancing your Kayaking skills
learn how to make traditional Valencian Paella and sangria to enjoy alongside Tortilla de patatas and dessert.
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.
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 Valencia 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 (breakfast, lunch and dinner). 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. Adaptability is encouraged, as the meals provided are unlikely to reflect what you’re used to eating at home. If there are special snacks you like to have, please budget for them, so you can supplement the meals that are included with your own preferences for snacks and treats.
Locals do not typically have a heavy breakfast, so interns can expect 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. Meals are relatively lighter in size than what you may be used to back home, as is the custom of a mediterranean diet. Lunch usually consists of a sandwich, fruit or salad and may be served at your homestay, or packed ahead of time for you to take to your placement.
Dinner time in Spain is typically served later in the evening, usually between 9 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.
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!
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 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).