NGO Support Internships in Valencia
NGO Support internships in Valencia, Spain provide a unique opportunity to collaborate alongside passionate NGO and non profit groups in the defense, promotion and protection of human rights. Interns gain hands-on experience with projects aimed at fostering and promoting the dignity and rights of all people, across a broad range of socioeconomic groups.
Internship Highlights:
- Gain understanding of how to support and advocate for vulnerable communities
- Work alongside an experienced NGO supervisor
- Develop experience assisting a specific community with their needs
- Enjoy traveling and living in Valencia, with easy access to wider Spain and the Mediterranean
Type of host organizations:
- NGO organizations
- Non profit organizations
- Charities
Internship details
NGO Support internships in Valencia, Spain provide a unique opportunity to collaborate alongside passionate NGO and non profit groups in the defense, promotion and protection of human rights. Interns gain hands-on experience inciting change, empowerment, social justice, human development, strategies and projects aimed at fostering and promoting the dignity and rights of all people across a broad range of socioeconomic groups.
This is an in-country internship, with accommodation and meals included. Click here to view remote Law & Human Rights Support Remote Internships, which you can undertake from home.
As a NGO support intern in Spain, you’ll be placed with a local NGO or non-profit organization across a broad portfolio of placements. You’ll gain valuable experience learning how organizations work to improve the wellbeing and prospects of those who are disadvantaged or at risk within the community. Such real-world experience is vital if you’re interested in international development, community support, social work, or other fields dedicated to the alleviation of inequality.
Due to the breadth of possible placements, the nature of interns duties can vary greatly. General duties can include (but may not be limited to):
- The promotion and organization of events related to social awareness and training programs
- Assisting with courses on children’s rights and youth education
- Carrying out strategies and projects to foster and promote the dignity and rights of people with functional disabilities
- Promoting women’s rights and gender equality
- Supporting initiatives for a fairer and more sustainable world
- Working with at risk men, women and children and victims of social exclusion
- Developing online content and improving social networks
- Maintenance and customer support at homeless centers
If you have preferences for a particular cause, please let us know when applying. We do our utmost to accommodate requests but arrangements are always made taking into consideration a number of factors, such as level of Spanish speaking proficiency, experience, study background, and chosen internship duration. 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.
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).
Career Benefits
NGO Support interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
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Promote and organize fundraising and initiative events
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Assist with courses
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Carry out strategies and projects
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Promote women’s rights and gender equality
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Support initiatives
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Develop online content and improving social networks
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Advocate for those from a diverse range of social groups
Professional development opportunities:
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Gain an understanding of the backgrounds and needs of disadvantaged communities
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Build storytelling skills that engage the public, raise awareness and secure funds
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Develop research and report writing skills
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Contribute to online content that raises awareness and funds for important causes
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Learn how to advocate for people
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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.
Spain photo gallery
What recent interns said about their experience
I gained experience in how small-scale NGOs function on a day-to-day basis, and hope to transfer my understanding into the role of NGOs on an international scale. I would like to pursue a career in international relations and development, so for me, the communication skills I gained from my internship have been incredibly useful! I worked with people from all over the world and gained skills in being concise and clear during work-related conversations, to ensure an efficient working environment, especially given language barriers.
After completing this internship, I feel more empowered to succeed in my field. The hands-on experience, exposure to real-world challenges, and witnessing the positive impact of the NGO have boosted my confidence. It provided me with valuable international work experience, allowing me to develop cross-cultural communication skills, adaptability, and a global mindset, which are crucial for thriving in an international career. The skills and knowledge gained directly support my aspirations to work in a foreign country, pursue a career in social work, and make a positive impact in the field of human rights.
What I enjoyed the most about my internship is that I was able to meet so many new people from all over the world. The cultural impact of this experience is something I could not have gotten anywhere else. This contributed to my personal and professional goals because the career field I am going into highly values diversity and inclusion. I feel this experience helped me to grow more as a person and learn more about myself and my values.
This internship was instrumental in my personal and professional development, as it helped me overcome a massive hurdle with my mental health. I was able to develop resilience, confidence and professionalism. In addition, I was able to practice my Spanish language skills, which is now at a higher level thanks to the in-country language classes I received and the cultural immersion at my internship placement. The host mother I stayed with for my time in Spain was extremely kind and accommodating and I felt very much at home with her. The support from Intern Abroad HQ was consistent, never judgemental and always understanding. I really appreciated the guidance I got before doing my internship. I could not recommend this experience enough, I returned home with new friends, new skills and many memories.
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 | $2,640 Equivalent to $188 /day |
| 3 weeks | $2,939 Equivalent to $139 /day |
| 4 weeks | $3,287 Equivalent to $117 /day |
| 5 weeks | $3,586 Equivalent to $102 /day |
| 6 weeks | $3,910 Equivalent to $93 /day |
| 8 weeks | $4,507 Equivalent to $80 /day |
| 10 weeks | $5,160 Equivalent to $73 /day |
| 12 weeks | $5,757 Equivalent to $68 /day |
| 16 weeks | $7,062 Equivalent to $63 /day |
| 20 weeks | $8,257 Equivalent to $58 /day |
| 24 weeks | $9,451 Equivalent to $56 /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 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.
Check what’s required to visit Spain
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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!
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
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:
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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).
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