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NGO Support Internships in Valencia

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
Fully hosted experience from $2749
Includes accommodation & meals
Typical schedule: Approx. Monday to Friday, 8 hours
Minimum duration 2 weeks, up to 24 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

Suitable for interns with at least one year of relevant college/university study in law, human rights, international development, international relations, or a related field. High School graduates aged 18+ may be accepted, depending on the strength of their application (including any relevant experience, with a desire to learn and grow within this field).

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 attend 5 (complimentary) Spanish language lessons, within the first 2 weeks of their internship.

Associated career paths

Domestic and International Advocacy, Humanitarian Service Worker, Policy Developer, Program Educator, Volunteer Coordinator, Fundraiser, Human Rights Lawyer, Public Health Worker, Campaign Manager, Program Administrator, Diplomat, Foreign Affairs Worker, Political Adviser, Public Sector Worker, Journalist

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:
  • Promote and organize fundraising and initiative events

  • Assist with courses

  • Carry out strategies and projects

  • Promote women’s rights and gender equality

  • Support initiatives

  • Develop online content and improving social networks

  • Advocate for those from a diverse range of social groups

Professional development opportunities:
  • Gain an understanding of the backgrounds and needs of disadvantaged communities

  • Build storytelling skills that engage the public, raise awareness and secure funds

  • Develop research and report writing skills

  • Contribute to online content that raises awareness and funds for important causes

  • Learn how to advocate for people

  • 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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Spain photo gallery

What recent interns said about their experience

KB
Kim Berglöff
July 2024

Colleagues were fantastic and helped develop my professional skills.

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AV
Adam Vjačka
July 2024

This internship greatly enhanced my cultural competency and Spanish language skills, provided hands-on experience working with at-risk youth, and deepened my understanding of international development. It also improved my ability to adapt to new environments and collaborate with diverse groups, which are essential skills for my future career.

...
EM
Elie Mukuna
July 2024

My internship in Valencia was an incredible experience filled with growth and learning opportunities, both personally and professionally. The aspect I enjoyed the most was exploring the beautiful city of Valencia, immersing myself in Spanish culture, and improving my language skills, particularly my listening and reading comprehension. Being surrounded by the language daily provided an invaluable chance to practice and enhance my understanding of Spanish. My placement team were incredibly warm and welcoming, and I feel truly fortunate to have had the chance to collaborate with them. I will genuinely miss being part of such a wonderful group. This internship played a significant role in helping me grow and mature. Professionally, this internship provided an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience within the NGO sector. I learned about the importance of dedication and commitment to a cause and the value of effective communication and collaboration within a team. These lessons will undoubtedly serve me well in my future career path. Overall, my time in Valencia has provided me with invaluable experiences and lasting connections that have contributed significantly to both my personal and professional development.

...
ZW
Zara Wood
July 2024

My internship experience has been a transformative journey that has contributed immensely to both my personal and professional development. By stepping out of my comfort zone and immersing myself in a new cultural environment, I've developed greater adaptability, cultural awareness, and the ability to navigate unfamiliar situations with confidence. Living and working in a foreign country has fostered my independence and self-reliance, as I've had to navigate daily life and challenges on my own. I've had the chance to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world, practical setting, allowing me to develop a deeper understanding of my field of study and gain valuable industry-specific skills. Exposure to new tools, technologies, and workflows has expanded my professional skill set and made me more versatile in the job market.

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ZT
Zoe Taylor
July 2023

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.

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SH
Sadie Hart
June 2023

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.

...

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)
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.

Flamenco Show
Flamenco Show

Sit back and enjoy a traditional Flamenco show

$37
Kayaking Day Trip
Kayaking Day Trip

Spend a day on the water, getting to know other interns and enhancing your Kayaking skills

$77
Paella Cooking Class
Paella Cooking Class

learn how to make traditional Valencian Paella and sangria to enjoy alongside Tortilla de patatas and dessert.

$72

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.

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!

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).

Apply to check if you're eligible!