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Psychology Internships in Valencia

Psychology Internships in Valencia

Develop your skills as a psychologist by assisting in clinics in Valencia, observing and learning from real life consultations. Psychology internships offer practical work experience learning from experienced local therapists in private practices, non-profits, social services or healthcare centers.

Internship Highlights:
  • Develop your experience in a psychological department that interests you
  • Experience a wide range of real life therapy sessions, diagnoses and treatments
  • Enjoy traveling and living in Valencia, with easy access to wider Spain and the Mediterranean
Type of host organizations:
  • Private practices
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Social services
  • Healthcare centres
  • Psychology clinics
  • Sports organizations
Fully hosted experience from $3420
Includes accommodation & meals
Start dates every Monday
Minimum duration 4 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

At least one year of relevant college/university study in social work, health sciences, psychology, nursing, public health, or a related 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

Clinical Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Health Psychologist, Occupational Therapy, Learning Mentor/Tutor, Special Educational, Family Support Worker, Youth/Social Worker

Internship details

Develop your skills as a psychologist by assisting in clinics in Valencia, observing and learning from real life consultations. Psychology internships offer practical work experience learning from experienced local therapists in private practices, non-profits, social services or healthcare centers.

This is an in-country internship with accommodation and meals included. Click here to view remote Psychology & Social Work internships which you can undertake from home.

Participating in a Psychology internship in Spain is a great way to develop your psychology experience and career. Interns play an observational role alongside trained local therapists, shadowing them in real life consultations and learning from actual therapy sessions. Placements are available across a range of environments, including private practices and clinics, healthcare centers, with non-profit organizations and social services. Interns with an interest in sports psychology can be placed with sporting organizations and even professional teams.

Interns complete independent reflections following observations, using experiential learning techniques to practice critical thinking and build their clinical understanding from an early stage. Psychology internship placements work across a wide range of psychological conditions and techniques, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Alzheimer’s treatment
  • Psychoanalysis
  • Systemic family therapy
  • Body techniques
  • Family and group therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Research into treatment and psychological conditions
  • Mediation and career development
  • Psychiatric treatment
  • Education
  • The use of media and technology to support wellbeing

Interns seeking experience in a particular psychological field should include details in your application. While the specific nature of your internship will vary according to your level of experience, Spanish language proficiency, chosen duration and placement priorities, typical intern duties can include (but are not limited to):

  • Treatment observation and subsequent reports and/or reflections (to discuss with your supervisor)
  • Collaborating with professionals in regard to diagnosis and treatment planning, to learn about particular case studies, goals and outcomes
  • Report writing (which may include self reflection of psychological observations, for review with your supervisor)
  • Researching psychological topics which are relevant to the placement, their clients and their areas of need
  • Translating documents for the clinic into English (for internal administration or other communicative needs of the placement)
  • Providing general administrative support and customer service to clients

Psychology interns should always come prepared to cooperate with full flexibility and sensitivity, especially while seeking to enhance their cultural intelligence and reflection on approaches that may differ. Participation in or observation of consultations will always be at the discretion of the clients or individual you are collaborating with. The inclusion of an intern in any treatment with a patient will always be subject to the clients agreement and relevant confidentiality requirements of the clinic.

Spanish language proficiency is not a requirement to join. However, interns should expect that a language barrier can still be encountered. Patient consultations will often be in Spanish, so interns should be prepared for the very natural and normal frustration of not always understanding what is being said around them. Should a language barrier arise during an observational occasion, your supervisor will be able to provide you with a debrief afterwards, concerning the relevant information. 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).

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.

Typical Schedule

  • Monday to Friday, approximately 9am to 7pm (some placements may observe a longer “siesta” break over the mid afternoon lunch period).

Career Benefits

Psychology interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
  • Therapy observation

  • Reporting on consultations, diagnoses and treatment plans

  • Contributing to new and ongoing research projects

Professional development opportunities:
  • Understand patient relationship building

  • Experience real life therapy sessions and how they are run

  • Experience how therapists make diagnoses based on specific patient issues

  • Build report writing skills based on your observations of therapy sessions

  • Learn from practicing psychologists in real life situations

  • 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.

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

SH
Sofia Hernandez
August 2024

I most enjoyed the people I met of various different nationalities who were also either working or interning in Spain. I was able to connect with them and compare lifestyles which was interesting. It expanded my cultural knowledge and interest in how different my life is from those around the world.

...
RT
Ruthanee Tabcum
July 2024

This internship was my first ever experience travelling and living abroad alone. I enjoyed my internship, from the friends I made, support that helped guide and answer my questions, my amazing accommodation, and the experience at my internship placement site. I feel more prepared to pursue other opportunities, whether they may be in my city or abroad. I also feel more confident because now I have an experience that really makes my resume and myself as a person shine.

...
SK
Stefania Kotsia
July 2024

I had a great group of people to work with. Having a good team is always the most important when it comes to professional work. I was a bit scared at first that I wouldn’t have any other interns but it all worked out well. Overall we were 4 interns. This group of people made work feel so much more fun and interesting. Working with other people also made me step out of my comfort zone. Socialising has never been my strongest point but this internship challenged me in areas where I needed. What was also really amazing was how close we were able to get outside of the internship itself. Building the relationship outside of work, helped a lot within work settings too.

...
AG
Amelie Geens
July 2024

The thing I enjoyed the most was meeting new people and hanging out with the friends I made each day while enjoying Spanish culture. My internship placement was definitely a large part of my trip and I enhanced many skills that will be useful in the future, and overall the work was a great experience. The highlight of the trip was the social side and the immersion in a new culture.

...
AM
Aaron Malka
July 2024

I very much enjoyed the opportunity to live in another country while also working toward my professional goals. While I was there, I was accepted into my desired masters program back home, and I couldn't have done it without the valuable experiences I had because of Intern Abroad HQ!

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KB
Katie Bell
June 2024

I enjoyed being able to fully experience Spanish culture by exploring new foods, history, sites, and much more. In addition, my internship helped me gain confidence in helping clients and be more comfortable in an uncomfortable situation.

...

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 $3,420 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!