Sport Development Internships: Intern abroad in Valencia, Spain
Sport Development internships, located in Valencia, Spain, provide opportunities to explore various roles within the world of sport. Interns collaborate with others and have scope to learn how different departments and organizations operate to establish, manage and fine tune the promotion, development and publicity of sports, such as Soccer, Basketball, Tennis, Golf, and Athletics.
What to expect from your Sport Development internship:
- Grow your network and learn from diverse professionals.
- Gain a unique perspective into a sporting organization’s operations and administration.
- Explore strategies designed to enhance sport participation, inclusivity, and individual sporting progress.
Your internship abroad host organization:
- Sports Club
- Sports teams
- Management, marketing or events agencies
Internship details
Sport Development internships in Valencia, Spain provide diverse opportunities for students and young professionals to expand their broad knowledge of the sports and fitness industry, learning about the operational requirements of managing and promoting various sporting teams, clubs and groups.
This is an in-country internship, with accommodation included. You can explore remote internships, if you are looking for an internship program that you can undertake from home.
Sports play an important role in life, bringing people, communities, and cultures together. In Spain, the national sport of football has especially risen to prominence as, not just a sport, but a way of life. Other sports, such as basketball, hockey, and tennis, are gaining popularity, attracting higher numbers of participants and spectators. Sport Development internship placements in Valencia are related to various aspects of the sector and are available across professional sport clubs and teams, management firms, and marketing or events agencies.
While positions and specified tasks will always depend on individual background, skills and goals, tasks may include (but are not limited to):
- Managing social networks.
- Identifying key media partners.
- Identifying new business products and opportunities.
- Evaluating sports performance.
- Designing training plans.
- Delivering physical training sessions.
- Coaching/assistant coaching.
In all cases, interns should expect that the first week of your experience will focus on settling in and gaining some introductory knowledge. Come prepared to start with learning about the placement in general, 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.
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 remote Spanish language lessons, which must be scheduled prior to your start date, or 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).
What are the career benefits of interning abroad as a Sport Development Intern?
Sport Development interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
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Managing social networks.
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Identifying key media partners.
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Identifying new business products and opportunities.
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Evaluating sports performance.
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Designing training plans.
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Delivering physical training sessions.
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Coaching/assistant coaching.
Professional development opportunities:
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Deepen your teamwork, critical thinking and relationship-building skills.
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Experience the day-to-day operations and running of an organization.
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Gain modern sports industry knowledge.
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Contribute creatively to projects developed to support growth, impact and sustainability.
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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?
Spain photo gallery
Academic credit available for all internships
Get course credit from your college or university while completing your internship abroad or a remote internship program. It's a great way to meet your academic requirements and gain valuable experience at the same time.
Learn about course creditProgram fees
Applying for our Sport Development Internship is completely free! The support package covers the assistance we provide in finding your internship and arranging your living accommodations in your host country, ensuring you thrive during your program.
Please note that a deposit of US$499 is required to confirm your place. The remaining balance (minus your initial US$499 deposit) is due at least 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
- Transfer back to the airport at the end of your internship program
- Visa (if required), flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check
- 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 relax as you cruise the waters of the picturesque Albufera Natural Park.
Try your hand at beach volleyball at some of Valencia’s most beautiful beaches.
Sit back and enjoy a traditional Flamenco show
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
Check out the widget below to learn about the visa requirements for the Sport Development internship in Spain, based on your country of residence.
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. While homestays may accommodate up to 2 or 3 interns at a time, interns may also find that they are the sole participant at any given homestay depending on the size of the home. 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 an accommodation bond / security deposit is required of guests, to ensure that rooms are maintained in good condition. The amount is €200. When your accommodation has been assigned for the internship, and the details are provided to you in advance, you will be provided with an online link to complete the security deposit (and you will receive a receipt). This transaction will be fully refunded to you, after accommodation check-out and inspection, provided that no damages or losses to the property have been incurred by you.
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). Locals do not typically have a heavy breakfast, so interns can expect items such as bread/pastries, spreads, fruit, and coffee. Lunch is also relatively lighter in size than what you may be used to back home, as is the custom of a mediterranean diet. It will usually consist 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 late into the evening due to eating a late lunch. Typical dishes may include ingredients such as noodles or pasta, seafood, rice, and in-season salads/vegetables.
Adaptability is encouraged, as the meals provided are unlikely to reflect what you’re used to eating at home. Interns are encouraged to budget extra spending money for any special snacks/treats to supplement their usual eating habits. 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 can make recommendations accordingly.
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).
