Internships in Spain: Bienvenidos!

Planning Your Internship in Spain

When and Where to Look for an Internship:

Most internships in Spain are offered over the summer. Since the Spanish government itself does not allow international interns to be paid, most internship opportunities are found through third-party internship program providers. Most programs provide Spanish language training practice and have already established relationships with Spanish companies and organizations. Look out for the program application deadlines, as they tend to vary.

Cost of Living in Spain:

Living in the major cities such as Barcelona or Madrid will definitely be more expensive than staying in a smaller town in Spain. Assuming that you are interning in a larger city, the monthly cost of living will range from 1,300 to 1,800 Euros. With that said, the cost of living in Europe in general tends to be high, and there are always tips for cutting costs. Note that 1 Euro is equal to about 1.32 U.S. Dollars. For more details about the cost of living in Spain, visit (NUMBEO)

• 1 bedroom apartment in City Center: 550 Euros
• 1 bottle of water: 1.1 Euros
• 1 way transportation ticket: 1.4 Euros

Work Culture in Spain:

• Etiquette: The Spanish highly value communication and trust in the business environment. The work culture has been influenced by traditional Spanish values revolving around social structure and formality. Since the Spanish people pay extreme attention to the way others present themselves, most dress more conservatively, avoid confrontation, and show modesty. It is important to take time to get to know your co-workers, as most business relationships are built on the value of trust.
• Language: Spanish is the official language of Spain, but some people can understand and speak a little English. Thus, it is a very good idea to brush up on your Spanish skills before interning abroad in Spain. There are internships available to international workers in English, but some may expect interns to be fluent in Spanish. In any case, be on the lookout for internship programs that can provide additional Spanish language training if you need it.

Plaza De Espana in Seville
• Networking: Networking is very important for business development in Spain. The Spanish people highly value trust and family, so having good relationships with co-workers and business partners is crucial not only to build up a professional network, but also to provide you with more career opportunities in the future. With that said, it takes time to build relationships--a resource that many interns simply do not have. Unless you are looking forward to establish your professional career in Spain, networking will not be something of utmost importance. Instead, focus on learning from your fellow interns and be on good terms with your colleagues. If you are interested in professional networking, feel free to check out some of Spain's major professional networks, including the European Networking Group in Spain, Spain Business Network, and Barcelona Young Professionals. Don't forget that some Spain internship programs also provide internal networking opportunities for interns, including intern mixers and talks with Spanish business professionals.

Work and Labor Laws in Spain

Spanish work and labor laws apply to interns as well, except that international interns tend to be unpaid. The country's labor laws have recently undergone some changes that reduced the cost for employers for dismissing staff, but interns should not need to worry about this.

Why Intern in Spain?

With so many major cities and cultural hotspots, Spain is a perfect place to get an international internship experience. The variety of internship opportunities available in Spain's major cities offers individuals the chance to gain valuable professional experience and build a professional network. Go intern in Spain, improve your Spanish, and experience life in one of the most influential countries of the world.