Staff Spotlight: Gonzalo Cuadra

Gonzalo Cuadra is the Intrax Coordinator in Spain, based in Madrid. He studied Marketing and Business Management and worked for 2 companies as an intern for a year and a half, so he relates very well with how interns feel during the first day in the office. One of Gonzalo’s missions is to help interns adapt in the beginning. He likes to travel and spent time abroad in Malta for 1 year, where he got his first international experience working in a Maltese company. He met a lot of people from other countries during this time, and learned their cultures and lifestyles. This experience was so positive for him, that he decided to get involved with Intrax. He loves working with participants and offering them the best experience possible.

What makes interning abroad in Spain a unique experience for participants?

Gonzalo from Intrax Spain!

Gonzalo: Working in Spain is an unforgettable experience for interns who decide to expand their international knowledge. Spain is full of culture and opportunities. Spain is also one of the most-developed countries in the world, with a large number of offices of large companies. Thanks to the language, Spain opens the South American market to European countries, making Spain the perfect place to start a business and invest. Spain offers internships in Madrid and Barcelona.

Madrid is one of the most important financial cities in Europe, and headquarters to important advertising agencies. We have a range of fields with positions in successful start-up companies and large corporations.

Barcelona is a multicultural city that hosts people from all over the world who want to live in a very modern and organized city. Barcelona has a very nice climate and you may even find that you have an ocean view from your office.

What can you tell you tell us about the workplace culture in Spain?

Gonzalo: Spanish work culture is very similar to other European countries, but does have some differences that make it unique. People take their work seriously in Spain but you can also feel how people place an importance on relationship building between the company and workers that may be stronger than in other countries. Group work on projects and regular meetings are a common practice in Spain.

Large companies tend to be a bit more formal but you can also see a trend of companies becoming more casual. Punctuality, responsibility, and organization are 3 things highly valued by host companies. One of the most important things you can do is to simply be observant and adaptable. Practical rules of respect and etiquette certainly apply and knowing the basics will help you in your internship. Intrax hosts orientations and Global Skills Trainings to help prepare participants with these cultural differences.

What level of Spanish proficiency should students have when considering this internship? Are there any requirements?

Gonzalo: Intrax offers internship placements for participants of all language levels. Depending on the company, we have positions that required some Spanish knowledge and others that not required any level of Spanish because English is the primary language. A basic knowledge of the language helps to interns to have a best and fast adaptation to the company. But in all the companies people speaks English very well, so in case the interns Spanish level is not high, they can communicate easily with their workmates, and I am sure that workmates teach some Spanish words to the interns to understand the local culture

Is prior work experience required?

Gonzalo: To apply for our program in Spain, prior internship experience is not required. Although some experience is always helpful, companies are open to participants without any experience to help them and give them their first impression of how a company works. Many Spanish workers were interns themselves, so they can relate and are very happy to help interns adapt and take their first steps.

What are some extra-curricular activities students enjoy while interning in Spain? (Does Intrax provide any guided tours?)

Gonzalo: Intrax hosts a group cultural excursion as a part of our premium program, which has included locations like Valencia and Sevilla. Last year, Interns visited Aranda del Duero, which is located 2 hours from Madrid and 3 from Barcelona. They enjoyed a guided tour of an old winery, where they tested some of the best red wine in Spain, and they also had a delicious dinner of “Cochinillo”, a typical meat of the region. During the visit, they were also able to visit the Cathedral and some buildings of the medieval era.

Intrax will host a group on-site orientation and Global Skills Training upon arrival for our premium participants. During this session interns will learn about how they can make the most of their experience and how to maximize their time in Spain.

What is one piece of advice you would offer someone interning in Madrid and Barcelona?

Gonzalo: Madrid and Barcelona are great opportunities to have an experience abroad and to have an unforgettable time. Globalization is a big target for Spanish companies and an intern can help them in reaching this target. Interns will gain an experience for their careers and gain knowledge that will complement their university studies.

Madrid and Barcelona are cities to discover, with a lot of historic highlights, monuments and events, and don’t forget that Spanish people love hosting foreign people to make them feel comfortable. Interning in Spain will be an added value for your life and resume.

We would be happy to speak with you in detail regarding the benefits of an internship abroad. Contact us at info@globalinternships.com or 877-429-6753.