If the idea of waking up fresh after a mid-afternoon siesta to venture out for tapas and a spot of flamenco dancing sounds like your cup of sangria, then finding out how to get an internship in Spain should be high on your shortlist of priorities.
There is a laid-back energy amongst the Spanish that is simply infectious. The street markets are as enticing as sugary churros dipped in hot chocolate sauce. The soccer fans’ passion for the beautiful game, as refreshing as a minty Mojito. And work experience opportunities abound, with internships in Spain, a popular way to gain an edge in today’s competitive job market.
Find out everything you need to know about getting an internship in Spain, including the steps involved and answers to the most commonly asked questions.
6 Steps to Getting a Spain Internship
1. Start early
You know what they say about the early bird and the worm? And we’re not talking about that squirmy little creature that mythology would have us believe sits at the bottom of a bottle of tequila!
We’re talking about the early bird, that’s you – catching a golden opportunity before anyone else does. If you want to improve your chances of securing an internship in Spain, then make sure you start the research process at least 6 months before the next intake. You’ll get the inside running (but not with the bulls of Pamplona ;-). This advance preparation will help you avoid any last minute surprises coming from behind to nip you in the butt.
2. Do your homework. Now!
Yes, we all remember hearing this one time or another during our school days. Probably more often than we’d care to recall. But doing your homework on how to get an internship in Spain is way more fun than algebra or alliteration would ever be, and the rewards will pay a handsome dividend when you strike that pot of Spanish gold.
Well-planned research and a quality internship provider can help you find companies that go the extra mile, turning what might be a really good experience abroad, into a truly awesome one.
Sure, you can always explore the wonders of Spain by yourself, but some companies provide guided cultural exposure as part of your internship. The local football match between Real Madrid and Barcelona takes on a whole new meaning when you go to the game with your new co-workers leading the chant.
Other host employers might offer relevant workshops or courses, specifically designed to talk about your internship in the context of the local culture. Both are pretty cool ways to learn what makes Spain tick, while you’re on the job.
3. Sell yourself creatively
Don’t take the cookie-cutter approach like everyone else – you’re not making cookies after all. Getting your resume or ‘hoj de vida’ as the Spanish call it, to stand out in a crowded kitchen of interns, requires a touch of creativity.
Make sure that your CV is tailored specifically to the Spain internship you are seeking. You should highlight your own experiences, abilities, and coursework that are relevant to the role you’ve identified. Ask yourself – what do they value most? And answer the call as best you can.
Having your personal sales pitch translated into Spanish is the finishing touch, that special garnish that may just set your ‘hoj de vida’ apart from the rest of the menu.
4. Submit your application
You’ve done your homework, narrowed it down to who you would most like to work for and prepared a creative resume individually tailored to the select group of companies on your list.
The next critical step is to submit your applications, keeping track of the deadlines to make sure you don’t miss the opportunity of a lifetime – an internship in Spain beckons. Olé!
5. Nail the interview
Congratulations. You’ve graduated from ‘How to find an internship in Spain 101’ and made it to a company’s shortlist. Now it’s time to bring your A-game to the interview table.
The basics first. When your potential host employer asks you why you want an internship in Spain, please make sure you come up with something better than “my mom wanted me out of the house” or “I got kicked out of the band”.
If you’ve done your research well, you will know what values the company holds dear, and why you want to be a part of their culture. You will also be ready to tell them exactly what benefits this internship will have for your own career. Above all, be honest. If you have a weakness that you think the company can help you with, then tell them – everyone loves a touch of humility.
Just as importantly, don’t be afraid to ask your own questions. From the obvious – what will my daily tasks include? To the more introspective – what is the most rewarding aspect of working for the company? Host employers like to see interns blessed with an ability to think for themselves – makes sense, right?
6. Be patient and open-minded
If you send a pool of applications and receive nothing but rejection letters or hear nothing at all, remember this…
World famous author Stephen King was rejected by 30 publishers before his first novel ‘Carrie’ eventually made print. Walt Disney approached over 300 financiers before one finally said ‘yes’ to his crazy idea for a theme park in California.
The message is simple. Don’t ever let rejection deter you. Be patient. If you’ve done your homework and prepared a creative and engaging resume, your time will definitely come. There are a wide range of available internships in Spain for international students – have faith that there is one with your name on it.
Common Questions About Internships in Spain
What kind of internships are available in Spain?
Spain offers a broad range of professional advancement and cultural enrichment opportunities for the young intern to explore.
Designers might consider an Architecture internship in Barcelona, the home of Gaudi’s magnificent church, La Sagrada Família. Sports fans might be attracted to a Coaching & Sports Management internship in Madrid, where football great Cristiano Ronaldo made his name. Or the eternal optimists amongst you, may prefer a wine internship in a Spanish vineyard, where your glass can always be half full. Salud!
Budding young professionals can intern in Business & Management (Law, Finance or Accounting), Media & Communications (Public Relations, Journalism, IT or Web & Graphic Design) or the Tourism & Hospitality field that needs little introduction in a country renowned for its wonderful food, wine and culture.
Can I get academic credit for my internship?
In addition to gaining hands-on professional experience in your career field, as a World Endeavors intern, you can also earn academic credit for your international experience. Interns can choose from two options to earn credit while abroad, either through World Endeavors’ collaboration with University of Berkeley, California or your home institution.
Are there paid internships in Spain?
Sorry folks, World Endeavors internships in Spain are not paid.
Having said that, financial assistance can come from a variety of sources including financial aid, scholarships, and fundraising. There are many ways to defray costs.
What does it cost to intern in Spain?
Your costs to intern in Spain may vary depending on the length of your program, but generally start at $3,790 for the first month, with additional months an extra $1,490 per month. This does not include personal costs for food, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses that will obviously vary from one person to the next.
Are there any visa requirements for an internship in Spain?
This depends on your own circumstances. Most visitors can stay in Spain for up to 90 days without a visa. After that, they must apply for a visa or leave the country. However, the type of visa required will depend on the purpose of your travels to Spain.
If you think you might stay beyond the initial 3 month period, get your paperwork together and submit your visa application as soon as you can. World Endeavors program advisors can help you every step of the way.
Want Support Finding an Internship in Spain?
Look no further than World Endeavors! The experienced team, who have all been there and done that, will show you how to get an internship in Spain.
They will ask you questions about your specific goals and interests. This will help you choose an internship that has your name on it, not just one that might broadly tick an industry box. That way, you won’t end up fetching coffee for the new boss or filing archives all day, but rather learn meaningful workplace skills that will go a long way to improving your CV.
World Endeavors pre-departure coaching will help you write a good cover letter, hone your interview skills and brush up your workplace etiquette. Best of all, the team will unpack what to expect upon arrival in Spain, a country brimming with possibilities.
And on your return, World Endeavors re-entry program and alumni network will help you adjust to life back on home turf, softening the reverse culture shock that some interns experience.
Sharing your own experiences abroad as an Alumni Ambassador is a great way to not only help you find your feet, but make sure you hit the ground running.
So what are you waiting for? Why not get the ball rolling today – apply now or request a call back from a World Endeavors agent.
This blog was written by Cathy Park Kelly.
If you would like to know more about the contents of this blog post or would like to receive information about similar experiences, then please connect with one of our advisors through the contact form.
