Hi all! Kristal here, with Intern Abroad HQ’s Campus Team. I’ve just returned from Spain and can see why it’s one of our most popular destinations for internships in Europe. The food, the vibes, and the opportunity to combine professional development with authentic cultural immersion can’t be beat!
Internships in Barcelona
My first stop was to explore our internships in Barcelona, where I met interns in the Business Development, Medical, and Psychology fields. All had just arrived the week before and raved about their orientation, accommodation, and experiences in the city so far.
Barcelona blends breathtaking architecture with innovative industries and a lively beachside culture. Known for Gaudí’s surreal and colorful designs like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, Barcelona is stunning and endlessly exciting with its historic squares and streets to explore.
With a sunny Mediterranean climate, a diverse, international community, and incredible food, Barcelona is an iconic city that’s perfect for anyone looking for a more independent experience. The self-catered apartments are gorgeous and in a vibrant neighborhood with all the amenities you might need. Public transportation is simple and accessible, and there is plenty to see and do on the weekends.
Internships in Valencia
Just a 3 hour train ride away, my next stop down the coast was Valencia. I arrived with no expectations and was completely blown away. The palm tree lined streets with a backdrop of beautiful buildings, cafes on every corner, 300+ days of sunshine a year, and easy beach access made me Google, “how to move to Valencia with my three kids” because I immediately fell in love. Valencia is Spain’s third largest city but I found it to be a stark contrast to Barcelona. It’s much more laid back, with flat, walkable streets and gorgeous parks.
I spent three days with our local team visiting their centrally located office and traveling to internship sites across the city. It was fantastic to hear positive feedback directly from interns and to see firsthand the diversity of experiences available.
A highlight of the week was meeting Macarena, who has hosted interns in her home for more than a decade. Her warmth, hospitality, and caring nature were so evident and it’s clear she provides an extra layer of support to interns who are welcomed as part of the family.
Homestays are a great option for those who are looking for true cultural immersion and opportunities to practice their language skills. Plus, having three meals a day prepared for you is an added bonus!
Internship application process
If you’re like me, with limited Spanish, you’re in luck! Barcelona and Valencia are easy to navigate even if you don’t speak the local language. As part of the RISEWAYapplication process, you can share your language proficiency and our local team will take that into consideration when finding a placement.
Speaking Spanish can open doors for different types of opportunities, but in just about every case, it’s not required for internships in Spain. Internships are conducted in English, and our internships in Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Seville, all even a range of introductory Spanish classes in the Program Fee.
RISEWAYcollaborates with universities all over the world, to support students on our international internship programs. Therefore, what impressed me most about my visit to see our internships in Spain, was the supervisors’ dedication to creating learning opportunities for their interns. It was clear they cared deeply about fostering professional development and ensuring the experience was a meaningful one.
Our local team is committed to finding an internship that meets your goals, so my advice is to take the time to share your motivations, expectations, and language abilities so they can secure the best internship for you!
What are you waiting for?
While I only had time to visit our Spanish intern abroad destinations Barcelona and Valencia, we also offer internships in Madrid, Seville, and Tenerife. You can’t go wrong with any of these destinations, it just depends on the type of experience you are looking for.
The RISEWAYProgram Managers are there to help you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions or advice! Our programs in Spain do tend to fill up over the peak summer, from May through September, so don’t delay planning - submit your free application and let’s get started!
Tapas and paella aside, what I keep thinking about after my trip is a quote from one of the Physicians I met (who also happens to be a university lecturer). When I asked why he hosts medical interns, he said:
“It’s my opportunity to give back. Interns will learn more in 6 weeks by observing than they will in 6 months by reading. Someone took the time to teach me when I was a student, so now it’s my turn.”
Consider this your sign to get out and explore the world. The amount you will learn and take away from the experience is immeasurable!
Cheers, Kristal
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