Animal Care Internships: Intern abroad in Seville, Spain
Whether you’re studying to be a vet or simply love animals, Animal Care Internships in Seville provide the opportunity to assist with a range of tasks. While the internship role can at times involve assistance to medical staff in diagnoses, medical procedures, and rehabilitation of a range of domestic animals - given the range of placements available - activities may not be related to veterinarian work at all times. Therefore, interns should come prepared with a flexible approach and the willingness to make a positive impact on various aspects of animal care and wellbeing.
What to expect from your Animal Care internship:
- Gain exposure to a range of animal treatments and care techniques.
- Support professional veterinarians in day-to-day care.
- Deepen your understanding of animal welfare requirements.
Your internship abroad host organization:
- Veterinary clinics
- School Farms
- Animal shelters
- Equestrian Clubs
Internship details
As an Animal Care intern, you’ll support animal care workers - and may also have scope to assist veterinarians - with the day-to-day duties required to support domestic animals with optimal health and wellbeing. Deepen and enrich your skills and understanding as you interact with animals and their owners, assist with basic care requirements, treatments and evaluations for sick or injured animals.
This is an in-country internship, with accommodation and meals included. You can explore remote internships, if you are looking for an internship program that you can undertake at home.
Interns collaborate in the day-to-day provision of care to a range of domestic animals. While internship duties vary depending on needs and treatment requirements, tasks may be related to animal cleanliness, grooming and hygiene, animal exercise requirements, rehabilitation, medical care, administrative tasks for veterinarians, and assistance/support provided to pet owners. There is a broad range of placements available, such as veterinary clinics, school farms, animal shelters or equestrian clubs. Shadowing/observation of veterinarian work is 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.
To support interns with both cultural and language integration, all internships in Seville include two weeks of mandatory Spanish language lessons. These lessons are included within the minimum duration requirement of the internship. Therefore, activities at the internship placement will commence from the third week, after completion of the language program. If you are already an intermediate or advanced Spanish language speaker, you may be permitted to commence the internship placement directly. However, this will be confirmed on-site, upon review of your ability.
In all cases, interns should expect that the beginning of their internship experience will focus on settling in and gaining introductory knowledge. Ensure that you ask questions and provide feedback during the introductory period, so that your supervisor understands how you’re progressing. This will help them to better understand important details, such as how quickly you learn, what you find challenging, what you find interesting, etc.
What are the career benefits of interning abroad as a Animal Care Intern?
Animal Care interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
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Assistance with animal cleanliness, grooming and hygiene requirements.
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Support to meet animal exercise and/or rehabilitation requirements.
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Assistance with administration of any medical care/treatment.
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Assistance/support provided to pet owners.
Professional development opportunities:
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Learn about different protocols for animal care.
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Gain experience supporting animal care staff.
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Practice and develop Spanish language proficiency within a professional setting.
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Gain practical skills and boost your employability, with guidance from RISEWAY’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 Animal Care 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) |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks | $3,178 Equivalent to $113 /day |
| 5 weeks | $3,880 Equivalent to $110 /day |
| 6 weeks | $4,132 Equivalent to $98 /day |
| 8 weeks | $4,585 Equivalent to $81 /day |
| 10 weeks | $5,375 Equivalent to $76 /day |
| 12 weeks | $5,828 Equivalent to $69 /day |
| 16 weeks | $7,126 Equivalent to $63 /day |
| 20 weeks | $8,314 Equivalent to $59 /day |
| 24 weeks | $9,459 Equivalent to $56 /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
- Visa (if required), flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check
- Transfer back to the airport at the end of your internship program
- 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.
Spanish language lessons & internship schedule
To support interns with both cultural and language integration, all internships in Seville include Spanish lessons. You can choose between starting your placement in the first week, and take 10 hours of Spanish language lessons alongside your internship; or to take Spanish lessons exclusively for the first two weeks, and commence at your internship placement in your third week.
Learners may notice that the Spanish spoken in Spain has differences of accent, grammar, and vocabulary, compared to Spanish spoken in Latin American countries. For this reason, the classes provide value for people with different levels of experience.
Interns are encouraged to make a genuine effort to interact with the Spanish language. All Seville Internship Coordinators speak English, in addition to most direct internship supervisors. However, language barriers can be encountered in other aspects of your internship experience. Interns should be prepared for the very natural and normal frustration of not always understanding what is being said around them. Most interns are able to have a successful internship experience and it is essential to come prepared and willing to surmount a language barrier, as opposed to being intimidated by it.
Weekends and travel
During the internship schedule, interns have weekends available for free time. It’s almost impossible not to fall in love with a city like Seville, steeped in tradition and history, while at the same time, modern, vibrant and cutting edge. Embodying the best of Spain: scorching sun, passionate flamenco, citrus trees and romantically colorful buildings, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to see and do.
The Program Fee payment for all internships in Seville includes a guided tour to the three most popular and stunning attractions in Seville:
- El Alcazar: A beautiful, royal palace with a history spanning over 1000 years. It was formerly the site of the Islamic-era citadel of the city.
- Plaza de España and Parque Maria Luisa: An impressive masterpiece that took 15 years to build, the beautiful square that is not just one of the most famous and well-loved landmarks in Seville, but also in the entire country.
- Seville Cathedral: Built on the ruins of the old mosque, the Seville Cathedral is the world’s largest Gothic temple and the third largest temple in the world after St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and St Paul’s Cathedral in London.
- La Giralda: The bell tower of the Seville Cathedral. It was built as a Mosque, and offers unique views of the city from the top.
Take advantage of these tours included with your program, get the chance to interact with other interns and students, and discover the sites that make this one of the most stunning and charming cities in Spain!
Arrival and Orientation
Internships in Seville are available year-round and begin every Monday. Exceptions to availability may occur when start dates are shifted to avoid public holiday disruptions or closed when the program has already reached capacity. The minimum duration requirement is 4 weeks up to a maximum duration of 24 weeks.
If you are sensitive to the heat, you may consider joining this program during the cooler months, November through early March. Summer temperatures are the hottest during May, June, July and August (usually above 95°F / 35°C and sometimes even reaching 113°F / 45°C). During the month of August, some placement activity may be slower than usual, since it is the prime vacation period for locals.
Airport pick up and accommodation are included in the Program Fee. Please note that all participants are advised not to book flights until they have first registered to confirm their internship placement.
The typical port of entry is the Sevilla Airport (SVQ). Upon arrival, interns will be met, greeted, and transferred to the accommodation. 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.
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 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 Program Fee payment for all internships in Seville includes a guided tour to the three most popular and stunning attractions in Seville.
Check what's required to visit Spain
Check out the widget below to learn about the visa requirements for the Animal Care internship in Spain, based on your country of residence.
Accommodation and WiFi
All interns in Seville are hosted in various homestay accommodations (which are typically located within apartment buildings). These are usually situated around the city center, 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. Any given homestay may accommodate up to 2 to 3 interns at any given time. Bathrooms and common areas are shared. Living is comfortable and WiFi is provided. 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 20 to 40 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 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). 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 make recommendations. Adaptability is encouraged, as the meals provided are unlikely to reflect what you’re used to eating at home. If there are special snacks you like to have, please budget for them, so you can supplement the meals that are included with your own preferences for snacks and treats.
Locals do not typically have a heavy breakfast, so interns can expect items such as bread/pastries, spreads, fruit, and coffee (you may even try a delicious local espresso, served with condensed milk to sweeten it).
Lunch time in Spain is typically between 2 and 4 pm. This time is in line with the concept of “la siesta”, allowing time to rest and enjoy a relaxed mealtime - preferably with some pleasant company and conversation. Lunch is usually the heaviest meal of the day.
Dinner time in Spain is typically served later in the evening, usually between 9 pm-10 pm, due to eating a late lunch. Typical dishes may include ingredients such as noodles or pasta, seafood, rice, and in-season salads/vegetables.
If you choose to opt out of lunch or dinner, any day of the week, you should communicate this back to your host family. There are many excellent restaurants to choose from in Seville and they may offer special lunch menus for around €10). For dinner people typically have “tapas”, which range in price at restaurants from 10-30 Euros.
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 characterized 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.
Seville has a hot Mediterranean climate, located in the southern “frying pan of Spain”, which is known for some of the hottest summers in Europe. Rainfall is rare and, generally speaking, Seville is considered to be Spain’s hottest city. The average annual temperature exceeds 68°F (20°C). From April, summer temperatures start to climb, when averages can reach above 95°F (35°C). Warm weather lasts through September. If you are sensitive to the heat, you may consider joining this program during cooler months. The colder months run from late November through early March. January is the coldest month, with an average low of 43°F (6°C) and high of 61°F (16°C).
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