It’s a good idea to gain some job experience in another country for a number of different reasons, and if you’re searching for a good option, Spain is a wonderful place to get that experience! But if you don’t know how to get an internship in Spain, let’s get you set up in the right direction so that you can immerse yourself in the culture of Spain and network with co-workers from all over the world.

Is your new workspace nestled somewhere in here?

You could possibly even become fluent in Spanish, or at the very least improve your ability to have basic conversations in the language. Plus, there are a ton of opportunities available for carrying out your internship in Spain as a result of collaboration with organizations operating in a variety of industries.

It is logical to wonder how much it costs to intern in Spain and what Spain’s internship visa requirements are. Continue reading for the answers and some recommended programs you can choose. It’s time to familiarize yourself with some of the requirements to intern in Spain and the steps to take to get access to a wider variety of professional opportunities!

Do I need a visa to intern abroad in Spain?

If you are interning in Spain, internship visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and the length of your assignment. If you are from the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), you usually don’t need a visa for jobs that last fewer than 90 days. Depending on the time and type of the internship, non-EU/EEA students may need a student visa, a work visa, or a specific internship visa.

In any case, non-EU individuals who want to stay in Spain longer than 90 days must get a visa before they can start their internship. Usually, this includes a process that requires submitting a lot of important documents that prove who you are, your criminal record, and that you have enough money to pay for your stay.

Before you go to Spain, you should make sure you check the visa requirements for your nationality and know the latest visa rules by reaching out to the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country.

6 other requirements for interning in Spain

Business in Barcelona? Marketing in Madrid? All that (and much more!) is possible once you know how to get an internship in Spain.

It is essential to understand the needs and preferences of the organizations you wish to intern with since Spanish employers and institutions have varying standards for evaluating candidates for internships. Keep the following broad points in mind, though:

• Documentation: To travel and be identified until you are registered, you will certainly need an original and a copy of your valid passport. A valid visa and a graduation diploma demonstrating that you graduated within the last two years could also be requirements to intern in Spain. You may also be required to provide a background check, so having a copy of your criminal record from your country of origin for the previous five years may save you time later. A medical certificate may be required for citizens of some countries to demonstrate that you don’t pose a hazard to the public.
• Letters of recommendation: While sometimes optional, letters of recommendation can definitely help your application stand out. In any case, a letter from a previous employer, professor, or other professional who has witnessed you demonstrate relevant skills can help you secure your internship.
• Language: You may need language skills for some internships. Although Spanish is the obvious official language of Spain, there is a possibility that you may need to be fluent in English and/or Spanish, but this will depend on the role. Keep in mind that attempting to interact with individuals in their native language, or at least making an effort to do so, improves your ability to communicate across cultural boundaries.
• Certificate of residence: In Spain, it is required that foreigners living there register with the local authorities’ municipal register of residents. While this isn’t necessary for short stays, Spanish law requires every Spaniard and foreigner to register as a resident of the municipality where they live in order to obtain a local ID and access other social benefits.
• GPA and experience: Many Spanish employers and colleges consider applicants’ grades and test scores, although they are not the only criteria used to evaluate applications. Also, some businesses have a bias toward graduates of particular schools or with particular academic concentrations. In addition to education and skills, relevant work experience is also taken into account.
• Emergency funds: While it is not necessarily one of the major requirements to intern in Spain, it is essential to have an emergency plan in place in case of unforeseen costs. When traveling or residing in a foreign country, it is absolutely necessary to have an untouched savings account to use in case of an emergency.

How to intern abroad in Spain

Here are some steps you can take to learn how to get an internship in Spain:

1. Get a head start

All that research you do will help you land your dream internship.

Start looking for internship opportunities in Spain at least six months before the beginning of the internship period that you want to be a part of. If you have sufficient time to conduct research, you can plan with more confidence and less stress. You will also discover that Spain offers a plethora of internship opportunities, not only for Americans but also for people of other nationalities.

2. Research companies and networks

Find Spanish internship firms in your industry. Check corporate websites or job advertisements for openings. Networking events and career fairs can help you locate jobs. Do your research into Spanish organizations and internship programs so you can find reliable organizations that match your interests, skills, and internship timeframe.

After choosing a company where you’d like to intern, look into the company’s requirements, application procedure, and deadlines. Attend career fairs or meet school alumni who interned in Spain. Contact industry professionals on Facebook, LinkedIn, or other platforms. All of the above may lead to valuable knowledge and contacts for an internship.

3. Draft a creative CV and cover letter

Your curriculum vitae (CV) or resume will be referred to as an “hoja de vida” wherever you go in Spain. Therefore, you should seriously consider getting a copy of your CV professionally translated into Spanish so that you can differentiate yourself from other applicants.

Make sure that your curriculum vitae is tailored specifically to the internship you are seeking. You should highlight the experiences, abilities, and coursework that are pertinent to the role and qualify you for it. Draft a cover letter that sells your enthusiasm for the industry and explains why you want to intern with a specific organization by showcasing your interest in the company in question.

4. Submit your application

When you have selected the organizations that pique your interest, the next step is to submit applications for as many internships as you possibly can. Make sure that you don't miss out on any opportunities by keeping track of your applications and deadlines.

Find out if you will require a visa for the period of time that you will be staying in the country. If it is necessary, get your paperwork together and submit your visa application as soon as you can.

5. Be patient and open-minded

We know waiting’s tough, but your patience will pay off!

Because some applications demand more information or take longer to process than others, it is best to practice patience rather than get worried or anxious. All the more reason to get an early start and make applications for as many available positions as you can.

In the event that it does take place, refuse to let rejection get you down. A rejection does not necessarily mean that you have been permanently rejected, and it is typical practice for prospective interns at large firms to submit multiple applications before finally receiving the acceptance email they have been waiting for.

Be willing to learn about a new culture, language, and way of life in Spain once you have reached an agreement on where you will do your internship. Be willing to overcome the challenges that come with working and living in a foreign country, and be open to trying new things.

Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 internship programs in Spain—it’s free!

How much does it cost to intern abroad in Spain?

So, how much does it cost to intern in Spain? On average, you can anticipate spending between €800 and €1,500 per month for housing, food, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses, excluding visa and program fees if applicable.

However, the cost of doing an internship in Spain can range widely depending on a variety of factors, including location, accommodation, and individual spending habits. Unless it’s included in your program, you’ll need to set aside money in your budget for things like lodging, meals, transportation, and potentially even medical insurance.

In addition, you may need to account for costs for the application and the visa. Although some internships may offer stipends or pay for specific fees, before beginning your internship in Spain, it is critical to draw up a comprehensive spending plan to ensure that you will be able to cover your costs while also gaining useful experience as an intern.

3 internship programs in Spain to consider

1. Intern in Spain with World Endeavors

• Why? You can have an experience in Spain that is both one of a kind and within your budget if you go through World Endeavors. Students, new graduates, and young professionals will find an environment where they can thrive in Spain. Participants will have the ability to select an internship area from a comprehensive list of internship opportunities currently available.
• Where? Madrid
• Read World Endeavors reviews

2. Intern in Barcelona with Connect-123!

• Why? Connect-123 will help you locate a job in Spain that is a good fit for you. Their vast network includes hospitals, corporations, community groups, NGOs, and academic institutions. In Barcelona, both Spanish and Catalan are spoken, but fluency in either language is not required for placement. Gain practical experience in a global context and attend local events on your own or as part of a group cultural adventure!
• Where? Barcelona
• Read Connect-123 Internship Programs reviews

3. Intern in Madrid with Absolute Internship

• Why? Absolute Internship lets you live and work in Madrid, giving you a unique experience that will set you apart in a competitive employment market. Choose from over 30 areas like entrepreneurship, marketing/PR, business, finance, fashion, and tourism to build your professional skills while working full-time. The all-inclusive program includes high-quality central Madrid lodging with breakfast and dinner, cultural activities, and 24/7 program coordinator support.
• Where? Madrid
• Read Absolute Internship reviews

Can’t pick? Sign up for MyGoAbroad and compare these programs side-by-side for FREE

You’ll never forget your internship adventure in Spain!

You’re signing up for the perfect mix of professional experience and adventure when you intern in Spain.

Interning abroad can be intimidating at the beginning, but knowing how to get an internship in Spain should boost your confidence. Listen to experts and clarify when unsure. Following this guide should help you finish your internship with better industry and company knowledge and potentially a permanent offer.

Interning in Spain offers professional, personal, and travel experiences that are unique and gratifying. An internship in Spain can teach you communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, which are useful skills for any profession!

Explore ALL Internship Programs in Spain on GoAbroad.com!