How to intern in Spain as Students or Graduates (2024)

How to intern in Spain as Students or Graduates (1)

Shreya

Updated on Dec 07 • 6 minute read

Studying

There’re many reasons to look for an internship in Spain, whether it’s a requirement of your degree, a stepping stone to a full-time career, or just because you want to experience living in Spain. Before you begin applying, you should prepare yourself for the strict guidelines that Spain has set for international students or graduates who want to intern.

How to intern in Spain as Students or Graduates (2)

Use this guide to understand why students like to intern in Spain, what documents you need, where you can intern and for how long, what the pay is like, and how to get a job after your internship.

Reasons to intern in Spain
  1. You’ll get to intern with no language barrier if you work for an international company that uses English.
  2. The major Spanish cities house several international companies which offer internships and jobs for English speakers.
  3. You’ll get to live and work in a country that offers warm weather, historical marvels, natural beauty, architectural wonders, finger-licking food, and a life full of art and culture.
  4. You can learn and practice Spanish by immersing yourself in the local culture.
  5. You’ll experience a new work culture and walk away with international work experience and various transferable skills such as adaptability, cultural communication, problem-solving, and more.
Do I need a visa to intern in Spain?

While there’s no ‘internship visa’ in Spain, you either need a student visa or a residence authorisation for internships to intern in Spain.

Non-EU students who want to intern in Spain need a valid student visa.

Graduates residing in Spain or abroad and students in Spain wanting to extend their student visa need to request residence authorisation for internships. This authorisation has to be requested by the company and is usually considered approved if there’s no response from the government after 30 days.

On the other hand, students or graduates from EU or EEA countries do not need a visa to legally stay and work in Spain.

What types of internships can I do in Spain?

How to intern in Spain as Students or Graduates (3)

You can do two types of internships (practicas) in Spain.1. Curricular internship (student internship)2. Extracurricular internship (graduate internship)

A curricular internship is a requirement for graduating from university.

  • It needs to match your academic field.
  • Is meant to add valuable work experience before you join the labour market.
  • It’ll contribute to your grades (ECTS).
  • You, your educational institute and the host company need to agree on the learning goals by signing a learning agreement (convenio).
  • Typically lasts 2 to 6 months. Cannot exceed 1 year.

An extracurricular internship is a voluntary internship for students who’ve graduated not more than 2 years ago.

  • The internship needs to be in your academic field.
  • Needs to have a learning objective even though it won’t affect grades.
  • You’ll need to have an internship contract signed by you, the host company, and in some cases your last educational institute.
  • Typically lasts 6 to 12 months. Cannot exceed 2 years.
Where can I find an internship in Spain?

You can find an internship in most of the big cities in Spain as they’re popular with both expats and international companies.

In general, you can find jobs in tourism, hospitality, wine industry, or teaching all over Spain. But each of Spain’s vibrant cities is also known for different industries and unique cultures. To find the best city for your needs, spend some time thinking about where you should intern.

Madrid and Barcelona tend to have more expat-friendly internships as these are the biggest cities in Spain.

Some of the top cities for internships in Spain for English speakers are Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.

How to intern in Spain as Students or Graduates (4)

1. Internship: Madrid

Madrid is a magnet for multinational companies from various industries as it is Spain’s capital and largest city. This is great for international students or graduates looking for internships or placements in Madrid.

The city is especially known for business management, marketing, finance, medicine, hospitality and government or public service roles. You’ll also find plenty of NGOs where you can intern. 5 Companies where you can find internship opportunities for English speakers include Amazon, Airbus, TripAdvisor, Procter & Gamble, and Morgan Stanley.

In addition to the internship opportunities, Madrid continues to attract interns because the city offers plenty to do in the evenings and weekends. You can enjoy stellar nightlife, amazing architecture and art, bustling streets, a fast-moving culture, famous museums, and tasty food.

If Madrid is your chosen destination for an internship, take your time to find your ideal room or apartment in a neighbourhood that is close to your workplace. If it’s not within walking distance, you can take public transport to make your commute quick, inexpensive and on time.

How to intern in Spain as Students or Graduates (5)

2. Internship: Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the best cities to live in Spain. Many international students pick Barcelona because of the city’s culture, universities, sunny weather, gorgeous coastline along the Mediterranean, the internationality of the city and the various work opportunities for English speakers__.

As an intern, you can look forward to working in the fields of business, architecture, healthcare, arts, design and innovation, hospitality, tourism, and human rights. Some of the best international companies in Barcelona for an internship include SAP, Swarovski, Ferrero, Merkle, and HP.

Barcelona is also a hub for entrepreneurs and innovators. So if working at a start-up is one of your goals, then Barcelona is going to be the perfect place.

If you decide to intern in Barcelona, you’ll be happy to know that Barcelona’s neighbourhoods are some of the best in the entire country for young expats. All neighbourhoods are also well connected by Barcelona’s public transport.

How to intern in Spain as Students or Graduates (6)

3. Internship in Valencia

Valencia is one of Spain’s major cities that is a paradise. In Valencia, you’ll not only find various international companies looking for English speaking employees but also many expats to make you feel at home, parks within the city, and beaches all around. One of the top reasons to do an internship in Valencia is that it is cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona, making it perfect for students on a budget.

Some of the top internship fields in Valencia are arts, sciences, business, tourism, education, trade, and financial services.

Once you’ve found yourself an opportunity here, you’ll have the option to live in some stunning Valencian neighbourhoods which are all well-connected with public transport.

How can I get an internship in Spain?

How to intern in Spain as Students or Graduates (7)

Some of the most common and trusted ways to get an internship in Spain are through:

  1. University career centres. They promote internships and can guide you through the process.
  2. Erasmus internships or work placements promoted on the official Erasmus website.
  3. Third-party organisations that promote internships and help you through the application process (be careful though!).
  4. Self-application directly through the company’s website.
  5. Job sites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, LocalES, Go Overseas, etc.
  6. Good old networking.
What documents do I need to do an internship in Spain?

In order to apply for an internship in Spain, the following documents need to be presented:

  1. Original and copy of valid passport.
  2. A valid student visa or graduation certificate proving, at the time of application, you graduated within the last 2 years.
  3. A filled-in Modelo EX04 if you need residence authorization for internships.
  4. Medical certificate to prove you don’t pose a threat to the public (for some nationalities only).
  5. Valid public or private health insurance in Spain.
  6. A criminal record certificate from your country of origin or your place of residence for the past 5 years.
  7. A NIE number and social security code for those doing a paid internship. Or proof of funds for those doing unpaid internships.
  8. A signed internship learning agreement or internship contract outlining the nature and duration of internship, supervisor, learning objectives, etc.
How much do internships pay in Spain?

Interns in Spain are often not paid if they’re doing a curricular or study internship as the goal is to learn and not earn money. However, they may receive compensation for lunch, transport, etc. from the company.

This is not to say there aren’t any paid internships in Spain for English speakers. Interns in Spain who are doing a graduate internship or have signed an internship contract will receive a few hundred euros per month. To give you some context, the minimum wage or minimum interprofessional salary in Spain in 2021 is €965.

How much money do I need when interning in Spain?

How to intern in Spain as Students or Graduates (8)

The good thing is that Spain is pocket friendly for most international or local students. Spain’s living costs are relatively low compared to other EU countries. Typically, students need approximately €1000 per month for rent, transport, food, health insurance, and leisure if they live in big cities like Barcelona. In smaller cities like Valencia or Granada, the average monthly cost of living for students is €850.

Where can I stay during my internship in Spain?

How to intern in Spain as Students or Graduates (9)

You can find your new student room, studio or apartment in Spain depending on where the office is located. To help you out, we’ve already created some neighbourhood guides for the top cities in Spain:

  • Barcelona. The average rent for a student room in Barcelona is €473.
  • Valencia. The average rent for a student room in Valencia is €319.
  • Malaga. The average rent for a student room in Malaga is €303.
  • Madrid. The average rent for a student room in Madrid is €550.
Do I need to know Spanish to intern in Spain?

You don’t need to know Spanish (fluently) if you’re interning for an international company or a start-up company with international clients. But we highly recommend learning Spanish as it’ll only help you in your day to day life.

If you’re planning to intern for a company that requires you to know Spanish, then you’d need to know at least B2 level Spanish.

What’s next?

Once you start your internship, make sure that you’ve your Spanish bank account in case you’re getting paid or compensated.

After the internship, you may want to focus on extending your internship into a full-time role or finding a new job in Spain. In this case, it’s highly likely that you’ll need to convert your student visa to a work visa. If you’re in need of some inspiration, have a look at the top companies in Spain that hire international students or expats. Good luck with your internship!

Please reach out to content@housinganywhere.com if you have any suggestions or inquiries about the content on this page.

How to intern in Spain as Students or Graduates (2024)

FAQs

Can a graduated student apply for internship? ›

But here's something you may not know: You can still do an internship after graduation, and it may actually give you a better shot at landing a full-time job later. If you've graduated or are about to and are struggling to find a job, a postgraduation internship is an option to explore right now.

Can I do an internship with a student visa Spain? ›

If you want to do your internship in Spain, all you need to do is apply for a student visa and you will be able to stay in the country without any problems.

Can international students intern after graduation? ›

J-1 Visa Students

Keep in mind that, for internship roles, most businesses require you to be enrolled in a college or university or have graduated in the last 12 months. For trainee roles, having a degree and previous working experience may be required.

Can international students work in Spain after graduation? ›

Once a student completes his or her graduation, they need to obtain a post-study work visa if they want to work. They can remain in Spain for one year looking for it. Keep in mind that you won't be permitted to work within those 12 months.

Is it too late to apply for internships after graduation? ›

It's never too late to start applying. The last year of college is usually one of transformation and realizations. It's a great time to take on a final internship or two to lay the foundation for post graduate life.

Can Americans intern in Spain? ›

While there's no 'internship visa' in Spain, you either need a student visa or a residence authorisation for internships to intern in Spain. Non-EU students who want to intern in Spain need a valid student visa.

What do I need to do an internship in Spain? ›

Required documents​
  1. National visa application form​ ...
  2. Photograph. ...
  3. Valid, unexpired passport. ...
  4. APPLICANTS MUST LEAVE THEIR PASSPORTS IN THE CONSULATE DURING VISA PROCESSING TIME. ...
  5. Authorization for residence and internship. ...
  6. Criminal record check certificate. ...
  7. Proof of residence in the consular district.

Is it hard to get an internship as an international student? ›

Finding a job or internship with no work experience is difficult for anyone in the U.S., but it's especially difficult for international students. Many international students do not have any professional contacts in the U.S., and they face additional barriers to employment such as language and cultural differences.

How long can international students stay after graduation? ›

One of the ways that students can stay in the US on an international student visa after graduation is with an OPT extension. The post-completion OPT allows recent graduates to work in the US for up to 12 months.

What happens to international students after graduation? ›

In general, as an international student, you will have 60 days after graduation to either enroll in another college program for further studies or enroll in an OPT (Optional Practical Training) program to gain employment after you graduate from college on an F-1 visa.

Can I do internship in my final year? ›

Final Year Students who want to do internship can apply for this. Any Graduate (B.C.A / B.C.S/M.C. A) Looking to start a career in IT.

Is it hard to get a job in Spain as a foreigner? ›

Job opportunities in Spain for foreigners are hard to come by. A foreigner is only hired in Spain if the occupation is listed on the shortage occupation list. This is published quarterly by the Public Employment Service (Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal).

Is it hard for foreigners to work in Spain? ›

The requirement for non-EU citizens wanting to work in Spain is stricter. Non-EU citizens need to have a signed work contract before moving to the country. After that, the company in Spain needs to apply for a work permit by proving that your role is on the shortage occupation list or is hard to fill in locally.

Is it easy to get a job in Spain for international students? ›

Anyone who gets a student visa for Spain will now have easier access to the local jobs market, both during their studies and once they are finished. This includes non-EU students who take a longer-term (180+ days) Spanish course at our Expanish language schools in Madrid or Barcelona.

Can you be a 30 year old intern? ›

And sure, while many internships are reserved for college students and new grads, they can actually help you get your foot in the door of a new industry, spark a decision about the career path you should pursue, or, if nothing else, provide a valuable learning experience—at any age.

Is 27 too old for an internship? ›

You're Never Too Old to Learn Something New

It isn't the only incentive, and it still is beneficial to take the internship. Potential employers appreciate it when interviewees, especially older ones, take the initiative to get the experience they need to get the job they want.

Can I get a job in Spain with an American degree? ›

The short answer is yes. While the job market is tough, there are certain industries and job sectors that are in search of skilled workers. If you're an expat looking to move and find work in Spain, make sure you have the skills to do the jobs that are vacant.

Can a US student go to college in Spain? ›

Spain has long been one of the more popular destinations to study abroad for US students. This is due to the popularity of the language as well as the beauty and intrigue of the historic and cultured country. But just because you want to study there doesn't mean that every university is the right fit for you.

Can a US student work in Spain? ›

International students on a student visa can work in Spain during their studies and earn an extra income. You can work part-time in Spain with a student visa, which means up to 20 hours per week while pursuing your studies in Spain.

Who qualifies for internship? ›

Most internships are offered to graduate students who have qualifications in the industry of the company. However, in some cases, many companies offer internships to high school graduates as well so if you did not study further there are still opportunities available for you.

Which country is easy to get internship? ›

Australia is one of the most diverse countries offering an internship in almost every industry from software to marketing, arts, business, conservation, tourism, arts and lot more. You don't have the pressure to learn a different language as English is the primary language.

How long does it take to get an internship visa for Spain? ›

Note that in order to receive the authorization you will need from 1 month up to 3 months depending on the city you are going to do your internship. The whole process for the authorization + corresponding visa may take from 1 to 4 months so make sure you start the process as early as possible.

What GPA is required for internships? ›

Leave your GPA off of your Resume.

Don't include your GPA unless it is exceptional or the employer specifically asks. In general, if you need a certain GPA to apply, recruiters look for applicants with a 3.0 or greater.

How do international students get internships? ›

We recommend you reach out to the resources available to you at your university because they might have openings ready in some companies for you. Other than that, you can simply ask your university professors for help. Professors will know you are an international student and will want to help you out.

Is it better to study abroad or get an internship? ›

Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity to allows students to develop their confidence, improve their adaptability, and enrich their education. Internships give students the chance to build relevant job skills, improve their employability, and explore a particular career path.

Can I study abroad if I already graduated? ›

While it is true that the earlier you consider studying abroad, the more options you have, a global experience can still be a possibility for a graduating seniors.

How long does a student visa last in Spain? ›

If the study stay is for longer than 6 months, the visa will be valid for a 90-day stay. The student must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card within a period of 1 month from their entry into Spain, at the Foreign Nationals' Office or the Police Station of the province in which the permit was processed.

Which countries allow international students to stay and work after graduation? ›

Countries with the best post-study work visas
  • New Zealand. Not only can you stay in New Zealand for a generous amount of time on most work visas, but you can also support visas for your partner and children. ...
  • Canada. ...
  • Australia. ...
  • United Kingdom. ...
  • United States.

How long can international students stay in Europe after graduation? ›

EU students can stay and work postgraduation without immigration processing. Non-EU students can stay for six months postgraduation to seek employment.

Why do international students get rejected? ›

Common Reasons behind Student Visa Rejection

Lack of sufficient financial funds or proofs to support foreign education. The inability of confirming a necessary return to India after completion of education. Incorrect or false documents. Inadequate language or communication skills.

Which country is best for students after graduation? ›

Here are some of the most popular and safe countries that allow you to work abroad after graduation, plus the visa options that they offer.
  1. Australia. Australia loves international students! ...
  2. UK. ...
  3. New Zealand. ...
  4. Canada. ...
  5. Ireland.

What is the maximum age for internship? ›

Internships do not have age limit specifically for all the organisation. Some organizations accept interns age 16 and older, while others set the minimum at 18. In some fields, it may be downright unsafe to have children in the workplace, or a company's insurance company may forbid workers under a certain age.

Can I intern at 35? ›

While you can usually apply for an internship at any age, some employers only accept interns who are part of an educational program. If you're not enrolled in a college course, it'd be useful to know about other options that can help you transition to a new career.

Do interns get rejected? ›

Internship rejection is pretty much inevitable. Most people will experience it at least once if they are putting themselves out there. You just don't hear people talk about the rejections as much as they do the wins. It's kind of like dating, you win some and you learn some.

Is it hard for a US citizen to move to Spain? ›

It is absolutely easy for US citizens to move to Spain. All you have to do is file the necessary paperwork to the relevant Spanish authorities, whether for employment purposes or otherwise. You can also choose to invest in Spain under the Golden Visa scheme and be on your way to permanent residency for life.

What does a US citizen need to work in Spain? ›

Required documents​
  • National visa application ​form. . ...
  • Photograph. ...
  • Valid, unexpired passport. ...
  • Copy of the AUTORIZACIÓN DE RESIDENCIA Y TRABAJO POR CUENTA AJENA. ...
  • Work contract. ...
  • Criminal record check certificate. ...
  • Medical certificate. ...
  • Proof of residence in the consular district.

What occupation is in shortage in Spain? ›

Shortage occupations occur in professions such as doctors, engineers, marketers, operating staff and business consultancy.

Can I get a job in Spain if I dont speak Spanish? ›

The good news is that because of this you will find many stores and local people who speak English and you won't have any problem getting by day to day, without being able to speak the local languages. So the short answer to the question 'Can I work in Spain without speaking Spanish', is yes.

What job is most in demand in Spain? ›

Top 10: The Most In-Demand Skills in Spain in 2023
  • Sales. The ability to sell might not be for everyone. ...
  • Engineering. ...
  • Information Technology. ...
  • Marketing. ...
  • Graphic Design. ...
  • Finance. ...
  • Legal. ...
  • Customer Service.

Can an American get a work visa in Spain? ›

For Non-EU/EEA Nationals

If you are not from an EU-country, you will need permission from the Spanish government to live and work in Spain. This means you need to apply for a work visa. There are two types of visas that you can apply for when you are already in Spain.

Is Spain cheap for international students? ›

Studying in Spain is relatively inexpensive. Compared to other nations, the cost of studying in Spain is inexpensive, and Spain has some of the lowest tuition prices in Europe. You can find some affordable universities in Spain for international students.

What is the cost of living in Spain for international students? ›

On average, an international student may have to pay anywhere from 900 EUR to 1,000 EUR monthly. This figure also includes your food, rent, utilities, entertainment activities, and other miscellaneous things.

How much money do you need as a student in Spain? ›

Generally, Spain is a relatively affordable country where international students should not feel financially pressured. You'll need between 900 – 1,100 EUR to live in Spain.

Who are eligible for internship? ›

The applicant is enrolled in a course of study at a university or equivalent institution leading to a formal qualification (graduate or postgraduate). Applicants who apply for an internship within six months of completion of their formal qualification may also be considered.

What is the age limit for an internship? ›

There's no legal age limit for getting an internship, but any work like this will be governed by child labor laws. Reviewing the conditions under which you can start working as an intern in your teens will help you land the right work program for your future career hopes.

How do you get picked for an internship? ›

Key Takeaway
  1. Use internship finders, internship websites, and regular job sites to find internships. Also definitely check your school's internship website.
  2. Take advantage of social media. ...
  3. Go to job fairs at your school and others. ...
  4. Network smarter. ...
  5. Tailor your resume and interview style.
Jan 9, 2023

What Visa is required for internship? ›

Foreign students who wish to do their internship with Indian companies, universities or NGOs (Non-Governmental Organization) need proper authorization from the Indian government. Earlier, foreigners needed to apply for an employment or business visa to do an internship in India.

Do you need a degree to intern? ›

Even though most interns have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.

Is 30 too old to get an internship? ›

In the United States, there's no set maximum age for getting an internship. In fact, according to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 and regulations set by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, employers aren't allowed to base internship hiring decisions on maximum age.

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