Some of the best reasons to intern in Spain are to do with living and working there: trying the tapas, drinking the wine, experiencing the vibrant culture, attending the festive celebrations, and taking part in the long-lived traditions. All that is not to say that the internships aren’t hugely exciting too.
If you’re asking ‘Should I intern in Spain?’, or ‘Is it a good idea to intern in Spain?’, then the most important aspect you need to focus on is the quality of the internship. Everybody knows why travel to Spain, but if you’re considering internships in Spain, your priority needs to be things like professional development, practical experience, and networking opportunities.
In this blog, we’ll unpack why interns in Spain include all the fantastic reasons for all the internship opportunities in Spain for serious professional development as well as the fantastic reasons why they visit Spain. So if you’re interested in internships in Spain for international students, English speaking internships in Spain, or just internships abroad in Spain in general, read on.
Reasons Why You Should Intern in Spain
1. Professional Growth
As mentioned, the highest priority reasons to intern in Spain or anywhere else are for professional growth, this is what makes internships important. Fortunately, this country doesn’t disappoint on that front.
Spain has a dynamic and growing economy with a diverse professional landscape meaning you can find internship opportunities in Spain offering exposure and insight into a broad choice of industries, and training for a range of careers. Whether you are interested in business, tourism, politics, or finance, there are internships abroad in Spain that can help you progress.
Interning in Spain allows you to gain practical experience and develop industry-specific skills in an international context. Not only will you join well-respected organizations and learn from experts in their field, the exposure to different business practices and workplace cultures helps interns build cultural competency, professional adaptability and problem-solving abilities — all of which are valuable assets in the job market.
2. Cultural Immersion
One of the best reasons to intern in Spain instead of just visiting as a tourist is because it gives you time to not just see the sights, but to truly integrate with local communities and lose yourself in the Spanish way of life. What’s more, the rich cultural immersion that internships in Spain offer isn’t just enjoyable, it’s educational and professionally advantageous too.
The country boasts a vibrant history, diverse traditions, and a festive atmosphere that you can get thoroughly acquainted with over the course of an internship. There is tapas to be tasted, Rioca to truth, and siestas to snooze through, and internships in Spain give you the chance to experience these things first hand.
This immersion not only enriches your personal life but also equips you with a broader perspective that is valuable in a globalized job market. Living in Spain allows you to practice and improve your Spanish, a language spoken by over 400 million people worldwide, thus opening up further professional opportunities.
3. Language Skills
We’re often asked ‘Is it a good idea to intern in Spain if I don’t speak Spanish?’, to which we usually answer, ‘yes, it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn how’.
While there are plenty of English-speaking internships in Spain, why intern in Spain if you don’t want to at least pick up a few phrases? Spain provides an excellent environment to learn or improve your Spanish language skills. Immersing yourself in a Spanish-speaking country accelerates your language learning through daily practice and real-life conversations.
Mastering Spanish not only enhances your communication abilities but also makes you more competitive in the global job market. Bilingualism is a highly sought-after skill, especially in industries such as international business, diplomacy, and tourism.
4. Competitive Edge In The Job Market
Why internships in Spain or anywhere else? To help your CV stand out. Bilingualism isn’t the only competitive edge internships in Spain offer career launchers. Having an internship in Spain for international students gives your CV a serious boost in the job market.
Employers value candidates who have international experience, as it demonstrates adaptability, cultural competence, and a willingness to step outside of one’s comfort zone. More than this, it communicates a high level of drive, ambition, and independence.
So, if you’re asking, ‘Should I intern in Spain if I’m looking for a job in my home country?’, the answer is absolutely yes. The experience of working in a different country shows that you can handle diverse work environments and understand global business dynamics. This edge is especially useful if you’re seeking jobs in multinational companies or roles that require international collaboration.
5. Enhanced Networking Opportunities
Internships abroad in Spain let you rub shoulders with global talent and industry leaders, offering fantastic opportunities to build your professional network.
Internships in Spain provide access to a new network of professionals and mentors in your field. Building relationships with colleagues and industry leaders in Spain can lead to valuable career opportunities, such as job offers, collaborations, and partnerships.
Networking in an international context broadens your professional contacts and introduces you to different industry practices and insights. These connections can be instrumental in advancing your career and providing support throughout your professional journey.
6. Development Of Soft Skills
Soft skill development is one of the most commonly overlooked reasons to intern in Spain. Interning in a foreign country significantly enhances your soft skills, which are a key factor for career success and longevity.
Living and working abroad improves your communication, problem-solving, and adaptability skills as you navigate a new culture and workplace. You learn to manage challenges, such as language barriers and cultural differences all while adapting to an entirely different work culture. The soft skills you’ll gain from internships abroad in Spain are highly valued by employers and can distinguish you from other candidates in any professional setting.
7. Travel Opportunities
In many cases the answers to ‘Why intern in Spain?’ are the same as ‘Why travel to Spain?’. There are a wealth of travel opportunities that can make internships in Spain for international students highly attractive,
Spain’s geographical location and excellent transportation network make it an ideal base for exploring Europe. During your internship, you can easily travel to neighboring countries like France, Portugal, and Italy.
Within Spain, there are countless cities and regions to explore, each offering its own unique attractions, from the beaches of Costa del Sol to the architectural wonders of Barcelona. These travel opportunities broaden your horizons and provide a well-rounded life experience.
8. Meaningful Work
Are internships paid in Spain? Yes, you can find internships that offer wages or stipends, however some of the best internship opportunities in Spain are in the nonprofit sector. If you’re wondering why do an NGO internship in Spain, there are a wide range of nonprofit opportunities letting you contribute to truly meaningful causes while gaining excellent professional development.
Spain hosts numerous NGOs focused on various social issues, including migratory rights, education, and community development. Interning with an NGO in Spain not only offers the chance to make a tangible impact on local communities but also provides a deep sense of personal fulfillment and purpose.
3 Best Places to Intern in Spain
1. Barcelona
Barcelona, boasting a thriving economy and a diverse landscape of professional industries is arguably one of the best reasons to intern in Spain. As a hub for tech startups, design, tourism, and international business, the city presents ample opportunities for professional advancement.
Navigating the city is a breeze thanks to its excellent public transportation and infrastructure, allowing you to quickly and easily move between iconic landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Furthermore, Barcelona’s strong emphasis on innovation and creativity fosters a highly engaging professional setting.
2. Madrid
Why intern in Spain, Madrid? Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, offers a wealth of internship opportunities across various fields, including finance, media, arts, and international relations. The city hosts numerous multinational corporations and government institutions providing a fertile ground for professional networking and career development.
With its renowned museums, theaters, and lively nightlife, Madrid ensures a balanced and enriching lifestyle for interns. The city’s strategic central location and well-connected transport system make it an ideal base for exploring other parts of Spain and Europe.
3. Valencia
Valencia, famous for its picturesque beaches and cutting-edge architecture, is rapidly becoming a center for business and innovation, particularly in biotechnology, renewable energy, and agribusiness. The city offers diverse internship opportunities in these sectors, as well as in tourism and education.
The city’s commitment to sustainable development and green initiatives appeals to environmentally conscious professionals. Moreover, Valencia’s cost of living is relatively low compared to other major Spanish cities, making it an attractive option for interns aiming to maximize their experience without breaking the bank.
Build Your Resume and Network with an Internship in Spain!
Why intern in Spain? As you can see, there are an abundance of reasons to intern in Spain. So if you’re ready to take the next step in your career and immerse yourself in a new culture, consider applying for an internship with Roots Interns. You’ll pick from a wide range of fantastic internship opportunities in Spain and enjoy comprehensive support throughout your experience. Don’t miss out on the chance to build your resume and network in one of the most exciting countries in the world.
Browse all our available internships in Spain
This blog was written by Tom Rusbridge
