Finding an Internship in Spain: The Complete Guide (2026)
Doing an internship in Spain is one of the best ways to gain professional experience, improve your language skills, and strengthen your CV.
Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia offer many opportunities — but only if you know where to look and how to apply effectively.
In this guide, you’ll find the key steps, common mistakes to avoid, budget tips, and practical advice to help you prepare with confidence.
How to Find an Internship in Spain (Step-by-Step)
Finding an internship in Spain requires a simple but well-structured approach.
Here is the most effective plan to maximize your chances, whether you’re looking for an internship in marketing, tourism, sales, or administration.
✅ Step 1: Choose Your City and Field
Start by defining:
- your city (Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, etc.)
- your field (marketing, business, tourism, HR, etc.)
- the duration (2 months, 3 months, 6 months)
- your goal (professional experience, academic validation, Erasmus+, etc.)
✅ Step 2: Adapt Your CV (and Prepare a Short Cover Message)
In Spain, your CV should be:
- clear (1 page if possible)
- practical (tasks, results, tools used)
- written in Spanish or English, depending on the company
Prepare a short introduction message (6–8 lines) explaining:
- who you are
- what you are looking for
- your availability dates
- why Spain
- what you can bring to the company
✅ Step 3: Find Companies Through the Right Channels
You can find internships in Spain through:
- LinkedIn (job offers + direct applications)
- internship and job platforms
- spontaneous applications (very effective in Spain)
- your school and personal network
- a support organization if you want guidance (placement + housing + admin)
🎯 Best strategy: combine job offers with spontaneous applications.
✅ Step 4: Send Targeted Applications (Not Mass Applications)
A common mistake: sending 50 copy-paste applications.
The right approach:
- 10 highly targeted applications per week
- a CV tailored to each position
- a short, professional message
- a follow-up after 5–7 days
✅ Step 5: Succeed in the Interview (Usually Online)
Most interviews are conducted online. Prepare:
- a short self-introduction (30 seconds)
- 2–3 concrete examples (internships, projects, student jobs)
- your exact availability
- your expectations (tasks, schedule, possible compensation)
Tip: practice answering classic questions (strengths/weaknesses, motivation, experience, availability, language level).
✅ Step 6: Finalize the Internship Agreement and Prepare Your Departure
Once you’ve secured your internship:
- check whether your school provides an internship agreement
- prepare insurance if required
- anticipate housing arrangements
- organize your arrival (transport, documents, first weeks)
👉 This is often where students get stuck (housing + administration), so it’s best to plan early.
How to Apply for an Internship in Spain
To apply for an internship in Spain, follow these essential steps:
- Choose your city and field
- Prepare a CV in Spanish or English
- Send targeted applications (job offers + spontaneous)
- Attend an interview (usually online)
- Sign the internship agreement and prepare documents
- Find accommodation and plan your arrival
✅ Following these steps will significantly increase your chances of finding an internship quickly.
Top Sectors Hiring Interns in Spain
Depending on your profile, some sectors are more accessible:
- Marketing / communication (social media, content, events)
- Tourism / hospitality
- Sales / customer relations
- Administration / management / support
- Childcare / animation (depending on location and language level)
- Startups (often international, English-friendly)
What Budget Should You Plan for an Internship in Spain?
Your budget mainly depends on the city, housing, and lifestyle.
Main Expenses to Consider
- Accommodation (usually the biggest expense)
- Transport
- Food and groceries
- Leisure and social activities
- Insurance or service fees (if accompanied)
Budget Tip
Always plan an extra margin for:
- the first month (deposit + setup)
- initial transport costs
- unexpected expenses
✅ Tip: aim for a “comfortable” budget rather than a strict minimum.
Administrative Steps for an Internship in Spain
Requirements depend on your situation, but the most common steps are:
✅ Internship Agreement
Often mandatory if you are a student. Check with your school:
- allowed duration
- conditions
- company signature process
✅ Insurance
Make sure you have:
- health coverage abroad
- civil liability insurance
- housing insurance if needed
✅ NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)
Depending on your situation, the NIE may be required for certain procedures (administration, housing, banking).
Even if it’s not mandatory from day one, it’s better to check early to avoid delays.
Accommodation: Most Common Options
You have several choices:
- Shared apartments (most popular option)
- Host families (immersion, comfort, ideal when arriving)
- Student residences (more structured, sometimes more expensive)
- Studio apartments (usually the most costly)
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Very Important)
These mistakes cause many applications to fail:
- ❌ Applying without clear dates
- ❌ Sending the same CV everywhere
- ❌ Waiting until you feel “ready”
- ❌ Not following up
- ❌ Looking for housing at the last minute
- ❌ Underestimating first-month expenses
✅ Students who succeed quickly are those who structure their project, apply consistently, and plan ahead.
Need Help Finding an Internship in Spain?
If you want to save time and prepare with peace of mind, you can get support with:
- internship search
- application preparation
- departure organization
- accommodation
- on-site follow-up
👉 At Stud&Globe, we help you build a clear project and move forward step by step.
