I often get asked about the possibilities of doing an internship in Spain. Your education, the industry, and your proficiency in Spanish determine your chances as an intern in Spain. In this article, I will delve deeper into this and explain how you can specifically search for an internship!

The Spanish Job Market for International Internships at a Glance

Finding a suitable internship in Spain is often underestimated. This is because people do not realize that the job market in Spain functions differently than in the Netherlands. To begin with, Spanish employers often view interns differently than Dutch employers. While here it is usually understood what you need to learn during the internship, Spanish employers often see an intern as “free extra hands.” This makes it complicated, for example, to get a learning company recognized by the SBB for an MBO internship.

Since this year, the enthusiasm among Spanish employers to hire interns has also decreased. This is because, since 1-1-2024, Spanish employers are required to pay social premiums monthly if they hire an intern. So suddenly, an intern costs the Spanish employer money, which they are usually not used to.

In any case, it is almost always necessary that you speak good Spanish, not just ‘holiday Spanish’ but good Spanish in which you can conduct and understand conversations. “Yes, but aren’t there plenty of international companies in Spain?” Yes, there certainly are, but what is the language on the work floor? If mostly Spaniards work there, then Spanish is spoken. Hospitality/tourism is often an exception to the rule here. In hotels and campsites on the coasts, it is primarily about speaking the language of the hotel guest, and colleagues often come from different countries. Proficiency in English and another second language is usually sufficient. Moreover, large hotel chains are accustomed to working with international interns.

Is Nothing Possible in Spain then? Yes! There are Plenty of Opportunities, Even if You Don’t Speak Spanish yet!

The above account might make you suspect that you should adjust your internship plans to another country. Nothing could be further from the truth! It’s about searching smartly, and I will explain how. Realize that Spain has long been a favorite country for the Dutch. This has resulted in many Dutch companies being established in Spain, from small to large, from north to south, and in numerous industries. And that creates opportunities for your internship!

Tip 1: Think outside the Box!

Think outside the box! A good example is the company 24NANNIES, which is located in Ibiza, among other places. As a marketing, HR, or International Business student, you might immediately dismiss the name, as your studies have nothing to do with childcare or pedagogy. But behind this international company that places au pairs worldwide is an HR department that carefully recruits, selects, and screens au pairs. And there is a marketing department where International Business student Stefano interned in Ibiza.

Surprising Valencia, a company that sells tours and accommodations in Valencia, only suitable if you study tourism? Certainly not, in marketing, sales, communication, and graphic design, they regularly offer internships. Business administration student Wessel interned in Valencia at this company.

Tip 2: LinkedIn.

Besides being a great tool to profile yourself as the intern and upcoming professional, LinkedIn is also a good medium to search for an internship. Networking is essential in Spain, more jobs than in the Netherlands go through a network. You can network remotely via LinkedIn. Follow Dutch Business Clubs and see who the members are, make connections, and inquire about internship opportunities.

For example, one of my clients found a business club on the Costa del Sol via LinkedIn and got in touch with the owner of JongLeren.es, where he is currently interning at the office in Málaga. You can find an overview of the Dutch Business Clubs here.

The Dutch embassy in Madrid also occasionally publishes internship vacancies via LinkedIn.

Don’t have a LinkedIn profile yet? Create one quickly. If you already have a LinkedIn profile, make sure to update it, post an explanation of who you are and what you’re looking for, this is certainly useful!

Tip 3: Stagemarkt.Nl for MBO Students.

Did you know that you can also search for internships in Spain via Stagemarkt.nl and that the providers are also recognized learning companies? Are you studying hospitality or tourism? Then iStage is also a practical website to find internships.

Tip 4: for if You Want to Intern in Valencia.

Yobbers, Yource, and Surprising Valencia are large Dutch employers in Valencia that regularly seek interns. Keep an eye on the websites or ask about the possibilities! Yource has a call center in Valencia where over 500 people work, and there is regularly a need for an intern in facility services.

Tip 5: Use an Internship Mediator.

If tips 1 through 4 have not yielded results and your school’s International Office cannot help you either, you might consider an internship mediator. Yes, it costs money, but you get something in return. Often the service is based on “no cure-no pay.” It is common for them to help you find housing and apply for a NIE number. Sometimes they also organize activities for interns, so you quickly meet people.

Some examples of internship mediators are JongLeren.es and Valencia Stage, and if you google, you’ll find more.

Tip 6: Start Early with the Application for an Erasmus+ Grant and other Financial Tips!

Internship allowances in Spain are generally significantly lower than in the Netherlands, or there is no allowance at all. Keep this in mind and apply for an Erasmus+ grant in time.

Did you know that if you don’t use your public transport card, you are entitled to a reimbursement of €114.92 per month (rate August 2024)?

Perhaps you can take a remote side job alongside your internship? For example, you can work remotely for Eneco via Yource, starting from 16 hours per week. Or perhaps you can continue a Dutch student job at a call center remotely in Spain, as Wessel did during his internship in Valencia.

Good luck with your search for an internship in Spain!