Spain has something for everyone. Stretching from the snowy mountains of the northeast to the famous beaches of the south, Spain is one of the world's most diverse nations. Spain is also a great spot for history buffs, with 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From its Roman relics to Muslim palaces, to its Baroque cathedrals and Modernista constructions, this country is a treasure chest of artistic and architectural marvels across a matchless cultural palette.
More than 30 years of democracy and rapid economic development have spurred Spain's cities to adorn themselves with sparkling new ornaments. Madrid is the capital of Spain and located in the center of the country. It has a long and interesting history of development that adds depth to its vibrant modernity. There is a vast array of activities to do in Madrid- from seeing museums and historical sites, to the sporting events and night life. It is also easy to traverse Madrid by foot and metro, making it easy to see everything and commute.
Agriculture and Veterinary Science
An agricultural or veterinary science internship abroad will provide hands-on experience as well as technical and practical knowledge. Attitudes and practices vary across cultures providing a global perspective in this field. Work at veterinary centers, zoos, and wildlife parks with a wide variety of animals like snakes, big cats, kangaroos, koalas, cats, dogs, and horses!
Architecture and Urban Planning
Architecture and urban planning internships expose you to the design and construction of buildings and urban areas in cultures that have different planning models than those at home. Gain technical skills and practical experience within the field, while providing exposure to new systems and styles. Participants interested in an architecture internship may need to submit a portfolio.
Arts and Humanities
Encompassing a wide range of academic fields including history, philosophy, cultural studies, and sociology among many others, internships in the arts and humanities allow you to explore career options across many business sectors and industries while refining professional interests and strengths. Internships in these fields tend to be multi-disciplinary allowing you to gain a robust set of skills and knowledge.
Business and Marketing
Internships in business fields include a wide range of companies across all industries-—from small start-ups to large multinational corporations. Interns can focus on a specific area within business such as economics, finance, or marketing. Business internships provide valuable experience in understanding regional trade practices, international economies, and global marketing strategies from a new cultural perspective.
Communication, Media, and PR
Understanding the cultural climate of the times and the ways to effectively navigate it is a valuable skill. Working alongside international colleagues and within a new culture helps shape your worldview and ability to more effectively communicate with a wider audience. Work in an array of industries as communications, media and, PR jobs span all industries.
Education
An internship abroad in education is a great way to prepare for a career as a teacher, administrator, or principal. You will be exposed to new educational structures, curriculum, and methods in a variety of educational environments. The experience provides future educators with an expanded cultural perspective and worldview to broaden their approach to education and be more successful educators in our increasingly diverse classrooms.
Engineering
You will work alongside professionals from around the globe from reputable companies, universities, and research organizations in the industry. Interning abroad promotes innovation, technical understanding, and interpersonal and cross-cultural communication, which are just some of the skills necessary to translate ideas and plans into reality for cultures that are different from our own.
Environmental and Sustainability Studies
An internship abroad in environmental studies or sustainability will expose you to some of the most diverse environments in the world. Working with scientists and business professionals, you will gain real-world experience while making a global impact. From placements in biology and ecology to those focusing on sustainable business practices and technology, you will work to solve some of today’s most pressing environmental issues.
Fashion
A fashion internship abroad is a great stepping stone into the industry. Get hands-on experience in a truly global industry, learning about new aesthetics and understanding how business-to-business transactions between suppliers and distributors come to be. Placements focus on design, merchandising, PR, e-commerce, or a combination thereof. Portfolios are required for those participants interested in fashion design.
Film and TV
With a film or television internship abroad, you have the opportunity to work at a variety of companies, providing you with hands-on experience at every step in pre-production, production, and post-production. Exploring the field from a new cultural context while learning best practices will be an invaluable career stepping stone. A portfolio may be requested.
Health
Health internships abroad provide opportunities to shadow professionals, participate in community outreach, and conduct research. Gain first-hand experience with diverse practices in health care systems across a range of specializations. You will leave with a new understanding of how culture influences the practice of medicine, providing you with valuable preparation for a career in the health field. Local language proficiency may be required.
Hospitality, Events, and Tourism
International internships in hospitality, events, and tourism provide you with a truly unique understanding of the field and an opportunity to learn about the industry through real world experiences. The field varies across cultures, settings, and clientele, instilling a global perspective into your future career. Plan weddings, lead wine tastings, or assist in hotel management as an intern!
IT and Computer Science
An IT or computer science internship abroad complements your formal education with practical work experience in one of the most globalized fields worldwide. It is a unique opportunity to refine career goals, develop a professional network, and learn how other parts of the world use technology. Internships in this field usually require proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Java, C++, Python, Ruby, etc.
Legal Studies and Advocacy
Law and advocacy internships include a range of opportunities working at law firms and policy and advocacy centers. Internships in this field provide an inside view of the host country’s legal system and an understanding of how the community navigates within that system. Apply your knowledge to a real-world setting and learn how law and justice work in practice. A writing sample may be requested.
Performing and Visual Arts
With a focus on specific areas such as graphic design, photography, music, dance, or theater, internships in the performing and visual arts give you the opportunity to learn what type of creative projects you will likely work on in a professional setting. Gain valuable insight into the creative process and have a chance to apply your knowledge, channel your inner creativity, and network with industry professionals. A portfolio may be requested.
Political Science
Whether you are interested in American politics, international relations, or public policy and advocacy, an internship abroad allows you to gain valuable insight into how government policies, political parties, city councils, or governmental agencies work. Experience firsthand how these political bodies work with and against one another in the local and global arena.
Psychology and Social Work
A psychology or social work internship helps you understand the complicated social challenges facing global communities while learning how professionals respond. Placements are often research based or involve observing professionals and assisting with various tasks at non-profits. An internship abroad provides the opportunity to connect and integrate theory and practice into a real world setting. A background check may be requested.
Research
Participating in research expands academic experience and enhances understanding of an academic field. A research placement provides the opportunity to join an on-going research project for a short period, helping you clarify academic, career and personal interests. Step in at various stages of the research process and engage in a quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods approach.
Science and Math
Participating in a science or math internship abroad is a great way to understand how research and problem-solving work in other locations, learn about different system models, and see how science and math work in a practical setting. Interning abroad is a great way to build soft skills, gain a better understanding of the larger field, and start considering interests for post-graduate study.
Sports and Exercise
A sport and exercise science internship gives you a comprehensive understanding of current systems and practices in the field as they vary across cultures. Often in this field, you will work as part of a larger team to build teamwork and cross-cultural communication skills. There is a wide range of placements available, from clinics and fitness centers, to sports teams, and research at universities. Complete a mandatory practicum abroad!
Madrid Highlights and Activities
Orientation, Excursions, and Cultural Activities
Your program will start with a multi-day orientation in Madrid where you will enjoy a city tour and other excursions as well as receive pertinent information about how to be most successful in your internship abroad. Throughout your program, you will have the chance to go on weekend trips, day trips, and optional trips. ISA excursions allow you to explore the timeless, quaint, and historical landscape of Spain (and potentially surrounding countries) that you may not have the chance to visit on your own. The locations below are a sample of included and optional excursions that have run in the past. Please know that these are subject to change.
Toledo
Your visit to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will begin with a panoramic bus tour of Toledo's unique hilltop then will continue on to the monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, Santa María la Blanca synagogue, Santo Tomé Church, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria.
Valencia
Valencia is famous for its beaches, oranges, paella, and is known as the "City of Arts and Sciences", with an eye-catching cultural complex hosting museums, performing arts, and the biggest aquarium in Europe. After exploring the city, you will have the chance to enjoy a fabulous day on the beach, taking part in water sports such as paddle boarding, surfing, canoeing, etc. A 100% Mediterranean experience!
Cultural Activities in Madrid
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Madrid. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Madrid special. These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included cooking classes, museum visits (Reina Sofia and El Prado), tours of the Royal Palace and activities in Retiro Park.
Housing Details
ISA Housing provides the opportunity for interns to experience aspects of the Spanish lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor of Spain. All ISA housing options are either within walking distance to the ISA office and internship locations or conveniently located near public transportation. Travel times to internship sites generally range between 15 and 60 minutes depending on housing locations. Please note: All housing is subject to availability.
The experience of living in another culture will be both educational and rewarding as long as you stay open-minded at all times. There are differences in culture and lifestyle between life in Spain and the U.S. Remember: the key to a positive experience is flexibility. With this in mind, you can become a true Español/a!
Home Stay
Homestays are the norm for Spain, and are encouraged by ISA for the best cultural experience and full immersion into Spain. ISA participants living in homestays will be provided with two meals per day and laundry service once per week for the official duration of the program. This is included in the ISA program cost. Students usually share a bedroom with another ISA student, but have the option of paying extra to secure an individual room.
Apartments
All apartments are located near public transit routes and are fully furnished. Your apartment will have a fully-equipped kitchen. The number of participants per apartment, internet access and laundry facilities vary from apartment to apartment.
Student Residence
Student residences (Residencias in Spanish), which are basically a cross between a small dorm and a boarding house, are assigned on a first-come/first-serve basis, and availability is limited. Students may be placed into an individual or shared room, depending on availability. Rent is included in the program price. Meals and laundry service are not included, but students will have kitchen and washer/dryer access. The residencias may have wireless internet access. They are conveniently located near the ISA office and within walking distance to public transit routes.
Why Intern in Madrid?
The cultural center of Spain, Madrid offers the opportunity to explore a breadth and depth of Spanish culture from architecture to food, from music to history, and from the Spanish economy to the cultural diversity that the city encompasses. And of course the Spanish love of sports! Madrid offers the opportunity to intern in English or Spanish. Madrid is a great place to intern for most career fields, but is an especially excellent location for interns interested in Accounting, Business, Economics, Fashion, Finance, Human Services, Law, Marketing, Public Relations and Real Estate.
Travel Visa Information
Participants must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months AFTER their expected departure date from Spain.
U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens are not required to apply for a visa before departing for Spain if their program is 90 days or less.
Non-U.S. Citizens
Please note that non-U.S. citizens should contact their Consulate to verify specific entry requirements. As these requirements vary based on citizenship, non-U.S. citizens may not be permitted to travel to Spain without a visa or outside of their visa dates. Also, visa fees for non-U.S. citizens may differ so please be sure to check specific consulate's website for the most up to date information.
Note: Embassy and Consulate contact information is subject to change without notice. Please refer to the website of the Embassy or Consulate to verify information.
