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!
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!
Valencia Highlights and Activities
Orientation, Excursions, and Cultural Activities
Your program will start with a multi-day orientation in Valencia 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 the country (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.
Albufera
Albufera Natural Park is one of the most representative and valuable wetlands nature preserves of Valencia and, more generally, of the Mediterranean coastal region. You will get to explore the Albufera Natural Park by going to El Palmar Island and riding a boat across the lagoon while gaining a better understanding of the park’s ecosystem and admire the typical Albufera houses, or barracas. After this you will learn in the northern orchards how to cook the traditional paella.
Peñíscola
Peñíscola is located on the coast of eastern Spain and is known as the City in the Sea. Walking through its small and old streets, you will feel the sensation of traveling within the ancient ages. During the trip, you will visit the old town of Peñíscola, explore Pope Luna’s Castle, and take in some breathtaking views of the sea.
Granada
Granada is a picturesque and mountainous university town. It has always been a multicultural city and was the last Moorish stronghold during the Catholic reconquest of Spain. You will explore Granada’s multicultural past through visits to historic neighborhoods like the Albaicín and Realejo. During an unforgettable evening flamenco show, you will have the chance to soak up Spanish music and culture. You will also visit important cultural sites including the Alhambra fortress, Spain’s most popular tourist attraction.
Housing Details
ISA Housing provides the opportunity for interns to experience aspects of the local lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor. The experience of living in another culture will be both educational and rewarding so long as you stay open-minded.There are many differences in culture and lifestyle between life in New Zealand and the U.S. Remember: the key to a positive experience is flexibility!
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 are a cross between dorm-style living and a boarding house. They are located off campus and are not affiliated to a university, however all residents are students. The number of participants per room, internet access, the number of meals and/or kitchen facilities and the method of laundry vary by city.
Why Intern in Valencia?
Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and it is located on the Mediterranean Sea and the banks of the Turia River. It has a long history, as it was founded over two thousand years ago. With a current population of approximately 800,000, it is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe. With a subtropical/Mediterranean climate, Valencia has mild winters and long and hot summers. Be it the art, religion, history, literature, architecture, or food, Valencia offers a feast for the senses. Valencia allows interns to experience the beaches of Spain and easy access to the rest of Europe, while interning in English or Spanish. Applicants in any field are welcomed and encouraged to apply for the Valencia program, but it is a particularly excellent location for Architecture, Engineering, Exercise Science, Education, Fashion, Health, Journalism, Logistics, Political Science, Psychology, Sciences and Visual Arts fields.
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.
