Barcelona, Spain

Full-Time Semester Internship

Full-Time Internship
Length:
Fall, Spring

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment, Homestay, Residence Hall

Credits:

3 per Semester

Primary Spoken Language(s):

English, Spanish

Language Prerequisites:

None

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Internship

Our Barcelona internship program guarantees an unpaid, for-credit, 12-week internship placement of at least 30 hours a week in the field of your choice. Develop your professional skills, your ability to communicate across cultures, and gain real work experience that will jump-start your career in today’s competitive job market.

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Personalized Placements

We'll work with you to find a placement in the field of your choice.

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Academic Seminar

Enroll in a required 3-credit internship seminar with other IES interns.

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Field Trips

Travel and experience all that Spanish culture has to offer.

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Attend Cultural Events 

Like walking tours, flamenco workshops, and soccer games.

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

September 02 - December 03

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
9,175

Program Dates:

Early January - Mid April

Application Deadline:

Internship Program Advisor

Alexis Watson headshot

Alexis Watson

Once you’ve applied for an internship, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From field placements to housing and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare for your internship. Once you’re accepted to your internship, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300  ✉️ internships@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

Why Barcelona?

Barcelona is an economic and cultural hub of the Iberian Peninsula. Pair this with the fact that the city is a major player in many industries, including commerce, education, technology startups, entertainment, media, and fashion, and you have yourself the perfect location for a semester internship abroad.

Build a global network of professional contacts while taking in the sights and sounds of this bustling Spanish city, located between bright blue sea and majestic mountains. Sample tapas throughout the city’s diverse neighborhoods, head to the Gothic Quarter to see several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, explore one (or more) of Barcelona’s museums, experience fresh flavors at the city's famous La Boqueria market—should we go on?

Learn More About Barcelona

Get to Know Your New City

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Have Fun in the Sun

Spend time under the sun along Barcelona's sandy beaches.

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Check Out Some Live Music

Barcelona boasts an iconic music scene.

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Appreciate the Art

There’s plenty of art—indoors and out—to inspire you.

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Eat, Drink, and Eat Some More!

Enjoy stews, seafood, jamón, spicy potatoes, and so much more.

The Student Experience

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Housing

A minimalist living space featuring bright red furniture, a large window, a television, and a dining room with red chairs.
  • Apartment
  • Homestay
  • Residence Hall

Apartment

Student Apartment – You live with up to 12 other IES Abroad students in a single or double room. The student apartment offers the communal vibes of a residence hall with the comfort of an apartment. Apartments have fully equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi is included, and meals are not included but optional meal plans are available for purchase onsite. Laundry is coin operated and an additional fee applies to this housing option.

City Apartment – You live with up to 7 other IES Abroad students in single or double rooms in a typical Barcelona style apartment. These apartments are located in residential areas throughout the city. Apartments have fully equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi is included, and meals are not provided. Washing machines are available for free but dryers may not be, as they are not commonly used in Spain. An additional fee applies for this housing option. This is not student housing so there will be no onsite staff. This option is recommended for students who are more independent and outgoing. 

Academics

While your priority may be gaining professional experience, we also know how important it is to build community where you can reflect and learn about the work world with other students. That's why--during your semester--we offer placements in a wide range of disciplines, and a supplemental required 3-credit seminar.  

Before you go, we work with you to fine-tune your résumé, perfect your cover letter, and hone your communication and interview skills as we prepare you for working in a new cultural environment. You’ll be guaranteed a placement at a local business or organization that fits your professional interests.

To supplement the real-life work experience you'll receive during your internship, you will also participate in a required 3-credit internship seminar. You should work with your current college or university to learn about how this credit will transfer back to your school. 

a business student walking in Milan

Business

student teaching on a summer internship program

Education

health students in santiago

Health (Non-Clinical)

Two students sit outside at a table on their college campus working from a laptop.

Marketing

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Charities & Nonprofits

Three students in front of the European Council in Brussels Belgium

International Relations

Courses

While working in Barcelona, you’ll also enroll in a required 3-credit internship seminar with other IES interns, where you’ll gain context for your internship placement by examining cultural issues in and outside the workplace. 

Topics covered include understanding workplace culture, improving communication, strengthening work attitude and aptitude, and navigating issues, challenges, and opportunities so you can succeed on the job in Barcelona and when you return home.

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (4)

Communications (1)

Course name Term Language Credits
IN/CM 395 - Internship Seminar: Communication, Medias, & Audiovisuals Fall, Spring English 3
PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

Learn More
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Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Barcelona, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

a group of students pose for a photo during a paella cooking class

The Basque Country & Navarre

4 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Discover the unique gastronomy of the Basque Country, learn from artisans who elaborate local delicacies, and attempt to create the meals that make up this rich culinary tradition.

an aerial view of Arco de la Victoria in Madrid at night

Madrid

3 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Discover the vibrant capital of Spain! See the works of El Greco, Goya, and Velázquez firsthand in the world-famous Prado Museum.

a student looking out over monterrat

Montserrat

1 Day ($) Fall & Spring

Spend the day hiking the mountain of Montserrat and visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey.

a group of students holding wine glasses and smiling at the camera

South of France

3 Days ($) Spring

Visit Carcassonne to learn about its rich history, and enjoy a boat ride nearby. Next, head to Lastours to see castles and the Fontfroide Abbey. The last stop is Perpignan, where you can compare the Spanish Catalan and French Catalan cultures.

three students jumping on a boardwalk with clear blue water and a white building in the background

Valencia

3 Days ($) Spring

Enjoy a guided tour around the city and make paella, the most famous dish in Spain. Then visit the nearby town of Peñíscola to see the Papa Luna’s Castle, a medieval building constructed by Templar knights that was home to the Pope during the 13th century.

Internship Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Spring 2024

Tuition
$
5,965
Housing
$
2,800
Insurance
$
230
Total
$
8,995

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
6,074
Housing
$
2,856
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
9,175

Spring 2025

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

Learn More
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About the IES Abroad Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

The IES Abroad Barcelona Center is located in the heart of Barcelona, just off the Plaza Catalunya. Whether you’re taking a stroll by the Arco de Triunfo, or studying at a nearby café, the Center is your study abroad hub. 

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Barcelona
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Barcelona. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Explore Barcelona
Take a required study journey to a site in Spain. In previous journeys, students have visited Tarragona, where they walked in the footsteps of the Ancient Romans.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin your internship with activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, reflective coursework, and support from our dedicated student staff.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the semester with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of Spanish culture and get to know the other students.

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Spring 2024

Program Dates:

January 08 - April 09

Application Deadline:

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

September 02 - December 03

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Early January - Mid April

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age
  • In good standing at your home school
  • 2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • At least sophomore standing prior to application; rising junior status at time of program departure. (Students who have completed one year of undergraduate study may apply and will be considered on a case-by-base basis.)
  • Non-U.S. citizens must refer to their local consulate to learn about visa requirements and determine eligibility; IES Internships cannot advise on visa regulations for non-U.S. citizens.
  • Non-U.S. citizens attending school outside the U.S.: Native English fluency or IELTS score of 6.0 or above, taken within the last two years.
    • Visit the IELTS website to find a test location near you. IES Abroad reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept students who it believes do not have the necessary English language competency to succeed in an Internship Program, irrespective of the applicant's score on a language proficiency exam.
  • Students may be enrolled in a full-time degree program, or a graduate intending to begin their internship no more than 5 years after their graduation date (solid academic credentials related to studies or experience in desired field of placement required); graduate students enrolled in a full-time degree program may apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

Contact an Ambassador
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