12 Jul Sun, Sand, and Success in Spain: What a Summer Internship in Barcelona Can Do for You
Sandy beaches. Tapas. A friendly culture – and all the sun you could ever want.
If that sounds like a dream vacation, you’re right – but what many people don’t realize is that it’s possible to kill two birds with one stone. You can have the internship experience of a lifetime, all while enjoying that experience from one of the world’s most beautiful destinations: Barcelona.
Believe it or not, Barcelona is home to some of the world’s most up-and-coming startup hubs, particularly those in the gaming, pharmaceutical, and biotech industries – it’s home to more than 1000 of them, in fact.
If you want to enjoy plenty of time on the beach while also gaining valuable work experience, then an internship in Barcelona might just be the ticket.
Why Intern in Barcelona?
Not convinced that Barcelona is the right choice for you? Here at Absolute Internship, we work hard to facilitate internships all over the world for students interested in working abroad, but Barcelona remains a top destination for the following reasons:
1. The Economy is Growing
Spain’s economy is growing at a breakneck pace. With this growth comes new businesses – and a need for workers who want to learn more about those businesses. Multiple major companies, like Amazon, We Work, and AirBnB have spaces here.
Although you can get just about any kind of internship in Barcelona, from fashion to finance, an increasing number of internships are available at start-ups. This means the work you’ll be given will not only likely be interesting to you, but it will be of significant importance to the company and you’ll be able to learn more than you ever possibly imagined.
Barcelona is also ranked as one of the richest cities in the European Union as well as one of the best cities for start-up businesses. If you’re thinking about an experience abroad, this city should be right at the top of your list.
2. The Climate is Superb
Spain is a top tourist destination for one big reason – it’s climate. It attracts millions of visitors each and every year with its hot summers and mild winters. An internship in Barcelona means you’ll be able to enjoy the great outdoors pretty much all year long.
Plus, the weather just has an all-around soothing effect – it makes the lifestyle quite relaxed and enjoyable.
3. You Can Build Your Spanish-Speaking Skills
Intern in Barcelona, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn Spanish, which can help you both here as well as in dozens of other countries and hundreds of cities around the world.
Besides Spanish, you’ll likely also pick up some Catalan, which can be helpful in the Guinness world.
4. Lower Cost of Living
An internship abroad, even a paid one, will rarely be a money-making venture. You complete an internship abroad not for the money but for the experience – that’s something that’s truly priceless.
However, the costs do add up, and it can be expensive to live and work abroad. The good news is that, as far as foreign cities go, Barcelona is much more affordable than other large European cities, like Copenhagen. Food, entertainment, and transportation all tend to be cheaper here than in many Western European cities.
5. A Prime Location
Barcelona, despite being on the coast, is quite centrally located – this makes it easy to get away on weekend trips to other cities or towns. The closest airport is just a few miles away and there are high-speed trains that can bring you wherever you want to go, including nearby cities like Valencia, Tarragona, and GIrona.
But just right in Barcelona, you’ll likely find you have plenty to do as well. It’s home to the best of the best – culture, nature, beach – including landmarks like Tibidabo and Sagrada Familia.
6. A Laid Back Culture
Barcelonians are known for being friendly, calm, generous, and helpful. They are known to be quite giving with their time and don’t sweat the small stuff.
It’s also the kind of place where you don’t have to worry quite as much about your workplace wardrobe (although you should still put your best foot forward in that regard). While you’ll definitely see plenty of people who are well-dressed, you don’t need to show up to work in a three-piece suit, in most cases.
And don’t forget about the SPanish tradition of the siesta – this is a workplace habit you’ll want to take back home with you for sure!
¡Hasta Pronto!
Are you ready to embark on the experience of a lifetime? You can now see all the benefits of a summer internship in Spain – and you’re likely ready to book your plane tickets. But before you do, think about how you’ll handle the logistics. Absolute Internship may be able to help.
We provide talented and motivated students just like yourself with access to internships all around the world, including in places like Stockholm, Beijing, Tokyo, and – you guessed it – Barcelona. Book with us today for the experience of a lifetime.
¡Hasta pronto – see you soon!
FAQ
Do interns get paid in Spain?
For the most part, no. Most internships in Spain, including those in Barcelona, are unpaid. Those that are paid typically offer a minimum wage that’s regulated by local and federal labor laws.
What are 5 benefits of an internship?
Though these will vary, five of the top benefits of an internship are to help you gain valuable work experience, develop professional skills, expand your network, explore career paths, and potentially secure full-time employment.
Why do people want to go to Barcelona?
Barcelona is enticing for its rich culture, art, architecture, vibrant lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and diverse culinary scene, making it a popular destination for tourists and interns alike.
How much do interns get paid in Barcelona?
Most interns in Barcelona are not paid; those who are typically receive just a few hundred euros a month at most.
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