15 Apr Internships in Madrid: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Madrid—capital of Spain, geographical center of the Iberian Peninsula, and home of the oldest restaurant in the world. For students, the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and current position as the financial center of Spain make for the perfect internship destination.
If you’re considering an internship in Madrid, here’s a glimpse to help you better envision what life as an intern in the city is like.
Quick facts about Madrid
Let’s start with the basics:
- Population: 3.3 million
- Language: Spanish (but don’t worry, English is widely spoken in professional settings!)
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Known for: Art, tapas, fashion, and football
- Climate: Dry & hot summers (around 25℃), cool winters (as low as 6℃)
When is the best time to intern in Madrid?
The best time to intern in Madrid depends largely on your personal schedule and goals. Some students prefer summer internships in Madrid because they align with academic breaks. Others choose spring or fall to avoid the influx of tourists.
That said, between spring and early fall—minus the peak of summer—is generally considered the most pleasant time in Madrid. The weather is warm but not overwhelmingly hot, the city is lively, and it’s easy to enjoy both your internship and days off.
What to expect from your Madrid internship
A Madrid internship is a unique experience. The Spanish work culture might be different from what you’re used to, though that’s not necessarily a bad thing! Here’s what many interns encounter when working in Spain’s capital:
Flexibility and independence
This ultimately depends on the company, but there’s usually flexibility with hours as long as you’re able to submit your deliverables on time. There is also often freedom on how you approach your tasks. This means you will need to take initiative and work independently—both of which are really great habits to develop early on.
Different work hours
Spain’s work culture runs on a different clock. The typical workday in Madrid often starts around 10 AM, and it’s not unusual to finish close to 8 PM. You might find your day starts slow and stretches into the evening, but this flexibility also means more room for creativity and self-direction.
Lunchtime is sacred
Some countries find it acceptable to eat at your desk, but for Spain, lunch break is a time to genuinely disconnect and unwind. Long lunch breaks don’t mean less productivity, after all. It just means balance matters. Don’t be surprised if your team takes a long lunch but still meets deadlines!
Respect for work-life balance
Work is important, but so is your personal life. In Madrid, there’s a strong cultural value placed on enjoying life outside of the office. Whether it’s socializing, exploring, or simply relaxing, the Spanish tend to respect personal time and commitments. As long as you’re honest about any changes in your schedule, your team will likely be understanding.
Hands-on learning
Madrid internships are often immersive, which means you can get the most out of your experience. Expect to be given real projects, tight deadlines, and plenty of chances to actually contribute to the team. This isn’t just about coffee runs—you’re a part of the process!
Language isn’t necessarily a barrier
Many companies in Madrid welcome English-speaking interns. Of course, knowing basic Spanish can still help you a lot, especially in day-to-day life outside the office.
Flexible dress code
In most cases, business casual is the norm for interns. This means neat and professional, but not overly formal. However, it can vary depending on your field. For example, a fashion internship in Madrid might require a more polished or trendy look to match the industry’s style. On the other hand, a marketing internship might be more relaxed and allow for casual wear. To be sure, check your company’s expectations before you arrive.
Living in Madrid as an intern
Now that you can better picture what Madrid internships look like, let’s dive into how your days would be outside your work hours. Here are some cool things you can expect:
Tree-lined streets
Madrid is a landlocked city, but it makes up for the lack of bodies of water with an abundance of trees. In fact, it has received the Tree Cities of the World recognition for six consecutive years as of 2024.
A very walkable city
All that greenery and shade might be one reason Madrid was ranked the 5th most walkable city in the world last year—but it’s also because everything is so close together. On foot, you can easily stroll through cobblestone streets, hop between art museums, visit iconic landmarks, grab a bite, and more. Walk around the city and you’d already have a weekend well-spent!
Reliable public transportation
If you don’t feel like walking, Madrid has a fantastic public transport system. There’s the metro which covers the entire city, and the day and night buses for more specific places that the metro can’t reach. There are also trains that connect the city to the rest of the greater Madrid region.
So much to see
Madrid is packed with things to see. The city is known for its rich culture so make sure to visit museums including the Prado and Reina Sofia, and landmarks such as Puerta Del Sol and Plaza Mayor. For more lush greenery, head to renowned parks like El Retiro. You can even take the train and visit other Spanish cities such as Toledo and Barcelona!
Local food culture
Everyday food in Madrid is delicious, social, and deeply cultural. One of the best examples of this is tapas—small savory dishes typically shared with friends. You can also find hearty traditional meals such as cocido madrileño (a chickpea-based stew) and bocadillos (baguette sandwiches). For something sweet, don’t miss out on churros con chocolate!
How to prepare for an internship in Madrid
Before you hop on a flight to Madrid, there are a few things you need to check off your list. Being well-prepared can make all the difference in your internship abroad experience! Here’s what to keep in mind as you get ready for an internship—and life, in general—in Madrid.
Understand visa requirements
If you’re a non-EU student, you’ll likely need a student or internship visa. Specifically, most nationalities will need a Schengen visa. Application and paperwork can take weeks, so get this done as soon as possible.
Brush up on basic Spanish
While English might be enough at your internship, daily life in Madrid runs on Spanish. Knowing key phrases will help you a lot when completing small, everyday tasks like grocery shopping, taking the public transport, and ordering food.
Budget your finances
Madrid is affordable compared to several other European cities, but it still helps to plan. Know your rent, transport, food, and weekend travel costs ahead of time.
Pack smart
What you need to bring depends on when you’re doing your internship program. Summer internships in Madrid can get pretty warm, so think lightweight clothes, sunscreen, and reusable water bottles. Check with your host company on dress code, too, and pack accordingly.
Set personal goals
What do you want to learn? What skills do you want to gain? Set two to three clear goals for your internship before your first day. It’ll help you stay focused and track your growth.
How to get started on your Madrid internship
Excited but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered!
Our Madrid internship program offers a comprehensive support system that includes visa assistance, guaranteed internship placement, student housing, transportation to and from your workplace, weekend activities, city tours, and 24/7 onsite support to ensure you’re always taken care of.
With all this support, your experience in Madrid will be as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Let’s get you started on your internship adventure. Apply today!
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