Pros and Cons of Internships in Barcelona

07 Aug Pros and Cons of Internships in Barcelona

Ah, Barcelona. An open-air museum where Gothic architecture meets modernist masterpieces, all wrapped up in the Mediterranean sun.

Indeed, did you know it’s home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites? That’s more than most countries can boast, let alone individual cities.

But beyond its undeniable beauty, Barcelona has also carved a spot as one of the hottest destinations for international internships. Why? It’s got everything: global companies, a rich culture, and a lifestyle that makes “work-life balance” sound like the understatement of the century.

Over the past few years, students and recent grads from every corner of the world have been flocking to Spain, and Barcelona sits squarely at the top of their list.

But is this city all it’s cracked up to be for budding professionals? Today, we’re pulling back the curtain and examining the full picture. From the tantalizing opportunities to the practical pitfalls, we’re here to help you decide whether an internship in Barcelona deserves a spot on your résumé. Plus, we’ll guide you on what it takes to land one.

The Pros of Interning in Barcelona

First, the benefits of choosing Barcelona as your next career-boosting passport stamp:

1. Cultural Immersion in a Global City

Barcelona has history, and it’s not shy about showing it off. Walk its streets, and you’ll find yourself wandering through medieval alleyways, gazing up at Gaudí’s fantastical creations, or tapping into the city’s vibrant art scene.

But this isn’t just a sightseeing bonanza. Living here means you truly get to soak it all in, day by day, café by café.

You’ll also have the chance to beef up your language skills. Spanish is an invaluable asset, but Barcelona offers a two-for-one deal with Catalan, the city’s other official language.

Whether you’re flexing your linguistic muscles during lunch breaks or in friendly bar-side chats, your language toolbox is bound to expand.

One more bonus? Barcelona is one of Europe’s most international cities, so you’ll also get plenty of opportunities to network with global professionals, not just those who hail from Barcelona.

2. Diverse Industry Opportunities

Barcelona isn’t just about sangria and siestas. From leading companies in tech and tourism to fashion-forward boutiques, the city offers a professional playground for nearly every interest.

It’s no surprise that it’s quickly become a hotspot for budding entrepreneurs, thanks to an exciting startup ecosystem that shows no signs of slowing down. Think coworking spaces buzzing with energy, industry events that run like clockwork, and a tech scene that punches well above its weight.

For interns, this means a golden ticket to get experience in highly competitive markets. Whether you’re assisting in app development, soaking up sartorial savvy, or curating itineraries for travelers, Barcelona’s industries can provide both breadth and depth to your skills.

3. Work-Life Balance and Lifestyle

If there’s one thing Barcelona excels at, it’s living well. The city’s Mediterranean lifestyle is basically an advert for long lunches on sun-filled terraces, tapas nights that stretch into the early hours, and, yes, the occasional siesta. (Although those mid-day breaks are less common nowadays, they’re still part of the culture.)

Add to that the unbeatable location. You’ve got beaches for lazy Sundays, mountains for adventurous weekends, and proximity to some of Europe’s top travel destinations for whenever you can manage a few days off. It’s the work-life balance that you’ve always dreamed of.

The Cons of Interning in Barcelona

No place is perfect, and Barcelona is no exception. Here are a few things to consider. Fortunately, most can be worked around:

1. Language Barriers

Barcelona is trilingual in spirit but bilingual in practice. While most people speak Spanish and Catalan interchangeably, navigating workplaces might require you to know your way around at least one of them.

If you’re not fluent, expect a steeper learning curve, especially in industries that cater to locals. English-speaking environments do exist, but they’re typically in more international sectors, like tech or tourism.

2. Competitive Job Market

Barcelona’s allure means you won’t be the only one chasing that dream internship. Combine its popularity with limited spots available for foreigners, and you’ve got yourself quite the competitive landscape.

To stand out, you’ll need more than just a polished résumé. Fluency in Spanish or Catalan, relevant work experience, and networking chops can make all the difference.

3. Cost of Living

Barcelona’s charm can come at a price. Literally.

Is it cheap to live here? Not necessarily. Renting a room in the city center can be a budget-busting experience, especially for interns on a tight salary  or no salary at all. Factor in food, public transportation, and all those tempting leisure activities, and the bills can add up quickly.

The good news is that budget-friendly options do exist: think student-friendly neighborhoods, public transit instead of taxis, and street food that beats sit-down restaurants. You’ll just need to be mindful and stretch your euros further than Park Güell’s mosaics.

4. Are Internships Paid in Barcelona?

Not all internships in Barcelona come with a paycheck. Many are unpaid or low-paid, especially in industries where internships are considered a rite of passage. That said, paid gigs are out there if you know where to look.

Tech and finance industries, for example, are more likely to offer stipends or additional perks like housing or lunch allowances. If money is tight, you may want to consider negotiating for non-monetary benefits that can offset living costs.

How to Get an Internship in Spain

Landing an internship in Barcelona doesn’t happen by accident.

Here’s a quick roadmap to get you started:

• Research Your Field: Explore companies and industries that excite you. What’s hot in Barcelona? Tech, tourism, and startups are all strong betting favorites.
• Polish Your Application: Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the job requirements, and emphasize any international experience or language skills.
• Network, Network, Network: Use LinkedIn, join networking events, and don’t be shy about sliding into a few DMs (professionally, of course).

Our best tip, however, is to partner with placement programs like ours at Absolute Internship. This can save you time and stress by connecting you with vetted employers in Barcelona.

Is It Easy to Get an Internship in Spain?

It’s not easy, but it’s definitely doable. Challenges like securing a visa or work permit can make the process feel like a marathon instead of a quick sprint.

Plus, international students face added hurdles when applying. A solid plan, strong application materials, and persistence can make all the difference.

When all is said and done, interning in Barcelona is as rewarding as it is challenging. Yes, the language barriers, competitive job market, and high living costs can make the path a bit bumpy.

But the cultural immersion, unmatched lifestyle, and rich professional opportunities more than make up for it. If anything, these challenges are part of the adventure.

And isn’t that what being an intern is all about?

Remember, the key to success lies in planning wisely and choosing the right program to guide you.

That’s where Absolute Internship steps in. From connecting you with the best opportunities to making sure you’re ready to hit the ground running, we simplify every step of the process.

Curious? Check out our website and take the first step toward your Barcelona internship experience. It might just be the move that transforms your future.