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Internships in Barcelona, Spain
Frequently asked questions
We are also happy to answer all your questions personally. Call us on +34 93
2375111 or write to us mcortada@centrohumboldt.com
Why internships abroad?
Nowadays, experience of foreign countries and, even more so, experience of working in a foreign country is an unbeatable advantage on the job market. In many companies, the key requirements for employment are a knowledge of languages, intercultural communication skills and flexibility, as well as being prepared and capable of familiarising yourself with new cultures and structures.
Even in personal terms, time spent abroad and getting to know a different country, different cultures and ways of life is always an enriching experience. You meet new people, learn other languages, perhaps even try things you would never have attempted in your own country.
Why internships in Barcelona?
Barcelona is the business metropolis of Spain. Many multinationals are based here, as well as dynamic medium-sized firms. A metropolis of fashion, design, architecture, tourism, gastronomy and textiles, you can also find more traditional sectors such as the automobile or chemistry industry. And, after English, Spanish is the most important lingua franca in the world. Over 400 million people in America and Europe speak Spanish.
Without doubt, Barcelona is a fascinating city, located in the north-east of the Iberian peninsular with its mild, pleasant climate throughout the year; with the hospitality of its almost two million inhabitants; with its two-thousand year history which, together with its dynamism and enterprising spirit, are pointing the way to the future; with its beautiful modernist buildings, with cutting edge trends in design that can even be seen in the streets, squares and alleyways; with urban areas full of people and life.
In short, Barcelona is a Mediterranean city with a very special appeal, which you will discover when you take part in your internship programme.
Where can I do an internship, in which sector and firms?
We guarantee you an internship place in the professional field of your choice. We have contacts with firms from various sectors, ranging from small and medium-sized companies to global players. Under
Sectors you can find a list of all the business areas in which you can do an internship in Barcelona.
Are the internships salaried?
Some companies provide internees with a monthly allowance ( between 300-600 €).
Other firms offer perks, such as the opportunity to get lifts to work or allowances for meals.
How is a placement found for me?
We have been providing internships for several years. During this time we have built up a solid base of companies interested in working with international internees. Thanks to our company contacts, in our internship programme we offer internships
in Barcelona in national and international firms, small and medium-sized enterprises and global players.
When do I find out where the internship is taking place?
In general, you normally find out in which company you will be doing your internship in about
4 weeks before you start. However, the companies always hold a personal conversation with their future internees.
How long can / should the internship last?
The duration of internships varies from sector to sector and also from company to company. In general, internships last between 2 and 9 months.
How much Spanish do I need to know beforehand?
An intermediate level of Spanish is essential. This means having completed level
B of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, achieved after around 300-400 hours of Spanish classes in a small group. Your knowledge of languages and the qualifications you already have play an important role in the quality and success of your internship.
Before you begin your internship abroad, you can take part in an intensive
Spanish language course in Barcelona. The language course prepares you both linguistically and mentally for your internship, where you become familiarised with the do's and don'ts of the country in relation to colleagues and business associates.
Spanish or Catalan?
Barcelona is bilingual. The people in Barcelona speak both Spanish and Catalan. But you will hear Spanish much more often in everyday life in Barcelona.
Like Spanish, Catalan is a Romance language and the Catalans are very proud of their culture, traditions and language.
But the people of Barcelona are also very tolerant, open to new things and towards people from other countries and cultures. They know that you are learning Spanish here. And Barcelona is without doubt the most dynamic and modern city in Spain, where you can easily appreciate
the warm, friendly character of this Mediterranean city.
Our extensive experience has shown that Catalan has rarely caused communication problems in everyday life or internships.
What other requirements must I fulfil?
The minimum age to apply for an internship in Barcelona is 18.
Applicants must be citizens of an EU country or possess a residence and work permit for the country of destination.
The application for the internship programme in Spain must be made at least 2 months before the desired start date.
It is important that you define your expectations and current abilities in your application as accurately as possible. In addition to purely professional abilities, other talents are also valued such as self-initiative and soft skills such as awareness of responsibility, flexibility and a willingness to adapt.
Do I need any business experience prior to the internship?
Many of our partners expect their internees to have completed their studies or training or to have a year's work experience. However, even if you haven't completed your professional training or you don't have any work experience but have just finished school or are studying, there are still many internships available in a range of sectors. If you have just finished school, you can improve your chances if you can certify that you have completed a student placement or have experience in a minor job.
Is there a level test?
Here you can register at our CH Campus as a user and then take our online language
test
Who are my contact people during my internship?
During the whole programme you will be supported by staff from Centro Humboldt Barcelona. They make every effort to get the best possible internship placement according to your wishes. You also have your own contact person at your side who can advise you on the best possible presentation appropriate to the typical standards of the country.
What certificates do I get?
You receive 2 certificates: one concerning the language course and another concerning the internship. The first certifies you have attended the language course and specifies the level of your foreign language competence. The second certificate describes the areas of business you have got to know during your internship and assesses your performance.
Where will I live?
The most economic accommodation is in a private home. We will gladly arrange the accommodation for you. You live together with Spaniards, either a family, a group of people sharing a flat or individuals. Living in private accommodation is one of the best ways to practise the language you have acquired. The facilities may not be so luxurious, but you learn more about the day-to-day life and culture of the city in question.
Remember that the rooms in Spain are usually smaller than those in central Europe.
If you prefer a hotel or hostel, we can help you book a room.
For an overview of prices for private accommodation and hotels, see Accomodation.
Do I get an internee contract?
Yes. Once you have agreed your internship with a company, all conditions such as work targets, scope, timetable and internship support are specified in an internee contract.
What kind of insurance do I need?
For the duration of your language course and your internship abroad you need sickness, accident and liability insurance. Centro Humboldt can recommend an insurance partner, if you have not yet finalised any insurance.
Why Centro Humboldt Barcelona?
We have been providing internships for international internees for many years now. We have extensive experience in organising internships and excellent contacts with internship companies, as well as insight into the wishes of our internees. Our Organisation is certified by TÜV
with the ISO 9000:2001 certificate. Centro Humboldt is an authorised centre by the Instituto Cervantes and has also been awarded the CEELE quality certificate from the University of Alcalá.
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