• Description

  The Summer Internship Program in Palma de Mallorca, Spain is designed for students with four or more semesters of college-level Spanish. In eight weeks you will improve your Spanish in an international business setting. You will live and study in the city of Palma, and you will add experience to your curriculum while working in a company, organization, or hotel located in the Mediterranean island of Mallorca.

  The Internship program exposes students to a professional work atmosphere in the tourism industry and enhances their experience of international business from a global perspective. Students apply business vocabulary and Spanish language skills, interact and work alongside professionals in the tourism sector, and receive tools to reflect on their experience from an academic perspective.

  Academic Program
  The CIEE Summer Internship program is designed for business students who are interested in enhancing their academic and language skills in a professional context while being immersed in a Spanish professional working environment. During the first three weeks, students take an intensive Spanish language course related to business and tourism. This is followed by a five-week internship in a local hotel. During the five weeks, students complete 120 hours of work and meet three hours each week with a university professor to discuss the development and impact of tourism on the economy, culture, and environment. In addition, students analyze and discuss interactions with co-workers, recognize cultural differences, observe how their intended professions may be practiced in different cultural contexts, and research and present their final paper to a committee of evaluators.

  Academic Culture
  Both the language class and the internship seminar are held at Sa Riera, a University building located right in the center of Palma. Class sizes are small, and professors are accustomed to teaching U.S. students. Professors teaching both classes are either university professors (introduction to tourism and seminar) or language instructors from the department of Cursos de Español para Extranjeros at the University. During the first three weeks, the class "Spanish for Students of Business and Tourism: an Introduction to Tourism in Mallorca" meets every morning or afternoon for three hours from Monday through Friday. There are field visits and guest speakers who introduce students to different aspects of tourism and business in Mallorca. During the remainder of the program, the internship seminar meets for three hours once a week for a total of five meetings. Students are assigned readings and field observation exercises; the class methodology includes active participation and group discussion. Students are expected to be prepared for class. Both classes are taught entirely in Spanish, although some of the readings of the seminar are in English. While extracurricular activities and personal travel contribute to the student's overall study abroad experience, attendance in class is paramount. Any extended travel should take place prior to the start of the program or upon completion of the program.

• Highlights

  * Experience a professional work atmosphere from a global perspective while working in a company, hotel, or non-profit organization
  * Develop business vocabulary and enhance your Spanish language skills as you work alongside professionals
  * Visit and study areas of mass tourism and over-development, rural eco-tourist sites, hotels and their different departments, and non-profit and fair trade organizations

Culture
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
The academic program is supplemented with cultural activities and field trips. These include visits in Palma (Bellver Castle, Almudaina Palace, Arab baths, City Hall, museums, Cathedral, historic district, and a bike tour along the coast), a one-day excursion by boat to the island and natural park of Cabrera or Dragonera, and a one-day kayaking trip along the coast. In addition, the program includes day excursions to historical and natural sites around Mallorca, such as the towns of Valldemossa, Deia, Sóller, Pollenca, and Alcudia; the natural beaches of Es Trenc; the natural park of Albufera Marsh and Meadows; the breathtaking views of the Cape Formentor; XIII and XVI century traditional Mediterranean gardens of Raixa, La Granja and Alfabia; and a hike of the impressive canyon of the Torrent de Pareis which opens onto the sea. Visits supplement classwork and introduce students to the rich diversity of the geography and culture of the Balearic Islands. CIEE also organizes cultural activities designed to bring American and Spanish UIB students together. These include conversation exchanges with Spanish students, a Spanish cooking class, a salsa class, game and tapas nights, opportunities to attend movies or the theater, beach picnics, visits to flea markets, and participation in traditional celebrations around the island.

Qualifications

* Overall GPA 2.75
* 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent
* Demonstrated interest in an internship in the tourism industry as expressed in the application letter of interest

Intern Types

• Tourism
• Spanish

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE fees include an optional airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, most meals, orientation, organized cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947

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