Hospitality Internships in Spain

I went to do a Social Media Marketing internship in Barcelona back in summer 2023 for 3 months. I have never travelled abroad alone before so everything was very new to me. I got greeted by a very friendly driver who drove me to my apartment, and I was given resources as well on where my 2 week classes would be and where my job would be. The apartment building owner also showed me how to get a monthly transit pass which was quite useful. The internship itself was amazing. I worked with Freepackers and they were such an amazing company with a lot of great connections and outreach events. It was amazing being able to do social media posts for them and work on improving their outreach. My only downside was the accomodations. The first apartment building we were at was very unaccomodating to our schedules. If we wanted to have a night out, we would have to tell the owner of the building due to security measures and a security key he refused to give to us. So if we had an unexpected late night, we would have to wake him up. We did end up moving to another great apartment building but that owner told us we had to pay to have our rooms cleaned (ridiculous, and I definitely did not pay for that), and we could only wash our clothes once a week at a certain time. I just ended up using a laundromat because those timings were inconvenient for me. Then I ended up having to be moved to a new accomodation out of nowhere and it was in a smoker's house so I always smelt cigarettes. At that point I just gave up complaining about accomodations since I had 3 weeks left anyways. I did not make as many friends due to my job field having a lot more older people, and the language school didn't have many people my age unfortunately, so that was another minor downside. I managed though. Would I do this again though? Absolutely. Just wished I had a more better accomodation.

I arrived in Barcelona with a heavy heart, coming from a country going through one of its toughest times. I carried more than a suitcase with me; I carried the weight of everything happening back home. I never expected that a few weeks abroad would change the way I see the world. My mornings began with pink skies painting the city from my balcony, followed by coffee with the Sagrada Família in sight. The metro rides to work became my anchor, a moment of pause amid the chaos, with music in my ears and a thousand running thoughts in my head. Days were spent learning, growing and finding my place in an engineering office, while evenings meant running through Barcelona's beautiful streets, discovering new corners of the city and sharing moments with people who slowly became part of my story. Somewhere between the architecture, the people, the sunrises and these seemingly ordinary moments, I found myself appreciating life differently. Barcelona reminded me that even during difficult times, there is still so much beauty to discover.

Having the opportunity to study abroad and intern in Barcelona, Spain was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It was my first time ever traveling outside of the United States, making the experience even more special and unforgettable. Moving to a new country, and immersing myself in a different culture pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow in ways I never expected. During my internship with Plateselector in Barcelona, I gained hands-on experience in content creation, social media, photography, and video production. Now a year later, I can say this ultimately made my decision in a career path that best suited me. Social media is now something I see myself perusing now and in future years. Alongside the professional experience, I learned independence, adaptability, and confidence while exploring a new part of the world. From meeting new people to experiencing everyday life in Barcelona, every moment taught me something new. This program not only brings you closer to people from your school you’ve never crossed paths with but it builds a sense of community. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to combine professional growth with an unforgettable cultural experience. As my friends and I a year later still quote and mention experiences from our abroad trip.

What I thought was going to be a visit to a country I had never been and never knew I would go back to became a place I would go back to in a second. Our tour guide, Gia, made the entire trip. I did the Educational Crossroads in Spain study abroad. We visit schools in Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga and Marbella. This experience was nothing short of amazing. The housing was absolutely perfect, the food was incredible, and aside from the schools the experiences we had were amazing. This is a trip I will never stop talking about and I would absolutely do another with Absolute Internship because they did such an amazing job coordinating the entire trip.

I am so grateful to have gone to Spain with Isla last summer. Malaga is a beautiful and fun city where I made many international friends and got to experience the amazing Spanish culture. My internship wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, but Isla worked with me to set up new opportunities to ensure I was getting a lot out of my experience. I met so many wonderful people on my trip and had so much fun.

I enjoyed working in collaboration with ISLA this past summer and my subsequent internship with PROAMB in Malaga. The ISLA staff is very supportive and attentive to your needs, and Malaga is a vibrant young city with lots to offer! PROAMB was a small sustainability consultancy, whose campaugn this summer requirede the work of myself and a team to travel to towns all over the province of Malaga and work with local communities (stakeholders, businesses, local governements, etc.) to improve their circular economies. The team was truly accommodating, and my housing was in the university neighborhood filled with bars and restaurants. Overall, a very positive experience.

Originally, I had a placement that wasn’t a great fit and Isla was so quick to place me somewhere better for my needs! I was able to help out in a Michelin-star restaurant to make a sustainability plan for them to receive a Michelin green star!

I had the most amazing time ever in Europe in general. I was able to explore most of the Malaga region in Spain. Met new people got to travel and shop. I was able to scratch of 3 countries that I wanted to go to Spain, Portugal and France

July - August 2017 Almost one month, a new country, and memories for a lifetime. My internship in Madrid with Absolute Internship was so much more than work experience. It was my first exposure to HR, and what better way to kick-start my career than abroad, in Spain. Absolute Internship matched me with a lovely school, where I worked alongside the headmistress and office assistant during the summer. From reviewing CVs and shortlisting candidates to coordinating interviews and handling all the admin jazz, I got a genuine taste of working recruitment side of HR. One thing I'll never forget? My daily 45-minute train journey to school. At the time, it was simply my commute, but looking back, it was part of the experience that taught me independence, responsibility and what adult working life could actually be and feel like. And of course, Madrid wouldn't have been the same without the people. I was lucky enough to share this experience with an international group of interns from Bulgaria, Mexico, USA, alongside me from Cyprus. We quickly became a little team, exploring Madrid, discovering its nightlife and making memories together. I arrived in Spain looking for professional experience, but left with new skills, greater confidence, international friendships and a whole lot of stories. If you're considering an internship abroad, take the leap. Change is always scary, but that's how you know that taking this leap might be one of the greatest experiences you'll carry with you. You might go for the career experience, but come home with so much more. ❤️ P.S.: Back in 2017, taking pictures were more minimal & the quality of it.

An Unforgettable, Life-Changing Experience! If I could sum up my internship in one sentence, it would be this: it was, without a doubt, the absolute best time of my entire life. Going into the program, I expected to build my resume and learn the ropes of the industry. What I actually walked away with completely blew me away. The culture here is unmatched, but what made it truly magical was the people. We shared endless laughs, navigated every challenge together, and built a connection so deep that they stopped being just friends, they became my family. To this day, I am still in close contact with almost everyone from my cohort. This program didn't just jumpstart my career; it gave me a lifelong tribe. I cannot praise this company, the culture, and the incredible people highly enough!

I told Connect-123 I wanted something in finance, and I knew that could be hard to find. They ended up finding me an internship at a venture capital firm in Barcelona. An opportunity like that is so hard to get back home in the U.S., and I got to do it through them. It was exactly what I was looking for. I loved where we lived, too. The neighborhood was great, and they made sure we were close to the metro, which made it easy to get around. The events were honestly one of my favorite parts. They were really well organized, and there was always something going on with the other students. Big shoutout to the coordinators. They were super nice and would message me just to see how things were going. Any time I texted them, they got back to me quickly. I had a couple of things come up while I was there, and they helped me sort them out. It meant a lot knowing I had people I could count on in Barcelona.

When I first started looking into programs abroad, I had no idea just how much this experience would change my life. I never had the opportunity to study abroad during college, and it was something I had always wished I could experience. I wanted more than just a vacation. I wanted to actually live somewhere new, immerse myself in another culture, improve my Spanish, meet new people, and gain professional experience that would help me grow in my career. I remember sitting down with my mom and comparing a few different programs when we came across Adelante Abroad. After looking into everything they offered, we both agreed that it seemed like exactly what I was looking for. I scheduled my first interview, and from that very first phone call, I just had a feeling I had found the right program. What stood out to me immediately was how genuine everyone was. I never felt like someone was trying to sell me an experience. They took the time to get to know me, understand what I was hoping to gain, and make sure the program was actually a good fit for me and not just them. I got off that call feeling even more excited and confident about taking such a big step. Throughout the entire process leading up to my departure, the Adelante team was incredibly helpful and responsive. Moving to another country can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to figure everything out on your own, but they made sure I had all the information I needed and knew what to expect. For my internship, I was placed with a small business in Barcelona, where I worked closely with the couple who ran it. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better placement. They were some of the sweetest, most welcoming people, and from the beginning, they made me feel like part of their team. I got to work on marketing projects, create content, help with workshops, and experience what it was like to work in a completely different environment and culture. It was such a unique opportunity to build my resume while learning things I never would have experienced in a traditional job back home. But beyond the professional experience, I genuinely loved the people I worked with, and that made it even more special. My housing experience was wonderful too. I stayed with a lovely woman who was incredibly kind and welcoming. She helped me practice my Spanish, and having someone local to talk to made adjusting to life in Spain feel so much more natural. I lived near the Sagrada Família, which still feels surreal to say! I felt safe and comfortable in my home and neighborhood, and I loved being able to walk outside and explore such an incredible city. One of my favorite parts of the program was having Spanish classes included. Not only did they help me improve my language skills, but they were also one of the first places I started meeting people. I also used friendship apps to connect with other people living in Barcelona, and something I quickly realized was that so many people were in the exact same position as me. Everyone was looking to make friends, explore, and create new experiences. And those friendships became one of the most meaningful parts of my entire time abroad! I met people from all over the world who started as complete strangers and became friends I know I’ll have for the rest of my life. We explored the city, tried new restaurants, made spontaneous plans, traveled, and created memories that I will always look back on! Barcelona itself is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been. There’s something for everyone here. You can spend the morning at the beach, wander through beautiful historic streets, discover amazing food, enjoy the nightlife, or simply sit outside at a café and take in the atmosphere. I loved having the opportunity to travel and explore places I had never been before, but some of my absolute favorite days were the ordinary ones spent just living in Barcelona. And I think that’s what made this experience so different from traveling as a tourist. I wasn’t just visiting another country. I was building a little life here. I learned how to navigate a new city, communicate in another language, make friends from scratch, adapt to a different culture, and become so much more independent. I discovered how capable I was of creating a life somewhere completely unfamiliar. And somewhere along the way, I even fell in love, which was certainly not something I expected when I signed up for an internship abroad! But here’s the part that really says everything about my experience: I loved my time in Barcelona so much that after my program ended, I decided to come back. I’m now living in Barcelona again, continuing my Spanish studies, and building a life in a city that I originally came to know through Adelante Abroad. When I think about how it all started, it’s crazy to realize that one decision, one interview, and one internship could lead to so much. I signed up because I wanted international work experience and an opportunity to do something I had missed out on during college. I ended up gaining professional skills, confidence, independence, lifelong friendships, a deeper appreciation for another culture, and a place in the world that now feels like a second home. If you’re considering going abroad but you’re nervous about taking that step, I genuinely cannot recommend Adelante enough. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you go. I certainly didn’t. Sometimes you just have to give yourself the opportunity to experience something new and see where it takes you. I went to Barcelona hoping to have an unforgettable few months. I never imagined those few months would change the direction of my life. And it all started with Adelante Abroad.

Spending eight weeks in Barcelona, Spain, was one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my college career. I had always wanted to study or work abroad, and getting the opportunity to live in a new country while gaining professional experience was something I was really excited about. During my time in Barcelona, I interned with Lenium, a company focused on engineering, renewable energy, and sustainable development. I was able to gain hands-on experience working in an international professional environment, contribute to real projects, and learn more about how businesses operate in different parts of the world. As an Environmental Design major, it was especially interesting to see how sustainability and innovation are approached from a global perspective. Outside of my internship, I loved getting to explore Barcelona, experience the culture, travel to new places, and meet people from all over the world. Living in a city with such unique architecture, public spaces, and transportation systems was especially exciting because of my interest in urban design. Some of my favorite memories were simply walking around the city, trying new foods, spending time with friends, and experiencing everyday life in Spain. This experience also pushed me to become more independent, adaptable, and confident in unfamiliar situations. Being away from home for two months definitely came with challenges, but those moments helped me grow the most. I also appreciated the opportunity to practice my Spanish and experience a different culture beyond just being a tourist. Overall, I am incredibly grateful for my time in Barcelona. I came home with new friendships, professional skills, unforgettable memories, and a broader perspective on the world. I would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone considering going abroad, especially those who want to step outside their comfort zone while gaining valuable work experience.

Some experiences stay with you long after they come to an end, and my time in Bali was definitely one of them. I had the opportunity to spend five weeks in Bali, completing my internship at Made Tea in Ubud, and honestly, it turned out to be so much more than I expected. From the beginning, I felt welcomed and appreciated. Working with Made Tea gave me the opportunity to discover a different professional environment, develop my communication and digital marketing skills, work on creative projects, and gain valuable hands-on experience. I had the chance to create content, work on social media, communicate with potential business partners and contribute to real projects. It was rewarding to see that my ideas and work were genuinely valued. One of the highlights was definitely the people. I am especially grateful to my supervisor, Roni, for her kindness, trust, guidance and patience throughout my internship. Being surrounded by such welcoming people made the experience even more special. And then there was Bali itself! 🌺 Living and working in Ubud allowed me to discover a completely different culture, meet people from different backgrounds, experience the local lifestyle and create memories I will always cherish. Every day brought something new, whether it was discovering beautiful places, trying new food, learning about local traditions or simply enjoying the atmosphere. What I appreciated most was the balance between professional development and personal discovery. I didn’t just gain experience to add to my CV; I also became more independent, confident, adaptable and open-minded. If you are considering an internship abroad, I would genuinely encourage you to take the opportunity. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You might arrive expecting to gain professional experience, but leave with new skills, wonderful connections and memories that will stay with you forever. Thank you, Made Tea, and Bali, for five unforgettable weeks. A little piece of my heart will always remain in Indonesia. ❤️ Sometimes the best experiences are the ones you never fully expect.

I had a wonderful experience with Linguistic Horizons this summer (2026). I was matched with a company for an internship, where I did business administration and marketing for a surf school/shop. I worked there Monday through Friday four hours per day, and then also had classes Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights. I was matched with a class and professor based on my Spanish level. The program also included unbelievable excursions to other places in Galicia, my favorite being the Fragas do Eume national park. Nicole, the program director, is extremely kind and organized! Unfortunately I fell very ill to food poisoning during the summer, and she was able to help me get care at the local urgent care hospital very easily. She was always doing whatever she could to make sure we were making the most out of our experience, whether that was taking us out for food or suggesting local hotspots to try. La Coruña is an amazing city filled with gracious people. I was able to gain valuable internship experience, improve my Spanish level tenfold, and gain an unbelievable life experience. I fully suggest this program to anyone wanting to have an abroad experience, whether you want an internship or classes or both. Not only was it an amazing experience, but also one that I am now able to talk about in interviews and on my resume as I currently job search. There is also always something to do in Coruña, with everything from free public concerts to food festivals. Go to La Coruña with Linguistic Horizons, you won't regret it!

I lived in Madrid for 10 weeks and was astounded by the culture of Spain and its diversity! Sage Corps helped me get to experience the wonders of traveling abroad as a college student and be able to intern abroad! They were very supportive and led us in many group activities to interact with local experiences.

I had a really positive experience with Beyond Academy. I think you get out of the program what you put into it, so having an open mind, being willing to meet different people, and taking initiative makes a real difference. The coordinators were fantastic: approachable, supportive, and genuinely lovely people who made it easy to ask for help and advice whenever needed. I really appreciated how personal and welcoming they made the experience feel. Overall, the program was a great opportunity to gain professional experience abroad, expand my knowledge, and step outside my comfort zone. My biggest advice to anyone considering it would be to stay curious, be proactive, and make the most of the opportunities and connections around you. Your attitude really shapes the experience you have.

I had a great experience with the program. From the beginning, they were always attentive and available whenever I had any questions or problems. My advisor, Nisha, was especially helpful and always made sure I had the information and support I needed throughout the process. Overall, the program was well organized and I felt supported throughout my experience. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an internship abroad.

I had a great experience with the AIP Asian Internship Program. The team was very helpful throughout the process, and the internship gave me a great opportunity to gain international work experience and learn about a new culture. I would definitely recommend AIP to anyone looking for an internship abroad.

Amazing program! You feel really immersed in the country's culture, and it was an amazing use of time between sophomore and freshman year! The workplace environment helped my spanish immensely. It is fantastic!