The acquisition of practical skills in the specialty being mastered is a question that many students ask themselves at the stage of training. Even a freshman understands that the better this process is, the more chances he will later find a prestigious job. It is quite logical that those specialists who have already gained invaluable experience in working out their knowledge base in real conditions in foreign companies are in demand in the labor market. And if you consider that most foreigners are aimed at working in Europe, then internship and practice in Spain may be quite a suitable and easily implemented option.
What is typical for internship and practice in Spain
The formula for success in the modern world can be considered a symbiosis of theoretical knowledge, practice, proficiency in several foreign languages and the ability to communicate freely in a multinational environment. The easiest way to get back on track is for those who are already on Spanish territory and are a student at a local university. In this case, there is a chance not only to become a participant in one of the many exchange programs, but also to declare yourself as a promising employee.
In Spain, almost all universities cooperate with higher schools in the UK, USA and the EU as a whole. But first you have to enter a Spanish university and become an excellent student.
In turn, local employers show a genuine interest in young workers and are willing to offer them vacant positions in their state. The relationship between the company and the trainee is governed by a special document - the Internship Opportunity Agreement.
Preference is always given to students, since this allows a tripartite agreement to be signed: between the travel organizer, the university and the employer.
The end of the internship is usually marked by the presentation of a certificate of completion of the internship. But the main thing is a letter of recommendation that a young specialist receives.
In Spain, this document can play a decisive role in the passage of the competition for a particular position. And if the trainee also has outstanding professional qualities, it is likely that he will be able to get a job in the same company.
At the same time, you need to understand that Spanish employers do not provide vacancies to all candidates. Only those who studied hard, showed excellent results and were able to substantiate their motivation to work at this particular enterprise have a lucky chance.
In return, they will have the opportunity to practice practical skills, improve their level of proficiency in Spanish and English, and gain work experience in a foreign company.
Most of the programs today are paid for. Their duration ranges from three months. If the language knowledge is not too deep, you will have to take Spanish courses within 2-4 weeks.
It is better to apply for participation in the program 2-3 months before its start. The most active cities in terms of providing internship places are:
- Barcelona;
- Madrid;
- Valencia;
- Granada.
The Spanish islands are not far behind them: Tenerife, Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca.
An intern's work schedule does not take more than 20-40 hours a week, but the remuneration for work is usually 100-300 euros per month worked.
The eligibility requirements for the programs may vary, but in general they are as follows:
- age range: 18-30 years old;
- high level of sociability;
- proficiency in Spanish at least at the minimum level (B1);
- good knowledge of English;
- bachelor's degree or certificate that the candidate is undergoing training.
A well-written resume and a letter with reasonable motivation play a huge role in the selection of candidates.
The most in-demand areas among interns
In 2021, the most in-demand areas for internships are:
- Business management, banking and finance;
- Restaurant, hotel, tourism business;
- Design and architecture companies;
- The sphere of education;
- Media, advertising and marketing services;
- IT and digital agencies;
- Production of audio and visual products;
- Information Technology;
- International trade;
- Personnel Management;
- Graphic design.
Spain is an excellent option for students pursuing an education in the hospitality, restaurant and tourism business. However, they should take into account the seasonality of work in this area. For this reason, it is best to time the practice in the summer months.
How to get an internship in Spain
The process of finding a suitable vacancy can take from one to two months. It will take another couple of weeks to obtain a visa permit.
But first you need to find an organization that will select an internship. Of course, this can be done on your own, but this path involves many formalities, which are difficult to cope with alone.
Companies specializing in these matters will help:
- Create resume.
- Correctly write a motivation letter.
- Contact the correct employer.
- Find suitable living conditions in the country.
Once all the nuances are agreed upon, you will be assigned an interview day. It usually takes place online via Skype.
If all parties reach a consensus, you can move on to the next stage - signing an internship agreement. After that, the host must send you an invitation and your copy of the contract.
Attaching the existing set of papers to these documents, you can go to the consulate to open a visa. Its type will depend on the length of stay in the country.
If the internship does not take more than three months, then a Category C study visa stamp will do. Otherwise, you will have to apply for a national study visa.
What you should pay attention to:
- The terms of payment for the services of the intermediary company should be negotiated at the initial stage. Some offer to immediately pay 50% of the cost of services, and pay the rest after completing the practice and receiving a certificate. Given the fact that the internship is mostly paid, you will be able to return the agreed amount upon your return. Other firms use a different scheme: 50% immediately, and the second half after a vacancy is found.
- Spanish families, rented apartments or student dormitories are usually offered as a place of residence. However, during the course of the language courses, you will have to pay for the accommodation yourself. On average, accommodation will cost 35-400 euros per month. These costs are usually covered by the employer from the first day of the internship.
- The average salary for a period of 4-12 months can be in the order of 1000-3200 euros.
- The travel budget must include the costs of a visa stamp, air travel, and an insurance policy.
- If you need to apply for a long-term visa, you will definitely need to show that you have at least 5.5 thousand euros in your bank account or a sponsorship letter in which the guarantor promises to cover all expenses for your accommodation, meals and travel.
In case of contacting intermediaries, you must prepare the following package of documents: Exit foreign identity card.
- resume in Spanish or English;
- copies of existing diplomas and certificates, certified by a notary;
- letter of motivation;
- 2 photos;
- a certificate from the place of study stating that the candidate is actually studying at a particular university.
In addition to the seasonal internship, you can take advantage of the opportunity and combine practice with study.This opportunity is provided by numerous international programs that select candidates according to age, study profile and achievements.
Most often, they pay a special stipend to help cover the costs of the event.
Such projects usually last from 7 to 18 months. The cost of the trip is about 700-2800 euros (the longer the practice lasts, the more money will be required to pay for it).
Another way to gain experience in Spain is to participate in an exchange program. Designed for university students. Its duration does not exceed three months. Provides a monthly stipend of 300-400 euros.
Who organizes the internship
It is very important that the organization you decide to contact is reliable and reliable. Here is a list of the leading firms you can trust:
- IES Consulting is an international organization that helps young people find a suitable project in 11 countries, including the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain and even Morocco. Directions: tourism, marketing and advertising, business and finance, teaching, translation, computer technology.
- Internship Makers - the specialists of this company are ready to find you an internship even in the United States, not to mention Spain and other European countries. On the service website, you can order a VIP package, which includes a search for accommodation for a candidate.
- Internship in Spain - helps companies, universities and students find each other. Aimed at the selection of internship programs directly in Spain. Also offers internships abroad for those studying in Spanish universities.
- Animafest Experience is a service for young people who want to earn extra money, gain experience and just get to know the country better. Here you can find any program: with free accommodation, Spanish courses, etc.
All international organizations help to draft your resume in such a way that your first job does not disappoint you.
Conclusions
Spain is one of the many countries in Europe that provides excellent opportunities for gaining experience in a particular specialty. Moreover, local companies are interested in promising young personnel, and therefore willingly offer them vacancies. The preference in the selection of candidates is given to young people under 30 with high motivation, university students. You can find such a project through international organizations that provide full assistance in resolving this issue.
