Summer Internship Program in Spain

Program Details

This page contains detailed information about important topics such as the placement process, housing, compensation, etc.; however, please make sure to read the program overview, eligibility requirements, and fees section first. We look forward to receiving your application!

Information

Participants will receive regular email updates on the internship search, as well as program-related issues. It is crucial for the placement process that participants check their email frequently and respond to emails as soon as possible. Participants must inform CDS immediately of any changes in their contact information.

Orientation

In April, you will receive a pre-departure orientation mailing covering details related to your program. Topics will include important program dates, what to bring, travel specifics such as how to reserve and purchase train tickets, an introduction to the Spanish workplace and many other important points related to your stay in Spain. Upon arrival, a CDS representative will conduct an orientation seminar on the Spanish workplace and other bureaucratic issues (tentatively Friday, May 21 and Saturday, May 22, 2010). Details will be forwarded to participants as they become available.

Placement Process

Once you have been accepted to the program, CDS will find an internship position with a host company in Spain for you. While some placements are found in a snap, the placement process usually takes months. Participants can help by being proactive: update your materials as required, research and contact companies on your own, follow up with suggested company contacts immediately, and always keep CDS informed on everything internship-related.

Host Companies

CDS works with all types of companies: small family-owned businesses, medium-sized companies, and multinational holdings. While a “big name” will certainly look good on your resume, be assured that excellent internships are also possible at smaller companies. Often interaction is more personal and participants can gain a better overview of a smaller company’s entire operation. Keep in mind that while the host company placement is important, you are an integral part of your internship experience. Make the best of it!

Regional Preferences

Host companies are often, but not always, located in Madrid. If location is of major importance to you, we strongly encourage you to research companies in that region and inform CDS. Our priority is to find an appropriate company match, regardless of location.

Internship Positions

Your resume and essay will be sent to several companies in your field. Some companies might choose to contact you to conduct an interview, most likely in Spanish, before offering you an internship position. Always keep CDS informed of all company communication! Depending on your qualifications, you may receive several offers for an internship. We expect you to be open-minded and consider every offer carefully. Keep in mind that you are a foreign student competing with hundreds of natives for internship positions.

Tasks for interns are as diverse as the companies and the participants. Some companies expect interns to work independently, while others prefer to supervise their work closely. Although it will be your responsibility to negotiate your direct work conditions, we will try to assist you whenever possible. Besides gaining professional experience, you will also experience Spanish culture first-hand and dramatically improve your language skills. Even if the internship itself is not your dream come true, remember you will return home with tons of valuable experiences!

Duration

The Summer Internship Program in Spain lasts for approximately 2½ months and runs from the end of May through August. The tentative start date for Summer 2010 is May 24 and the tentative end date is August 13. Participants will be informed of all dates and times (including the orientation seminar) as soon as the dates are confirmed.

Compensation

All internships are unpaid. There are, however, a limited number of scholarships available through the CDS International Scholarship Fund to offset the cost of living expenses. Scholarship applications are available after acceptance into the program.

Health Insurance

You must have health insurance during the program. As an enrolled student during and after the program, you may either keep your own insurance coverage or purchase insurance coverage through a travel agent or CDS (currently $45/month). Proof of your insured status is required prior to the start of the program.

Housing

Participants are responsible for securing their own housing. Most participants manage to secure housing before the start of the program. Finding housing in a foreign country is certainly a challenge, and one that we consider an important part of the internship experience. We will try to help you whenever possible. But remember: if you do not inform us that you are experiencing problems finding housing, we cannot do anything for you! Please note that you may need to confirm housing arrangements personally or sign a contract. CDS is not responsible for housing arrangements that fall through due to a participant's failure to follow up.

CDS offers a housing assessment service for a fee of $50. Once you have located your housing, a CDS representative will personally evaluate the location, condition of the apartment, etc. before your arrival in Spain.

Travel

Participants must bear the cost of all program-related travel. All travel arrangements and expenses within Spain, including those related to the orientation seminar, are the responsibility of the participant. Please note that this is not a summer work/travel program. While we understand that you want to see as much as possible during your time in Europe, participants are expected to complete the entirety of their internships. Weekend trips to learn more about Spain and the Spanish culture are of course encouraged.

Feel free to contact us with all questions you might have while completing your application, as it might save you (and us!) time and work.