Summer Internship Program in Spain

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is involved in the application process?

A: Complete an online application by clicking the “Apply Now“ button. After submitting some background information about yourself, we will email you a password granting access to our online application system. After submitting a completed application and all supporting documents, CDS will schedule a telephone interview with all qualified candidates. During this telephone interview, we will make an assessment of your abilities, language skills, and career goals and will answer any questions you may have. After a successful interview, you will be formally accepted into the program and we will begin the search for an appropriate internship.

Q: Do I need to speak Spanish?

A: The language requirement for this program is two years of post-secondary language instruction in Spanish or the equivalent (previous study abroad, etc.). All participants must be able to function in a Spanish-speaking work environment upon arrival in Spain, as they will be placed at a Spanish company/organization.

Q: How much is the program fee and what does it cover? What additional costs can I expect?

A: The program fee of $675 includes internship placement with a Spanish host company, a pre-departure orientation mailing, an orientation seminar, including one night of accommodation upon arrival in Spain in late-May (meals not included), assistance with any bureaucratic matters, support throughout the program in Spain and in the U.S., and a reentry mailing upon completion of the program. The participant is responsible for airfare, housing, meals, and transportation in the host country. Additional costs for insurance may apply. Insurance can be purchased through CDS currently at $45 per month.

Q: Does CDS offer scholarships?

A: Scholarships are available through the CDS International Scholarship Fund to those who have already been accepted to the program. A scholarship application will be sent via email to all eligible participants. Scholarships are available to U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents of the U.S. (Green Card holders). Priority will be given to need-based participants.

Q: What kind of companies offer internships?

A: Internships are available with all types of companies: small family-owned businesses, medium sized companies, multinational holdings, research institutions, and non-profit or government organizations. Here are a few examples of companies where we have had participants in the past: CLI-DEA Investigación, Cortefiel, ACNUR (Spanish Representation of the UN High Commission for Refugees), Dominion, Sanostra Bank, Indra Sistemas, S.A., Fundación Social Universidad Francisco de Vitoria. This list is by no means complete, but should give you a good idea of the types of companies CDS works with. To request a more complete list of previous host companies, please contact us. Please note that CDS cannot guarantee that you will intern at any of the companies listed here. We will do our best to locate the best possible internship for you, based on your previous work experience, language skills, educational background, and interests.

Q: Are the internships paid?

A: Internships in Spain 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.

Q: How does the placement process work?

A: After reviewing your resume and conducting a telephone interview with you, we will have a solid understanding of your strengths and professional interests. Based on this information, we will begin contacting suitable, potential host companies in Spain. While the majority of participants are placed in Madrid, location preferences will be considered. If location is of major importance to you, we strongly encourage you to research companies in that region and inform CDS. Priority in the placement process lies in securing the best possible internship, regardless of location. Contact between CDS and our participants is maintained throughout the search until a host company is found. This process can take anywhere from two weeks to several months after acceptance into the program. Your personal resume and previous experience coupled with each employer’s respective schedule often dictates how quickly a position can be found.

Q: Am I involved in the internship search?

A: CDS International will work diligently to find a placement for you; however, proactive participation from your end is strongly encouraged, though not required. You may approach potential host companies independently or offer contact information to us throughout the search; however, it is essential that you inform us of all contact you have with potential host companies.

Q: Will I receive a refund if I am not offered an internship?

A: Yes. All fees paid (less the $100 non-refundable administration fee) will be refunded if you are accepted into the program and an internship is not found for you. Almost all applicants accepted to this program are placed in an internship. CDS International will work with each participant to see that they receive an internship most suited to their interests and capabilities. Previous work experience coupled with the chosen field of work will influence the availability and ease of finding a position.

Q: Do I need a visa?

A: U.S. and Canadian citizens are able to enter and stay in Spain for up to 90 days with their U.S. or Canadian passport.

Q: Do I need insurance coverage?

A: All participants must be insured while abroad. You can choose to either keep your current insurance or purchase insurance through CDS International for $45/month.

Q: What is the duration of the program? Can I extend my internship?

A: The duration of the Summer Internship Program in Spain ranges between two and three months, depending on the participant’s wishes and schedule. Typically, the program consists of a three-month internship. The program runs from late-May to mid-August.

Q: Where will I live during the program?

A: It is your responsibility to secure your own living arrangement. Finding housing in a foreign country is certainly a challenge; however, it is an important part of the internship experience. Popular housing options include shared apartments with other students or interns. You will receive a list of popular websites offering housing opportunities. You have the option to have a CDS representative visit potential apartments for you, for an additional fee of $50, in order to evaluate location, condition of the apartment, etc.

Q: Will I have an opportunity to travel while interning abroad?

A: CDS International encourages you to explore as much as possible during your time abroad; however, please keep in mind that you are an employee at a company. Therefore, you are expected to maintain a consistent presence at your internship, as discussed with your employer.

Q: Will I receive school credit for my internship?

A: Credit is given at the discretion of each respective college or university. Be sure to speak with a coordinator at your school before beginning the internship to arrange proper credit. CDS is able to provide a letter certifying participation in the program should the university request it. Contact us for assistance.