If you're thinking about coming to Spain to study and looking for professional opportunities, internships or scholarships can be an excellent way to kick-start your career in the country. Spain offers several scholarship and internship programs for international students, recent graduates, and young professionals. Below are some key tips for securing scholarships in Spain and internships in Spain.

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Understand the requirements for expatriates

Before searching for internships or scholarships in Spain, it’s essential to understand the requirements and regulations for expatriates. Depending on your nationality, you may need a specific visa.

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Visa for internships and scholarships

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EU students: if you're a citizen of an EU country or the European Economic Area (EEA), you don’t need a visa to work or study in Spain.

Non-EU students: if you’re not from the EU, you’ll need to apply for an internship or study visa. This is crucial if your stay exceeds 90 days, so make sure to get all the information on how to obtain visas and residence permits in Spain. Be sure to check visa processing times and required documents, such as the acceptance letter for your scholarship or internship agreement.

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Research the different types of scholarships and internship programs

Spain offers a wide range of scholarships and internship programs across various sectors. Some of the most important institutions offering opportunities for expatriates include:

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Scholarships

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MAEC-AECID Scholarships: these scholarships are aimed at international students interested in areas like cooperation, diplomacy, and culture. They are organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

Erasmus+ Scholarships: although it's a European program, many universities and companies in Spain participate in Erasmus+, which facilitates the mobility of international students.

Fundación Carolina Scholarships: targeted at Latin American students who want to pursue postgraduate studies, continuing education, or PhDs in Spain.

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Internships

University internship programs: many Spanish universities have agreements with companies to offer professional internships. If you’re enrolled in a university, research their partnerships with both national and international companies.

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Internships in Startups and International Companies: Barcelona and Madrid are innovation hubs with numerous tech startups offering internships to international students. Websites like LinkedIn, JobTeaser, or StudentJob are excellent for finding these opportunities.

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Tailor your resume to the Spanish market

One of the most important aspects when applying for scholarships or internships in Spain is to tailor your resume and cover letter to the local style. Here are some tips:

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Resume structure

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Clear personal information: include your complete contact details, but keep in mind that in Spain, it’s not mandatory to include a photo or details like marital status.

Academic background: highlight your education, translating degrees or providing equivalents to the Spanish system. If possible, use the European format for resumes (Europass).

Professional experience: list the most recent and relevant experiences first, emphasizing achievements and responsibilities. And of course, if you've had internships in other countries, mention them!

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Cover letter

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Customization: every company or institution values a specific cover letter. Explain why you're interested in that particular company or scholarship and how you can contribute.

Formal tone: in Spain, a formal tone is usually used, though not excessively distant. Use phrases like "Estimados Señores" and close with a cordial "Atentamente."

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Master spanish

Although many international companies in cities like Madrid or Barcelona use English, speaking Spanish is still a great advantage. Many scholarships and internships in Spain require at least an intermediate level of Spanish to communicate effectively in the workplace and academic settings.

To improve your Spanish, you can enroll in language courses for foreigners offered by universities and private academies. It’s also crucial to practice in everyday life: watching Spanish TV, reading or participating in local activities will help you gain fluency faster.

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Take advantage of scholarship and internship search platforms

There are multiple online platforms that will help you find scholarships and internships in Spain. These websites are a great way to search for opportunities that match your profile:

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Ministry of education and vocational training portal: here, you’ll find up-to-date information on scholarships available for both national and international students.

LinkedIn: in addition to being a professional social network, LinkedIn is also a powerful job and internship search tool.

ErasmusIntern.org: this site is geared towards students looking to do internships under the Erasmus program, and many Spanish companies post their offers here.

JobTeaser: a platform designed for young professionals and recent graduates, offering internship opportunities across Europe, including many in Spain.

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Getting a scholarship or internship in Spain can take time and be competitive, but perseverance is key. Apply for several opportunities, prepare your documents carefully, and stay open to improving—although the process may seem long, achieving this can open the door to a promising future in a country full of opportunities. Good luck with your search!

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