barcelona night cars
Barcelona, Spain

Summer Global Internship

Study Program Full-Time Internship

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 semester hours

9 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

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Overview

Barcelona is one of Southern Europe’s most dynamic startup ecosystems, home to more than 2,000 startups that primarily develop their activity in industry, life sciences, and mobile & software technologies. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding international internship, look no further than our Global Internship program in Barcelona!

As a global intern, you’ll have the chance to gain practical, real-world work experience in Barcelona’s startups and other businesses in areas like finance, marketing, communication, technology, tourism, and more. You can expect to gain soft skills like communication, networking, time management, conflict resolution, creative thinking, and teamwork throughout your internship. Similarly, you’ll immerse yourself in the local business culture, getting an inside look at how the organization you’re working for operates.

In addition to gaining relevant work experience, you’ll discover firsthand why Barcelona is known for its stunning architecture, world-class cuisine, and vibrant cultural heritage. From indulging in mouth-watering tapas at one of the city’s 19 Michelin-starred restaurants to marveling at world-famous architect Antoni Gaudí‘s 20+ sites, explore all Barcelona has to offer while interning in Spain’s most popular city.

Unique Experiences

GET TO KNOW BARCELONA’S YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

through an internship in one of Europe’s most dynamic startup ecosystems.

ADMIRE BARCELONA’S WORLD-FAMOUS ARCHITECTURE

through Gaudi’s unique creations.

EXPLORE BARCELONA’S CITY LIFE

walking through neighborhoods like Old Town, Gràcia, and Eixample - known for their cafés, restaurants, and shops.

2,048

STARTUPS

12M

VISITORS YEARLY

150

BUS LINES

Experience
  • aerial view barcelona city
  • barcelona student looking ocean coastline

Your Destination

Barcelona’s location in the Mediterranean, its transport infrastructure, as well as its trading, entrepreneurial, and open economy, have made the city an unbeatable meeting point for international businesses. Add in Barcelona’s culture —rich in the arts, architecture, and history— and you have a compelling backdrop for a challenging internship experience.

CIEE Barcelona is conveniently located in a historical pedestrian passageway in the heart of the city. In it, students will find staff offices, classrooms, and open-air terraces. It is close to the host universities and to the city’s main attractions. 

Learn more about Barcelona and see past internship examples »

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Barcelona.

The Culture

montserrat excursion barcelona spain ciee

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

  • One of our popular day trips takes you to Montserrat, a Benedictine monastery retreat high atop one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in Catalunya. Not only is its history of significant religious importance but the surrounding natural beauty is nothing short of breathtaking. There you can visit the monastery to see La Moreneta (the black Madonna), listen to the world-renowned Boys’ Choir (whose history dates back to the 14th century), and trek any of the numerous mountain trails where you’ll take in incredible countryside views and see the most unusual rock formations in all of Catalonia. Are you ready? Let’s go! 
  • Discover the Gràcia neighborhood, famous for its bohemian and artistic style and streets filled with color and culture. 
  • Visit the oldest preserved garden, reflecting both Neoclassical and Romantic styles – and try your luck in the park’s labyrinth maze! 
  • Eat like a local and try popular traditional dishes like churros, patatas bravas, tortilla de patata, tapas, and pinchos. 
  • See a flamenco show! 
  • Hike the Carretera de les Aigües for amazing views over the city.
student interns barcelona abroad ciee

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Refine your resume and interviewing skills for the local business culture.
  • Explore the professional working world of Barcelona through organizational site visits, industry networking events, and guest lectures.
  • Participate in workshops that will help you make the most of your internship.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

24 hours in Barcelona: A Global Intern's Guide to Spain

By Global Internships at CIEE

When you are a Global Intern in Barcelona, the possibilities are endless. With brightly colored mosaic murals, gothic architecture, and fresh seafood galore, there is so much to see -... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "I had a really amazing experience at CIEE. The classes, outside activities, teachers, and faculty all made me feel at home and made my experience a lot better."

    Gabriel J., University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • "It's a good way to earn school credit and gain work experience while still being able to enjoy another country for vacation purposes."

    Jessica L., Rutgers University-New Brunswick

  • "Program is very organized and active with planning for students"

    Brandon P.

  • "I loved the experience, the friendly staff, and all the activities planned by the program."

    Rei V., Rutgers University-New Brunswick

  • "Internships are not what you expect to be, but on the other hand it is a great experience because you learn a little of everything."

    Jenniffer A., University of North Texas

Housing
Academics

Academics

As a global intern in Barcelona, you’ll work in a non-paying position within a wide range of opportunities across a diverse set of innovative industries. Extra-curricular cultural activities in and around Barcelona complement your coursework and immerse you in the history and culture of the city.

This eight-week program includes a full-time internship and an integrated online academic course.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Rising sophomore standing and above required at time of participation.

Additional visa restrictions may apply and CIEE will advise students as part of the early application process.

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Requirements

Students participate in an academic course taught in a hybrid learning environment alongside the eight-week, full-time internship. Participation in the integrated academic course and internship are mandatory for all participants.

Program Credit

Total credit: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits

Course Credit

Internship: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits; 15 integrated academic course hours, 225-300 internship placement hours

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

Students are expected to dress and behave professionally throughout their internship project and are subject to the agreed-upon internship protocols arranged by CIEE and the host organizations. The academic course is designed to prepare students for leadership in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse workforce.

Class Format

Students participate in an eight-week CIEE full-time internship and academic course taught in an online learning environment. Class and/or work hours may be scheduled Monday-Friday, and attendance is strictly enforced for all. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel away from the city when classes are in session.

Grading

Students will be assessed via assignments and activities related to the academic course, including but not limited to: online discussion forums, reflective papers, individual or group presentations, analysis of readings, an internship work plan, and feedback from internship supervisor. Internship supervisors and students each provide written evaluations of progress towards goals.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Internship Opportunities

Gain real-world work experience, grow your professional network, and bolster your resume while interning at developing startups, communication centers, NGOs, and more in Barcelona. Search for a more detailed list of internship opportunities.

Consulting and Investment 
Human resources, market research, and finance.

Accounting and Finance 
Financial services, actuarial science, accounting, consulting, recruiting, and real estate.

Architecture and Sustainability 
Building and design planning.

Communications and Marketing 
Social media, events, advertising, journalism, public relations, and video production.

Education 
Schools, community services, and children’s services.

IT 
Software systems, IT, hardware, and AI.

NGOs 
Environmental advocacy and human rights promotion.

Arts and Design 
Artistic event production, art design, and video production. 

Note: Please keep in mind that securing a spot in any of these opportunities is not automatically guaranteed and depends on availability and the internship host organization's decision. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The internships, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development.

Courses

Course Information

Summer Session I 2024

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • CIEE Stem Scholarship

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Summer 2024 8 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $7,450

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $4,453**

Housing = $2,500

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $7,450

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $560

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $43†††

Books & Supplies = $50

Personal expenses = $180††††

Total Costs = $2,083

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee:

Select Housing Fee = $400^

Select Plus Housing Fee = $800^^

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $260 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††Local transportation: t-jove (3 months) = 40€ ($43) / Local transportation: 2 t-usual (1 month) = 40€ ($43)

††††Personal expenses: $100 emergency fund and cell phone expense + estimated cost of toiletries

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

^^first-come, first serve, based on availability

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Andrés Tabárez

Center Director

Andrés Tabárez is Center Director at CIEE Barcelona. Andrés holds a Ph.D. in Classical Studies from the University of Barcelona (UB).

José Luis Espinosa

Academic Director

José Luis holds a Ph.D. in Modern Languages and Gender Studies from the University of Salamanca (USAL).

Fernando Janeiro

Senior Program Manager

Nando holds a Master's Degree in Humanities from Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona) and is certified as a Spanish as a Second Language instructor (International House/ Universitat de Barcelona).

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

START AN APPLICATION
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE 
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

CONTACT
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info