Finding a job after graduation can be a frustrating task, especially without professional experience behind one’s belt. To earn that vital real-world experience while taking some time to grow and travel, young graduates around the world are turning to international internships. An internship abroad is an excellent way to gain professional experience while exploring a new culture. Instead of accepting a position unrelated to their field, recent graduates can take some time to grow and live in a different country. Internships abroad equip young people with multicultural, international experience, not to mention work experience relevant to their field of choice.
An internship in a beautiful, vibrant city like Madrid will change a young person’s life. The bustling metropolis is one of Europe’s leading cities, with some of the world’s best professionals. An internship in Spain offers a young graduate the chance to develop professionally, live in a foreign culture and learn a second language.
Some of The Intern Group’s best internship opportunities are located in Madrid. The city’s rich culture and historical significance make it an ideal place for an internship abroad. Up-and-coming entrepreneurs have benefited from roles at internships in Madrid’s exciting start-up sector. Meanwhile, PR and Marketing interns have enjoyed fantastic internship placements at major Madrid firms, sports clubs and more. To see all the industries The Intern Group Madrid program offers click here.
In Madrid, chemical engineering student Sam worked at a lab in Madrid Science Park. “Living in Madrid has allowed me to experience living away from home by myself,” Sam said. “I also have felt that I’ve built more confidence in interacting with new people. This whole experience has let me meet other people and make new friends, which has been great.”
“I think an international internship experience is really important because it gives you that added level of experience not only in the field that you work in but also at a personal level,” Pavlina, a Madrid law intern said, “You experience a completely different culture both in the way people live and their working culture.”
Living in Madrid
Madrid is giant, sprawling city full of breathtaking parks, museums and neighborhoods. Despite its bustle, Madrid is a fairly laid-back city and filled with a mix of modern and historic gems. As far as housing, interns in Madrid live in shared apartments that come with sheets, Wifi and cleaning. Apartments are located a reasonable distance from both work and classes, within Madrid’s safest neighborhoods. Previously, interns have lived in Sol, Salamanca, Nuevos Ministerios, Moncloa and Tribunal.
Spanish
An internship in Spain will undoubtedly boost a young person’s Spanish skills. Living in Spain is a great way to either learn or improve language skills. Many internships incorporate Spanish and The Intern Group program offers optional Spanish language classes at local Don Quijote school. After class, interns can practice their castellano (Spanish) with locals.
Beautiful Madrid
Madrid is a gorgeous city to explore, with a lovely historic center that contains multiple world-famous sites. Home to the notable bronze statue of King Philip III, Plaza Mayor is great for exploration. Interns can sip on a coffee or meander in and out of the area’s traditional shops. A short walking distance away, sightseers can take a short detour to gander at the regal Royal Palace and stunning Almudena cathedral.
One of Madrid’s most unique sites is the Templo de Debod, an Egyptian temple that was rebuilt in a Spanish park. The temple is a tranquil and beautiful, particularly when it is lit up at night and reflects over the water surrounding it. Interns in Madrid will also enjoy the Madrid Rio, which is a river that runs through Madrid and is surrounded by parks. Many locals run or bike on paths along the river.
Madrid is also home to some of the world’s finest art. The internationally famous mural Guernica by Spanish painter Pablo Picasso draws in visitors from around the world to the local Reina Sofia modern art museum. Meanwhile, thousands of international visitors also flock to the Prado museum, which boasts works by Goya and Rubens.
The city at night
Madrid is famous for its diverse and vibrant nightlife. Interns in Madrid will learn to unwind in true Spanish style: tapas. The tradition of “tapeo” is popular among many Madrid residents or “Madrileños”, who gather for tapas or small plates of local dishes like patatas bravas, pincho de tortilla and croquetas. Madrileños will often wash down their tapas with beers, regional wine or sangria.
Boost your career
Real-world experience abroad will prepare a young person for their career. On top of learning about their profession, an intern in Madrid will also gain valuable multicultural experience, working and interacting with people from a variety of different backgrounds. Expand your worldview and gain professional experience with an internship in Madrid!
Apply now and boost your career!
Sources: www.everytrail.com, humanresources.about.com, Wolters World, Rick Steves, Museo Nacional del Prado, Wikipedia – Madrid, GoMadrid, TripAdvisor, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
Photo 1. based on 1173-Fuente de Cibeles (Madrid), by Jose Luis Cernadas Iglesias, CC-by-2.0
Photo 2. based on Gran Vía (Madrid), by Felipe Gabaldón, CC-by-2.0
Photo 3. based on Simetrías y reflejos, by Felipe Gabaldón, CC-by-2.0