Our Barcelona internship program guarantees an unpaid, for-credit, 12-week internship placement of at least 30 hours a week in the field of your choice. Develop your professional skills, your ability to communicate across cultures, and gain real work experience that will jump-start your career in today’s competitive job market.
Personalized Placements
We'll work with you to find a placement in the field of your choice.
Academic Seminar
Enroll in a required 3-credit internship seminar with other IES interns.
Field Trips
Travel and experience all that Spanish culture has to offer.
Attend Cultural Events
Like walking tours, flamenco workshops, and soccer games.
Spring 2026
Program Dates:
January 07 - April 11
Application Deadline:
Internship Program Advisor
Alexis Watson
Once you’ve applied for an internship, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From field placements to housing and everything in between, I’m here to help you preparefor your internship. Once you’re accepted to your internship, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
Barcelona is an economic and cultural hub of the Iberian Peninsula. Pair this with the fact that the city is a major player in many industries, including commerce, education, technology startups, entertainment, media, and fashion, and you have yourself the perfect location for a semester internship abroad.
Build a global network of professional contacts while taking in the sights and sounds of this bustling Spanish city, located between bright blue sea and majestic mountains. Sample tapas throughout the city’s diverse neighborhoods, head to the Gothic Quarter to see several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, explore one (or more) of Barcelona’s museums, experience fresh flavors at the city's famous La Boqueria market—should we go on?
While your priority may be gaining professional experience, we also know how important it is to build community where you can reflect and learn about the work world with other students. That's why--during your semester--we offer placements in a wide range of disciplines, and a supplemental required 3-credit seminar.
Before you go, we work with you to fine-tune your résumé, perfect your cover letter, and hone your communication and interview skills as we prepare you for working in a new cultural environment. You’ll be guaranteed a placement at a local business or organization that fits your professional interests.
To supplement the real-life work experience you'll receive during your internship, you will also participate in a required 3-credit internship seminar. You should work with your current college or university to learn about how this credit will transfer back to your school.
While working in Barcelona, you’ll also enroll in a required 3-credit internship seminar with other IES interns, where you’ll gain context for your internship placement by examining cultural issues in and outside the workplace.
Topics covered include understanding workplace culture, improving communication, strengthening work attitude and aptitude, and navigating issues, challenges, and opportunities so you can succeed on the job in Barcelona and when you return home.
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
At least sophomore standing prior to application; rising junior status at time of program departure. (Students who have completed one year of undergraduate study may apply and will be considered on a case-by-base basis.)
Non-U.S. citizens must refer to their local consulate to learn about visa requirements and determine eligibility; IES Internships cannot advise on visa regulations for non-U.S. citizens.
Non-U.S. citizens attending school outside the U.S.: Native English fluency or IELTS score of 6.0 or above, taken within the last two years.
Visit the IELTS website to find a test location near you. IES Abroad reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept students who it believes do not have the necessary English language competency to succeed in an Internship Program, irrespective of the applicant's score on a language proficiency exam.
Students may be enrolled in a full-time degree program, or a graduate intending to begin their internship no more than 5 years after their graduation date (solid academic credentials related to studies or experience in desired field of placement required); graduate students enrolled in a full-time degree program may apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Application Requirements
Submit Your Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad or academic advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization. If you will not be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or will graduate prior to the IES Summer Internship start date, this form is not required.
Academic Credit Acknowledgement Form — This form allows you to select whether you plan to enroll in the internship program for credit. Consult with your advisor on campus to understand your school's requirements for earning credit for your internship.
Placement Interest Form — This form will ask you about your goals and objectives for the internship placement, as well as information about how to best contact you throughout the placement process. Our internship staff will use this as a starting point for matching you with a host employer.
Transcript(s) — Submit transcripts for each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Color Passport Copy — Submit your passport signature page and photo page only.
Résumé
Cover Letter — This letter should not be addressed to IES Internships. Instead, it should be targeted toward prospective internship hosts in the field in which you would like to work. Your letter will allow potential host organizations to better understand your interest, skills, and background experience.
Professional Letter of Reference (Optional) — Submit a letter of reference from a previous employer or supervisor.
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.
If your cumulative GPA is below 2.5, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Professor Recommendation Letter — Although there is no length requirement, the recommendation must indicate a professor’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country, in addition to any information that would help IES Internships gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay — Although there is no length requirement, the essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Internships program, and how it fits into your academic career.
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Barcelona Center is located in the heart of Barcelona, just off the Plaza Catalunya. Whether you’re taking a stroll by the Arco de Triunfo or studying at a nearby café, the Center is your study abroad hub.
IES Abroad Barcelona Staff
Cèsar Alegre Alsina
IES Abroad Barcelona Center Director, Spain Cluster Dean, & AVP for Program Development
Head of Internship, Service Learning & Volunteer Programs
Noemi Polo Contel
Senior Student Affairs Coordinator
Olga Sanchez Cuenca
Senior Director of Student Affairs
Felipe Fructos Dominguez
Center & Facilities Maintenance Technician
Jane Ewart
Head of Academic Administration & Registration
Ilaria Gambarelli
Administration Assistant & Center Video Production
Natalia Gil
Academic Affairs Assistant
Maria Leal
Student Success Coordinator
Pilar Gracia Male
Senior HR Generalist
Raquel Medina
Dean of Area Studies & Assistant Dean of Faculty
Sara Andrejevic Miskovic
Student Affairs Assistant
Maria Paez Moriana
Internship, Service Learning & Volunteer Programs Specialist
Marija Vasiljevic Nadina
Emergency & After Office Hours Student Affairs Specialist
Ferran Teres Olivella
Senior Student Affairs Coordinator
Salvador Ortiz
Head of Administration & Human Resources
Beatriz Taberner Rodriguez
Center Manager
Sofia Franco Rodriguez
Internship, Service Learning & Volunteer Assistant
Maria Romero Serrano
Dean of Spanish & Assistant Dean of Faculty
Laura Vazquez
Faculty Advisor of Education Technology
Concepcion Villar
Administration Assistant
Dr. Alex Walker
Associate Center Director & Dean of Faculty
Ana Aristu
Academics Department Assistant
Steven Hakes
Emergency & After Office Hours Student Affairs Specialist
Dalia Moretto
Customized Programs Assistant
Housing
Apartment
Homestay
Residence Hall
Apartment
City Apartment – You live with up to 7 other IES Abroad students in single or double rooms in a typical Barcelona style apartment. These apartments are located in residential areas throughout the city. Apartments have fully equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi is included, and meals are not provided. Washing machines are available for free but dryers may not be, as they are not commonly used in Spain. An additional fee applies for this housing option. This is not student housing so there will be no onsite staff. This option is recommended for students who are more independent and outgoing.
Homestay
Normally, two or three IES Abroad students live in a home with local residents and students share a double room or are in a single room. You are provided two meals a day (breakfast and dinner) while the program is in session. Laundry and Wi-Fi are included.
Residence Hall
Residence Hall (Option 3) – Rooms in this residence hall option are single occupancy. Meal plans are not included but optional to purchase once you arrive onsite. This option includes a shared kitchen space, common lounge areas, and gym facilities. Laundry facilities in residence halls are coin-operated. Wi-Fi is included and an additional fee applies to this housing option.
Residence Hall (Option 2) – Rooms in this residence hall option are single occupancy. Meal plans are not included but available for purchase onsite. There are no kitchen facilities in this housing option. Wi-Fi is included, and laundry facilities are coin operated. An additional fee applies for this housing option.
Field Trips
Even though your adventure starts in Barcelona, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
3 Days ($)
Fall & Spring
Costa Brava
Visit Roman ruins, the medieval city of Girona, and the “dreamland” of Salvador Dalí between Barcelona and the French border.
The Basque Country & Navarre
4 Days ($)
Fall & Spring
Discover the unique gastronomy of the Basque Country, learn from artisans who elaborate local delicacies, and attempt to create the meals that make up this rich culinary tradition.
Madrid
3 Days ($)
Fall & Spring
Discover the vibrant capital of Spain! See the works of El Greco, Goya, and Velázquez firsthand in the world-famous Prado Museum.
Montserrat
1 Day ($)
Fall & Spring
Spend the day hiking the mountain of Montserrat and visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey.
South of France
3 Days ($)
Spring
Visit Carcassonne to learn about its rich history, and enjoy a boat ride nearby. Next, head to Lastours to see castles and the Fontfroide Abbey. The last stop is Perpignan, where you can compare the Spanish Catalan and French Catalan cultures.
Valencia
3 Days ($)
Spring
Enjoy a guided tour around the city and make paella, the most famous dish in Spain. Then visit the nearby town of Peñíscola to see the Papa Luna’s Castle, a medieval building constructed by Templar knights that was home to the Pope during the 13th century.
Internship Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing in Addition to Housing Cost Listed Above (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
Option 2 Residence Hall (no meals provided)
$750
Option 3 City Apartment (no meals provided)
$1,500
Option 3 Residence Hall (no meals provided)
$1,500
School of Record transcript (if required)
$475
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)
ACCeSS Service (recommended)
$175
Required Visa Processing Fee for U.S. Citizens (Boston and NYC consulates))
$160
Required Visa Processing Fee for U.S. Citizens (Houston, Los Angeles, Miami Consulates)
$183
Required Visa Processing Fee for U.S. Citizens (Chicago, Washington DC Consulates)
$186
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) - Paid at time of application
$8
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$700-1,100
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$200
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Option 1 Homestay
$1,500
Option 2 Residence Hall (with kitchen access)
$2,800
Option 3 City Apartment (with kitchen access)
$2,800
Option 3 Residence Hall (with kitchen access)
$2,800
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$180
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$85-1,975
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$1,700
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on August 2024 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad. The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
With 75 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs
CISI International Health Insurance
In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.
24/7 Emergency Support
Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy
Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.
Location-Specific Information
Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.
TripTracker System
Allowing you to share independent travel plans.
Crisis Drills
So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
IES Internships guarantees you a placement in your field of choice, as indicated on your internship application. If we are unable to offer you an internship placement in the expressed field of choice at least two weeks before the program start date, despite your participation in the process and satisfaction of all program requirements, then you have the option to receive a refund of the full amount that you paid IES Internships or the chance to transfer to an IES Abroad program of comparable length and value in the same location (subject to satisfying applicable visa requirements and IES Internships’ academic program requirements).
The IES International Internship Waiver will include:
More clear expectations around students’ required “active participation” and responsiveness during the pre-departure and placement process (rather than our previously stated “good faith participation”)
IES’ ability to rescind a student’s admission (no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of a program to avoid uncoverable costs) due to their inactivity/unresponsiveness that jeopardizes the student’s ability to secure a timely internship placement or required visa
And the student’s liability for any other associated costs/losses in the event that a student’s admission is rescinded (e.g. visa fees, airfare, home school fees, etc.
The program fee covers: your tuition, housing, and health insurance, in addition to access to an incomparable amount of predeparture support and resources, direct on-site guidance and assistance while you’re abroad, and networking opportunities and reunions with other alumni once they return from abroad. You can find a breakdown of costs by clicking on the program page they are interested in, clicking on the “cost” tab at the top of the page, and then clicking on the total price.
Full-Time Summer Internship Program students can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline – even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies. Please note, Full-Time Fall and Spring Semester Internship students are not eligible for IES financial aid.
Yes, all of our internship placements are unpaid. In many countries, it is illegal to pay interns without obtaining the proper visa/work authorization. All of our internship students will be enrolled in an internship seminar while abroad, which you can earn credit for based on your home universities polices. We at IES believe our internships help give students the opportunity to build their resumes, earn a higher salary, gain cross cultural skills and intercultural confidence, secure a job faster, get into their grad school of choice, and become a global leader.
We have numerous types of internships in a variety of fields and disciplines. For a list of placement examples, check out our internships by field page. Please keep in mind that while these are past placements, they are not necessarily available every year. Our team works to find students customized internships based on interests, qualifications, and the needs of the internship hosts.
For a step-by-step description of how our internship process works, visit the full-time semester internships page. As soon as you are accepted and confirm your spot on the program, you can begin your placement process! Our internship coordinators will then work with you to secure an internship at least two weeks before the start of your program.
IES Internships guarantees you a placement in your field of choice, as indicated on your internship application. If we are unable to offer you an internship placement in the expressed field of choice at least two weeks before the program start date, despite your participation in the process and satisfaction of all program requirements, then you have the option to receive a refund of the full amount that you paid IES Internships or the chance to transfer to an IES Abroad program of comparable length and value in the same location (subject to satisfying applicable visa requirements and IES Internships’ academic program requirements).
The IES International Internship Waiver will include:
More clear expectations around students’ required “active participation” and responsiveness during the pre-departure and placement process (rather than our previously stated “good faith participation”)
IES’ ability to rescind a student’s admission (no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of a program to avoid uncoverable costs) due to their inactivity/unresponsiveness that jeopardizes the student’s ability to secure a timely internship placement or required visa
And the student’s liability for any other associated costs/losses in the event that a student’s admission is rescinded (e.g. visa fees, airfare, home school fees, etc.
Yes, all of our internship placements are unpaid. In many countries, it is illegal to pay interns without obtaining the proper visa/work authorization. All of our internship students will be enrolled in an internship seminar while abroad, which you can earn credit for based on your home universities polices. We at IES believe our internships help give students the opportunity to build their resumes, earn a higher salary, gain cross cultural skills and intercultural confidence, secure a job faster, get into their grad school of choice, and become a global leader.
The program fee covers: your tuition, housing, and health insurance, in addition to access to an incomparable amount of predeparture support and resources, direct on-site guidance and assistance while you’re abroad, and networking opportunities and reunions with other alumni once they return from abroad. You can find a breakdown of costs by clicking on the program page they are interested in, clicking on the “cost” tab at the top of the page, and then clicking on the total price.
We have numerous types of internships in a variety of fields and disciplines. For a list of placement examples, check out our internships by field page. Please keep in mind that while these are past placements, they are not necessarily available every year. Our team works to find students customized internships based on interests, qualifications, and the needs of the internship hosts.
Full-Time Summer Internship Program students can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline – even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies. Please note, Full-Time Fall and Spring Semester Internship students are not eligible for IES financial aid.
For a step-by-step description of how our internship process works, visit the full-time semester internships page. As soon as you are accepted and confirm your spot on the program, you can begin your placement process! Our internship coordinators will then work with you to secure an internship at least two weeks before the start of your program.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
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