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To work as an intern in Spain (prácticas profesionales) is often necessary to be enrolled as student in any educational program.

An internship abroad is also a unique experience, in terms of language, as well as for learning a new culture.

The easiest method to find a secondment abroad is to contact directly companies from your countries with international subsidiaries and which can send you abroad for an internship. Some large worldwide companies organise selections with tests and interviews to recruit interns.

Search Online

The best online search engines for finding an internship in Madrid are companies' databases that recruit interns at a professional level in all kind of fields. You will find more internships abroad in the following links:

• Kompass.es: It provides free internship offers and a database of companies, which recruit interns.
• GoAbroad.com - https://www.goabroad.com/ provides offers for internship and work abroad anywhere in the world
• Internships Abroad
• InternJobs: Global database of internships for students, recent graduates and career changers
• iAgora
• InternAbroad - http://www.internabroad.com

EU programme Leonardo da Vinci

The Leonardo da Vinci Community vocational training action programme was introduced in 1994. It promotes projects based on co-operation between the various players in vocational training by training bodies, vocational schools, universities, businesses, chambers of commerce, etc.

In the past, community funds for the first phase of the programme amounted to 800€ million between 1995 and 2001, and 125,000 people received a grant for a work-related stay abroad.

The program addresses to young people less than 28 years old. The program concurs to realize a professional internship that can go on from a minimum of three weeks to a maximum of nine months according to the level of formation.

Information about participating in a Leonardo da Vinci project can be obtained by contacting the Leonardo da Vinci national agencies.

Networking and Forums

Sometimes getting a job is about knowing the right people. Talk to friends, family, and business contacts to see if they have connections in the area you would like to work. Expat events can also be a great way to find out how other expats found work and see if their company has any openings. Use social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedln or expat forums.

Work Visas & Permits

Since Spain is a EU member, the EU and European Economic Area citizens do not need a working visa. Those coming from countries outside the EU will need to obtain both a residence permit and a work permit.

Please refer to "Passport & Visa" section of the guide for full details.

Insurance Abroad

No matter your destination, we recommend you to contract travel insurance as it covers any incident that might occur when you are abroad. Many volunteer programs already handle visa arrangements and include insurance coverage in their program fees or as part of their compensation. If they do not, compare around for rates and coverage before contracting any Healthcare & Medical Insurance.

Consult the section on "International Healthcare & Medical Insurance" to find out more about your options or compare companies on our services site, Expat-Quotes, for example:

• Coverworks Worldwide Travel Insurance: Coverworks Travel Insurance was established to specialise in providing dependable and affordable cover both for the backpacker and for the independent traveller
• Insure & Go: Cheap cover online for gap years & backpacking, skiing, adventure travel, single trips & annual travel
• IATI Seguros: Created in 1885, IATI Seguros is one of the oldest and with the best reputation "travel insurance company" in Spain