How to Find an Internship in Barcelona | 2025 Guide for International Students
Finding an internship in Barcelona can be your gateway to building a career in Europe, improving your Spanish or Catalan, and gaining hands-on experience in your field.
But as an international student, it can be tricky to navigate work permits, language barriers, and competitive job markets. That’s why we’ve created this step-by-step guide to help you find an internship in Barcelona in 2025 — legally, efficiently, and with the best possible outcomes.
Can International Students Do Internships in Barcelona?
Yes! As long as you have a valid student visa (estancia por estudios) and the internship is either:
- Curricular (part of your academic programme), or
- Extracurricular (optional but related to your field of study, with proper work authorization)
Barcelona welcomes international talent — especially in fields like sports, digital marketing, tech, hospitality, and international business.
Step 1: Know the Types of Internships Available
Curricular Internship (Internship for Credits)
- Organised through your school/university
- Does not require separate work permit
- Usually unpaid or comes with a stipend
- Common in Bachelor´s, Master’s and MBA programmes
Extracurricular Internship
- Optional, but still relevant to your studies
- Requires a work authorization from immigration
- Can be paid and may lead to a job offer
Step 2: Where to Find Internships in Barcelona
Top Internship Platforms
- ESEI Career Portal
- LinkedIn – Filter by “internship” + Barcelona
- StudentJob.es – Student‑friendly internships
- Hosco – For hospitality & tourism roles
- Domestika – For design & creative fields
- TechBarcelona.com – Startups & digital innovation
University Career Offices
If you’re studying at a local university or business school like ESEI, our Career Services team can help you:
- Apply for curricular internships
- Prepare your CV and cover letter
- Connect you with companies in Barcelona
Other Great Sources
- Company websites (search “Careers” pages)
- Local job boards like InfoJobs, Indeed, or Barcelona Activa
- Facebook and WhatsApp groups (use caution)
Step 3: Tailor Your CV for Barcelona Employers
Most Barcelona-based companies expect a 1-page CV in English or Spanish, depending on the role. Tips:
- Start with a clear headline (e.g., Marketing Student Seeking Internship in Barcelona)
- Add a short summary focused on skills, not just education
- Include language skills and software proficiency
- Attach a photo (optional but common in Spain)
- Use PDF format, and label it clearly (e.g., “Maria_Smith_CV_Barcelona2025”)
Need help writing a local-style CV? ESEI’s career services team helps all students prepare professional resumes tailored to Spanish employers.
Step 4: Write a Localised Cover Letter
A short, enthusiastic cover letter (max. half a page) can make a big difference. Personalise it by mentioning:
- Why you want to intern in Barcelona
- What you admire about the company
- How your background fits the role
- That you’re a student with a valid visa
Step 5: Connect with Companies on LinkedIn
Barcelona’s startup and corporate recruiters are very active on LinkedIn.
Search for:
- “Talent acquisition Barcelona”
- “Internship coordinator”
- “Marketing intern recruiter Spain”
Send a brief message like:
“Hi Carla! I’m currently studying digital marketing in Barcelona and looking for a spring internship. I admire the work your team is doing at [Company Name] and would love to connect!”
Step 6: Apply Early — Especially for Big Companies
Best time to apply:
- Spring internships (Feb–May): Apply by November–January
- Summer internships (June–August): Apply by March–April
- Fall internships (Sept–Dec): Apply by June–August
Smaller companies may accept applications year-round, but the earlier, the better.
Step 7: Legal Requirements You Need to Know
If the internship is curricular:
- No extra permits needed
- Must be tied to your academic course
- Covered by the university’s internship agreement (convenio de prácticas)
If the internship is extracurricular:
- Employer must request work authorization (autorización de prácticas)
- You must have a valid TIE card (student residence card)
- Internship contract is required
Working without a contract is illegal — and can risk your student visa status.
Bonus: Can Internships in Barcelona Be Paid?
Yes — especially in tech, marketing, and international companies.
Typical student intern pay:
- €200 – €1200/month stipend
- Some offer free lunch or transportation
- Many unpaid internships are curricular (but lead to strong references or job offers)
Summary: How to Find an Internship in Barcelona
Step | What to Do |
✅ 1 | Decide between curricular or extracurricular internships |
✅ 2 | Use LinkedIn, StudentJob, and university career services |
✅ 3 | Tailor your CV for Spanish employers |
✅ 4 | Write a personalised cover letter in English or Spanish |
✅ 5 | Connect with recruiters on LinkedIn |
✅ 6 | Apply early and follow up professionally |
✅ 7 | Ensure your visa and paperwork are in order |
Start Your Career in Barcelona While You Study
Want an internship that counts toward your degree and your career?
At ESEI Business School, all Master’s and MBA programmes include career support and internship assistance — plus they qualify you for a Spanish student visa, giving you the legal right to intern and work part-time during your studies.
Whether you’re looking for experience in marketing, business, tech, or hospitality, we help you:
- Create the perfect CV
- Connect with Barcelona-based companies
- Apply for internships that match your career goals
Apply now and secure your place in our 2025 intake.
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