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

Apply Now

Request Information

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

  • Participate in extracurricular activities that will enhance your experience.
  • Visit some of the most emblematic neighborhoods in Barcelona to immerse yourself in the local culture.
  • Participate in an Escape room activity for teambuilding and challenge your soft skills.
  • Engage in a business-related visit to learn about production and management in a local factory.
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

How to Study Spanish in Barcelona: 3 Steps

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

If you’re reading this blog post, chances are you’re looking to learn Spanish in Barcelona. Well, you’ve come to the right place! Barcelona is the ultimate playground for anyone wanting... keep reading

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Summer Session I 2025

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.

Internships

Discover Internship Opportunities

We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.

Explore Industry Options

Students interning in Barcelona are placed with innovative startups and global organizations across various sectors. The most sought-after profiles are those with interests in business, engineering, marketing, and communication, reflecting the city's vibrant work scene that thrives on creativity and collaboration. 

Business Management and Administration Internships

Business Management and Administration

Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.

Marketing interns pose at a Loki premiere event

Marketing, Sales and Service

Explore global market dynamics, cross-cultural consumer engagement, and sales techniques in firms, agencies, and companies.

Browse Internship Opportunities

Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.

Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.

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 2025 8 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $7,950

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 = $4,670**

Housing = $2,780***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $7,950

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

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

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

The listed estimated cost is for students in homestays. Families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner) and students purchase lunch (there isn’t usually access to a kitchen). 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

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

Utilize the Internship Search Tool

Search our catalog of internship opportunities to view the placements that align best with your academic and professional goals.

2

Start a Program Application

You're one step closer to an amazing internship abroad experience!

3

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. 

4

Contact CIEE

We're here to help! Email us if you have questions or need help applying to this program. Upon your acceptance, you'll speak with on-site CIEE staff about your internship goals. CIEE will reach out to companies that align with your goals, interests, and qualifications.

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