SAI’s 12 week 6 credit internship semester program invites participants to experience the professional working environment in Barcelona, while building tangible skills in their chosen field. Completing an international internship also gives participants a competitive advantage in the global workforce by demonstrating cross-cultural competencies. Internships are available in a wide variety of areas, including Finance/Accounting, Communications, Fine Arts, Fashion, Hospitality, and many more. While Spanish language proficiency is not required, it may open up more internship options.
Application open until: October 1, 2024
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Professional cover letter (see App Reqs)
Resume (see App Reqs)
2 letters of rec (see App Reqs)
Official transcript
Passport scan (photo page)
Digital photo (passport style)
EU privacy consent form
Highlights
- High quality internships available in a wide range of fields, from Business to Fine Arts.
- Experience the professional energy and vitality of Barcelona, one of Europe’s most vibrant commercial hubs.
- No visa required
Program Dates
January 3, 2025 – March 29, 2025
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: Sophomore or above (at least 2 completed semesters at application).
*contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Cumulative GPA:* 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)
Spanish Language: Spanish language is not required, but it is helpful for expanding options.
Below please find more detail on the application requirements for this program:
Supplemental Internship Application: Once students submit their standard SAI online application, they will be prompted to complete an additional questionnaire. This supplemental application is designed to help SAI understand the goals you have set for yourself during your upcoming session in Barcelona.
Professional cover letter: The professional cover letter should include a self-introduction, as well as information about your professional sector of interest, and any reference contacts you wish to provide (recommended).
Resume: The resume should include a comprehensive description of your academic and professional experience to date. Feel free to include information about any special skills you possess.
Letters of recommendation: Please provide two (2) letters of recommendation. They may be from professors, university staff, or former workplace supervisors. Please do not provide recommendations from family members or social acquaintances; these recommendations should be academic or professional in nature.
During the enrollment process, all applicants will have a preliminary interview with SAI’s Barcelona Admissions Counselor. Once students have been accepted into the program, they will also have an interview with their on-site internship supervisor. Students will be informed of their internship placement no later than 30 days prior to the program start and, in most cases, considerably earlier than that.
The SAI internship program in Barcelona is unpaid and awards 6 US academic credits. Students also have the option to complete the program as non-credit, at a reduced cost. Please contact your SAI Admissions Counselor for more information.
The 12 week internship program consists of approximately 300 total hours of on-site professional experience (about 25 hours per week). Students who wish to complete more hours may be able to do so, depending upon the specific internship placement. Weekly totals may vary slightly, depending upon the needs of the organization where the student is placed.
Internships are available in a wide variety of fields, including (but not limited to) the following:
- Accounting
- Architecture
- Art, Graphic Design & Animation
- Business, International Business & Entrepreneurship
- Communications, Journalism & Public Relations
- Culinary Arts
- Education
- Engineering
- Event Planning
- Fashion Merchandising
- Government & Politics
- Health & Fitness
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Information Technology
- Marketing
- Photography
- Theatre & Dance
To ensure maximum benefit from the internships, participants will reflect upon their experiences throughout the term. Such guided reflection will be facilitated by the completion of various assignments and self-evaluation exercises. A detailed syllabus is available upon request.
Want to get a sense of what an internship is like? Watch Alex’s video about her business marketing internship.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| October 1 2024 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (non-refundable, applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| October 1 2024 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. 50% of the Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
| October 1 2024 |
Financial Aid Agreement & Financial Aid Program Deposit Deadline Students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment must complete the Financial Aid Agreement form and submit the Financial Aid Program Deposit by this date. Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 days after the deposit. |
| October 15 2024 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for a SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
| October 15 2024 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| Upon placement acceptance |
Placement Confirmation Deposit Due $500 deposit (non-refundable, applied toward program fee) to signal the student’s acceptance of the internship placement offered. |
| November 15 2024 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification forms to SAI by this date. |
| December 1 2024 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due (For students utilizing SAI financial aid payment deferment, any balance not covered by aid is due) |
| On-site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| January 3 2025 |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at El Prat Barcelona (BCN) airport. SAI airport pickup is provided between 10:00am and 3:00pm, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| January 4 2025 |
SAI Orientation Mandatory SAI orientation is held at the SAI Barcelona office and introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| Coming soon |
Administrative Appointments (pending confirmation) International students completing internships in Spain are required to register for an NIE (ID card) and Spanish social security. Accordingly, appointments will be made for participating students on this date and instructions will be given concerning how to complete this administrative step. |
| January 7 2025 |
Internship Begins |
| March 28 2025 |
Internship Ends |
| March 29 2025 |
Program End & Housing Check-out Students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
| SAI Program Fees* | USD |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Security Deposit Refundable at the end of the term. |
$300 |
| Program Fee: 6 credits Includes internship placement, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What's Included). |
$10,725 |
| Program Fee: non-credit Includes internship placement, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What's Included). |
$10,390 |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private bedroom in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$1,900 |
| Optional Homestay Housing Supplement Family homestay in a private occupancy bedroom, breakfast & dinner included. |
$100 |
| International Mailing Supplement When applicable, students are charged an international mailing supplement to ensure visa paperwork arrives in a timely manner. |
$90 |
*prices are subject to change
Note: certain SAI-affiliated US universities require specific payment arrangements. These may require that some fees are paid by the student directly to SAI, and other fees are paid to SAI by the affiliated university on behalf of the student. If you attend a SAI-affiliated university please contact your study abroad office or speak with your SAI Admissions Counselor for details.
| Budget | Low Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Airfare to/from Barcelona |
$950 | $1,500 |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$700 / month | $1,000 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $300 / month | $350 / month |
| Transportation within Barcelona Public transportation with some taxi rides. |
$100 / month | $150 / month |
| Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student. |
$300 / month | $1,000 / month |
This is a SAI 360° Services Program; it includes our full services!
- Internship placement for 300 hours over twelve weeks
- Program tuition and U.S. academic credit
- Accommodation in carefully selected student housing
- Airport pickup on arrival day
- Welcome reception and events
- Orientation to the host city and school
- On-site staff who foster a welcoming community for you and provide assistance when needed
- SAI Viva Experience: cultural engagement, excursions & wellness activities
- Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
- 24-hour on-site emergency support
- Farewell event
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
- Knowledgeable Admissions Counselor dedicated to you, providing friendly assistance
- Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
- Parent & family resources
- Online student groups to acquaint you with other SAI students
- Student visa advising
- Assistance with financial aid processing
- Need-based SAI scholarships
- Alumni Ambassador Program, with paid internship opportunities
- SAI alumni network
SAI offers all students the Viva Experience: frequent cultural activities, at no extra cost, for participants to get to know their community, city and country. Following is a sample of the activities included in this program. Please note that actual activities may differ.
Welcome Lunch
Students are welcomed to their new city over a traditional 3 course Spanish lunch to mingle and get to know each other.
Barcelona Bike Tour
This tour is a fun and exciting way to discover Barcelona’s old port, renowned beaches, and picturesque Ciutadella Park. Along the way, students see the sights that make Barcelona so famous and hear the stories behind them.
Modernism Tour
During this tour, students get to know the iconic and symbolic Modernist architecture of Gaudi by discovering the Sagrada Familia and the Casa Battló, among other famous buildings.
Cultural Workshop: Navigating Spanish Culture
Students learn about local habits, traditions, food and language tips to get to know their new home!
Medieval Heritage: Girona and Besalu Day Trip
This exciting day trip takes students to Girona and Besalú, both cities that have been featured in Game of Thrones. Girona has more than 2000 years of history, with its two fortified enclosures: the first built in the 1st century BCE, and the medieval extension of the city walls from the 14th and 15th centuries. Besalú is a small town with a Romanesque bridge and remarkable medieval buildings situated close to Girona. Once an important local capital during the Middle Ages, it is nowadays a hidden treasure.
Visit the Bunkers of Carmel
A visit to one of the most astonishing viewpoints in Barcelona. These anti-aircraft batteries from the Spanish Civil War have become a popular spot amongst locals and visitors.
Montserrat & Organic Wine Cellar Day Trip
Students take a day trip to Montserrat, a spectacularly beautiful Benedictine mountain retreat. Its unusual rock formations and its natural beauty have made it a Catalonian icon. Students take the cable train up the mountain to visit the monastery and wander the mountain paths, with amazing views of the Catalonian countryside. In the afternoon, students have the chance to enjoy the countryside of one of the most well-known Catalan wine regions with a wine tasting and a typical “Esmorzar de pagès”.
Poblenou Visit
This ex-industrial district has transformed into a hub for creativity and technology in recent years. Students visit this fascinating neighborhood that has with its personality outlined by charming smokestacks that are scattered throughout the area. Discover old factories that have been converted into galleries and studios and communication and technology companies that have based their headquarters in the 22@ district. There will also be a stop at the Encants flea market!
Gracia Tour
Gracia is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Barcelona. For a long time, it was an independent town just outside Barcelona, and today it still maintains its independence and free spirit. On the tour students discover the many secrets of Gracia, its history, its hidden corners, and many stories and curiosities about it.
Ceramic Workshop
In this course for beginners SAI students have the option of making one or two pieces of a functional nature (cup, plate, pot, etc.) based on simple techniques that have been adapted to a beginner’s level.
Camp Nou Stadium Museum
Almost nobody would guess that the Camp Nou is the most visited museum of Barcelona, but it is! Get a panoramic view of the iconic soccer stadium, while seeing the area dedicated to Leo Messi, the trophy cabinet, and more!
Dalí Day Trip
SAI students visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Salvador Dalí’s hometown of Figueres. The Dalí Theatre-Museum opened in 1974 and it houses the single largest and most diverse collection of works by Salvador Dalí. Following the museum, students visit the small and beautiful village of Cadaques, considered the jewel of the Costa Brava. Students enjoy a nice stroll from Dali’s home in Port Lligat, to Cadaques.
Parc de Collserola Hike
Behind Tibidabo’s iconic outline, there lies a wealth of woodland and fields including a protected park where a wide variety of Mediterranean flora and fauna brings us into contact with nature just 15 minutes away from the bustling city. This is Barcelona’s great green “lung”. Students enjoy a hike in this beautiful protected land.
Sitges Beach Day
Students visit the town of Sitges, which is a paradise of sun, sea and mild temperatures year-round, and a venue for international film and music festivals. Beautiful views and long beaches make Sitges a wonderful day trip.
Spanish Cooking Lesson
Students take a cooking lesson designed to teach typical Spanish (mostly Catalan) dishes that are easy to make again independently. Dishes are prepared according to the season and include appetizer, main course and dessert.
Olympic Barcelona
The incredible transformation of Barcelona took place in the lead-up to 1992 Olympic Games. Students visit the two most important sites for the Barcelona Games starting with Montjüic Hill, where the Olympic Stadium is located. Later, students visit the Olympic Museum, which puts Barcelona’s Olympic history into context.
Farewell Dinner
Students celebrate the end of a successful time abroad and say their goodbyes over a delicious Spanish meal.
Standard Housing: Student apartment
SAI student apartments are convenient and well equipped, with shared occupancy bedrooms (option to upgrade to private bedroom, if available). Typical residences house 2 – 8 students and contain a combination of private and shared bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and living areas. Furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens and towels are provided. All apartments are equipped with wireless Internet. Housing configurations are designated as female, male, and in some locations, gender-inclusive. SAI on-site staff is available to respond to any maintenance needs that may arise.
Optional Housing: Family homestay (additional fee applies)
SAI homestay families are thoroughly screened and are accustomed to welcoming visiting students into their homes. Homestays provide a private bedroom in the family home with basic furnishings. Daily breakfast and dinner are included, as is weekly laundry. Mostly Spanish is spoken in the home, granting students an excellent opportunity to practice their language skills. Please note that some homestays may be outside of the city center.
Passports
Passports should be valid for at least 4 months after planned return from Spain.
Student Visas
In accordance with Spanish law U.S. students studying in Spain for 90 days or less are not required to obtain a student visa. Therefore all U.S. students do not require a student visa for this program. Students should be aware that, since they will not have a visa, they must leave Europe (the “Schengen Zone”) before the expiration of the 90 day period. This means that European travel after the end of the program will not be possible.
Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.