This eclectic European city is a riotous hive of art, business, history, and culture. Fiercely independent, yet wound tightly to the rest of Spain, Barcelona offers endless opportunities for a curious intern searching for a unique way to push their boundaries.
There’s a million reasons just to visit Barcelona.
There’s a million more reasons to intern there.
We’ve whittled them down to just five to help you decide if an internship abroad in Barcelona is the right decision for you.
*Spoiler Alert*
It’s the right decision
1. It’s A Major Business Hub For Big And Small Alike
Barcelona has been enjoying a steady growth as a business center over the past few decades, and it’s a regular name thrown around when talking about the best European cities for startups.
Loads of multinational companies like Facebook, and PepsiCo have major headquarters in the city. The comparatively low living costs and globally accessible location makes it a perfect fit for some of the larger corporations. But it’s not just the big dogs doing business in Barcelona.
22@district, or the Innovation District, is an area that was reformed as part of an urban regeneration program. Years ago, it was the center of the industrial revolution in Barcelona. Nowadays, it’s been repurposed as a technological district where tech startups and thousands of other businesses are driving the city forward economically. The opportunities are endless in this neighborhood.
The district respects its roots, though- evident in the industrial age factories intermingled with the ultra modern architecture that’s sprung up in the last twenty years. The success of the neighborhood was globally lauded, and cities like Istanbul and Rio de Janeiro have used 22@district as a model for their own regeneration projects.
2. The Laid Back Lifestyle
Work-life balance is a contentious topic in the US; not so much in Barcelona. Spain as a whole regularly tops global work-life balance lists, and a respect for the end of the workday and considerable amounts of holidays helps Barcelona locals lead a relaxed existence.
You may find the slower pace suits you perfectly, and if not, it’ll force you to adapt. Both are positives whatever way you look at it. The pacing might be a shock as you get started on your internship, but half the fun of an experience like this is learning the nuanced habits of another country.
One of the most under-appreciated benefits of living anywhere new for an extended period of time is the chance to truly feel out a new lifestyle. A quick trip anywhere might give you a taste of a destination, but interning and living in a new city can change your outlook on life in more ways than you can imagine. Whenever you return with your own goals in mind, you might have a clearer understanding of things you value in a career.
3. Its Independent Spirit
Politics won’t be something that instantly springs to mind when you think about spending time in a new place, but Barcelona’s unique situation offers an interesting glimpse into the inner workings of another country.
Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonia region in Spain, which has always held a separate, albeit intertwined, history with Spain. There has long been an independence movement in Catalonia, and in 2017, the region declared itself an independent state. The government of Spain did not acknowledge the declaration, and after several high-profile arrests of the movement’s leaders, massive protests gripped Barcelona.
Don’t let that frighten you. Barcelona is one of the safest cities to live in Europe. The protests speak to an interesting aspect of the city and region as a whole but haven’t happened for a while now. But being surrounded by such a passionate and independent culture and how it deals with its place in the world can lend an extremely insightful perspective for you as an intern.
Catalonia has its own language, its own food, its own style, and even Barcelona’s architecture is vastly different from its counterpart in Madrid. Meeting people that share these cultural similarities but may clash in their views on independence could be an educational experience.
4. It’s Ridiculously Beautiful
Let’s face it, you already knew this.
You’ve seen the photos of the Basílica de la Sagrada Família looming over the city, but search beyond the postcard familiars and you’ll find a wondrous seaside metropolis.
The city dates back to the Roman era, so the architecture is varied, vast, and incredibly beautiful. Spend some time exploring the winding narrows of the Gothic Quarter; amble along La Rambla, the popular tree-lined pedestrian walkway in the center of town; or set off on a Gaudi-inspired historic walk to appreciate the Sagrada Familia architect’s impact on the city.
If you need to get out of the urban sprawl for a while, make the most of over 100 miles of beach-laden coastlines just a stone’s throw from the city.
5. You’ll Never Get Bored
Barcelona is huge, and with so many things to do, you’ll be hard pushed to fit everything into your time off.
Hitting the big tourist spots, like Sagrada Familia, is a must, but don’t stop there. Half of the fun of an extended stay is having the time to savor the wider experience of a city.
The food scene in Barcelona is worth dedicating plenty of time while you’re there. The local fares are as Mediterranean as they come, so expect fresh seafood, lots of olive oil, and paella. Of course, a glass of cava will help wash everything down. But this is a multicultural city, so expect world-class restaurants offering modern takes on traditional food, and exciting foreign options too.
The nightlife in Barcelona is rivaled only by a few other contenders. Cozy wine cellars, beachside bars, and flamenco jazz basements are dotted everywhere and expect an exciting club scene if you’re able to stay out late enough.
Barcelona is huge but very walkable. And all of the attractions you’re likely to hit up are close to one of the many public transport stops in their extensive networks of buses, trams, and trains, so don’t worry about getting around.
Internships are as much about personal growth as they are about work experience, and traveling abroad gives you the best of both worlds, pushing you through cultural barriers, sending you off into the unknown, and helping you stand out in a crowded field.
Choosing to intern abroad in Barcelona could be the best decision you ever make.
Are you ready to intern abroad in Barcelona this summer? Apply Now.
