International Internships in Spain, Belgium and Italy - All Fields

Why pay for a volunteer program?

BEST will find you an internship in virtually any sector or major. We work with a data base of over 300 firms but if we do not have one in your area of interst, we will prospect it for you. We would also be happy to approach any specific company in Spain, Belgium or Italy that you might be interested in. In this way we offer you value with a la carte service starting every Monday year long.

Internship Program: Introduction

The Study-Intern Program was conceived for the many people who are passionate about European culture and wish to improve their Spanish, French or Italian while making social and professional contacts for the future in Italy, Spain or Belgium for two to three months.

It is an economic solution for those who wish to combine exposure to people, life and pleasure with something more practical: 
 

What distinguishes us:

This program is organized by a mixed team of Spanish university professors and Americans living for years in Europe who are have been the onsite source providers for many other programs marketed worldwide. This benefit is passed on to the program's participants by lowering costs and maintaining higher value. You will be given all the advantages for becoming bilingual and improving yourself professionally in a practical setting while living for 2 to 3 months in one of these great program destinations:

 

Internship Program: Program Features

Academic Features

The internship program provides an intensive language course in a centric specialized language academy upon your arrival. This course will prepare you for cultural immersion socially, linguistically and professionally.

Professional Features

Following the language course you will begin your internship in your chosen sector. We work with around 300 participating firms, both medium and international sized, in all fields of interest. Each one offers a unique and memorable opportunity. See the section Fields and Firms for examples of companies and NGOs we have worked with in the last year.

Cultural and Social Features

 

Internship Program: Language Course

Before the commencement of the internship program you will attend an Intensive Spanish course which consists of:

The school provides:

 

Internship Program: Lodging

BEST's housing policy exists to assist the participants of its programs. BEST recommends that the candidate arrive in Madrid on the Saturday or Sunday before the commencement of the program to look for lodging which corresponds with your needs. However, if this is not convenient for you, at no extra cost, we will find you a shared apartment with other participants, a deluxe apartment rental or Spanish roommates.

These are the options we make available:

1. Shared student apartments at all our program locations. These are normally flats with shared bathroom(s), kitchen and a common area with 2 to 5 bedrooms. Cleaning and upkeep are sometimes provided by the owner. They are fully equipped and centrally located. Most of them have Internet. A private room costs approximately 600 Euros/month or 140 euros a week and a room shared with a friend costs approx. 300 Euros/month each (approx. $400), sometimes payable in advance. The shared room option is only for participants who sign up to come together. Renters are usually between 18 and 30 years of age and are either working or studying.

Normally included in the price:

2. Room with a Spanish, Belgian or Italian family with either breakfast or half/full board. This type of accommodation is centrally located in a safe residential area with close access to public transport (bus and metro). There are single and double rooms available, including the option of a private bathroom. All bedrooms are furnished with a bed, wardrobe and a chair (at least). There are communal areas which are shared (living room, bathroom, kitchen, etc. ). You will be sent a description and photos. The options are:

Towels and bed linen are provided. Cleaning of common areas is included. Laundry (either by the host family or with free access to the washing machine). Price: Single room (half board): 195€ per week.

For family lodging please download, fill out and send this form to best@bestprograms.org. Please tell us about any allergies, special eating habits/requirements, or any other factor which may be useful in helping us to place you with a host family.

3. In Spain you can sign up for a deluxe apartment, through our partner Friendly Rentals. This is a great option for short stays. These tourist rentals can be a loft, a studio or one, two, three bedroom apartments with full services within a converted townhouse or historical building. The decoration is nicer, there is Internet connection and better security. All expenses and cleaning are included. All centrally located. Ask for specific details and photos. Prices range from 60 Euros a night for double occupancy, and if you have a group of 4 or 5 people this option can be fairly inexpensive. It is normally popular for visiting parents and relatives.

Note: All quoted rent prices can fluctuate according to the exchange rate, number of days per month and the individual landlord's requirement.

4. You can elect to arrange your own lodging.

 

Examples of Costs:

Prices per person per week (EUR)

Madrid:

Barcelona:


Note: Exact costs depend on individual owners and can continually fluctuate according to season and demand.


 

Internship Program: Fields and Firms

Examples of firms and NGOs we have worked with in the last year. We do not have a preestablished list of available internships. Each internship is personally prospected for you according to your interests, capabilities, time and duration of participation. If we do not have any positive response with the companies or NGOs already in our data base, we will info-mine a new company for you and pitch you to them.

Italy

 

Spain

 

Brussels

 

Most popular fields:

Marketing – Paid Internships in English Teaching and Business  – Physical Therapy  – Informational Technology and Web Design – Logistics  – Finance – Law – Journalism – Business Administration – Engineering – Import-Export – Hospitality – Tourism – Design – Medicine – Graphic Arts – Advertising – PR – Internacional Relations – Humanitarian Organizations in Brussels or Spain , among many more.

Our method is to hand pick the firm and pitch you to them according to your qualifications and language level. We negotiate an unpaid training post for 4 hours a day, 5 days a week. If longer dedication is required a small scholarship is requested from the company. Often there are perks offered such as transport passes, clothing, meal tickets, etc. These are unpromised.

In non-profit organizations the internships have a two-fold objective: to satisfy your social conscience while you also gain professionally. So that you can benefit from an international on-the-job experience while you volunteer, the posts in non-profit organizations are not usually at the grass roots level but in the administrative divisions. For example, we can place journalism majors in the Press Department of a humanitarian organization to fuse the linguistic, career and volunteer needs of that candidate. Read about the other reasons one pays for a volunteer position in an association or organization here.

The Marketing internships are in a wide span of companies dealing areas as diverse as human resources, logistics, advertising, journalism, EFL graphic arts, public relations, teaching, consulting, finance, etc.

Note:
If longer dedication than 4 hours a day is required by the firm we will request a small compensation from the company in order to cover the intern's expenses. Often some perks are offered such as transport passes, clothing, meal tickets, etc. but these are unpromised.

 

Internship Program: Services & Fees

Pay 2011 prices for 2012!
All our internship programs will maintain the same great prices in 2012.

Included Program Features

 Prices

Madrid, Seville, Barcelona, Brussels, Italy & all other locations:

Notes:

  1. Discount of 250 euros for advanced French, Spanish or Italian speakers who waiver the language classes.
  2. Discounted fee of 750 euros for second internship (ie. Madrid and Brussels, Barcelona and Palermo, Madrid and Barcelona, etc.)
  3. No extra fee (except insurance if applicable) for placements longer than 3 months.
  4. In order to assure us of your participation, a non-refundable deposit of 300 Euros is payable by credit card online here with a minimum of 8 weeks before your desired commencement date.
  5. The application fee is due before BEST begins to work on and process your documentation. This amount is not a charge but a deposit that will later be deducted from your final bill.
  6. Last minute placements can be made for a 100 euros rush fee.
  7. Two-month internships are not usually possible in Brussels because they are much harder to place. If you are only available for 2 months, inquire.
  8. Other payment methods are by international bank transfer (see below) or Western Union.
  9. Payment in euros. Dollar amounts will fluctuate with the exchange rate.
  10. For cancellation policy, please see Conditions.
     

Payments by bank transfer to:

BEST Jarcaro Programs
Open Bank - Plaza Manuel Gomez Moreno, 2; 28020 Madrid, Spain
IBAN: ES69 0073 0100 52 0473377294
Account Number: 0473377294
BIC/SWIFT (Bank Identification Code): OPENES MM
Fee Code: OUR


Please be sure to mention "sender´s name" and what the transfer is for. All banking costs must be paid by the sender.


BEST requests that you notify us once you have made payment and send us a scanned copy of the transfer order to avoid delays or extra charges. We will be on the alert for the transfer and confirm reception of it once received. Transfers can sometime take up to a week.

 

Internship Program: Terms

In consideration of BEST Programs, by accepting a work experience placement, you

A. promise that all information given in the application is accurate and complete.

B. agree:

  1. to abide by all appropriate regulations and laws of the host country.
  2. to carry out your duties as an intern to the best of your ability.
  3. to pay your way, to and from your home country.
  4. to stay as long as you have indicated on your application.
  5. to indemnify BEST Programs and their staff against any loss or damage suffered by any of them or any claims made against them as a result of any breach or negligence by me during my participation in the program.
  6. a placement cannot be refused because of the location of the company. Many people in large towns travel for an hour or more to get to work and you should be prepared to do this.
  7. to behave during the work placement as though you were an employee. You should learn by being with others in the workplace and you should not expect your company to give you a training program unless specifically promised.
  8. to fully and forever release BEST Programs and its officers, directors, managers, members and employees, and agree not to seek compensation from any of them, for any losses that you may suffer during your internship or during travel to it or from.

C. understand:

  1. the exact work you will do depends on your level of education and qualifications, your experience and skills, and your second language level.
  2. job specifications and workloads vary, but you can expect to have your own responsibilities and perhaps your own project.
  3. all placements will have some routine activity such as data entry or answering the telephone.
  4. there is no salary, except in specifically advertised paid internships, because the objectives of the program are educational and offer a chance to gain professional experience. Many host companies pay for daily travel and/or lunch expenses, but this is not guaranteed.
  5. one should not make any demands or discuss any type of reimbursement during the interview, nor should one ask for time off, unless the person who is interviewing you mentions it first.
  6. that international travel involves risk, including the possibility of illness, adverse weather conditions, travel delays, strikes and other work stoppages, hostile actions by governments or individuals, and other risks and inconveniences.
  7. you can request a specific company and we will try to accommodate you, but you cannot specify the size of the company you will work for.
  8. you must specify three different sectors of choice. Applicants cannot refuse a placement which clearly falls into one of these areas.
  9. we reserve the right to cancel or change your work placements if your language level does not reach the expected level.
  10. we reserve the right to cancel your internship in the case of unjustified absences from the work place.
  11. that total fees due are payable within 7 days of placement confirmation and before the start of the internship. Payment after arrival is subject to a 100 euro surcharge.
  12. non-payment of total or partial fees is cause of expulsion from the internship.

Cancellations and Refunds

Hours and Duties

Punctuality & attendance

Dress Code

Confidentiality

Misuse of company facilities and property

Conduct

Problems

Certificate of completion

Liability

 

Internship Program: Applying

To apply you must have:

Easy steps to follow:

  1. Fill in the application form online.
  2. Collect the necessary documentation:
    • a copy of your passport.
    • a passport photo.
    • Resume and cover letter to the company in English and in Spanish, French or Italian (depending on your country of choice.) If you would like help we have selected a few resume samples and cover letter samples in pdf. files.
    Note: We will translate your English resume and cover letter for 30 Euros/page. Send us the documents by email and we will return them to you by email.
  3. Send the documents by Email attachment in Word and jpg files to our main offices in Madrid with the deductible registration fee of 300 Euros. Easy and safe online payment is possible by credit card. Otherwise, see payment methods below.
  4. Set up a time for an telephone interview. (optional)
  5. You will receive confirmation on your language classes and information on your internship in a host company.
  6. You will receive confirmation on your accommodation.
  7. Make final payment of BEST fee and arrange flight for weekend previous to beginning of language course. (Courses start most Mondays throughout the year).
  8. Arrival and transfer from the airport to your accommodation.

 

Methods of Payment:

1. Credit card payment online or by sending us this Data: Credit card, Number, Expiration date, Validation code, Signature; by scanning and jpg file to best@bestprograms.org.

2. By money order from Western Union. The transfer can be paid with VISA and should be sent to Jill Suzanne Arcaro Gordon. Please send us the control number once payment has been made.

3. BANK TRANSFER in Euros to:

BEST Programs
Open Bank
Plaza Manuel Gomez Moreno, 2; 28020 Madrid, Spain
IBAN: ES69 0073 0100 52 0473377294
Account Number: 0473377294
BIC/SWIFT (Bank Identification Code): OPENES MM
Fee Code: OUR
Please be sure to mention "sender´s name" and what the transfer is for.

All banking costs must be paid by the sender.

4. Paypal to best@bestprograms.org

BEST requests that you notify us once you have made payment and send us a scanned copy of the transfer order, so that we can begin processing your application immediately. We will be on the alert for the transfer and confirm reception of it once received. Transfers can sometime take up to 5 days.

Internship Program: Application Form

This application will guide BEST in matching your skills and interests with the needs of internship sites. The more specific you are and the higher your language level in Spanish or French, the better your chances of getting your desired internship. We will make every effort to accommodate you, but we cannot 100% guarantee that any particular internship will be available.

(NOTE: Please attach current Resume with cover letter in Spanish or French (if possible) stating your learning objectives, a recent Photo and a copy of your Passport.)

Which program are you applying for?
Madrid Brussels Italy Other(s) 

E-Mail:

Today's Date:

Desired start date of internship program:

Name:

Surname:

Address:

City:

State:

Postal Code:

Country:

Home telephone number:

Cellular:

Fax:

Passport (Nº) and country:

Birth Date:

Nationality: 

High School/Year Graduated:

University/Year Graduated:

How did you hear about BEST's Intern Program?

Names, addresses and phone numbers of your parents
and one other contact in case of emergency:

Have you traveled or studied abroad previously?
Yes No

Where and for how long?

Do you have health insurance?
Yes No

Which?

Previous work experience:

Internship Language proficiency level?
Low Intermediate Advanced

Do you speak any other lanuages & at what level?

Do you smoke?
Yes No

Do you have any allergies?
Yes No   if so, please explain below:

Special diet requirements?
Yes No   if so, please explain below:

Preferred internship field:

What are your career plans?

Length of Internship?
2 months
3 months 

Lodging Option? 

lodging in a shared apartment for 2 months (A month's deposit will be requested upon your entry into the shared apartments.)

lodging in a shared apartment for 3 months (A month's deposit will be requested upon your entry into the shared apartments.)

I do not wish to apply for the lodging

How does this internship fit into your career plans?

What are your goals and expectations for your internship?

Do you agree with our policies explained in the sections Services and Fees and Terms?
Yes No

Do you understand that you are responsible
for your transportation and your personal expenses?
Yes No

Do you understand that all fees are due before the commencement of the program and that there is a 100 Euro late charge for payment after arrival?
Yes No

  
Personal, Academic and Work References:

 

Name:

Phone:

Email:

Relationship to you:

Length of Relationship:

Name:

Phone:

Email:

Relationship to you:

Length of Relationship:

I, represent that all of the above information is true and is given to induce my placement as an Intern in the BEST´s Intern Program.

I authorize BEST to make such investigations as necessary, including contacting the above references. I have read the terms and conditions stated above and agree to all of these terms and conditions
Yes No

Date:

Have you sent the passport photo and a copy of your passport?
Yes No