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:

• Utilities such as gas, electricity, water, etc. and the monthly building maintenance fee.
• Wifi Internet.
• Landline telephone where local and national calls are free.
• Set of towels, sheets and bedding.
• Basic cleaning products for the apartment.

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:

• Half board (breakfast and dinner) is the most common option. Breakfast is prepared every morning and the evening meal is cooked by and eaten with the family.
• Full board (including lunch is also available if you would like it at an additional cost.

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:

• Shared Flat         
  • Single: 140
  • Double (single use): 160 / (shared): 110
• Spanish Host Family (Breakfast and dinner included)
  • Single: 195    
  • Double: 170

Barcelona:

• Single room + breakfast only: approx. 135
• Single room + half board: approx. 170

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