International Professional Experience (IPE) in Barcelona
So here I am—Jan, a Polish intern who jumped from the Netherlands to Barcelona to dive into the world of tech and innovation with Club GLOBALS. Moving to a new country for work is a wild ride, filled with excitement, challenges, and, yes, a bit of culture shock. But let me tell you, it’s 100% worth it. Here’s a look at what it’s really like working abroad in Barcelona, some hard-learned tips on adapting to life here, and why an internship at Club GLOBALS is pretty awesome.
Why Bother with an International Internship?
Sure, working abroad looks great on a resume, but it’s so much more than that. Stepping out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in a new culture challenges you to grow. You meet people who think, work, and live differently, broadening your perspective and teaching you to adapt, communicate cross-culturally, and face challenges with creativity and resilience. It’s about building independence, confidence, and problem-solving skills in real-time. You discover new ways of life, make meaningful connections, and embrace diverse voices that reshape your approach to work and collaboration. This experience transforms your career and outlook, preparing you for future opportunities.
Wondering If an International Professional Experience in Barcelona is Worth It?
Curious if pursuing an international professional experience in Barcelona is worth it? From my perspective as an intern at Club GLOBALS, the answer is a resounding yes! Barcelona offers the perfect blend of professional growth and cultural richness. Working in an international hub allows you to hone valuable skills like networking, cross-cultural communication, and adaptability. The city itself inspires creativity with its vibrant energy, rich history, and stunning architecture. Beyond professional opportunities, Barcelona fosters a lifestyle where work and leisure harmonize beautifully. Whether collaborating with diverse teams or exploring the city’s beaches and tapas, this experience is truly transformative.
Find Your Dream Internship
When considering an internship in Barcelona, it’s crucial to ensure you’re not settling for something that doesn’t resonate with your career path or passions. If you’re working with an agency, be proactive in voicing your expectations and ambitions. Many agencies may initially offer roles that feel generic—like assisting at a rental bike shop. Unless you’re genuinely excited about mobility, this might not be the right fit for you. Instead, push for opportunities that align with your field of study or long-term goals. Barcelona’s thriving sectors, like tech, sustainability, and international business, offer rich internships that challenge and inspire, making the experience truly worthwhile.
Tips for Living in Barcelona as an International Intern
Barcelona’s unique mix of culture, innovation, and work-life balance makes it the perfect place to live and work. For anyone new to the city, here are a few tips to help you adapt:
1. Adapting to Barcelona’s Relaxed Mediterranean Rhythm
Barcelona values work-life balance in a way that many other cities don’t. People work hard, but they also know how to unwind. Don’t be surprised by the long lunches, the emphasis on socializing, or even the mid-afternoon siestas. Embracing this balanced pace will help you settle in and enjoy life here fully.
2. Picking Up Basic Spanish Will Help You More Than You Think
Barcelona may feel international, but I quickly noticed that English isn’t as commonly spoken as you might expect—especially outside of tourist areas. Learning some basic Spanish (or even Catalan) goes a long way here. Knowing a few simple phrases can make daily interactions smoother, whether you’re ordering coffee, asking for directions, or chatting with locals. Plus, Spanish is easier to pick up than it seems, and people appreciate the effort. A little language goes a long way in helping you feel more at home in the city.
3. Explore Beyond Tourist Spots
Barcelona’s neighborhoods reveal hidden charms beyond the main attractions. Grà cia’s bohemian streets, Poblenou’s beachside art scene, and El Raval’s vibrant galleries and cuisine each showcase a unique side of the city. Sant Andreu offers traditional markets, while Montjuïc provides scenic views and peaceful gardens. For a fresh perspective, try a bike tour around Barcelona to explore these areas up close. And don’t miss the chance to travel outside the city by train to nearby spots like Garraf and Castelldefels, where quieter beaches and local vibes await, offering an authentic taste of the region’s diversity.
During my internship, I had the opportunity to explore even more of Spain’s incredible destinations. I visited Tarragona, famous for its Roman ruins, and took a scenic road trip to Andorra with unforgettable stops at Montserrat, Manresa, Cardona, La Molina, and Blanes. Each location offered a mix of breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage, and hidden gems, making my internship experience in Spain truly extraordinary.
4. Finding Housing in Barcelona
The housing market in Barcelona can be a challenge, especially for interns. Check out websites like Idealista or Spotahome, and don’t overlook expat Facebook groups. Many interns find that sharing a flat helps keep costs down and can lead to new friendships. And most important, start looking for your accommodation on time! I started looking just one month before my internship, and it was a bit of a scramble. Ideally, give yourself at least a month—Barcelona’s housing market is competitive, and the earlier you start, the better options you’ll have.
5. Get Familiar with Public Transportation
Barcelona’s public transportation is efficient, affordable, and covers the entire city. The T-Casual card offers 10 rides at a discount, ideal for occasional trips. For regular use, the 30-day T-usual pass provides unlimited rides, perfect for daily commutes or exploration. For extended stays, the 90-day T-jove pass is popular with students and interns, giving three months of unlimited travel. Eco-conscious travelers can opt for Bicing, the city’s bike-sharing program, while the NitBus night buses are convenient for late nights. For weekend escapes, trains connect Barcelona to nearby gems like Sitges and Montserrat, making exploration easy and accessible.
6. Tips to Make the Most of Your Stay
If you’re traveling solo to Barcelona, don’t stay cooped up in your room—venture out and embrace the city’s vibrant social scene! Explore cozy bars, enjoy dining alone, and strike up conversations with locals or fellow travelers. Joining WhatsApp groups, especially those for expats can help you connect with like-minded people and get insider tips. By actively seeking out social opportunities, you’ll not only make your stay more enjoyable but also build friendships that could last well beyond your trip. Barcelona is full of energy and friendly faces—make the most of it!
Special thanks to past GLOBALS intern Tobias Akkermans for sharing his fantastic tips and inspiring interns to make the most of their time in Barcelona!
Inside Look: Working with Club GLOBALS
Working with Club GLOBALS is more than just an internship—it’s been a full-on experience. GLOBALS is all about growth and connections in the tech world, and that’s reflected in every project we take on. I’ve had the chance to help plan tech events, support the matchmaking side of things (yep, that’s a real part of my job), and connect with people from all corners of the industry. There’s a genuine focus on bringing people together to learn, grow, and collaborate.
What’s unique here is that GLOBALS isn’t about stiff corporate culture; it’s about real people doing real things. Everyone’s ideas are welcome, and as an intern, I actually feel like part of the team. Plus, being in a city as dynamic as Barcelona means every day brings something new.
My Takeaways
Moving to a new country and diving into a work culture that’s totally different from what I knew has been amazing—and occasionally challenging. But honestly, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Working with Club GLOBALS has shown me the power of international connections and taught me to think big, beyond borders and cultural divides. If you’re considering an international internship, my advice is simple: do it. You’ll learn, grow, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
However, I want to clarify: this blog isn’t about selling an internship at Club GLOBALS, but rather encouraging you to find an internship at a cool company that truly resonates with your career path. Whether it’s us or another company that sparks your passion, the goal is to find a role that challenges you, expands your horizons, and sets you up for future success.
Ready to start your own adventure? Check out the open educational internships here to explore available internships and see if there’s a role that calls to you. Barcelona’s waiting!
About the authorÂ
Jan is an intern at Club GLOBALS in Barcelona, bringing international experience from Poland and the Netherlands, where he lives and studies. He focuses on sales and account managing, contributing to strategic projects, connecting tech leaders, and fostering innovative partnerships.
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