Who is eligible to apply for the internship program?
We look for university and college students who are curious about the world and enjoy new challenges, and who have a good academic background. Preference is given to those who demonstrate open mindedness, flexibility, and understand what it means to be a "team player". Students who have not decided yet what career to study but want to have some previous working experience before making up their minds can also apply.

What level of Spanish do I need to have in order to do an internship?
It is recommended that you have at least a high intermediate level of Spanish before starting the internship. You will be working in a Spanish-speaking environment and it is unlikely that you find people speaking your language. However, attitude and openness are often more important than language skills. If you have any questions about your language proficiency, do not hesitate to contact us at COINED. Our staff members can give you advise about your skills.

What are the deadlines for applications?
Applications should be received at least 8 weeks before the desired program start date. Late applications are possible through the "FAST SEARCH" internship program. However, it is advisable to apply early if you want a placement in one of the more competitive spots, such as international companies or placements within the government.

How important is my Letter of Intention?
It is very important since your potential supervisors read all your documents, pay particular attention to your spelling and grammar. This is important if you are seeking placement in an internship that requires a lot of writing. Your application, essays, and other documents are the supervisor's first impression of you, so write them carefully. We recommend you write your Letter of Intention in Spanish if possible, and attach a Resume and/or a list of interests and activities.

Should my Letter of Intention and CV be in Spanish?
You may send this information in English and our translators will take care of the rest, checking all the necessary information is included in the documents you are sending.

Should I be majoring in the same field as the internship I apply for?
Not necessarily. In most of the internships, enthusiasm and willingness overcome any lack of background knowledge. However, students who plan a truly specialized placement (e.g. medical research) would need more relevant coursework experience, for example, than a history major that chooses a theatre internship. Interns interested in politics, especially those who wish to work in a government placement, will need some background in politics or some practical experience.

What is involved in the application process?
It is easy, but you should be organized and allow enough time to the process: send the transcript, write your Letter of Intent, ask for recommendations, etc. Our experienced staff will be helping and guiding you by e-mail or on the phone so that you complete this step successfully.

Can I ask for a specific place within my field?
We are eager to match your interests as closely as possible. Our placement staff is experienced in finding quality internships. While you may request a particular placement, we may know about a more suitable post thus making all options available to you. It is important that if you make a specific request, you do so in your Letter of Intent. However, it is not advisable to mention specific institutions, departments, offices, businesses, or agencies in your essay since your documents will be sent to other organization, if the placement that interests you is not available.

When will I know where I will be working?
Placing a student in an internship can take between two to ten weeks, depending on the type of internship requested. If you need to know your placement assignment in advance for credit approval purposes, you may contact COINED and we will provide you the details of your internship placement. However, final confirmation of the internship normally depends on your first interview with your prospective supervisor.

How do I get credits for my internship?
Some institutions require their students to keep an analytical internship journal that will be read and graded by the appropriate faculty member at the home university. Then, we suggest that you contact your study abroad advisor to help you decide whether or not to keep an analytical journal. Those who decide not to keep one will be graded Pass/Failed based on the written evaluations from their internship supervisors.

How many hours a week does an internship require?
Participants usually work five days per week, no more than 6 hours per day according to each project. It is between you and the person who you are reporting to, to work out your schedule. Internships are flexible; but sometimes, projects can have deadlines, and you could be asked to work extra hours with the rest of the staff.

Are there any chances of being paid for the internship work?
Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to offer paid positions since the government have strict guidelines regarding foreigners working in host companies. Another reason is that the main objective of this program is the international education and the learning experience.

What happens if the internship is not successful?
The one factor that no one can foresee is how well the individuals participating in an internship will get along. If there is a clash of personalities or other serious problems, alternative positions will be found after mediation by the site director. Our placement process is carefully planned and it is rare that students ask to change their placement.

Can I stay on to work during or after the internship?
This is difficult, but not impossible. You will not be able to work while you carry out your internship due to the regulations that rule these experiences. Working without proper documentation is illegal and jeopardizes both you and your employer.

Will I have a chance to meet local students?
As an intern, your experience will be different from that of most students who only take Spanish courses. You will have more regular contact with your work colleagues (of all ages) than with local students.

Is it compulsory to stay in the residences COINED has agreements with?
This is an optional service that COINED offers to make your trip easier. We suggest that you find out with the help of our staff to organize the type of accommodation you want.

Can I get in touch with former participants to find out about their experiences?
Our staff will be happy to send you the opinions of our former participants, also their e-mails are available for you to contact them and ask them any questions, doubts or concerns. This information is available upon request.

How can I pay for my internship?
You can deposit the payment to start the process in our bank accounts in Europe as well as in the United States. Our staff will send you all the necessary information with regards to the bank, account number etc.