Location

Valencia, Spain

Program Description

Information Session: 

February 3 from 8:30pm to 9:30pm on Zoom

This program is perfect for students who want to complete an internship for their major while also enhancing Spanish language skills. On this program, students have the opportunity to intern in a wide range of industries including (but not limited to!) accounting, design, marketing, education, politics, anthropology, IT, hospitality management, communication, law, health/medical, and the non-profit sector. Most internship placements involve work five days a week, but hours and expectations could vary depending on the placement. Students will also take several Spanish lessons curated for their level of Spanish (prior knowledge of Spanish is recommended, but not required).

The internships take place in the beautiful coastal Mediterranean city of Valencia, Spain. JMU partner, Euroace, provides the internship placements based on students' areas of interest and experience (see sample internships below). Upon arrival, students participate in several-day orientation which includes language training, a workshop on Spanish culture and work environment, introduction of the city and surrounding areas, and preparation for the internship. After orientation, students will start their internships and continue with the Spanish language sessions.

Sample Internship Placements

Location Description

Valencia is the located on the Mediterranean Sea and as the third largest city in Spain, it is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe with strong influences in science, education, business and the arts. The city center is made up of historic buildings, cathedrals, shops and restaurants. With approximately 800,000 “Valencianos,” the city provides a metropolitan environment with easy access to the rest of the Spain. Students can spend a day shopping in the historic center, tasting the deliciouso paella Valenciana, or sun bathing on the beautiful Mediterranean beaches. Most locations are within walking distance, so students typically travel on foot.

Director

Katie Sensabaugh | sensabkb@jmu.edu | Center for Global Engagement

Accommodations

All students will stay with host families. Living with a host family is the best way to enhance language skills and make the most of a cross-cultural opportunity. They provide a comfortable atmosphere where students feel at home and also provide the independence needed for a young adult in a new city. Host families will provide breakfast and dinner.

Additional Items to Consider

Program fee includes internship placement, excursions/activities, health insurance, housing, and two meals per day. Airfare and spending money are not included.

Once an application is submitted, students will be sent an additional survey to provide more information about placement preferences and language level.

The experience also satisfies the International Business study abroad requirement and may fulfill some internship requirements for certain majors.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.5

Spanish is not required, but recommended. Preference will be given to students with a basic understanding of the Spanish language. Intermediate Spanish is strongly recommended.

Open to all majors