Location Overview:
In Barcelona, you’ll find a bustling city filled with art, unique Gaudi architecture, affordable tapas bars, and urban parks — all nestled along the warm and inviting Mediterranean Sea. The Spanish people are friendly, outgoing, and very social, so even with minimal knowledge of the Spanish language, students will be sure to find a community in no time.
Spanish people are also very proud, especially those from Catalan, the region where Barcelona is located. Social movements for independence occur alongside economic growth and innovation. While the primary driver of employment in the city is in the tourism industry, financial investment, manufacturing, and international trade also maintain a significant place in Barcelona’s economic landscape.
In Barcelona, students may be placed in shared twin rooms—paired with fellow UO students—or in single rooms, depending on availability. Commute times to the city center typically range from 30 to 45 minutes. To keep program costs down, housing is simple but includes all essential amenities.
What is GlobalWorks?
GlobalWorks internships are personalized internship programs that bring you out of the country, and into the workplace. We connect academic study with real-world experiences by providing full-time international internship opportunities to UO students in various career fields. Working with local professional internship providers in locations around the world, we provide individualized placements for UO students. Students earn UO credits and life-changing work experience in a different culture. Immerse yourself in a new city, earn UO course credits, and gain professional experience with a GlobalWorks internship.
Location Note:
Programs in select GlobalWorks locations such as this one have a rolling admission application process. Due to a high volume of applications and limited spaces, GEO staff will complete a review of the application materials of complete applications in the order that they are submitted (“first come, first serve”). Students are encouraged to identify alternate locations that they would feel comfortable interning in, or note if you are only interested in interning at this site. There are some programs that fill fast, some even before the deadline. Students are encouraged to complete applications and commit to programs early. A waitlist will be created, but students should be aware that being on the waitlist does not guarantee acceptance into a location.
Internship Career Fields:
- Art + Design
- Business + Accounting
- Computer Science + Information Technology
- Education
- Environment + Sustainability
- Journalism + Communications
- NGO + Nonprofit
- Social Science
- STEM + Healthcare
Past Placement Examples
Please note that the following are examples of where students have worked previously. The placement process is customized and individualized, and is not limited to the career fields represented below.
Placement Name: Gulf Conferences
Field: NGO + Nonprofit
- An organization made up of people with deafblindness of all ages, as well as their families.
- Promotes the best opportunities for people with deafblindness.
Placement Name: Floorfy
Field: Computer Science + Information Technology
- Floofy offers software for real estate agencies.
- Create 3D tours, floor plans, and video calls for real estate listings.
Placement Name: European Sports Events
Field: Business + Accounting
- Work in partnership with European federations, associations, and clubs.
- Promote the benefits of sport to youth teams worldwide.
Organize opportunities to compete in high-quality tournaments and training camps
Notable past sports events include the EuroLeague Final Four and the Spanish Copa del Rey.
Why Intern in Barcelona?
Barcelona offers an excellent combination of professional opportunities and vibrant city life. As a hub for various industries, the city provides a wide range of internship options. Key sectors include technology, design, international business, tourism, and creative fields like art, architecture, and fashion. The city's dynamic startup scene, the presence of international companies, and its focus on innovation make it an attractive location for interns. Beyond the office, Barcelona’s sunny Mediterranean beaches, lively nightlife, mild climate, and rich Catalan culture provide constant inspiration and balance. With top-notch public transportation, a lower cost of living compared to other major European cities, and easy access to weekend adventures, interns can effortlessly blend work with exploration. Barcelona is the perfect launchpad for interns seeking real-world experience while enjoying sunshine, creativity, and cultural richness.