Barcelona is the kind of place that offers something for everyone. Most sectors are appropriate for Barcelona. You can download our list of projects completed in 2007 from the group coordinator page to see what sectors we have worked in recently.
What is your experience?
Our staff has successfully completed over 50 projects sponsored by educational initiatives such as the EU Commission’s Life Long Learning Programme, and Leonardo da Vinci. We have received hundreds of students, teachers, and professionals for work experience and informational exchanges.
Do you accept individuals? What size groups can you receive?
We accept individual students as well as large groups. We have had beneficiaries come singly, in flows, or in groups exceeding 20 people at the same time. Please click on the appropriate link for individuals or group coordinators for additional details.
When is a good time to come?
We organize programmes throughout the year, however there are some times of the year when it is best to avoid arriving, due to Spanish work/school/holiday schedules. These include from the Monday before Easter through the Monday following Easter, several days surrounding September 24 (depending on what day of the week the 24th falls each year), and from the 15th of December through the 8th of January. We also discourage arrivals during the month of August as this is the traditional month for Spaniards to take their summer vacation. Work placement projects that include August are fine, as long as the beneficiaries arrive in time to be established in their jobs when this seasonal slowdown occurs. For the same reason we require early preparation for projects starting in September. All documentation must be sent to us in time to finalize arrangements in July, as no arrangements can be finalized during August.
Can you provide Work Experience?
Yes. Absolutely! Our programmes include volunteer opportunities, work placements/internships (4 weeks to 1 year) as well as work experience and skills enhancement (less than 4 weeks). For additional details see the following FAQ’s and click on the appropriate link for individuals or group coordinators.
I’m an Individual Student. Can you find me an Internship or a Summer Job?
We accept individuals looking for work experience as part of an educational programme for students and young graduates. Placements are typically unpaid internships, though some placements pay a stipend. Many interns are offered employment contracts at the end of their placement; however we are not an employment agency and do not arrange jobs that initially include an employment contract or salary, or paid summer jobs.
I reside outside the European Union. What about me?
We specialize in educational initiatives sponsored by the European Commission for EU and candidate countries. If you reside in other parts of the world, please contact our sister organization, Experience Europe or visit their website at www.expeurope.com.
I am coming on my own. Can you help me?
If you are not part of an educational programme, please contact our sister organization, Experience Europe or visit their website at www.expeurope.com. If you are not currently sponsored by an educational programme we highly recommend you look into the possibilities for grants. If you are a resident of the EU or candidate countries, click on the EU flag on our home page to find information on the Life Long Learning Programme.
How do I participate in Leonardo Da Vinci?
Your university or the National Agency of your country would need to sponsor you. Contact the international relations department of your university to find out if they have an LDV coordinator. You can also contact the National Agency of your country. Click on the EU flag on our home page for contact information. If you have been accepted to participate in Leonardo but need to make your own arrangements, click on the link for individuals.
My University requires me to make my own arrangements. Can you help me?
We are happy to work with individual students to define their requirements and provide the services they need. This can be just the placement, or can include accommodations and other services...you decide. We will need contact information for your coordinator, and information on your particular situation. Click the link for individuals.
What should I consider when planning a Work Placement in Barcelona?
For a student or young graduate to work in a host organization the placement should last a minimum of 4 weeks and the student should speak intermediate Spanish. The student will have to pass an in-person interview with the host organization after arrival. This allows both the student and the host to ensure the placement is a good fit. Some placements are available in businesses that use English. These jobs are traditionally in programming and IT, graphic design, restaurants and cafes, vacation rentals and tourist services. Language training can be included prior to the start of the placement.
What should I consider when planning a Work Experience project for a student group?
For short Work Experience projects and beneficiaries with little to no Spanish, a programme of activities can be organized. These activities would be done as a group, and include visits to host organizations, seminars, and other activities intended to increase skills and knowledge through presentation of information and exposure to real-world work environments, experts and businesses in their field of study. 1-2 weeks of sector-related activities can be scheduled. 3-week projects should include a week of language training. Limited short-term placements can be arranged in some circumstances, such as volunteering in NGO’s, computer repair, or graphic design students that can take on and complete a small project such as brochure or poster.
I don’t speak Spanish, or only have a basic level of Spanish. Can you accept me?
Yes. English-speaking students can be placed in fields that use this language in their day-to day business. These are traditionally in computer-related and tourist-related fields. We have a limited amount of English-speaking host companies in other fields, and host companies interested in receiving German-speaking students. Students with low-level Spanish interested in working in specific sectors related to their field of study can include language training as the first part of their placement. If language skills improve to the point of being able to pass the in-person interview they can be placed in their field, otherwise they can chose to work in jobs that make use of other languages they know.
My students don’t speak Spanish. Can you receive them?
Yes. The information in the above FAQ for individuals also applies to student groups. Additionally, short-term programmes for groups can make use of our fully bilingual (Spanish/English) staff or include the services of an interpretor.
Can you organize a Vetpro?
Yes. However please note that we can not arrange for teachers to spend their entire time in schools. This is because Barcelona is a popular destination and vocational schools receive many requests for visits, and can no longer dedicate as much time to visiting groups. Vetpros can still be undertaken with adjustments to the programme schedule. Schools outside the central metropolitan area can be visited (there may be additional transportation time and expense) and project activities can be expanded to include seminars and visits with governmental bodies, NGO’s, enterprises, and experts in the field. Expanding the scope of activities provides a well-balanced picture of the sector of interest in Spain, while still meeting the goals of the project.
What should I consider when planning a Vetpro?
For a Vetpro project to be feasible for Barcelona it should also include activities that can be done outside of schools, for example an overview of the education system, a visit to the department of education, a meeting with local government authorities, visits with experts in the field of interest, seminars on related topics, etc. Activities can be organized for a period of 1-2 weeks. Longer projects can include additional cultural activities.
Can you organize Expert Exchanges?
Yes. We organize programmes for small business professionals, sectoral experts, government delegations, professional observations, and other similar groups. Activities are customized to the interests and needs of the group and include visits with colleagues and organizations from the sector of interest, and exchanges for transfer of knowledge and best practices.
What should I consider when planning an Expert Exchange?
Projects are typically 1-2 weeks. Most sectors are suitable for Barcelona. We need a clear understanding of the knowledge to be gained during the exchange, and guidance on activities and host organizations appropriate for the programme.
What is an appropriate duration for a project?
Work experience programmes done as group activities should last 1-2 weeks, or can be longer if language training is included.
Work placements should be a minimum of 4 weeks and can last up to 1 year.
Vetpros and other Expert Exchange projects can last 1-2 weeks, or longer if cultural activities are included.
Can you provide Accommodations?
Yes. We provide accommodations in hostals, self-catering flats, university residences, host families and hotels. We offer accommodations with private rooms, twin rooms, group rooms, and accommodations with meal options. Accommodation prices vary according to type of accommodation, type of room, and length of stay.
Can you organize Cultural Activites?
Yes. We offer activities that can be included in a programme schedule or done independently, as well as themed activities and specialized tours. More information is available on the group coordinator section of our website.
Can you provide Language Training?
Yes. Language training is offered for all levels, from beginner to advanced, as well as DELE exam preparation and testing, and language immersion programmes. Students are placed in classes appropriate for their individual level of expertise in the language studied.
What’s included in the Project Administration?
Our administration includes arranging, managing, evaluating, and reporting for the project, as well as certification of the activities. We also include services directed towards beneficiary welfare and safety, and helping beneficiaries arrive and adapt to a foreign city. Additional details can be found in the group coordinator and individual sections of our site.
How do you handle Local Transportation?
Barcelona offers one of the best transportation systems in Europe. Transportation within the metropolitan area is primarily by metro system and it is possible to get almost anywhere in town, and many places out of town, using public transportation. Local transportation passes are available for different durations. Passes are valid for public transportation including bus, metro and train. We can provide passes appropriate for your needs.
What about Airport Transfer?
It is possible to get back and forth to the airport using the public transportation system. However since managing luggage can be quite an ordeal, especially through long metro corridors, up and down stairs, and walking from the station to the destination, we also offer airport transfer service. Airport transfers are return trip between the airport and accommodations using private transportation such as minibuses and vans. Airport transfer is typically for BCN airport; however it is also available for the regional airports of Girona and Reus (1 hour from the city) which are serviced by the discount airlines.
How do I get a Letter of Intent for my project?
We require enough information to issue the Letter of Intent. This includes
- Name of the organization
- Address (with postal code and information needed to send original by post)
- phone number and fax number
- Title of the project
- Brief description of project idea
- Number of beneficiaries and whether they are students or adults
- How long the group will stay
- Approximate arrival and departure dates
Please download our Questionnaire, fill in as much information as you know, and return the form to incoming@msbarcelona.com.
What will my project cost?
The cost of your project is determined by the type of accommodations, the services we provide, the size of the group and the length of the stay. We offer the full range of accommodations and services necessary to carry out the project, and there is lot of flexibility in the arrangements we can make. Ultimately, your funding will be the deciding factor in determining the arrangements for your group. It is usually best to set a preliminary budget for your project application. Once the project is approved and the amount of funding is known, we will work with you to select options to fit your budget, including defining cost saving measures if funding is less than anticipated. For budgeting purposes keep in mind that Barcelona is city with a high tourist demand for short-term accommodations and services. Please contact us with the budget you have in mind and we will help you determine if it is appropriate for Barcelona. Or send us your project details for an estimate of the cost.
How do I create a budget for my project?
Keep in mind that as a major year-round tourist destination, Barcelona is an expensive city. Set reasonable expectations regarding cost of accommodations and other services, include a budget for translation of host documents if these items are critical to the project success, and Spanish interpretation, if required. You can send us your budget expectations, or you can send us your requirements and we will provide an estimate of cost. Remember that we offer many different options and price ranges, so the details of what we provide can be adjusted according to the funding approved for your project.
