Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in the Paid Work Experience in Spain Program?
You are eligible to participate if you are a citizen of any longstanding EU member country (pre May 2004); Malta and Cyprus, or Norway, Sweden, Switzerland or Iceland, and if you’ll be between 18 and 26 years old or a fulltime student under the age of 30 - both when you apply for the programme and when you begin working.
How do I apply for the Paid Work Experience in Spain program?
To apply for the Paid Work Experience in Spain, simply return the Application Form along with the supporting documents by e-mail, fax or regular mail.
Is there a minimum level of Spanish required?
Yes, because you’ll perform better in interviews and improve your chances of securing a “better” job when you have better Spanish language skills. You may want to consider a longer course, particularly if you will be starting below the Intermediate level.
Can you guarantee me a job?
Everyone who has taken the programme has been successful; however, you will have to do your best in an interview to secure a job offer. What we will do is to arrange interviews for you, for jobs matched to your Spanish level and your experience, if you have any previous experience. We’ll set you up to succeed, since it is in our best interest for you to get a job offer from your first interview! Sufficient job opportunities are available, and usually you will already have an interview scheduled within the next 48 hours after your arrival. 
Do I have to take a Spanish Course first?
No, but you are required to complete a Spanish language test before beginning your Paid Work Experience in Spain program. The result from this test will decide if you need to take a Spanish course prior to starting you Paid Work Experience in Spain program.
What is the necessary level of Spanish to participate?
Minimum intermediate level of Spanish is necessary; this will open more job opportunities for you.
Will a longer Spanish course help me land a better job?
It’s likely to because you’ll perform better in interviews and improve your chances of securing a “better” job when you have better Spanish language skills. You may want to consider a longer course, particularly if you will be starting below the Intermediate level. Also, preference is given to students who have studied longer to prepare for their Paid Work Experience in Spain when interviews and offers are assigned.
How much will I be paid?
You will always be paid at least minimum wage. Some jobs do pay more than minimum wage, and some include tips and even meals.
How many hours will I work?
Most shifts are 8 hours per day with 1 day off during the week. You may work one shift of 8 hours, or it maybe split into 2 shifts per day. However, in some jobs during high season (July and August) you may not have any days off and you might work 8 to 10 hours per day.
What kind of job will I be placed in?
The job opportunities are in the hospitality, catering, retail and other general service sectors. Positions include: bartender, waiter, kitchen help, waiter’s assistant, hostess and retail store or amusement park attendant.
How long is the Paid Work Experience in Spain program?
The minimum stay is 3 months but you can work for as long as you’d like! There is no maximum stay for the programme. Minimum stays range from 3 months to several months or more, depending on the season.
I’ve never worked before. Can I still apply?
Yes! If you have any work experience at all, please list it on your application and include work references. If you have no experience, it may take you longer to receive an offer, but you are still eligible to apply.
Will I have to do an interview?
Yes. You will have to interview with the employer(s) upon your arrival. All job offers are contingent on passing a personal interview.
08015 - Barcelona - Spain
Tel: +34 93 4254901 | Fax: +34 93 4234156 | Email: spain@intercoined.org