¡SpainWorks! – Scholarship for Immersive Internships in Spain

• Interning abroad provides many benefits beyond those of general internships. Students can increase their language proficiency; build an international network; develop communication skills with diverse, cross-cultural colleagues; get to know a new work culture, increase their understanding of global issues and trends; and better position themselves for international careers.

• León Municipal Communications Intern
  • León is the largest city in the province and was one of the fundamental kingdoms in medieval Spain. With a vibrant historical and architectural heritage, it is a popular tourist destination for both Spaniards and international visitors.
  • The intern will collaborate with staff at the Mayor’s office and other León city officials to enhance the city’s communication efforts through multiple channels. Responsibilities will include:
    • Social media content development: develop and implement social media campaigns to promote initiatives, events and key messages
    • Event monitoring and support: assist in planning, coordination and execution of city events, including press conferences. Provide additional support to ensure smooth operations.
    • Document translation: translate documents to ensure accessibility. Update and maintain translated content to ensure accuracy and clarity.
    • Public information materials: design and create public information materials, such as brochures, flyers and newsletters, to disseminate important information to the community.
    • Assist city council’s communication team: collaborate with other staff and city officials on various tasks, including research and preparation of communication materials.

• INCIBE Cybersecurity Communications & Marketing Intern
  • INCIBE is Spain’s leading civilian cybersecurity agency, dedicated to fostering digital trust, enhancing cybersecurity and resilience, and promoting the safe use of cyberspace in Spain. As part of its mission, INCIBE operates INCIBE-CERT, a security incident response center that collaborates with national and international teams to combat cybercrimes and safeguard public security.
  • Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to INCIBE’s mission by assisting in various communication, marketing, and event planning initiatives. Responsibilities will include:
    • Marketing: develop marketing strategies to promote INCIBE’s programs and initiatives. Contribute to the design and creation of marketing materials.
    • Communication: collaborate with staff to produce multimedia content, assist in writing/editing.
    • Event planning: assist in planning and executing events, including logistical coordination and event promotion.

• Sierra Pambley Cultural Integration Intern
  • Sierra Pambley is a non-profit institution dedicated to educational activities in León. One of its key initiatives is the Spanish as a Foreign Language program, which offers free Spanish-language courses to immigrants seeking permanent residency in Spain. The program aims to facilitate the cultural integration of immigrants from diverse backgrounds, including countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
  • In this role, the intern will work closely with the Foundation’s general manager, who teaches Spanish language and culture classes to immigrants. Your primary responsibility will be to assist with the implementation of the Spanish as a Foreign Language program and support immigrants in navigating and integrating into Spanish society through language education. Responsibilities will include:
    • Course material development: collaborate with the general manager to create course materials that provide practical information about Spain and its customs to class members.Develop engaging and informative resources, such as infographics, documents, and presentations, to help immigrants understand essential aspects of Spanish culture and daily life.
    • Immigrant engagement: Interact with immigrants enrolled in the language program, providing support and assistance as they adjust to life in Spain. Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment within the classroom, encouraging participation and cultural exchange among students.
    • Administrative support: Assist the general manager in administrative tasks related to course coordination, scheduling, and student enrollment.
    • Cultural training: Provide guidance on navigating cultural differences and adapting to Spanish society, promoting mutual respect and understanding among immigrants and local residents.

• Meet our first León UW intern, Paula Thiele (2022). (2 minutes)
• Learn more about León – León: City of innovation and knowledge. (3 minutes)

• Students who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for the scholarship:
  • Enrolled undergraduate student at UW-Seattle in good academic standing.
  • Strong and clear interest in conducting an internship in León, Spain.
  • Must be eligible for international travel.
  • Must have intermediate fluency in Spanish (for example, completed Spanish 301 or equivalent).
• Due to funding restrictions, preference will be given to students who are in the Department of Communication and/or who are affiliated with the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (EOP scholars, CAMP scholars, etc).

• Recipients of the scholarship are required to:
  • Complete a program orientation before departure.
  • Register your travel with UW Study Abroad by completing the “FRILA – For Credit” application (cost covered by the scholarship).
  • Arrange air and ground transportation to Spain (cost covered by the scholarship).
  • Read and complete the Student International Travel Policy requirements as outlined by the Office of Global Affairs.
  • Enroll in GEN ST 350, our distance learning internship reflection course, during the quarter of their internship.
  • Live with a local family in León during the program (cost covered by the scholarship).

To maintain full-time student status, all interns will complete the FRILA – for credit option with UW Study Abroad. Their team will enroll students in the FSTDY 300 placeholder course, which will be on your transcript until the credit conversion process is complete.

After returning from abroad:

• Students will work with departments to have their academic performance evaluated on their independent study/internship.
• The advisor or instructor will complete the “upon return” section of the credit verification form.
• Once the completed form is uploaded to your FRILA application with UW Study Abroad, they will post the UW credits and grades to the student’s transcript and remove the FSTDY 300 placeholder course. It will convert to the following courses:
  • GENST 350, 6 credits, Internship Practice & Reflection, Career & Internship Center, UW
  • SPAN 199, 5 credits, Spanish Language, Centro de Idiomas, Universidad de León
  • COM 494, 1 credit, Careers & Communication, Communications Department, UW
• The UW Study Abroad Credit Conversion page has more information.

• The total funding package per intern is $6,500.  Approximately $3,000 is spent behind the scenes to cover the Study Abroad Fee, the UW León Center fee, housing costs and language instruction.
• Interns receive approximately $3,500 (split into three installments) disbursed to their student account; this funding is intended to cover air and ground transportation and basic living expenses while in León.
  • Students are required to purchase UW Student Abroad Insurance during their time in the program (roughly $140 for the quarter). This cost is not covered by the scholarship.

• Access the application using your UW email account here. A preview of the application questions is below:
  • Short response about your interest in conducting an internship in León, Spain and how that relates to your longer-term career goals.
  • Self-evaluation about your familiarity with the Spanish language.
  • Short response about your experience in unfamiliar situations.
  • Short response about how conducting an internship abroad would affect your academic trajectory.
  • Current resume
  • Unofficial transcript

  All applicants will be notified of their application status once review is complete.

• Contact us at bereli@uw.edu.  If you’re interested in donating to this scholarship program, please go here.

• 
  Name – Paula Thiele
  Major – Communication
  Internship Site – León City Council
  Description of Internship – I interned at the León City Council in the Press office, working in close contact with the Mayor of León. Here I had tasks such as developing social media content, heading the translation of important historical articles on the city’s website, and monitoring events such as press conferences. This internship provided me with an opportunity to perfect my Spanish, learn more about the Spanish work culture and become immersed in León’s political world.
  Reflections on Living in León – León is a welcoming and familiar city anyone can fit into. The people are receptive and friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxed and fun. Its history is everywhere, from the Cathedral of León, to the Basilica de San Isidoro, to the Walls that used to surround this city two centuries ago, and still stand. Leonese people love to stay outside having a coffee, some wine with tapas, or walking their dogs, creating a nice environment for students to make friends and explore.
  Related Article – Published in a León newspaper