Int’l Internship & Volunteer Network Discover Infinite Possibilities   Discover Spain ~ Independent Programs Bilbao   Bilbao is one of the most vibrant cities in the world! Known as one of the main financial, communication, and cultural capitals of Spain, Bilbao offers participants a dazzling array of cultural events and institutions, educational resources, entertainment, sport events restaurants, markets, shops and services of every kind imaginable. Surrounded by mountains and beautiful beaches, Bilbao maintains an average year-round temperature of 20ºC.  Here, you will find a vibrant street-life, which is why it is sometimes referred to as "The capital of joy and satisfaction".   ~ ~ ~   Program & Placement Opportunities Applicant Requirements Start Dates & Duration Program Fees & Inclusions Application Process ~ Benefits of Participation Other Important Information   ~ ~ ~

*Program & Placement Opportunities   Interning and Volunteering in Bilbao is a great way to get involved, improve the community, make friends, practice your Spanish and learn new skills.  Select your field of interest below for further details.     AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES These internships investigate the development of agriculture and the natural resources on a variety of settings. Duties permit individuals to gain hands-on gardening and maintenance experience throughout various plant collections, greenhouses and farms.     ARCHITECTURE Work on a number of projects related to the field in which you are specialized. Translate the client’s needs and the architects design ideas into a visual format. Tasks include designing solutions for architectural problems, computer drafting, preparing presentations, corresponding with clients, researching products, presenting design solutions, CAD drafting or inspect new and ongoing projects.     ART Works of art in their social, political, intellectual, and cultural contexts. Learn to think, read, and write critically about art and to be an astute interpreter of visual culture. Pursue experiential learning through an internship in a museum, art gallery, historic preservation, interior design, artists-in-residence, archeological sites, architectural firms, etc.

BUSINESS Learn communication, sales, customer service, computer, problem solving and presentation skills.  Prepare surveys, quotations, order entries, invoicing, business plans, research, incorporate presentation of results into project plans for implementation. Assist with creating of customer databases and in developing customer information/ advertising materials.     COMMUNICATIONS Field and studio camera work, editing, producing and creating. Letter/newsletter writing, feature/special event writing, brochure/poster design and campaign development.  Opportunities also available in Public Relations.     COMPUTERS Research and development, technology and design, web hosting and database development or engineering.  Skills and knowledge about web based programming, teamwork, project management and how to identify client specific goals are highly appreciated.     EDUCATION Develop and implement a comprehensive plan aimed at meeting the educational needs of various groups or individuals.  While no specific skills are required, a willingness to learn about community resources and work in a team is essential. Liaise with classroom staff, design and implement lessons/plans/activities for other members of the Project.     ENGINEERING Researching and analyzing technical data, reviewing and inspecting products for quality control, documenting technical information on various databases, maintaining/updating support systems.  Attend project meetings, purchase necessary raw materials and services, conduct quality control, prepare quantity take-offs for assigned trades or systems and co-ordinate take off with other team members.     ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE Experience the day to day operations of a nature preserve and participate in on-going research projects in community and ecosystem ecology, conservation biology, animal behavior and evolution.

HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT An exceptional opportunity to learn valuable skills in the hospitality industry in a four-five diamond resort.  Participants in this program must have a neat and clean appearance, ability to concentrate, good health and stamina, initiative, leadership abilities, self-discipline, willingness to relocate, people skills, listening and linguistic skills.     LAW Law offices regularly seek interns to assist staff attorneys in legal research, preparation of legal documents, and working with clients.  Learn first hand about the legal system in Spain.  Interns also may also have an opportunity to accompany staff attorneys to trial and other legal hearings.     MARKETING Learn aspects of public relations and marketing at small companies: event management, membership, program marketing, direct mailing, grants, sponsorships, marketing ventures and newsletter production.  Research, analyze and monitor market trends in a competitive environment.  Review and prepare mailing lists.  Opportunities are also available in Public Relations for those who are interested.     SOCIAL WORK Work with other human rights activists and people who want a better world to design an internship for that works for YOU!  Self-motivation, creativity and enthusiasm are required! We will help you refine your idea and make it happen.  Public Relations and development assist to coordinate planning, promotion and execution of public programs and special events. Individuals interested in a career in the non-profit development, fundraising and marketing world would particularly benefit from this experience.     SPORTS A unique opportunity to explore issues that are relevant to high performance, including communications skills, problem solving and ethical decision-making.  Interns receive leadership and supervisory experiences in all aspects of our comprehensive program including: informal recreation, sport clubs, outdoor recreation, fitness, facilities management, etc. Design and management of programs for increasing strength, stamina, flexibility and co-ordination. Dietary assessment and recognizing sports injuries are part of the program.     THEOLOGICAL STUDIES This placement is designed for individuals who want to develop their personal values, faith, and/or professional ministries through academic inquiry, systematic reflection, and experiential learning. This internship encourages participants to explore and affirm their own roots and traditions, and to develop intellectual competence in the context of Christian/Jewish/Muslim/ community and service. In addition, participants can strengthen their own commitments and grow in respect for and appreciation of the roots, traditions and commitments of others.  Participants come from many backgrounds and religious traditions and bring to their studies a variety of goals and hopes for the future.     TOURISM & TRAVEL Interns will work on a number of projects, helping with the day to day running of the placement.  Participants are expected to exhibit patience, dependability, creativity and flexibility. The intern will assist in organizing events, meetings, etc. Marketing & advertising strategies, organizational skills, travel booking & reservation skills, etc.       Should you not find your field of interest noted above, please let us know.  It would be our pleasure to customize an opportunity to meet your needs! ~ ~ ~

Start Dates & Program Duration    Our Independent Programs are offered year-round, and program duration is customized to meet each participants needs.   *Placements are not offered in Bilbao during the month of August.   ~ ~ ~

Accommodations, Meals & Transportation   Accommodations:   Although housing is not included in our Independent Program Fee, we will be happy to provide you with resources and recommendations for options that are affordable, safe and in an area convenient to your placement location.    Should you be interested in confirming a Home Stay as offered by our Receiving Organization, we have provided further details on this option below. You must advise your Receiving Organization of your intent to secure a Home Stay option no later than 45 days prior to your departure from your home country. Options noted below are offered on a “space available basis”.  The address of your residence will be forwarded to you one week prior to your start date.  All accommodation options are rented from the Sunday before your program starts until the Saturday after it finishes.  Sheets, bed linen and kitchen utensils are included in price noted.  Participants must bring their own towels and other necessary personal items that will result in your stay being as pleasant as possible.      Host family: The best way to learn a language is to be deeply immersed in it. With this in mind, we have selected a wide range of host, upper-middle class families, where you will feel at home. All the families who collaborate with us will treat you as another member of the family. The family will contribute to your learning process in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Host Family Full-Board (all meals) = 180€ per week; Host Family Half-Board (breakfast & dinner) = 150€ per week (cost is only approximate and may vary based on discretion of housing provider) Living with a host family requires some behavioral rules to be followed that are obligatory for the program stay. The participant must: Adapt to the way of life, timetables, and customs of the host family. Respect the family’s time to relax. Keep the silence at night time: avoid unnecessary noise, loud TV or music, showers. Not call the family after 11pm apart from in an emergency. To be tidy in the house: keep tidy personal clothes, make the bed, and clear your place at the dinner table after having finished eating. To look after the utensils, furniture and household items. To not use the family's personal items without their consent: towels, brushes, combs, soap, and shampoo. To be conscious of the fact that water is expensive and it is for this reason that it is recommendable not to spend too much time in the shower. To have consideration for the family and not to worry them unnecessarily. To always communicate to the family exceptional situations such as trips or sleeping out of the house. Not to use the family phone to make calls.

Meals:  Independent Program participants will be on their own for all meals.  We recommend a budget of 300€ - 400€ per month.      Transportation:  We are pleased to provide participants with transportation to/from the airport of the host country to their housing location.   Public transportation in Spain is very popular, highly recommended and very affordable.      ~ ~ ~

Other Important Information    Currency Exchange/Bank Machines/ATM's:    Currency Converter   Spain is a member of the European Union (EU). In 2002 the euro was implemented as the common currency for most EU member countries. For the traveler, this means one can move from many EU countries to the next without stopping to exchange currency. (Note: Not all EU countries have adopted the euro as their currency.)   Best way to exchange money:  In the past, the best place to exchange money was a bank ATM machine but some banks are now adding a 3% fee on to foreign ATM withdrawals. Make certain your bankcard is of the four PIN number type; this is the standard in Spain. ATMs in Spain are compatible with the Cirrus or Plus system. If you have any doubts about the usability of your ATM card, contact you bank prior to leaving. You might also want to check with your bank to ask about their fee structure on international exchanges. Bank ATM machines can be found in the lobby area of both the Madrid and Barcelona International Airports. Credit Cards are another way to exchange money in Spain, either through withdrawing cash or by making a purchase. It is a good idea to check your credit card policy for fees related to international exchanges and cash money withdrawals. Even with fees, credit card purchases usually provide a better rate of exchange than a street cambio (exchange) vendor does. Note - there are two levels of fees, VISA and MASTERCARD charge a 1% fee on all transactions but some banks then add their own 1-3% fee. There are banks that charge no additional fees for credit cards use overseas, it is these no additional charge banks you want to get a credit card from. Traveler Checks - In these days of ATM's and credit cards, the old fashion, paper, Traveler Checks are not very usefully. If the paper Traveler Checks are in the currency of the country you are visiting, you might find they are accepted by individual stores, but even this is become rare. As back up money for emergencies, Traveler Checks may still have a role. The best place to cash or exchange Travelers checks are in the offices of the company that issued them, American Express, Thomas Cook, etc. Finding Branch offices of the issuing Traveler Check is not always convenient if not at times impossible. Banks will cash Traveler Checks for an additional fee. The newer,Traveler Checks come in the form of a bank card. The card is used just like a credit card but you charge the card using real cash before leaving home. I have no experience with the bank card variety of Traveler Checks. Spanish Banks - If you have cash to exchange check the street Cambio (money exchange) vender fees and then try a Spanish Bank. You will be hit by currency exchange fees at a Spanish bank but, in my case, the clerks always seem to feel so bad at charging so much for the exchange. Historically Spanish bank exchange fees have been less than the street, money exchange, shops Given the current fee system on bank and credit cards the Cambio venders may now be competitive. As all things in travel, the old rules may no longer apply when it comes to exchanging your money in to local currency.

Language Proficiency & Lessons:  Participants interested in a placement in Bilbao must possess an intermediate+ Spanish language level.  Language schools are a great way to refresh your skills and learn something new at any level.  Should you be interested in Spanish Language classes prior to or during your program, it would be our pleasure to provide you with information in regard to this.   There are two official languages spoken in Bilbao: Catalan, generally spoken in all of Catalonia, and Castilian Spanish. The city of Bilbao has a population of 1.510.000, but this number spirals to more than 4.000.000 if the outlying areas are also included.   Vaccinations Required:  We recommend participants personally contact their primary care physician to determine exact vaccinations that are required for their trip.    Additional vaccination information may be found by visiting the following links;   Center for Disease Control - Provides country by country health information for international travel.  Includes vaccine recommendations, health recommendations, updates on disease outbreaks, with descriptions and recommended treatment.   World Health Organization - Can view risks by country or by disease.  Provides vaccination requirements, information on accidents, infectious diseases, and traveler checklist.  Provides health and disease alerts.

Visa:  Do I need a visa if I don't have nationality from any of the countries that are members of the European Union?   If your stay is less that 3 months (and with an extension of up to 6 months), the answer is NO. Your nationality should be from: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Chipre, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, United States, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, Norway, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Korea, Romania, San Marino, Santa Sede, Singapore, Switzerland, Uruguay, Venezuela, particular regions of the Popular China Republic of Hong Kong and Macao.   Where can the application for the visa be made?  In the Spanish Embassy or Consulate that corresponds to where you live. The application for the visa, as well as its collection, is to be made in person, although in certain cases a representative can be designated on your behalf.     ~ ~ ~   Apply for a Program Return to Home Page      ~ ~ ~