teach in spain - UW Study Abroad

academic information 75
Company visits complement students’ academic studies through first-hand exposure to business
in Spain and Europe. In the past, students have visited the following companies: Cruzcampo, El
Corte Inglés, Danone, Seville Chamber of Commerce, Bolsasur, Fasa-Renault, González Byass,
Isla Mágica, Oleoestepa, la O.N.C.E, National Bank of Spain, and the Madrid Stock Exchange.
INTERNSHIPS FOR CREDIT
Talk about a résumé builder! An internship in a foreign country, in a Spanish company, and conducted
in Spanish is guaranteed to be a conversation piece in your interviews for years to come.
The cultural and linguistic aspects covered throughout your internship experience makes you a
more attractive candidate for any position throughout your career as cultural awareness in the
workplace is a skill in increasing demand among employers.
Candidacy
Before you begin your interviews, you should know what type of candidates internship sponsors
look for. Businesses are primarily interested in a student who is motivated, proactive, and eager
to work; demonstrates common sense in compiling information with the final objective in mind;
makes an effort to improve and expand his or her knowledge of the business; respects the work
schedule; carries out basic tasks, as well as those more specific to his or her particular interests
and abilities; possesses a professional, collaborative, and participative attitude; and takes on this
opportunity with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
Interviewing
If you’ve ever been to a job fair then you’ll know what to expect with our Foro de Entrevistas
(Internship Job Forum). This event is normally held during the first week of the intensive session
and is exclusively for internship program candidates. At this event, you’ll have the opportunity to
meet and interview companies that are interested in taking on an intern.
As the idea of interviewing in Spanish can be a little unnerving, try interviewing with a friend to
help break the ice. Before this Internship Forum, students will receive a presentation on “tips to
face this event successfully”.
IMPORTANT!
Placement with first-choice companies is never guaranteed. CIEE does not place students in
internships. Placement is a result of a mutual agreement between the sponsor and the student.
Before Beginning the Internship
You will interview and be placed within the first two weeks of the program. The internship lasts
for the duration of the regular session. Here are some of the basic forms that are used to provide
structure to the internship program.
• Letter of Professional Conduct and Confidentiality
All internship program participants are required to sign a Letter of Professional Conduct and
Confidentiality. The purpose of this letter is to make students aware of the sensitive nature of
their position as an international intern and to declare to both the company and CIEE that he/
she will act responsibly.
• Learning Contract
You use a learning contract to establish guidelines and structure on which the goals and objectives
of your internship can be evaluated. Halfway through the internship you are asked to
reflect upon these goals and determine whether or not you are on the road to achieving them.
If not, why are these goals not being met and should you reassess them?
• Work Schedule Form
During the interview process, work schedules are negotiated individually and must be respected
throughout the internship. Remember that your class schedule has priority and it is
important to find a schedule that works for both you and the company.
• Work Plan
When designing your weekly work schedule, you’ll need to keep in mind that a total of 120
work hours are needed to complete the internship.
academic information