7 Reasons Why You Should Intern in Madrid, Spain

Madrid is a world-class city being the capital and largest city in Spain.

Holding one of the top GDPs in the world, Madrid showcases its influence in economics, politics, education, fashion, media, science, and culture. This region offers various business opportunities and a stable financial canvas for companies.

Here are 7 reasons why Madrid is the perfect place for your internship abroad:

1. Food

From paella, croquetas, cocido Madrileño, the freshest bread on every corner, jamon iberico, gazpacho, endless tapas and how can we forget churros y chocolate from San Gines (a Madrid staple) -- the list is endless! Madrid brings the perfect combination of all delicious Spanish dishes from all the regions of Spain. Don’t forget to pair it with a Vino Tinto de Verano and to pay a visit to the oldest restaurant in the world Restaurante Botin, it has been around since 1725.

2. Language

What other reason than emerge yourself in the capital of Spain where the Castellano is spoken daily. “Castellano” is what Spaniards like to refer to as the “correct form of Spanish or the original Spanish. The language of 21 countries and spoken by over 7.6% of the world's population, making it one of the most important languages in the world. If you are looking to pick up and perfect your Spanish what better way than to practice with your Madrid locals. Duolingo has nothing on asking for directions to Plaza de España!

3. Culture & Nightlife

There is a saying in Madrid that if you went out before 3 a.m. you went to dinner. Madrid’s culture is very fast-paced yet relaxed. Madrileños know they can skip a siesta yet they can also enjoy to “tapear” go out for tapas with friends until the night ends. Whether you are looking to “salir de copas”( go out for drinks) in Malasaña or La Latina or simply just party the night away in Kapital, Madrid’s 7 story nightclub. The city has something for you to do 24/7.

4. Museums, Parks & Monuments

Whether or not you are a fanatic of art and history, this city is the home to many historic monuments parks and museums. You can visit “Las Meninas” from Diego Velazquez and other artworks from Francisco Goya, at the Museo Nacional del Prado de Madrid -- one of the top museums in the world. If you are feeling more contemporary pay a visit to the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía where works from Spanish icons Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso reside. If what you are looking for is a breath of fresh air, nothing compares to a Sunday stroll in the Retiro Park and the Royal Palace. Or maybe a drink at a “terraza”, a rooftop bar facing the Puerta de Alcala. Your weekends will be filled with endless options. Just don’t forget to schedule a sunset view at the Temple of Debod.

5. Soccer

Whether you like soccer or don’t, Madrid brings you the option to indulge in the city’s love for the sport. You have three teams to choose from! If Rayo Vayecano isn’t your team, you can rep the red and white stripes and support Atlético Madrid or simply yell, "Hala Madrid" and cheer along with the rest of the “Real Madrid Vikings”! Regardless of who you pick just remember you can never miss a Classico and always visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium home to the most popular team in the world, Real Madrid!

6. Shopping

Gran via has all your heart’s desire from Spanish brands like Desigual, Mango, Stradivarius, Pull & Bear, to the infamous Zara. Your latest fashion trends are one metro stop away. Say goodbye to your savings, when you stop at the biggest Zara in the world in Madrid’s financial district.

7. Accessibility

Madrid being the largest city in Spain still holds the title of being less touristy than other major European cities -- which is a big plus when you are trying to get around. The transportation system consists of the Madrid Metro, Madrid light rail, and Cercanias (a regional train system that connects the city of Madrid with the rest of the Madrid region). All of these are clean, fast, and easy to understand. Plus the day and night buses have wifi! Being the capital of Spain, train rides and flights to other cities are so accessible the Madrid -- Barajas airport is your gateway to the world.