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Courses in Spain Administrative formalities
There are a lot of small and very small businesses in Spain, particularly
in the service sector. Most large companies are concentrated in the industrial
sector. Large international companies are found in renewable energy, tourism,
banking, insurance, the textile industry, health technologies, aeronautics, the
agri-food sector, the automotive industry and the development of infrastructure.
Name and legal framework
‘Práctica’
In Spain, courses do not have the same tradition as in France or in Germany. In
general, there are courses integrated with studies carried out prior to graduation,
whose objective is to combine theoretical and practical knowledge by offering the
pupil or student some experience in the field. Most professional training courses
and universities therefore now include a compulsory work placement.
There are two types of course:
✓ Courses for students which are part of a curriculum and which give rise
to the validation of credits. These are mandatory and are organized by the
universities and regulated by an agreement (convenio) between the university
and the business in the context of the Programas de Cooperación Educativa.
They are, in general, not paid but it is possible that the company may offer
some compensation in the form of a bursary. Courses carried out by French
students which are the subject of a convention (from the French university)
come into this category.
✓ Courses for young graduates at the initiative of the trainee: Spanish
legislation does not currently regulate this type of course. They are subject to
a tripartite course agreement proposed by the university, an association, or
in the context of programmes. These courses are paid, in the form of a grant.
The trainee does not occupy a working position, so there is no contractual
relationship. It is important to differentiate between the probationary
contract (Contrato de Prácticas), very common for young graduates, which
corresponds to their first entry into the jobs market, and whose duration is
regulated (between six months and two years). In this last case, the trainee
contributes to social security and receives a predetermined salary.
Work schedules in Spain are unusual. Although it notes the changes, the lunch
break starts at 2pm and is fairly long (about 2½ hours). The working day therefore
ends later, about 7 or 8pm. The working week is 40 hours.
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The Número de Identificación Extranjero (NIE) (ID number for foreigners) is a unique
personal number assigned to foreigners by the General Directorate of Police. It
appears on all the official documents that the administration sends or transmits
to foreigners in Spain. This number is mandatory for those who take a course in
Spain. It is useful for administrative formalities: opening a bank account, finding
accommodation, opening an energy supplier account, registering a driving licence,
etc. The NIE's application must be made to the Spanish Consulate General in
Paris or directly in Spain if the internship lasts more than 3 months, by visiting the
Police Station of the place of residence (or "Policía de Extranjeros" of the province).
For more information look at: www.exteriores.gob.es /informacion para extranjeros.
The Número de afiliación a la Seguridad Social a la Seguridad Social (Spanish Social
Security number) is issued by the General Treasury of Social Security in the home
province of the business where the course is located; it is mandatory.
For more information: www.seg-social.es
For an example of a course contract in Spanish, refer to Key Point 7: administrative
stages at the beginning of this booklet.
Practical life
Cost of living: living in Spain is generally a little cheaper than in France. But there
is a great difference between large cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Bilbao, and
the cities of the South. An average budget of €700 should cover the costs.
Accommodation: Rents vary from one city to the other; they are higher in the
country's main cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Vitoria and Saint-Sébastien.
Moreover, the centres of large cities are always more expensive than the suburbs
or surrounding towns, which are generally well served by trains or buses.
The price of renting a room can vary from 180 to 300 € per month (excluding
possible charges for electricity, water, etc).
Some of the many private sites offering rentals: www.idealista.com/fr ; www.
easypiso.com ; www.spainhouses.net ; www.enalquiler.com ; …
Tips on finding a course and useful sites
CV and covering letter
The CV and covering letter carta de presentación must be written in Spanish.
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