Another point, and probably one of the most appealing ones, is the Spanish cuisine and food culture. Living in Spain, you will quickly become aware of the huge number of cafés, bars and restaurants, which are filled with people nearly any time of the day. A significant part of Spanish life is lived outside in those public places, causing an overall vibrant feeling in the streets. When it comes to time, it can be said that lunch and dinner are usually eaten relatively late, compared to other cultures. Thus, people have lunch at two or three in the afternoon, after which they tend to rest for some time (“siesta”) if the circumstances allow. Dinner time can often be after nine in the evening. Known as a country with a strong coffee culture, coffee is consumed pretty much throughout the entire day, also in the evenings, in many different variations. For some people it is nothing unusual to drink four to five cups of coffee per day while sitting and chatting with colleagues, family or friends.

Read more about Spanish cuisine here.

Another aspect contributing to a comparably high quality of life, especially on the Canary Islands, is the exceptional climate with constantly pleasant weather conditions, guaranteeing warm temperatures and sunny days with only very few rainy days basically all year round. The amount of sunlight hours on the Canaries is one of the highest to be found in Europe, which, hypothetically, has an overall positive impact on people’s psychological state, and can lead to a lower number of depressions thanks to the increased level of vitamin D. Therefore, the climate is likely to encourage people to live a more sociable and active life by spending more time outdoors and in nature.

Living and working in Spain together with Spaniards, you might soon realize that the concept of timing things, and completing tasks can indeed be a slightly different one than in other European cultures. It is a well-known cliché that things in Spain can take comparably long to be done or completed. It is a stereotype that is, of course, no ultimate truth; however, it can be said that there is a tendency not to stress about many things such as tight schedules as much as, for instance, in the German culture. “Mañana, mañana” – an expression often associated with life in Spain, demonstrates a specific approach to time orientation: Spanish culture is rather based on a polychronic time orientation, which means that people tend to work on several tasks simultaneously instead of focussing on the completion of mainly one task at a time, which would be described as a monochronic culture. Consequently, it could be argued that in Spain adhering to deadlines is sometimes not as fundamental as in other cultures, which leads to the assumption that one tries to avoid unhealthy stress and pressure as it is often encountered in some other countries.

The concept of siesta, as mentioned earlier, is a well-established tradition in Spain that is meant to contribute to an overall less stressful life. It is probably one of the most known features of the Spanish culture and influences everyday life and the “Spanish rhythm” still today. The siesta, a time of rest in the afternoon, was brought into the culture as a means of avoiding work during the hot and exhausting times of the day, and get some rest instead. Hence, businesses, stores etc. tend to be closed between 14-17 o’clock, and people pick up their work in the early evening again. This typical Spanish concept has been an important and integral part of a regular working day, especially in the past, and despite not being as prominent anymore today, especially in larger cities or holiday destinations, it is still practiced in wide parts of the country and a crucial aspect of the country’s cultural identity. 🧡

We think that the best way to find out if you agree with the things mentioned in this article, is to come to Spain for an internship and to see for yourself. Living and working in Spain will give you the opportunity to experience Spanish culture at first hand and develop both personally and professionally. Doing a hotel internship abroad is a promising time and an amazing experience. Read up on the experiences of former S-W-E-P interns here.

Fuerteventura is widely known as a surfer’s utopia, a reputation it well deserves due to its impressive waves and welcoming surf culture. During your time here, particularly if you’re here on an internship on Fuerteventura, you’ll be delighted to discover that the island is dotted with numerous sport schools. These establishments not only offer comprehensive surfing courses that cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced surfers, but they also provide all the necessary equipment you might need. This makes it incredibly convenient for anyone looking to dive into the sport or polish their surfing skills.

Therefore, if you find yourself yearning to conquer the majestic waves on your days off, Fuerteventura presents itself as the ideal destination. Its friendly surf community, coupled with the easy access to high-quality surf education and gear, ensures that your surfing adventure here will be both thrilling and fulfilling.

The mill of Antigua – have a look at its inside! The mill is located at a huge area where you can see lots of different things. If you are interested in art, there is the possibility to visit exhibitions where you can have a look at canary craft. Since 1998, there has been a museum inside the restored large windmill, which, among other things, provides information about the life of a miller and the production of gofio.

There is also a shop, where you can buy some of the crafts – maybe you find a nice souvenir! A restaurant, a cafeteria and a gallery are also located there. Outside you find a cactus garden, where you can take a walk.

If you are interested in culture, you can have a look at an archaeological collection of the lava cave of Villaverde. The Cueva del Llano came into existence following the eruption of the Escanfraga Mountain volcano, an event that dates back over 800,000 years. To date, its mapped length reaches 648 meters, with the final 200 meters presenting challenges for exploration. In certain areas, the cave’s ceiling rises to heights of more than six meters. Within the cave, there is a fascinating assortment of fossils, including those of species that are now extinct. Notably, it houses the remains of the lava mouse, a species that was prevalent around two thousand years ago but disappeared following human arrival and the introduction of the common mouse.

You can also visit the Museo del Queso Majorero in this area. Come and discover the origin and production of Majorero cheese. Did you know that the Majorera goat is recognized as one of the most productive in the world? The excellent quality of its milk, dense, aromatic, and fatty, is one of the main secrets of Majorero Cheese.

Do you like hiking? Visit the 20 Squarekilometers big dune area El Jable – Las Dunas de Corralejo. The area is under conservation and close to the 7 km long white beach of Corralejo.

In 1969, a German company built two hotels on the dune area. This company previously bought up parts of the beautiful, ever-moving landscape. Fortunately, the area is no longer ‘approved’ building land today. Since 1982, the beach and shifting dunes have been designated as a special EU nature reserve because the shifting dunes are always in motion due to the constantly present winds. It can happen that the road from Puerto del Rosario to Corralejo (it divides the dune area) is blown away by sand and sometimes winds whip the fine grains of sand through the air. An impressive image that you should definitely take a picture of. You can reach the public, extensive beach area with bus number 6. Bus stops are at the train station and the port of Corralejo.

The small fishing village Las Playitas is only a few kilometres eastern of Tarajal. There you can enjoy delicious fish plates in one of the small restaurants or go for a walk. Before you come to the village, you can follow a small street to the east, which leads to the south. At the highest point of Punta de la Entallada you find a beautiful lighthouse. There you have a wonderful view over the Atlantic Ocean.

The Faro de la Entallada at Punta de la Entallada is the last lighthouse in Spain built according to the old standard design from the 1850s. That’s exactly what makes it so beautiful. The lighthouse was built to help ships navigate in a direct line from Spanish Western Sahara to the port of Gran Canaria or Tenerife. At that time, the western part of the Sahara was still Spanish and occupied by the Spanish Foreign Legion.

The Faro de la Entallada lighthouse is almost exactly the ideal image of a lighthouse that most people have in their minds. 187 m high above the sea, it towers spectacularly into the sky, freestanding on a cliff. The rocks fall dizzyingly and vertically into the sea beyond it.

You should definitely visit the Oasis Park in the west of Tarajalejo during your internship on Fuerteventura!

Join amazing parrot shows, see lots of different animals or take part in an exciting safari with camels. You will be lead past tropical plants and palm trees up to a hill from where you will have the chance to enjoy an amazing view over the botanical garden and the beautiful beaches of the cost.

The most sought-after attraction is the camel experience. Camels have become synonymous with Fuerteventura’s character. Having been introduced to the Canary Islands over five centuries ago, they have been companions to both residents and tourists alike. Today, you have the opportunity to engage with their storied presence. Allow these ancient creatures to lead you across the stunning desert landscapes that encircle this oasis, guiding you until the sea comes into view.

Here is the link to the homepage for further information: http://www.fuerteventuraoasispark.com/en

Punta de Jandia is located at the southwest of the island. From Morro Jable you can follow a route through a semi-desert with minimal vegetation. The view you get there is impressive. Everybody will enjoy it!

The remote cape of Punta de Jandía can only be reached via a 19 kilometre long gravel road that begins behind the cemetery of Morro Jable. Along a mountain range on the right, the gravel road winds through endless expanses, while the blue Atlantic stretches out to the left. Winds, drought, dust, stones, and orange-yellow sand characterize the landscape, which is a true beauty when you look closely.

Close to Punta de Jandia the village Puerto de la Cruz offers lovely places for a break. There you can eat one of the typical canary dishes. Arrived at Punta de Jandia you can see a beautiful lighthouse. At the southernmost point of this cape is the very photogenic Faro de Punta de Jandía. At the foot of the lighthouse, you can have a picnic on several seating areas and enjoy the raw and minimalist nature.

Tip: The most beautiful time in this place is at sunset. As the sunlight turns orange and the shadows become longer, the view over the Atlantic also changes. When the air conditions are clear, Gran Canaria appears out of nowhere in the last hours of the day and, with a bit of luck, even Tenerife with the 3,718-meter-high Pico del Teide volcano.

The beautiful beach is located northern of the small village El Cotillo. The bays are good protected and if you are lucky there are almost no other people. Turquoise water and white sand are the highlight of your free day during your internship on Fuerteventura at your dream beach.

Los Lagos beach impresses above all with nature. Most people come here to relax. A bit of entertainment is provided on the sand, as there are two small soccer goals and poles for a volleyball net. Apart from snorkelling, you cannot do any other water sports directly in the lagoons.

The serene atmosphere and picturesque lagoons create ideal conditions for a peaceful beach day. While there are no dining or restroom facilities directly on the beach, a short distance away with a view of the beach, you’ll find the “Ocean Deli”. Here, you can indulge in tasty food and drinks, and you’re likely welcome to use their restrooms in exchange.

For years people say the mountain has magical powers.

The Montaña Tindaya may have had a wide variety of cultic significance. One was the determination of the winter solstice. The whim of nature would have it that the shadow of the Montaña de Enmedio (523 m) is cast symmetrically on Mount Tindaya before and after the days of the winter solstice. The small bulges and caves at the summit of Tindaya may have been places of sacrifice. Potsherds were found there. But the “podomorphos”, the rock carvings, pose a mystery. 312 of them have so far been found on Montaña Tindaya. They are rock carvings that resemble feet. Whether they should be is questionable.

On the southwestern ridge of Mount Tindaya there is a path that allows the visitor to get to know the sacred mountain and the beauty of its colors up close. It lies in the middle of a landscape that radiates peace and mystery. At its southern foothills lies a small village where a few shops and restaurants make a visit to this magical landscape more pleasant.

Get inspired by the mysterious atmosphere! Traces of the native inhabitants remind of the history of the Montaña de Tindaya.  Art and nature get connected there – be enchanted!

Discover nature from the viewpoint of las Peñitas. After you left behind the oldest village of the Canary Islands, you will get a beautiful view over mountains and the amazing Atlantic Ocean.

Las Peñitas serves as a canvas for the imagination, inviting you to journey back to a time millions of years ago when the island featured towering mountains instead of its current gentle slopes. Those motivated by the scenic landscape can venture to the adjacent town of Vega de Rio Palmas by car and embark on the SL-FV-27 trail. This path meanders past the dam, offering hikers a chance to immerse themselves in the fresh air and distinctive ambiance of this remarkable location. At the Las Peñitas viewpoint in Betancuria, you are greeted with a breath-taking sight: a lush oasis amidst the desert expanse. Beneath the ravine of Las Peñitas, an underground river surfaces via an artificial dam, giving life to a quaint lake adorned with indigenous flora. This expansive lookout point provides an ideal pause on a drive through Fuerteventura’s heartland, offering a chance to savour this stunning and unexpected scenery.

A unique experience of nature! You have the possibility to help baby turtles to begin their life at the impressive beach of Cofete.

The Morro Jable Sea Turtle Recovery and Conservation Centre is situated in the Port of Morro Jable, approximately a 1km distance or a 15-minute walk from Playa Morro Jable. Admission to the center is entirely free, though its limited size necessitates a maximum visit duration of 20 minutes. However, this should not deter you, as the center can comfortably be explored within this time limit.

Among the eight species of sea turtles, four are found in the waters surrounding the Canary Islands, with the Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles being the most prevalent. The Morro Jable turtle nursery is driven by two primary objectives: 1. The recovery of sick and injured sea turtles and 2. The conservation effort of reintroducing an endangered species back to the island.

You can visit the `kindergarden´ for turtles from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 1 pm.

Do you want to experience something new – to get out of the dreary everyday life? Do you want to leave the grey weather behind and enjoy the sun? Have you had enough theory and want to improve through practice now?

Then apply for an exclusive hotel practical training in Greece in one of the most popular tourist destinations – Crete!

One of our 5-star partner hotels on Crete is looking for a trainee in the Reception/Guest Relations department. You will get free board and accommodation and an additional monthly remuneration of €350. The minimum internship period is 3 months and the internship is available from now on.

Welcoming guests, answering their questions and giving information, dealing with complaint management, check-in of guests, answering the phone, exchanging (money) currencies, dealing with international correspondence, entering reservations into the hotel specific computer program and processing the check-out of guests, etc. …

Gradually, you will learn all the tasks in the hotel reception area and try to implement them step by step. This will help you to implement your theoretical knowledge into practice. You will work in a multinational environment with the opportunity to gain new experiences, expand your already existing knowledge and develop new skills. Time to explore the island or just relax at the beach on your days off is guaranteed.

Do you like working with people of many different nationalities? Are you communicative, have a friendly and outgoing personality and you can still smile in stressful moments? Then this internship is just right for you! A student status is not required. Your German language skills should be at a good level. Don’t worry – you do not have to speak Greek 🙂.

For this vacancy an internship period of 3 to 6 months is required. Your duties in the reception area are welcoming guests, handling the check-in (computer registration) and providing information about the hotel services. You will also answer incoming calls, pass them on, inform the guests about the island, deal with hotel reservations, show guests their hotel rooms and correspond with them. Furthermore, you will translate documents into English and Spanish, pass on complaints, and fulfil the guests wishes.  As you become more experienced you will generate hotel bills, arrange checkouts of departing guests, help with reservations, as well as with other tasks. You will work 40 hours per week with two days off. Free board and accommodation are provided by the hotel and you will get at least €150 remuneration per month.

Do you want to gain more practical experience, make use of your already acquired knowledge and improve your language skills? – Then take the chance and apply for an exclusive hotel internship on Fuerteventura!

⟶  Here you can also find internship positions on the Canary Islands

Are you looking for an opportunity to go abroad, to gain experiences in another country? What are you waiting for? Take the next plane and fly to the Canary Islands! We have the perfect internship abroad for you!

We have 2 vacancies in the PR/Quality Management Department in one of our 5-star partner hotels on Tenerife. For both internship positions you will get at least 150 € per month as well as free accommodation and board.

So, if you are interested in the hotel industry, you are motivated and enjoy working with people, you are already studying or completing an apprenticeship and your English skills are good and you have a basic knowledge in Spanish – then these vacancies are right for you.

One of our partner hotels in the 4-star sector on Lanzarote offers a vacant position for October in the Reception Department.

The hotel is looking for an intern who is available for at least 3 months, reliable and has good communication skills in dealing with international guests. Are you interested to spend your practical training on the Canary Islands?

If you would like to get to know the daily work of a receptionist, please apply now by sending your English or Spanish CV to:  info@s-w-e-p.com

We are looking forward to receive your application!

Do you want to enhance your English language skills?  Do you want to get to know a new culture and enjoy the wonderful weather during your leisure time? We offer voluntary internships on Malta. This means a student status is not necessary and we can also organize internships for high school graduates.

On Malta, English is predominantly spoken, so usually quite good English skills are required by the hotels. Other language skills are desirable but not a requirement.

Currently our intern Bob is working in one of our partner hotels in the Restaurant Department on Malta. To work in the Restaurant Department means to be very attentive and sociable, communicative and to have very friendly manners. Since he started his internship his language skills are improving and he is developing new personal skills, such as better time management and dealing with stressful situations.

His tasks are welcoming the international guests in the restaurant of the hotel, ensuring a professional and friendly service during breakfast, lunch and dinner, also helping out at the pool bar during the day, arranging tables and laying out dishes in the dining room to prepare it for the evening service, giving recommendations to each guest on their choice of food and wine and taking their orders. He is enjoying his time on Malta and therefore he clinks glasses with his new friend while having a very beautiful ocean view.

The hotels offer the interns free accommodation + free board and a remuneration. For example, a 5-star hotel offers several paid internship positions with a remuneration of 200 € per month on Malta in the departments Reception or Food & Beverage.

⟶ Please find more information about Malta here.

Our internships offer a unique combination of working experience and fun. Currently we have a free internship golf vacancy available as a Caddy in the Golf-Club of a 5-star Hotel on Tenerife. Free accommodation and board will be provided by the hotel and additionally you will receive a monthly remuneration of at least 150 €.

Your tasks will be assisting the golfers on the golf course, answering queries regarding the pitch condition as well as the driving the golf carts. Consequently, you should have an affinity to playing golf, ideally you have a minimum handicap and you are at least a little familiar with the golf sport.

Do you enjoy daily contact with people? Are you open-minded and communicative? Do you have basic knowledge in Spanish and English is no problem for you? If so, then you are the perfect candidate for this traineeship. This is your chance to do an internship abroad!

What are you waiting for? Apply now by sending us your CV in English or Spanish with a photo to:  info@s-w-e-p.com

We are looking forward to see you on the golf course soon!

Do you want to escape the cold and rainy weather, and enjoy the sun on beautiful beaches instead? During your practical training on the Canary Islands, you will have summerlike temperatures even in winter time and you will get the chance to choose between different leisure time activities. Whether you prefer a camel ride through the volcanic landscape, explore an impressive lava cave or spend a relaxing day at one of the numerous beaches all possible during your hotel internship on Lanzarote!

One of our 5-star partner hotels on Lanzarote is looking for an intern in the Public Relations Department.

For this internship a period of 2 – 6 months is required. You will work 40 hours and have two days off per week, accommodation and meals are provided by the hotel for free and you will receive a remuneration of 300 EUR per month.

Are you studying or doing an apprenticeship? Are you planning to do your compulsory internship abroad? Then this is the right internship for you!

During your practical training in a hotel on Lanzarote you will be permanently in contact with the international hotel guests. Your tasks will be welcoming the guests and showing them the hotel facilities as well as forwarding any complaints received to the respective department. Furthermore, you will analyse the results of the hotel questionnaires, prepare international correspondence and learn about Customer Relationship Management.

For this internship you should have a friendly personality and self-confidence. You like to deal with international guests and you are able to solve even difficult situations in a diplomatic way. Your English has to be at a good level and you will need at least basic Spanish skills.

Would you like the opportunity to experience a new culture and enjoy the beautiful scenery in your leisure time? We offer voluntary placements on the Greek Islands, giving you the opportunity to gain new skills in a hotel where others go for their holidays. The positions in Greece do not require you to be a student!

Good English skills are required by the hotels. Other language skills are desirable.

The hotels offer the interns very different conditions. Free accommodation + free board + remuneration are often provided.

For example: A 5-star hotel is offering internships in the Reception, Hostess, Restaurant and Guest Relations Departments with free board and accommodation, plus a remuneration of 600 € per month.

There are various ways to explore Teide and enjoy the national park and its astronomical phenomena. However, my friend and I decided for the easiest way and rented a car to reach Montaña Blanca, at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level. To get there, we drove through a village called “Vilaflor” and parked at a visitor’s parking lot, near a hiking trail. The trail led us straight up. The path was winding and had some inclines and declines. Our hike began late at night as we wanted to witness the sunrise at the summit. It took us approximately 4-5 hours to reach the summit from the starting point (depending on fitness and experience, some may reach the summit in 3 hours). Since we were there in April, it was extremely cold at night! On the way to the summit, temperatures dropped to 0 degrees Celsius! If you are planning to hike through the night, it is essential to prepare for the cold. Make sure to bring warm clothing and enough water with you. It is super important to stay hydrated during the hike, sice this can help prevent headaches due to the altitude changes.

Photo by @krastevdeyan

A little side note: A permit is required for the final 300 m to the summit. You can apply for your permit through the following link: reservasparquesnacionales.es

I can definitely recommend going all the way to the very top! The final meters may be challenging, but they are absolutely worth it. Despite the cold, the wind, and the slight smell of sulfur in the air, it is an experience like no other. Once you stand on the summit of Teide and look down upon the clouds, with nothing above you except the sky, you will surely agree with me.

We started our hike at 2 am. Our goal was to reach the summit early enough, to watch the sunrise above the clouds. During our trip, the sunrise was at 7:30 am, but this can vary depending on the season and should be checked beforehand. We planned enough time to hike slowely and take plenty of breaks to rest and eat. Thankfully, we were equipped with headlamps, so there was no danger of tripping or falling.

For those who don’t want to hike throughout the entire night (which is completely understandable), but still want to experience the stars and the sunrise (or even the sunset, which I heard is also breathtaking), there is the option of spending the night at around 3200 meters above sea level. Above the clouds, there is a charming little cabin where you can book a night in a warm, comfortable bed. An important note: It is advisable to book in advance! The route to the summit of Teide is extremely popular, and the accommodations near the summit are equally desired. Here is the link to check for available dates and make a reservation: volcanoteide.com

If you choose to stay overnight in the cabin, the previously mentioned permit is not required as it is included in the accommodation arrangement. For those who are either too comfortable or not physically fit enough to walk to the top, there is another option to enjoy the stars. This is particularly recommended for older individuals and children: the famous cable car of Tenerife. To enjoy the stars, it is of course necessary to book an additional night in the refuge as well.

There are various tour operators that offer special stargazing tours. You can find many options on the internet or by walking through the streets of Tenerife. So, if you’re not keen on hiking, there is also the option to book a tour that includes transportation by bus, cable car, and even additional telescopes.

If you don’t want to book a tour, rent a car, or take a taxi, you can also use public buses to get to Teide National Park, such as to the base of the cable car station. To see the stars, an overnight stay at the refuge is necessary, but for a day trip, you can take the bus in the morning and return in the afternoon. You can find information about bus connections on the following website: titsa.com

It seriously felt this way when we were standing on the summit of Teide, high above the clouds, with nothing blocking the view. After an exhausting but magical hike through the night, under a breathtaking sky, we finally reached the top and enjoyed a well-deserved breakfast (consisting of bread, cheese, oranges, and chocolate) as the sun rose.

As the first rays of sunlight reached us, the stars began to slowly fade. Although it was cold and windy on the summit, as soon as the sun rose, it warmed our faces. This breathtaking sunrise made every single step of hiking up 3200m worth it. On the way up we even passed through passages of ice. Imagine how cold it was.

The sulfur smell, which becomes more intense as you get closer to the summit, is truly distinctive. There are green sulfuric areas from which smoke rises up. Combined with the altitude of over 3000m above sea level, this makes deep breathing challenging. This is especially the case if you’re not used to hiking at such heights. The final meters to the summit are particularly difficult, but that’s completely normal. You will also encounter other people struggling with the path on the way to the top.

Just take your time and once you have reached the top, all the troubles are forgotten because of the view!

I want to take this opportunity to thank my friend for the amazing hike, his equipment, and especially the beautiful photos he took! This hike was a highlight of my internship abroad on Tenerife. If you are interested in travelling, I reccomend checking out his Instagram-profile to discover more beautiful spots of our planet.

Photo by @krastevdeyan

If you decide to do an internship abroad that’s great and if you want to realize your internship in Greece even better! But there are so many amazing places, how can you decide? If you already had a look on our website, you might find it hard to make up your mind and to pick a country or even just an island for your internship in Greece. Well, we want to make your choice a little bit easier by presenting an internship in Greece that you could do as an intern on Crete. Crete is one of Greece’ beautiful islands. We have a lot of partner hotels on many of the Greek Islands that offer internship positions. Every island has its own charm and is very different to the others.

We want to tell you more about the island Crete so you know what an amazing internship possibility you have here if you want to undertake an internship in Greece!

Welcome to Greece! καλως ηρθες στην ελλαδα

Tenerife is the largest of the 7 Canary Islands. It has the largest animal park and the largest mountain in Spain, as well as the largest water park in Europe. Tenerife’s Latin-American influence with a touch of Africa will pleasantly surprise you. In many ways, Tenerife resembles a continent in itself, thanks to its very diverse vegetation. From the green landscapes in the north to the numerous sandy beaches in the south, there is something for everyone.

Tenerife boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage deeply influenced by its strategic location between Europe, Africa, and America. The indigenous Guanche inhabited the island before Spanish colonization in the 15th century, leaving behind archaeological sites and cultural remnants. Today, Tenerife’s culture reflects this blend of indigenous and Spanish traditions, with vibrant festivals like Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife showcasing this fusion. The island is also famous for its unique cuisine, featuring dishes like papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) and mojo sauces.

This island is the perfect place to be if you like to enjoy the sun while you do your internship. Its beautiful beaches and clear sea water invites you to do lots of water sports. Whether surfing, diving, paddle boarding or jet skiing. Here you can not only do a lot on shore. Passionate dancers seeking to learn Bachata or Salsa can take advantage of the vibrant nightlife and various dance classes on offer.

If you need to cool off, you can visit one of the many beautiful beaches or you and your friends could take a trip to Los Gigantes and take a refreshing swim in one of the few piscinas naturales. This is the name for pools that have been formed by nature and are also filled with seawater.

From Los Gigantes, but also from the tourist hotspot of Los Cristianos or from Playa de las Américas, you can purchase tickets for a whale or dolphin watching tour to go out to sea in a catamaran, a speedboat or a glass-bottom boat to observe the beautiful marine animals. Attention: Not for seasick people!

For fans of the outdoors, especially for hikers, a trip to the small village Masca in the Teno Mountains is a must, as one of the most famous hiking trails in Tenerife starts here. There are only 80 houses, nonetheless it is very lively because the beautiful landscape attracts a lot of tourists every year. Although the drive to Masca involves navigating a challenging serpentine road, the rewards are undeniably worth the effort.

The capital of the island is Santa Cruz. The city offers numerous shopping opportunities with the main shopping street Calle de Castillo. If you want to shop in Santa Cruz, you can also save money during the time of the rebajas, when there are many good deals to be found.

So, what do you say? Would you and your friends consider Tenerife as the ideal location for your internships on the Canary Islands?

Gran Canaria has everything any intern could want. To begin with, it boasts golden beaches and beautiful nature, alongside oases and deserts. There is something for everyone, young and old. The island earns the title “island of eternal spring” due to its pleasant year-round temperatures. In the winter, it remains warm, while in summer, it avoids becoming excessively hot due to the cooling Atlantic breeze.

Culturally, Gran Canaria has a lot to offer. In the traditional fishing village Puerto de Mogán many tourists and locals can be found. The small, picturesque alleys and canals are reminiscent of Italy, which is why the village is often called the “Venice of the South”.

If you are interested in marine biology in addition to your internship, a unique opportunity awaits to venture out to sea in a submarine and explore the underwater world. The microclimate of the Municipio of Mogán has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the healthiest in the world.

Furthermore, Christopher Columbus briefly resided on Gran Canaria in 1492 during his journey to discover America. He landed on the island to repair one of his ships. You can visit his house Casa de Colón which is now also a museum in the capital Las Palmas. If you are interested in history, you can visit exhibitions on Columbus, the Canary Islands, historical maps, and navigational instruments on the first floor of the house.

Gran Canaria emerges as a paradise for sports enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of activities. Water sports like surfing are incredibly popular, especially in spots like Playa del Inglés and Playa de las Canteras. The island’s consistent winds make it a hotspot for windsurfing, attracting enthusiasts to locations like Pozo Izquierdo. For underwater exploration, there are fantastic scuba diving opportunities around the marine reserves near La Isleta and Pasito Blanco.

Hiking is a must-do activity, with trails like the Roque Nublo hike providing stunning views of the island’s unique landscapes. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore the rugged terrain around Ayagaures or tackle the challenging trails in Tamadaba Natural Park.

Throughout the year, Gran Canaria hosts sporting events such as the Gran Canaria Marathon, Transgrancanaria Ultra Trail, and windsurfing championships. Consequently, it stands as a lively destination that will delight sports admirers.

An important item on the to-do list when doing your internship in Gran Canaria is visiting the dunes of Maspalomas, 6 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide, stretching from Playa del Inglés to the Maspalomas Lighthouse. You’ll feel like you are right in the Sahara, although the sand is not Sahara sand, but made of coral and shells that were crushed by the water movement and then washed ashore.

The nightlife on Gran Canaria provides various possibilities for having unforgettable party nights. The Plaza de España in the capital Las Palmas is the place to go. It is always full of people until dawn. There is even much more going on at the south coast; a place where nobody seems to sleep, except at siesta time, for sure.

Do you and your friends consider Gran Canaria when thinking about the location of your internships on the Canary Islands?

Referred to as the “jewel of the Canary Island’s crown”, Fuerteventura presents unparalleled possibilities and opportunities for surfers worldwide all year round. The water always has pleasant temperatures, there are many international surfers and the surf spots are easy to access. Remarkably, it stands as the second-largest island, following Tenerife, and holds the distinction of being the oldest among them all.

Even though its popularity is increasing day by day, Fuerteventura maintains a very relaxed atmosphere. The island also has one of the most impressive stretches of sand due to the fact that it is only 100 km off the coast of Africa, so after your day at work you can relax with a walk along the endless, beautiful white beaches while gazing at the azure ocean.

There is no sure translation of the island name. However, it is believed to be composed of the two Spanish words “fuerte” (strong) and “viento” (wind) as a reference to the strong winds that exist on the island.

Fuerteventura’s history reflects its strategic location, which made it a stopover for explorers and conquerors throughout the centuries. It was also inhabited by the indigenous Guanche people, who lived a semi-nomadic life and left behind archaeological sites like Tindaya Mountain, which is considered sacred.

In the 15th century, the island was conquered by the Spanish, bringing a new era of colonial influence, and you can still see Spanish colonial architecture in towns like Betancuria. The island’s culture is further enriched by its stunning natural landscapes, including pristine beaches like Playa de Sotavento and volcanic formations like the Malpaís de la Aren.

Fuerteventura the dream of any sporty intern, thanks to its stunning natural landscapes and favourable climate. This Canary Island offers a diverse range of sports activities, making it an ideal spot for both adrenaline junkies and those seeking a more active vacation.

Windsurfing and kiteboarding are iconic sports here, with Fuerteventura known for its consistent trade winds. The beaches of Sotavento and Flag Beach in Corralejo are renowned worldwide for these exhilarating water sports.

For those who prefer exploring the island on land, mountain biking is a popular option. Fuerteventura presents a variety of trails suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.

A visit to the white sand dunes of the Parque Natural de Corralejo is a must. There you can see real sand from the Sahara Desert. If you need new inspiration or just want to take in the aesthetic impressions, stop by the historical town of Betancuria in a lush valley, which features well-preserved architecture and cultural sites.

Puerto del Rosario, the capital of Fuerteventura, is a vibrant urban centre known for its cultural attractions such as the Casa Museo Unamuno and its lively local gastronomic scene that offers a taste of authentic Canarian cuisine. The city serves as the administrative and commercial centre of the island and offers a blend of historic charm and modern comforts.

Clearly, Fuerteventura stands as an exceptional destination for your internships on the Canary Islands!

The beautiful volcanic island Lanzarote, with its red shimmer, lies off the coast of Morocco. Of all the 7 Canary Islands, Lanzarote’s landscape bears the closest similarity to a typical African one. Since the island has a lot of deserts, it’s hard to imagine the beauty of Lanzarote’s beaches.

Distinguished by its volcanic landscapes, the island’s unique appearance is a product of its tumultuous geological history, marked by a series of volcanic eruptions in the 18th century.

Lanzarote boasts a warm climate, maintaining average temperatures of 20°C year-round. This makes it an ideal destination for interns seeking valuable work experiences, abundant sunshine, and outdoor activities throughout the year.

Lanzarote’s unique landscape is shaped by its volcanic origins, with dramatic lava fields and craters like Timanfaya National Park, showcasing its turbulent geological past.

The island’s history includes Spanish colonial influence dating back to the 15th century, as well as the presence of pirates who once used it as a base, leaving their mark on its architecture and fortifications, such as the Castillo de San Gabriel in Arrecife.

Lanzarote’s cuisine features fresh seafood and traditional Canarian dishes, offering a delightful taste of the local culture. Additionally, Lanzarote is known for its unique “malvasía” wine production, further enriching its cultural heritage.

This Canary Island offers a diverse range of leisure activities for interns to enjoy. The island’s stunning beaches are a major attraction, with their golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Playa Blanca, Papagayo Beach, and Famara Beach are popular spots for sunbathing and swimming.

Nature enthusiasts can embark on explorations of the surreal landscapes within Timanfaya National Park—a volcanic wonderland. Guided tours offer an opportunity to witness geothermal activity, including geysers and the famous Fire Mountains.

In the north, you’ll come across Puerto del Carmen, a bustling resort town known for its vibrant nightlife, numerous dining options, and Playa Grande, a long sandy beach. The Old Town area offers a more traditional atmosphere with narrow streets and local markets.

Continuing your journey, the island’s capital, Arrecife, seamlessly combines culture and modernity, with attractions like San Ginés Castle, Charco de San Ginés (a picturesque lagoon), and the bustling shopping district of Calle León y Castillo.

For a unique escape, take a short ferry ride to La Graciosa, officially part of the Chinijo Archipelago. It’s a serene island with beautiful beaches and a relaxed ambiance, making it an ideal day trip or overnight getaway.

Without a doubt, you definitely need to take Lanzarote into account when planning your internships on the Canary Islands!

If you have ever yearned to embrace life in a foreign country but hesitated due to fear and uncertainty, an Erasmus internship offers the ideal solution to your concerns. One of the biggest doubts people have when thinking about moving to another country is the prospect of leaving everything familiar behind – friends, family, and the comfort of home. It is natural to wonder whether you will be able to adapt to a new environment, make new connections, and understand cultural nuances. However, the Erasmus internship program provides a structured and supportive framework to help ease these concerns. It fosters a sense of community among participants and creating a supportive network of peers who are navigating similar experiences and challenges. This network can be invaluable in providing guidance, encouragement, and friendship throughout your time abroad.

An Erasmus internship is not just a chance to gain valuable work experience—it is a gateway to a world of personal growth and enrichment. By taking the plunge into a new chapter of your life, you will not only expand your professional horizons but also immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of a different culture, language, and way of life. It is an opportunity to break free from the confines of familiarity and embrace the exhilarating challenge of living and working in a foreign country.

So, don’t let fear hold you back any longer. Embrace the adventure of an Erasmus internship and embark on a journey that promises to redefine your perspective, broaden your horizons, and enrich your life in ways you never imagined possible. It is not just about building your career—it is about crafting a life filled with adventure, growth, and endless possibilities.

How often do opportunities arise to start a truly transformative adventure, to step into the unknown, and embrace the thrill of something entirely new? The time is now! Seize the moment and start your discovery through an Erasmus internship.

In today’s fiercely competitive job market, an internship abroad offers a golden chance to refine your resume with invaluable practical work experience gained abroad. Employers highly prize candidates who exhibit adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and a global outlook—attributes that an Erasmus internship abundantly fosters. Whether improving your communication abilities or mastering the diversity of international customers, each facet of your Erasmus internship journey contributes significantly to your professional portfolio. Furthermore, the cultural exchange raises mutual understanding and collaboration across borders. By working alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds, you gain insights into different work styles, communication norms, and problem-solving approaches, enhancing your own skill set and your ability to collaborate effectively in multicultural teams. Every employer will be grateful for the experience you are contributing!

While networking within academic circles is undoubtedly beneficial, the breadth of networking prospects intensifies exponentially through an Erasmus internship abroad. Stepping into a fresh work milieu in a foreign land, every interaction evolves into forging meaningful ties with international professionals, peers, and potential friends. These connections not only augment your professional trajectory but also infuse your personal range with diversity and resonance. Therefore, seize this opportunity to broaden your horizons, cultivate new relationships, and weave a network that will accompany and bolster you along your career path, regardless of where it leads.

Moreover, the skills acquired and experiences gathered during an Erasmus internship go beyond the confines of a typical academic or professional setting. Immersion in a foreign culture provides a unique lens through which to view the world, fostering empathy, tolerance, and a broader perspective. Negotiating everyday challenges in an unfamiliar environment cultivates resilience and resourcefulness, qualities that are highly valued in today’s dynamic work landscape.

An Erasmus internship is more than mere professional advancement; it serves as a gateway to profound cultural immersion. Diving headfirst into life and work in a foreign country opens up a mesmerizing panorama of customs, traditions, and perspectives that differ significantly from one’s own. From partaking in fascinating festivities to savoring local culinary delights, every facet of daily life unfurls as an invitation to delve deeper into the fabric of a new culture.

Yet, the significance of cultural immersion extends far beyond the surface. Cultural immersion encompasses the cultivation of empathy and the forging of genuine connections with individuals hailing from diverse backgrounds. Whether engaged in heartfelt dialogues with locals, navigating the intricacies of social etiquette or bonding over shared anecdotes during communal meals, each interaction throughout your Erasmus internship leaves a permanent mark on your worldview, fostering a more profound appreciation for human diversity.

Moreover, amidst the whirlwind of cultural exploration, it’s the memories—the laughter-filled escapades, the moments of unexpected discovery, and the bonds forged through shared experiences—that endure as the cornerstone of your Erasmus internship journey. These memories weave together to craft a narrative of personal evolution and enlightenment that extends far beyond the duration of the internship itself.

Therefore, embrace this chance to forge connections with a different culture and cultivate perspectives that will not only broaden your horizons but also shape the course of your life in ways previously unforeseen.

Comfort zones provide a sense of security and familiarity but they also confine us within boundaries that limit our potential for growth. An Erasmus internship serves as an encouragement for liberation, beckoning us to break free from these self-imposed constraints and embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal evolution.

Venturing beyond the confines of our comfort zones entails more than just defying the uncertainties that lie ahead—it requires embracing the unfamiliar with unwavering courage and an open heart. Whether it is grappling with a foreign language, navigating the labyrinthine streets of an unfamiliar city, or adapting to the nuances of a new work culture, each facet of your Erasmus Internship journey serves as a pivotal milestone in your quest for personal growth. It is not merely about the tangible achievements you accumulate throughout your internship—it is about the profound transformation you undergo in the process.

So, seize the opportunity to step beyond the limitations of your comfort zone, embrace the uncertainties that lie ahead, and bloom into the best version of yourself through the transformative journey of an Erasmus internship.

What even is an Erasmus grant? Who receives it and how do I apply for it? Here are some stats and facts summarized for you:

Erasmus+ is the EU’s program to support education, training and youth, which was launched in 1987. It has an estimated budget of €26.2 billion. In the year 2022, close to 26,000 projects were awarded contracts, providing support to an expansive network of over 73,000 organizations hailing from both member states and third countries affiliated with the program. Additionally, a remarkable cohort exceeding 1.2 million learners and staff engaged in mobility activities throughout the same year. By the end of 2022, ever since the establishment in 1987, the cumulative beneficiaries of program initiatives have surpassed an impressive count of 13.7 million individuals. Interestingly, the country with the most outbound and inbound students is Spain.

Erasmus+ remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering inclusive access to mobility opportunities that facilitate lifelong learning. Central to Erasmus’ philosophy is the promotion of educational travel. What distinguishes the Erasmus experience is the multitude of individuals who actively seek to enrich their educational journey by venturing abroad for study purposes. Across various domains including youth and sport, adult and school education, vocational education and training, and higher education, Erasmus extends paths for collaboration and mobility to both organizations and individuals alike. In essence, the program serves as a catalyst for personal and professional growth by offering financial support for cooperative endeavors and mobility initiatives.

Applying for an Erasmus internship is straightforward with the support of your university or educational institution and us, your S-W-E-P Team. The Erasmus program is designed to make international mobility accessible to students and alleviate the burden of financing a stay abroad. The financial support can cover the expenses of the travel, accommodation, and living costs during the internship period.

If you decide on embarking your Erasmus internship with S-W-E-P, we will help you gather all the required documents and ease the communication with your work place. You must only reach out to your university’s Erasmus office or international programs department. Don’t let the fear of bureaucracy discourage you from pursuing this life-changing experience. Take the leap and initiate the journey of a lifetime with an Erasmus internship.

An Erasmus internship offers a unique blend of professional development, cultural immersion, and personal growth opportunities. Whether you are passionate about expanding your skill set, broadening your horizons, or simply embarking on an exciting adventure, the benefits of an internship abroad are undeniable. So why wait? Embrace the opportunity to go on this adventure, knowing that every challenge you overcome and connection you forge will contribute to your growth and success, both professionally and personally.

With 3718 Meter the Pico del Teide is the highest mountain of Spain. The Teide is the 3rd highest island volcano of the earth and a must see during your internship on Tenerife.

You can climb up the Teide over a well signed trail. At 3260 Meter height there is a shelter named Refugio de Altavista. The historical building was renovated and offers a simple place to stay a night for a fairly price. It’s impressive to be on top of Teide especially before the sun rises. Another option is the Teleférico del Teide, a cable car which brings you up to 150 high meters below the crater.

To climb up the top of Teide, you need a permission which you can get either on the Internet or in the national park administration’s office in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. We recommend you to apply for the permission early when you plan your trip during your internship on Tenerife because the Teide is a popular destination in general and the amount of permitted mountaineer per day is limited to a certain number.

A small town which you should visit during your internship on Tenerife is Garachico. It used to be a great economical trade point with the most famous harbor on Tenerife. After the volcanic eruption of the Montaña de Trebejo, Garachico lost its status and economical value but remained its beauty through a combination of old and new buildings. The Mirador de Garachico offers you a great view over the small town and its coastline. Near the Castillo de San Miguel is where you can take a bath in the famous „piscinas naturales”- natural pools. Garachico has a cozy, rural character and offers an experience you shouldn’t miss during your internship on Tenerife. You can enjoy the combination of having fun in the sea and relaxing during a walk through the village.

Do you like hiking? Tenerife offers many hiking opportunities and one of them are the Anaga Mountains. Go for a trip to the Anaga Mountains in the north-east of the island during your internship on Tenerife and let natures beauty amaze you. About seven to nine million years ago, the mountains were formed due to volcanic activities. Typical for Anaga are the caves in the volcanic rocks whose fronts and interior decors look like typical local single-family houses, like in Afur and Chinamada. They are great subjects for your pictures. The Anaga Mountains are one of the most beautiful regions on Tenerife with their bright green landscape, deep canyons, and stunning views on the Atlantic Ocean. There are many well signed hiking trails that lead you through the enchanted forests and show you a unique ecosystem. A must see within the Anaga Mountains during your internship on Tenerife is the Camino Viejo al Pico del Inglés – a road that leads you in between high, moss-covered walls with an overgrown laurel forest roof. From here you can easily reach the Mirador Pico del Inglés and enjoy the stunning view all the way to Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The Anaga Mountains are definitely worth a visit during your internship on Tenerife.

Loro Park is a huge zoo which is worth a visit during your internship on Tenerife. It is also located in the north in Puerto de la Cruz and has parks, tropical gardens, aquariums and areas for shows. At the Loro Park you find the biggest number of parrots gathered in one place; with the 4000 animals, you find 350 species and some very rare ones, too. You can also watch tigers, crocodiles, gorillas, and even bats. An African market, a Thai village, a house full of orchids as well as restaurants and cafeterias complete the offer. The price for a ticket is 42 Euro. You can also buy a combination ticket together with Siam Park for 74 Euro. Visiting the Loro Park during your internship on Tenerife will be a great experience. Here is the link to the web page for more information: www.loroparque.com.

Siam Park is an attraction in the south of the island and offers a great waterpark experience during your internship on Tenerife. It is the biggest water park in all of Europe and arouses the old Thailand around the theme of water. On the area of 185km² you can find temple and big dragons as well as 8 waterslides. One special waterslide, the Tower of Power with a height of 28 meters, leads you through an aquarium full of sharks. In an artificially bay with white sand, there are 3-meter-high waves which offer you and your friends lots of fun during a day off on your internship on Tenerife. The admission charge is 42 Euro. Find more information at: www.siampark.net.

La Laguna, officially named San Cristóbal de la Laguna, is located west to Santa Cruz and offers you an interesting stay on your trip to the north during your internship on Tenerife. The city is crowned as an UNESCO world heritage site, offers you many characteristics of the colonial architecture and is home to the University of La Laguna which has over 30,000 students. Due to its many students and for having been the first university city of the archipelago, there is the habit of La Laguna being called the “City of the anticipated ones”. La Laguna also offers you wide pedestrian zones and many art historical and historical routes that lead you through the city. You can find many historical buildings like Igelisa del Cristo, Palacio de Nava, Palacio de Salazar or Convento de Santa Catalina and Convento de Santa Clara and really get to know the history of La Laguna during your internship on Tenerife.

In Icod de los Vinos has been known for its wine since the 16th century. Not only can you still visit Icod de los Vinos on Tenerife for its good red wine during your internship on Tenerife but you can see the „Drago Milenario“, the most famous dragon tree of the Canary Islands. People used to think the tree would be more or less 3000 years old; due to recent findings the age of the dragon tree is now assessed at 800 years. This tree is even found in the city’s coat of arms.

Next to the Drago Milenario you should visit the Parque del Drago, the botanical garden, as well as the old town with all its sights. The Museo de Guanche which is the ethnographic museum of Tenerife’s native people, will give you a deeper insight into Tenerife’s history. The Cuerva del Viento is the longest lava tube Europe’s and another must see while visiting Icod de los Vinos during your internship on Tenerife.

If you are interested in Tenerife’s history and its ancient civilization, the ethnographical park Pirámides de Güímar is another highlight for you while doing your internship on Tenerife. There are six rectangular, stepped pyramids made of lava rocks that reach up to four meter in height. The park was founded in 1998 by Thor Heyerdahl to protect the pyramids in Güímar. Due to the arrangement of the pyramids and the measurement of their position it was assumed that besides for ritual uses they were also used for some astronomical reasons. Inside the Casa Chacona, the museum of the ethnographical park Pirámides de Güímar, you can find further theories on the origin and purpose of the pyramids alongside many other exhibitions focused on the ancient civilization.

El Médano, Spanish for “sand dune”, offers you the longest beach area on the island to soak up the sun, watch the many wind- and kitesurfers or get active yourself by taking lessons at one of the many surf schools. The sand on the beach has a dark brown color with a touch of bright Sahara sand. On a day off during your internship on Tenerife you can also visit a lot of nice cafes along the promenade of El Médano. You can find the best creperie in the town center as well as other small restaurants, and typical Spanish tapas bars. On Saturdays you can visit the market that takes place at the Plaza, the big town square, located right by the beach.

Candelaria lies on the south-east coastal side of Tenerife and is one of the most important catholic villages of pilgrimage of the Canary Islands. In the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria – Basilica of Candelaria – you can find the figure of the patron of the Canary Islands, la Virgen de la Candelaria. The inside of the church is designed with Mudéjar-style wooden ceilings in petrol-blue and a grey-white color. Directly opposite across from the church, at the beachside of the Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias, are nine huge statues of the most famous Guanche Kings.

The Calle Obiso Pérez Càceres offers a pedestrian zone with many fish restaurants and boutiques to enjoy and buy some souvenirs. Not far from the pedestrian zone you can find colourful boats on the ocean and the city hall Ayuntamiento which you should visit in La Candelaria while you are doing your internship on Tenerife.

In the North of Santa Cruz in San Andrés is the Playa de las Teresitas. The perfect beach for one of your free days during your internship on Tenerife. The Playa de las Teresitas is a 2-kilometer-long beach which was created in the 1970s by spreading light yellow sand from the Sahara and building an artificial reef to lower the strength of the current. The beach is known as one of the most beautiful beaches on Tenerife and is as popular for tourist as it is for locals. If you get the chance to visit San Andrés while you do your internship on Tenerife, definitely visit Playa de las Teresitas!

Lanzarote is the northernmost island of the Canary Islands. Because of the mild climate during the whole year, the island offers lots of freetime activities which you can do during your hotel internship on Lanzarote. Some examples are hiking, surfing, diving or visiting one of the theme parks. In the capital Arrecife you can find the biggest shopping center of the island. The main shopping zone in Costa Teguise is located among the promenade of Playa de las Cucharas. In Puerto del Carmen is a street near the coast which is perfect for a relaxed walk, with lots of shops and bars. Connected to the beaches, there is an excellent infrastructure and a huge offer of restaurants, shopping or other freetime activities. The nightlife there also promises fun for everybody. It is an ideal place for young people!

If you want to do some sightseeing after the activities, there is also a lot to visit. You can visit the Cueva de los Verdes which is a tunnel out of lava. Something remarkable is the pleasant climate in its inside. Due to the airstreams there is a natural airing and constant temperatures about 19 º C. Another thing you should not miss on your sightseeing tour is the Castillo de Santa Barbara which is a fortress located at the east of Teguise. In Teguise, in the village Guariza you can see a garden out of cactus which you should not miss, too. The fire mountains in the Timanfaya National Park attract lots of tourists. In the national Park you can visit the 14 km long „Ruta de los Vulcanes”.

Lanzarote is a beautiful island and definitely worth to visit – everybody will have a great time there! The island is the perfect place for your internship abroad!

Last weekend we welcomed a group of 6 German interns at the south airport of Tenerife. It was and is a nice and interesting project to organise internships for a group of interns.  We wanted to secure that all interns are in partner hotels close to each other and so that they can undertake their work placements at the same time. We were able to do this and all of our 6 students are happy with the practical placements that we offered : ). It was fun for us to welcome them at the airport and present them to their hotels! Now the interns will hopefully begin an exciting and eventful practical training time! : )

In the Jungle, the mighty Jungle… We organized a trip to the Jungle Park in the south of Tenerife for a group of Erasmus students, who do their hotel internship abroad on Tenerife. We, the S-W-E-P Team, joined them because we didn’t want to miss the chance to visit the Jungle Park. We went there with the free shuttle bus which drives directly from some hotels in Los Cristianos to Jungle Park. Arrived there, we joined a show with lots of different birds. It was amazing seeing those animals flying over peoples’ heads! Sometimes we had to duck our heads because an eagle was flying a little bit too low. The birds were allowed to walk through the crowd and get some food from people.  We never saw such exotic birds this close. After that we started our tour through the Park.  Walks over different suspension bridges, a drive with a bob sleigh and a rest at the viewpoint from where we could see over Los Cristianos are just a few activities we did there. After a visit in the Jungle Park Restaurant, we attended another animal show, with sea lions. It was funny to see the sea lions jumping through tires and dancing with their keepers. After we had seen all enclosures with animals like flamingos, lions, meerkats and monkeys we returned home with the shuttle bus. It was a very nice day and all of us had lots of fun! Visit the park during your internship abroad and convince yourself!

Paella is probably the most well known Spanish Food – stewed rice, traditionally served with seafood, alternatively also available with fish, a variety of meats or vegetables; but the Spanish or Canarian Cuisine has much more to offer. Most Spaniards skip breakfast; instead they have Churros with chocolate at 10:30. Churros are deep-fried pastry sticks, which are sprinkled with sugar; they are to be dipped into a warm, viscous chocolate or a small coffee.

When ordering “un café” in Spain, you should be aware that this doesn’t mean a typical coffee; instead you will get an espresso.
To make you aware of typical orders, here’s a small list:

– Café con leche – espresso with milk,
– Café cortado – “short coffee” and is an espresso with frothy milk,
– Café solo – single espresso,
– Café americano – black coffee.

A Canarian speciality is the “Condensada”, condensed and sugared milk – you should try this at least once. Just order a “Condensada” or a “Leche Leche” and enjoy!

Typical Spanish cuisine you must try during your practical training in Spain is the tortilla or “Tortilla Española” – the Spanish version of the omelette; its main ingredients are potatoes and eggs, best served with homemade alioli (garlic mayonnaise). Even the Spanish tapas are well known – if you’d like to try it, it’s best to look for a restaurant with real “cocina española”. “Tapa” means “cover” and they are served either in small portions as a starter or many different tapas together as a main dish.

Typical tapas dishes are for example meat balls (albóndigas), olives in different variations, Manchego cheese and Serrano ham; ham wrapped dates and prunes, caramalised scallops and many others. Something that needs getting used to is the “Pimientos de Padrón”; green peppers with different levels of hotness and sometimes a bitter taste, they’re prepared in olive oil and sprinkled with coarsely grounded salt. Spanish people drink red wine with tapas.

The Canarian cuisine is a mixture of traditional Spanish recipes with African and Latin-American influences. In general, the Canarian cuisine is very light, due to the year-round mild climate. One eats less meat and more fish. As a side dish you should order “Papas Arrugadas”. These are small, wrinkled potatoes with a salty crust and different mojos (sauces). The most common is the green mojo (Mojo vérde) or red (Mojo rojo or Mojo picante). In the Canarian restaurants there are also the “Potaje de Berros” (a typical Canary Island stew, made with water cress) and the “Sopa de garbanzos”, a chickpea stew. If you like marzipan you should definitely choose the “Tarta de Santiago” as your dessert, which mainly consists of almond paste and is very sweet. Even the “Bienmesabe” (translated: “it tastes good”) is very popular and I would definitely recommend it: a mousse mixed from honey, almond cream and eggs.

Whilst sitting at the beach and watching the sunset, people have the desire to drink wine: popular choices are “Sangria” and the less known “Tinto de Verano”, a mix of red wine and lemonade; both are best when served chilled! Enjoy the Spanish Cuisine during your practical training in Spain!

The German Newspaper “Süddeutsche Zeitung” asked the founder of our recruitment agency Spanish Work Exchange Programme, Ms Conny Lassen, for an interview about hotel internships Canary Islands.

In the German article she explains what is special about Tenerife, her motivation to organize hotel practical trainings in Spain and what our company requires from the applicants. She also gives an insight of the biggest challenges our interns have to deal with during their work experiences abroad.

You would like to read more? Here is the link to the article:

t1p.de/ckkg

During your internship on Gran Canaria you should also take the time to go to one of the flea markets that take place every Sunday then take time to relax near the Parque Santa Catalina. Among 1000s of other visitors you can buy little presents for your friends, family and yourself while rummaging and listening to live music. An absolute must for every flea market lover!

When you are already in Artenara during your internship on Gran Canaria, visit the cave chapel Virgen de la Cuevita. This 80m² chapel is dedicated to the patron saint of cyclers and folk musicians and has an altar made from hardened volcanic ash, tuff; a confessional and pulpit inside. The chapel is always open; you can go there for a short visit without any problems.
With its various little attractions, Artenara is the perfect number 3 for our list!

Even more caves can be seen in Cenobio de Valerón. With 298 niches in the walls and chambers made from the same hardened volcanic ash, tuff. The group of caves looks like a gathering of swallow nests. The natives stored their corns and cereals there. From Tuesday to Sunday the Cenobio de Valerón can be visited for only €2,50.

Other wonderful presents can also be bought in FEDAC. The Canarian hand-made art of woven bags, ceramic, embroided and laced bed linen and jewelry can be found in a side street of Triana. For more information follow this link: www.fedac.org

For our culture interested interns we can recommend a visit to the Museo Canario in Vegueta. Here you can learn something about the Canarian history and see the biggest collection of old canarian finds. From the famous “Idol of Tara”, a plump female clay figure that symbolizes fertility, to skeletons, skulls and well-preserves mummies everything can be admired. The opening times during working days are from 10:00 to 17:00 and on weekends from 10:00 to 14:00 o’clock. The entrance is about 3€ per person.
www.elmuseocanario.com

Of course we cannot leave out a recommendation for the very active nightlife on Gran Canaria. The shopping centre in front of the Santa-Catalina-Park is colourful and exciting during the night. Here you can meet the young people of Las Palmas and turn the night into day. There are different open levels from which you have a great view over the city and over the port and there are several pubs and clubs next to each other giving you plenty of variety. On the roof is a big open-air disco located under a tent roof and from midnight on until the early morning you can celebrate your time with many other people.

Our school is located directly on the St. Julian’s Bay and has a nice view on all the various restaurants and bars in the lively bay and is therefore one of the most beautiful locations on Malta.

The lessons take place in a historic newly renovated building which offers spacious, modern and light-flooded classrooms. There is a free and fast wifi connection in the whole school building, including classrooms, chill-out lounge, kitchen, PC room and the library. The friendly and well-trained teachers, who are all native English speakers, interact with the student on an individual and personal basis and often take part in excursions which are organised by the school.

A cool down and a popular meeting point provide the 24m² swimming pool on the roof terrace and numerous excursions and activities ensure a varied leisure program!

For more information about why Malta is the perfect alternative to an English course in Great Britain please get more details here:

The Carnival of Santa Cruz takes place each February and is considered the second most popular carnival of the world after Rio de Janeiro. It is full of colour, music and it is inspiring to see so many people participating in the event. Each year a new theme for the Carnival is elected. The festivities start on the Friday before Carnival  with an opening parade. The official carnival has more than a hundred groups, including murgas, comparsas, rondallas and other musical groups. The street carnival is more loosely organized, and comprises the people celebrating on the streets. The costumes of the queen candidates are very heavy and expensive, that is why they rely on wheeled transportation and sponsors. The costumes are made of feathers, plastic, metal and paper.

Here is our favourite photo, that sums up “Carnaval” so far 🙂

On Carnival Saturday there are parties around the whole town. The main locations are the Plaza de España and the Plaza del Príncipe with stages and party tents where people of all around the world are dancing. But of course there are many more places to dance. On Carnival Saturday you can find music and dances in all the bars and streets of Santa Cruz.

The Carnival Monday is the day of feasting. You can find different perfomances at the main locations of the Carnival in Santa Cruz.

The Tuesday is the finale of Carnival. The coso parade runs along the Avenida de Anaga and indicades the end of the Carnival. During the afternoon you can visit the show which is held.

The official end of Carnival is Wednesday, with the Burial of the Sardine. A giant sardine made of paper is carried in a funeral procession, followed by howling widows. On this day the catholic church is mocked by the participants who are dressed up as clergyman.

The Carnival is always so much fun! So get your costumes on and make your way to Santa Cruz. 🙂 Don´t miss out on the Parade on the Tuesday in case you have your day off!

Of course you will also enjoy carnival on the other Canary Islands, as well as other cities on Tenerife.

Canarian traditions have a huge priority on this day. They dance and celebrate in traditional costumes to typical Canarian music. Each island has their own colourful costume that shows clearly where they are from and that they are very proud to be a “Canario”. Take your chance to try the local Canarian food specialties and see the traditional sports – the Canarian wrestling (“lucha canaria”) can be very interesting.
This is one of the most important days of the year for Canarians.

Get ready to celebrate!!!

Last weekend we decided to see something new from the island instead of lying at the beach. The trip during our practical training on Tenerife was definitely worth giving up our much loved beach day! – We have started with a self-prepared picnic at the beach of the surfer village El Medano. While enjoying our meal we watched the surfers and walked afterwards through the small town with various beautiful little restaurants and alternative shops. Among all those restaurants and bars we found our new favourite place – a little Crepería with a wide range of sweet and savory Crepes. 

The next morning started early with a visit in a German bakery and the vegetable market in Las Chafiras, where we bought our fresh, regional and healthy things for the coming week. Afterwards we drove to San Juan, had our first chill-out-break on the dark sandy beach and ate delicious fresh fish from the Canarian region in a small and relatively tourist-free restaurant in the middle of the town. The second beach we went to was in Puerto de Santiago and was black, sandy and sparkling – amazing! Due to some unexpected big waves in this small bay all of us had a lot of fun in the water.

Of course we also went to see Los Gigantes – which is, even from the land, an incredible view but the next time we want to see these amazing cliffs directly from a boat!

Good music and interesting unknown places made our weekend perfect for exploring more of Tenerife.

If you have also had some great experiences during your practical training on Tenerife or you know must-see places – let us know!

The first station of the excursion was the National Park of Las Cañadas del Teide. During winter time it is getting fresh here on this height and the top of the mountain can be covered with snow.

Afterwards we travelled to Icod de los Vinos, where we have seen the old famous Dragon Tree, which is one of the symbols of the Canary Islands. Furthermore it is worth to look at the magnificent traditional architecture of Icod. The village is also well-known for the possibility to taste local delights like wine, jam, liquor, etc.

We continued our journey taking the northern coastal route to visit the beautiful village at the coast Garachico. Unfortunately there was no time for making a break and swimming in the natural pools.

Finally, we had a stop in Masca, a small mountain village famous for its beautiful landscape. Masca is the starting point for a very popular hike through the canyon to the sea, which we will explore very soon. Drinking a barraquito and enjoying the sunset, this place was an ideal last station for a wonderful trip.

For the price paid, it is definitively worth booking this kind of trip during your practical training on Tenerife in order to get a first impression of the different landscapes on the Island. Of course there wasn’t any time left to hike or swim, especially if you lose two passengers who aren’t able to get on the right bus again. 😀 

Arrived at Aqualand, we grabbed a floating tire and tried the first water slides. Right after a short time spending at Aqualand, we realized that this water park has a lot more to offer than we thought!
Our highlight at Aqualand was the dolphin show! Once a day, they perform a dolphin show for dolphin lovers. We really enjoyed the dolphin show of Loro Parque which is located in the north of Tenerife. However, the show in Aqualand was even better! We absolutely loved the show and it is definitely worth to see! To have a remaining memory of this exciting day, we paid 20 Euro to get a photo with the dolphins. We are happy that we took the chance of making such a beautiful photo with these impressing animals! 🙂

Go and visit Aqualand to make your own experience in this great water park! Then you will understand why spending a day in this park is marvelous.
We wish you a lot of fun! 🙂

We, the S-W-E-P interns, decided to go there for a hike last weekend with our Spanish friends, which we were happy to have with us because the starting points for the hike are quite hard to find. We took a (more or less) short hike around Los Escurriales to see Paisaje Lunar and went along another route back to the car. Our trip included a nice picnic with self-prepared bocadillos and fruits, some stops for taking photos of the landscape and friends, stops to look at the lizards which you can see everywhere around Teide and it took us 4 hours of walking. You have a great variety of different “senderos” around the base of Teide and neighbouring areas. You can choose if you want to spend a whole day or only a few hours – whatever you like the best!

Thanks to the sunny weather we had the chance to see unique views of Gran Canaria and La Gomera and had a lot of fun while we were walking through the forest and enjoying the air, which is amazingly fresh being up so high. Afterwards we went to a cafetería and had an ice-cold coca cola to relax before we went on our way back home. Of course, we joined the beach for the afternoon to spend the rest of the Saturday in a more relaxing atmosphere and to recover from the trip :).

All in all it was a super weekend with a nice trip and spectacular views on the Tenerife landscape. If you feel like hiking this is a perfect place to go during your practical training on Tenerife!

¨We took a trip to Teide, by car. Then we were headed north during the carnival and then we visited some places like Playa de Las Teresitas, Santa Cruz, La Laguna and Playa de Benijo. Then last weekend we were in Masca with some friends, we were hiking there – we loved the place. I am cycling here a lot, especially in Costa Adeje, San Miguel, La Camella and Valle San Lorenzo.¨
Want your own chance to explore Tenerife whilst gaining valuable working experiences?

I was not sure how internships in the reception work, and whether I will be able to really learn, or just do some basic things, but I was pleasantly surprised to be given an opportunity to feel like a real receptionist, by attending customers, calls, emails, arranging excursions, special requests, and getting to know how to do every single thing. Working in a Spanish people based environment was amazing, people are so friendly and smiling all the time, very helpful and always optimistic which helps a lot in the fast moving and usually busy hotel environment.

If you are worried about your language skills, just believe that you are going to improve in a shorter time that you could ever think! You will hear foreign languages around you all the time and pick it up very quickly, and once people see you want to learn they will help you in any way (my colleagues were always friendly to repeat the sentence if I didn’t understand it, or even to write it down for me so that I could remember it the next time).

My hotel work placement on Fuerteventura was like a long holiday for me during which I became fluent in Spanish and learnt how to work as a receptionist without actually feeling that you are working hard (obviously you feel much more relaxed having sea view at work!).

I wish all the best luck to future interns and hope they will enjoy internships as much as I did.

Thank you again very, very much! I liked it so much that the only thing I dream of is to come back to live in Canaries after my one year of studies left. I hope the experience of internship will help me to find a job easier.”

If you have taken some nice pictures during your internship abroad and would like to give us a short feedback about it, we and our future interns would be very thankful! Please send us your pics so that we can post them on Facebook, Instagram and on our blog!

Mireille is a very enthusiastic student from France and like many students she also has to do an internship abroad for her studies. Therefore she contacted S-W-E-P to organize her an internship. And now, after almost 5 months of practical training in the Human Resources Department in a hotel on Tenerife, her internship is going to finish soon. We asked her to give us a short feedback about her practical training:

We thank you, Mireille, for taking the time to give us a short feedback of your hotel work placement on Tenerife in the HR Department. We wish you all the best for your future. 🙂
Your S-W-E-P Team

In my free-time, I normally go out with my new friends and colleagues. It is a pleasure that I have met all these lovely people. I am really enjoying my time on the island and I am already sad that I have to leave soon. Nevertheless, I will keep plenty of good memories and maybe in my future I will come back to work again on this beautiful island! :-)”

As a part of her studies Kristiina did a hotel internship in Costa Rica. Here you can read more about her experiences.

Our intern Kristiina worked in a 5 star hotel in Costa Rica for a practical training period of three months. During her internship in rotation, organised by S-W-E-P, she had the opportunity to gain experiences in different departments.

Kristiina writes us the following about the time she spent in Costa Rica:

I want to say that the communication on the part of S-W-E-P has been excellent and that you have been so patient and helpful with me in setting up this internship. Thank you so much!”

We are glad that Kristiina had such a positive and adventurous time and enjoyed her hotel work placement in Costa Rica.

La Gomera is the second smallest of the main Canary Islands and has diverse landscapes with forests, fertile valleys and impenetrable rocky cliffs. Throughout the year the climate on the island is mild with only a few rainy days. Beautiful, unspoilt La Gomera offers excellent hiking opportunities and plenty of fine beaches. You will find enchanting forests, idyllic bays, typical villages and impressive valleys that offer magnificent hiking trails. Another highlight for nature lovers is the Garajonay National Park, which covers 10% of the island’s area. Or visit Los Organos, the cliffs near the community of Vallehermoso, which look like organ pipes set in stone by humans.
You can find additional information on the following website of La Gomera on www.gomeralive.com

We, the S-W-E-P interns, went on a trip to La Gomera during our work placements in Spain from the island of Tenerife. We came there by ferry which took us only half an hour from Tenerife to La Gomera. Arrived on La Gomera, we rented a car to explore the island. We started in San Sebastián de La Gomera and drove to Hermigua, where we stopped to take a walk and saw banana plantations, avocado trees and vineyards.

We continued with our tour and made a break in Agulo. Close to Agulo and Hermigua we went to a beautiful beach with black sand named Playa de la Caleta at which we ate delicious salads with exotic fruits. After gaining new energy we moved on to the next city: Las Rosas. There we visited the exhibition Centro de Visitantes de Juego de Bolas where we got some information about the National Park Garajonay. We drove through the park and stopped a few times to take photos with various breathtaking views on La Gomera ifself and stunning views to the other islands like Tenerife and La Palma.

Back on our way to San Sebastian we walked up to the huge statue of Jesus which seems to watch over the city. From this hill we enjoyed fantastic views to San Sebastián de La Gomera and to Tenerife with its huge volcano Teide. Before we had to go back to the fairy, we went around the city to buy some souvenirs for our friends and family members. A relaxed evening at the beach of Los Cristianos completed our perfect day.

We can really recommend La Gomera to you during your hotel work placements on the Canary Islands! Here you can have a look on the times, when the ferry drives and how much it costs:

https://www.directferries.com/

But notice: Some agencies only allow you to rent a car if you are at least 23 years old!

Thanks to the many tiny restaurants and sweet desserts (which are mainly served with almonds) the delicacies of the island won’t stay hidden from you during your hotel internship in Spain. Like on the other Canary Islands most main dishes are prepared with potatoes, chickpeas, olives and garlic. A nice bottle of self-cultivated wine goes down well with all these dishes.

Museo Casa Roja – exhibition centre of the Feast of Corpus Christi tradition & knitting museum
Plaza La Glorieta– well designed town square made of mosaic and volcanic rock
Wine museum
Maritime museum „Naval“ in Santa Cruz de La Palma
Silk factory and museum in El Paso
Banana museum in Tazacorte
Casa Sotomayor in Los Llanos  – a former mansion, which is the oldest building on the island
Finca Tabaquera „El Sitio“ in Breña Alta – Finca where tobacco is processed according the ancient traditions
Parque Belmaco near Mazo – archaeological park with caves of the Guanches

In respect to tourism, the island is rather quiet and offers unspoilt nature. The lighthouse Faro de Orchilla, at the south-west tip of El Hierro, was thought to be the “end of the world“ for a long time. There are beautiful trails through the juniper forest of El Sabinar with bizarrely shaped laurel and juniper trees and a fantastic view of the north coast, which you can enjoy during your work placements in Spain, on the Canary Islands.

The landmark of El Hierro is a juniper tree deformed by wind.

El Garoe the holy tree – the tree is located near San Andrés in the north of the island and it is sacred because of its ability to condense moisture from low clouds into water
Faro de Orchilla – To be at the Orchilla lighthouse is great for watching the sunset or for stargazing because there is no light pollution
El Golfo Valley – fertile valley with abundance of natural beauty
Iglesia Santa Maria de la Concepción – one of the most magnificent buildings on the island is the fortress church located in the capital of El Hierro, in Valverde
Village of Guinea – small village, redesigned as an ecological museum which gives an idea how the first settlers lived
Centro de recuperación del lagarto gigante de El Hierro – breeding station for near extinct giant lizards
Pozo de la Salud – medical mineral water spring which should have curative properties