Internships in restaurant kitchens, front-of-house, and hotelsAn international internship is a unique opportunity not only to master modern standards of service and management, but also to gain invaluable hands-on experience in leading restaurants and hotels. You’ll learn to interact with guests, organize service processes efficiently, and work confidently in the fast-paced environment of premium gastronomic venues.
This experience will become your key to building a successful career in hospitality.
This experience will become your key to building a successful career in hospitality.
A valid international passport.
English or Spanish at level B2–C1.
We recommend starting preparations at least 6 months before departure, as visa processing and placement coordination take time.
English or Spanish at level B2–C1.
We recommend starting preparations at least 6 months before departure, as visa processing and placement coordination take time.
In the restaurant front-of-house:
Participants can rotate through several key roles — from hostess to sommelier assistant. This rotation allows interns to experience restaurant operations “from the inside”: greeting guests, serving dishes, working with wine, and communicating with clients. This experience is especially valuable for those with language skills who are still exploring their professional path. If desired, interns may also spend part of their training in the kitchen — to better understand the dishes and learn how to present them professionally to guests.
In the restaurant kitchen: Culinary students rotate through all key stations — from basic preparation to final plating. The program covers cold and hot sections, fish, meat, game, and pastry. This helps interns deeply understand products, techniques, and the logic of a professional kitchen.
In hotels: Interns can choose a position that best matches their interests and qualifications: reception, reservations, guest relations, spa, events, executive assistant, department coordinator, or F&B department.
According to labor laws in Spain and Portugal, interns work 5 days a week, 8 hours a day — a total of 40 hours per week.
Participants can rotate through several key roles — from hostess to sommelier assistant. This rotation allows interns to experience restaurant operations “from the inside”: greeting guests, serving dishes, working with wine, and communicating with clients. This experience is especially valuable for those with language skills who are still exploring their professional path. If desired, interns may also spend part of their training in the kitchen — to better understand the dishes and learn how to present them professionally to guests.
In the restaurant kitchen: Culinary students rotate through all key stations — from basic preparation to final plating. The program covers cold and hot sections, fish, meat, game, and pastry. This helps interns deeply understand products, techniques, and the logic of a professional kitchen.
In hotels: Interns can choose a position that best matches their interests and qualifications: reception, reservations, guest relations, spa, events, executive assistant, department coordinator, or F&B department.
According to labor laws in Spain and Portugal, interns work 5 days a week, 8 hours a day — a total of 40 hours per week.
Women:
Men:
- Short, neat nails. A natural or French manicure is acceptable.
- Long hair must be tied in a neat bun.
- No bright makeup, long earrings, or facial piercings.
- Tattoos must be covered by the uniform’s long sleeves.
Men:
- Beards should be short and neatly trimmed.
- Tattoos, especially in open kitchens, must be covered by long sleeves.
- Short, clean nails and no facial piercings.
Women:
Men:
- Short, neat nails. A French manicure or clear polish is acceptable.
- Long hair should be tied in a bun and covered with a kitchen cap.
- No bright makeup. Tattoos, especially in open kitchens, must be covered by long sleeves.
Men:
- Beards should be short and neatly trimmed.
- Tattoos, especially in open kitchens, must be covered by long sleeves.
- Short, clean nails.
Each placement is selected individually, based on the candidate’s goals and level of preparation. All current partner establishments are listed in the official SBCC brochure
1. Returning with an advantage
Interns become part of SBCC’s internal talent network.
SBCC has been active for over 10 years and collaborates with restaurants now led by our graduates — brand chefs, concept chefs, and managers.
The internship opens direct access to a professional community in the industry.
2. Professional visibility and recognition
Every participant receives photo and video materials from their placement.
This content is featured on SBCC’s official platforms, followed by industry professionals, recruiters, and investors.
Thus, students with no prior experience return as young professionals with verified references from leading European restaurants.
3. Continuing your career abroad
Interns placed within a restaurant group may continue their professional relationship with the employer.
If you perform well, adapt to the processes, and integrate into the team, it’s possible — under local labor law — to sign a work contract and change your legal status.
Interns become part of SBCC’s internal talent network.
SBCC has been active for over 10 years and collaborates with restaurants now led by our graduates — brand chefs, concept chefs, and managers.
The internship opens direct access to a professional community in the industry.
2. Professional visibility and recognition
Every participant receives photo and video materials from their placement.
This content is featured on SBCC’s official platforms, followed by industry professionals, recruiters, and investors.
Thus, students with no prior experience return as young professionals with verified references from leading European restaurants.
3. Continuing your career abroad
Interns placed within a restaurant group may continue their professional relationship with the employer.
If you perform well, adapt to the processes, and integrate into the team, it’s possible — under local labor law — to sign a work contract and change your legal status.
All partner restaurants and hotels in Spain and Portugal provide accommodation, meals on working days, and a monthly allowance ranging from €200 to €587, depending on the project.
Program cost: €2,290 – €3,890
Flights, insurance, and visa fees are paid separately.
Flights, insurance, and visa fees are paid separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, previous experience is not required.
You’ll need English, Spanish, or Portuguese, depending on the destination.
Recommended level: B2–C1.
In Portugal, English is widely spoken among teams and chefs.
In Spain, Spanish is the main working language, but B2 English is sufficient for kitchen and team communication.
We select placements based on your language level — even if your Spanish isn’t perfect, we’ll find a suitable restaurant.
Recommended level: B2–C1.
In Portugal, English is widely spoken among teams and chefs.
In Spain, Spanish is the main working language, but B2 English is sufficient for kitchen and team communication.
We select placements based on your language level — even if your Spanish isn’t perfect, we’ll find a suitable restaurant.
Yes. We often organize group placements within the same restaurant group, with shared accommodation available — for example, cottages (2–3 people per room) or student residences (double rooms, up to 20 residents) in Portugal.
However, each intern participates individually. Shift schedules may differ, helping everyone integrate more naturally into the team.
However, each intern participates individually. Shift schedules may differ, helping everyone integrate more naturally into the team.
Yes. Under Spanish and Portuguese labor law, interns receive 2.5 days of leave per month.
For a 3-month internship, that equals one week off — ideal for family visits.
Time off must be approved in advance to avoid interrupting the program.
For a 3-month internship, that equals one week off — ideal for family visits.
Time off must be approved in advance to avoid interrupting the program.
Contact us via the form or by email — we’ll be happy to help.
Final note
By joining an SBCC internship, you receive our reputation and values. Therefore, before arriving you must carefully read the agreement with SBCC, understand the terms of participation, and accept all program rules and standards without exception.
By joining an SBCC internship, you receive our reputation and values. Therefore, before arriving you must carefully read the agreement with SBCC, understand the terms of participation, and accept all program rules and standards without exception.