How to pack smart for an internship in Spain

Are you about to head off for an internship in Southern Spain? An exciting adventure awaits! But what should you bring with you? Whether you’re leaving for three months or six, packing can be quite a challenge. I recently moved to Málaga this past September for a five-month internship, and I must admit, packing gave me a bit of stress! So, in this blog, I’d like to share some tips and information that might help you pack your suitcase.

Getting Ready

I had known for a while that I wanted to do an internship abroad. Spain had always appealed to me, and after a vacation in Málaga, I was certain that this was the place I wanted to be. I got in touch with JongLeren, had an intake interview, and shortly afterward, I got the great news that my internship was confirmed! Soon after, my apartment was arranged, and everything started to feel real. I knew I’d be there from September to February, meaning I’d experience both summer and fall/winter weather. But that raised the big question—what should I pack?

Planning Your Luggage

I love clothes, so I already knew that one suitcase wouldn’t be enough for me. I decided to book two large suitcases and, of course, took a carry-on bag as well. The amount of luggage you bring is, of course, different for everyone, but if you enjoy shopping, here’s a tip: leave some space in your suitcases because Málaga is a fantastic shopping city!

Starting to Pack

I had a vacation planned in mid-July 2024, so I decided to start packing gradually afterward. I can be a bit chaotic and tend to forget things, so it wouldn’t have worked for me to pack everything at the last minute. I decided to create a “summer suitcase” and a “winter suitcase” to make things a bit easier for myself.

What Should I Bring?

September and October are still warm months in Southern Spain, so you get to enjoy a bit of late summer! I chose to bring a few dresses, shorts, tops, and swimsuits. Along with that, I packed accessories like sunglasses, sunscreen, a beach towel, and flip-flops. My first suitcase filled up quickly! For winter clothing, I packed a few pairs of long pants, blouses, blazers, long-sleeve tops, and sweaters. The fall/winter season here isn’t quite like it is in the Netherlands. The mornings and evenings can get chilly, but during the day, when the sun is out, it’s often warm enough to go without a coat. Layering is a good idea so you’re prepared for the temperature changes throughout the day. I brought a lightweight jacket rather than a heavy winter coat.

I slowly filled both suitcases with clothes and some accessories. For shoes, I packed a pair of comfortable sneakers for walking, an extra pair for going out or getting dirty, my Dr. Martens, and, of course, flip-flops. Since I work out regularly, I also ordered some creatine and protein powder to bring along.

Packing List

Everyone has different needs, but to help get you started, here’s a general packing list. I hope it helps!

Clothing