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How to Say "internship" in Spanish

English → Spanish

práctica

nounB1general
Use 'práctica' for a general period of professional training or work experience, especially common for summer opportunities or entry-level roles in various industries.

Examples

Mi hermana está buscando una práctica de verano en una editorial.

My sister is looking for a summer internship at a publishing house.

aprendizaje

ah-pren-dee-SAH-hayapɾendiˈsaxe

nounB2formal
Choose 'aprendizaje' when referring to a formal period of learning a trade or skill under the guidance of an expert, often involving a contract, similar to an apprenticeship.
An experienced carpenter teaching a young person how to use a wooden plane on a workbench.

Examples

El joven firmó un contrato de aprendizaje con el maestro carpintero.

The young man signed an apprenticeship contract with the master carpenter.

Durante su aprendizaje, no recibía un salario completo.

During his apprenticeship, he did not receive a full salary.

El aprendizaje es fundamental para conservar los oficios tradicionales.

Apprenticeship is fundamental to preserving traditional trades.

Specific Contexts

In a work context, 'aprendizaje' refers specifically to the time spent learning a trade on the job, rather than just studying books.

Apprenticeship vs. Internship

Mistake: “Uso 'aprendizaje' para mi pasantía en la oficina.”

Correction: Uso 'prácticas' para mi pasantía en la oficina.

internado

een-tehr-NAH-dohinterˈnaðo

nounB2specialized
Use 'internado' specifically for medical residencies or clinical practice periods required for healthcare professionals.
A young doctor in a white coat and stethoscope talking kindly to a patient in a clinic.

Examples

Los estudiantes de medicina deben completar un año de internado rotatorio.

Medical students must complete a year of rotating internship.

General vs. Medical Internship

The most common confusion is between 'práctica' and 'internado'. Remember that 'internado' is almost exclusively used for medical or clinical training. For most other fields, 'práctica' is the correct and more versatile term.

Related Translations

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