A Day in the Life of a Kitchen Intern in Spain

 

As a kitchen intern in Spain, your day would typically start early in the morning and have a long but fulfilling day in front of you. We have created for you an example schedule that might apply to you during the internship. Please keep in mind that it can vary greatly and the schedule we provide is just so you get some information.

First half of your day during your internship

 

At around 6:00 o’clock Wake up and get ready for the day ahead. Enjoy a traditional Spanish breakfast, which could include items like toasted bread with olive oil, tomatoes, and cured ham, or churros with hot chocolate. Usually at 7;00 oclock you would arrive at the restaurant, get your uniform on and get ready for the day. Greet everyone and be ready to assist with the day’s tasks. Then, begin preparations for the day’s service. This may involve chopping vegetables, cleaning fish or meat, or preparing sauces and stocks. Pay attention to the guidance of the head chef or your assigned mentor, as they will guide you through the specific tasks for the day. As the restaurant gets closer to opening, focus shifts towards setting up the stations. Help organize ingredients, utensils, and equipment required for each station. Pay attention to the cleanliness and hygiene standards expected in a professional kitchen. The restaurant opens for lunch service, and the kitchen becomes bustling with activity. You may start by assisting the chefs at various stations, observing their techniques, and learning from their expertise. Pay attention to their instructions, ask questions, and show enthusiasm for the work. As the lunch rush begins, you may be assigned specific tasks, such as plating appetizers or garnishing dishes. Work efficiently and with attention to detail, ensuring that each dish meets the restaurant’s high standards. After the lunch service winds down, which usually happens at around 2:00 o’clock take a short break to rest and recharge. This is a good time to enjoy a staff meal, which is often a simple but hearty dish prepared by the kitchen team. 

 

The rest of the day

The afternoon is typically spent cleaning and organizing the kitchen. This includes washing dishes, scrubbing countertops, sweeping and mopping the floors, and taking inventory of supplies. Maintaining cleanliness and order is crucial in a professional kitchen. Assist with the preparation for the evening service. This may involve prepping ingredients, marinating meats, or making desserts. Use this time to practice your knife skills or learn new techniques from experienced chefs. The restaurant opens for dinner service, and you may be assigned more responsibilities as the evening progresses. Work diligently and efficiently to ensure a smooth service, paying attention to plating, portion sizes, and presentation. As the dinner service starts to wind down, begin the process of cleaning and closing the kitchen for the day. This includes thoroughly cleaning the cooking equipment, putting away ingredients, and ensuring that everything is organized for the next day. Once the kitchen is clean and organized, your day as a kitchen intern in Spain comes to an end. Thank your mentors and colleagues for their guidance and assistance throughout the day, and head home to rest and prepare for the next day’s challenges.

 

Internship with Animafest

 Animafest offers internships all over Spain in different departments of the hospitality industry. The positions that we offer are full time and the language requirements are B2 in English and B1 in Spanish. Monthly compensation, accommodation and meals are provided. You might also be eligible for the Erasmus plus grant. However, this needs to be discussed with your university. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us. We are looking forward to helping you take the first steps in your career.  You can find more information about the internships and contact us here,