When I signed up for an internship in Spain through Animafest Experience, I knew I’d be stepping into a whole new world – new job, new culture, and yes… a new language. While I had taken some basic Spanish lessons on Duolingo, nothing truly prepares you like being on the ground, trying to check in guests or order lunch in rapid-fire Spanish.
What surprised me most was how certain simple phrases became my lifelines — smoothing out awkward situations, saving me from confusion, and helping me connect with people. Here are the 10 Spanish phrases that saved me during my internship (and might save you to)
1: “¿Puedes hablar más despacio, por favor?”
Can you speak more slowly, please?
This was the first phrase I mastered, and probably the most useful. People are kind and patient — but Spanish is spoken fast. Asking someone to slow down gave me just enough time to catch keywords and respond without panic.
2: “No entiendo, lo siento.”
I don’t understand, sorry.
At work or on the street, this phrase was a gentle way of signaling confusion without feeling rude. It bought me time or invited someone to rephrase what they were saying.
3:“Un momento, por favor.”
One moment, please.
Whether I was checking with a supervisor, finding a key, or translating something in my head, this little phrase gave me breathing room in a high-pressure customer service setting.
4:“¿Puede repetirlo, por favor?”
Can you repeat that, please?
Sometimes, you just need a do-over. I used this almost daily — during check-ins, phone calls, or when someone gave directions at lightning speed.
5: “Estoy en prácticas / Soy becario(a)”
I’m an intern.
This was my go-to phrase when explaining why I didn’t have all the answers (or access) at work. People immediately understood and were often more forgiving and even encouraging.
6: “Disculpe, ¿dónde está el baño?”
Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
A classic for a reason. Between new buildings, train stations, and restaurants, this phrase helped me avoid awkward panic more times than I care to admit.
7: “¿Me puedes ayudar?”
Can you help me?
Asking for help is a skill — and doing it in Spanish felt empowering. I used this both professionally (e.g., asking a colleague) and casually (navigating the metro or shopping).
8: “Muchas gracias / De nada”
Thank you very much / You’re welcome
Basic but essential. These two phrases helped me show gratitude and politeness in every setting — from guests at the hotel to strangers who gave me directions.
9: “¿Cuánto cuesta?”
How much does it cost?
From coffee shops to open markets, I quickly realized this phrase was a must-have. Bonus tip: always have some coins handy when asking this — not every place takes cards!
10: “Perdón, mi español no es perfecto.”
Sorry, my Spanish isn’t perfect.
This one humanized me instantly. It showed I was trying, even if I made mistakes. Most people smiled, slowed down, and encouraged me to keep going.
Bonus Tip:
Body Language + Smile = Universal Language
Even when my words failed, a smile, eye contact, and confident tone helped bridge the gap. People appreciate the effort more than you think.
To more understand body language read this: https://www.verywellmind.com/understand-body-language-and-facial-expressions-4147228
Final Thoughts
Learning Spanish in a classroom is one thing. Using it every day during my internship in Spain was a whole different adventure. These ten phrases didn’t just save me — they helped me grow, connect, and feel a little more at home in a foreign country.
If you’re planning to intern abroad, especially through a program like Animafest Experience, I highly recommend memorizing these and practicing them early. You’ll be surprised how much smoother everything goes — and how proud you’ll feel using them with confidence.
Now you learned a few of phrases, but for an internship in Spain is also important to adapt in Spain. You can read our recent blog: https://www.animafestexperience.net/internshipsabroad/practicas-en-espana-2025-adaptarse/
