pasante

Pasante is a term used in Spanish-speaking contexts to describe a person who participates in a professional internship or practicum. It typically refers to a student or recent graduate who works in a company, office, or public or non-profit institution to gain practical experience, apply theoretical learning, and develop professional skills. The arrangement is usually temporary, supervised, and aligned with the individual’s educational program or degree requirements.

Regional usage varies. In many Latin American countries, pasantía or pasante is a standard step in degree programs, and a pasante may be a student currently enrolled in practical training or a graduate who has finished studies but has not yet obtained a professional license. In some places such as Mexico and Argentina, the term is commonly used for interns; in Spain, prácticas or becario are more typical terms, though pasante can be understood in context.

Legal and practical aspects also differ by jurisdiction. The specifics—whether the position is paid, its duration, and social security or benefits—depend on local labor laws and institutional policies. Some pasantías are unpaid and carried out as part of the academic curriculum, while others provide stipends or salaries. The pasantía or status of pasante may be a prerequisite for finalizing a degree, for licensure, or for eligibility to practice in a given field, depending on national regulations and professional requirements.

Outcomes of a pasantía can include improved employability, completion of degree requirements, or pathways to permanent employment, subject to performance and the regulatory framework governing the profession.