One good Web site is spainexpat.com which answers a lot of questions about different types of visas.

From what I've read people under student visas can work part-time, and full-time during summer .. but it sounds like the work situation has to be facilitated by the school. Internships, specifically, are OK.

As for spouses I was wondering the same thing. I was wondering what other peoples experiences are bringing their spouse with them to Spain while they do an MBA. I imagine the school might help you get your spouse a residence visa. But that doesn't mean they could work. From what I've read work permits are only given when someone has a specific job lined up and that company helps them apply. I want to start a program in Fall of 2010. So I am thinking my spouse should probably start looking for a job in Spain now! Has anyone has any experience with this?

On the difficulty of getting a work permit; I think once you have your MBA it might not be as difficult. But, technically, the employer is supposed to be able to prove that there isn't anyone anybody already legal in the EU who could do your job just as well. I think if its a specialized area it probably wouldn't be that hard to make a case for.

I think companies from throughout Europe recruit from the top schools in Spain. So you might be able to go somewhere else, too.

it is actually very difficult to get a working permit in Europa, especially for the spouse. she/he would get a residency visa, but not be allowed to work. getting a work permit if possible however, if it is a special kind of skill, or a job that has to do with language skills - this can help the employer getting the permit(English, how ever, doesn't really count).
as for you - during your studies you will be allowed to work but usually no more then 90 days a year, and mostly during the holidays - internships are less problematic, as you would probably not get payed for it(or get very little). after finishing your MBA, i think you will get a grace period of a one year to find a job.

So how to most married students handle this? Does their spouse stay behind in their home country? Do they come and not work for one year (This would be tough to afford, I think!)? Or has anyone had an experience where their spouse was able to work? How did you work it out?

Spouses typically take the year off and often enrol in a Master's program. In principle a student's spouse can work in Spain, as long as a company makes a job offer. The problem is that the spouse would have to go back home to apply for a work visa, which takes time, money and paperwork, and which implies that most companies won't make any job offer to begin with.

hmm my spouse already has a master's degree so that option wouldn't make much sense for us. I was trying to research doctorate programs.. but his field is English composition.. so it's not exactly the best place to study.

We have a year and a half before we leave, so he has time to try to find an employer to sponsor him for a work permit. But we are not counting on it... he might try to get contract work with US companies while we're there (we're American)... I've also heard of there being opportunities to teach private English lessons, which wouldn't require a work permit. But.. I would think it would be tough to make much money at that.