The German School in the province of M\u00e1laga, also known as Colegio Alem\u00e1n de M\u00e1laga, is beautifully located approximately 15 km east of Marbella. Nestled on a hill surrounded by pine and cork trees, about 400 meters above sea level, the school lies in the residential area of La Mairena, in the district of Oj\u00e9n, between M\u00e1laga and Marbella. Most students commute via nine official school bus routes, operating Monday to Friday.
\nAs an independent private school, the German School M\u00e1laga holds a prestigious reputation. In 2008, it became the first school worldwide to receive the \u201cExcellent German School Abroad\u201d quality seal. Officially recognized by both German and Spanish authorities, the school is approved by the Spanish Ministry of Education and is operated under the supervision of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the L\u00e4nder in Germany. Additionally, the Central Agency for Schools Abroad (ZfA) supports the school in personnel and pedagogy on behalf of the German Federal Foreign Office. As a private institution, the school enforces strict guidelines, including a mandatory school uniform policy.For German-speaking students without prior knowledge of Spanish, the school offers a specialized Spanish as a Foreign Language (SaF) program. Students are taught in small, cross-grade groups for two years before being integrated into native-level Spanish classes. They continue receiving differentiated instruction for another two years before transitioning to regular Spanish lessons alongside native speakers.<\/p>\n
Adapting Lessons to Students‘ Needs<\/strong> Intern Accommodation: Comfort and Scenic Views<\/strong> Professional Growth Through a 16-Week Internship<\/strong> Life in Costa del Sol<\/strong> Final Thoughts<\/strong> Tips for other Interns<\/strong><\/p>\n Preparation<\/strong><\/em> Visa Application<\/strong><\/em> Finding an Internship<\/strong><\/em> Finding Accommodation<\/strong><\/em> Insurance<\/strong><\/em> Other Considerations<\/strong><\/em> Formalities On-Site<\/strong><\/em> Phone\/Internet<\/strong><\/em> Bank Account<\/strong><\/em> Other Considerations<\/strong><\/em> Everyday Life and Leisure<\/strong><\/em> Nightlife<\/strong><\/em> The German School in the province of M\u00e1laga, also known as Colegio Alem\u00e1n de M\u00e1laga, is beautifully located approximately 15 km east of Marbella.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3982,"featured_media":1868,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,486393,486391],"tags":[34269,522947,1762],"class_list":["post-1867","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-allgemein","category-praktikum-europa","category-reports-in-english","tag-lehramt","tag-malaga","tag-spanien"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.fu-berlin.de\/auslandspraktikum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1867","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.fu-berlin.de\/auslandspraktikum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.fu-berlin.de\/auslandspraktikum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.fu-berlin.de\/auslandspraktikum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3982"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.fu-berlin.de\/auslandspraktikum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1867"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.fu-berlin.de\/auslandspraktikum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1867\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1869,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.fu-berlin.de\/auslandspraktikum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1867\/revisions\/1869"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.fu-berlin.de\/auslandspraktikum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1868"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.fu-berlin.de\/auslandspraktikum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1867"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.fu-berlin.de\/auslandspraktikum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1867"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.fu-berlin.de\/auslandspraktikum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1867"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nThe majority of the students at the German School M\u00e1laga were Spanish natives. This presented a unique challenge in subjects like biology, where we had to consistently adapt lessons to match their language proficiency. These adjustments required thoughtful lesson planning and a sensitivity to language acquisition barriers. This experience made me highly aware of the needs of Deutsch als Zweitsprache (DAZ) learners. I developed a deeper understanding of how to scaffold lessons effectively to support language learning while ensuring subject comprehension. This sensitivity toward DAZ students will undoubtedly inform my teaching practice moving forward.<\/p>\n
\nThe intern accommodation was modern and well-equipped. Each room featured a single bed, desk, nightstand, and, depending on its location, either a stunning view of the sea or the mountains. The rooms also included a private marble-tiled bathroom with a spacious shower, which added a touch of luxury. The monthly rent was a reasonable \u20ac200.<\/p>\n
\nMy 16-week internship at the German School M\u00e1laga was one of the most enriching experiences of my teacher training program. Working at the school while sharing living space with twelve colleagues not only solidified my decision to pursue a teaching career but also helped me grow personally. I had numerous opportunities to observe experienced teachers, allowing me to expand and refine my knowledge. Additionally, teaching independently enabled me to develop my own teaching style and gain insight into essential teaching processes, such as lesson planning, execution, and reflection. These experiences undoubtedly improved my teaching abilities.
\nDuring the internship, I also created various teaching materials, which I can use in the future. Reflection on my teaching, along with preparation and improvement, became an integral part of my responsibilities. I am proud of the progress I made as a teacher and recognize that teaching is a lifelong journey of growth and learning. The opportunities provided during this internship have been invaluable.<\/p>\n
\nSpending my Praxissemester in the beautiful Andalusian region of Costa del Sol was an excellent choice. Escaping the cold German winter was a welcome change. I traveled to M\u00e1laga by car, which was essential for living in the intern apartment. In this shared space with twelve others, each of us had a private room with an ensuite bathroom, ensuring a good balance of privacy and communal living.
\nI worked approximately 20 hours a week, Monday to Friday, in addition to attending university-related seminars and tutoring four times a week. This made for a demanding schedule, but it was manageable and rewarding. My colleagues were incredibly supportive and welcoming, and my mentors provided invaluable guidance throughout my internship. I regularly taught classes, which enhanced my expertise and confidence as a teacher.
\nThe school offers Spanish language courses for newcomers at the A1\u2013A2 level, but beyond that, there were limited opportunities to improve my Spanish, as the environment was predominantly German-speaking. The Costa del Sol region is highly touristy, bustling with visitors in the spring, summer, and autumn. However, during the calm winter months, we often had the beaches almost to ourselves, making it a peaceful and enjoyable time.<\/p>\n
\nIn summary, my internship at the German School M\u00e1laga was an intense, challenging, yet highly rewarding experience. I gained invaluable insights, both professionally and personally, that far outweigh any minor drawbacks. I am proud of the progress I made and deeply value the opportunities this internship provided. I would highly recommend the German School M\u00e1laga to other prospective interns seeking a meaningful and enriching teaching experience.<\/p>\n
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\nHave an overview ready with all the submissions you need to hand in. Make a plan and start early. I don\u2019t want to discourage you, but I consider this point crucial. This internship will be tough as you\u2019ll have to work 20 hours at the school while simultaneously attending university seminars, handing in reports, giving presentations, etc.<\/p>\n
\nAs a European citizen, you don\u2019t necessarily need a visa. However, there is a requirement for interns to obtain a NIE number, which can be challenging to request in Germany. It\u2019s easier to apply for it at the local municipality in Spain.<\/p>\n
\nMake sure to apply early! German schools abroad usually require applications at least 10 months in advance. Send your cover letter and CV as an unsolicited application to the school\u2019s email address.<\/p>\n
\nI was lucky to have the opportunity to live in the intern apartment for only \u20ac200 per month. The apartment is shared with 12 other people. One thing is for sure\u2014you\u2019ll never be bored here. In general, renting your own place in Marbella or the Costa del Sol region is very expensive, as the area is known for its luxurious villas and tourism.<\/p>\n
\nI used the DAAD insurance, which cost only \u20ac38 per month. It was reasonably priced, in my opinion. I didn\u2019t need to visit a doctor or hospital during my stay, so I can\u2019t comment on the refund process.<\/p>\n
\nHaving a car is absolutely essential. The school is located in a small village uphill. In La Mairena, there\u2019s only a small kiosk where bread costs \u20ac6. However, the location is serene, with stunning ocean views. On clear days, you can even see Morocco. Another plus is the easy access to hiking trails starting right from the village.<\/p>\n
\nAs mentioned earlier, you\u2019ll need to have a NIE number and a criminal record certificate, as you\u2019ll be working with children.<\/p>\n
\nYou can use EU roaming, which is very convenient. You can keep your German phone number. The apartment already had Wi-Fi set up.<\/p>\n
\nYou can pay almost everywhere by card. I didn\u2019t need to open a Spanish bank account; my German bank account worked perfectly fine for the five months.<\/p>\n
\nWinter in Spain is absolutely mesmerizing, especially in the south. The weather is fantastic\u2014I was able to go swimming in December and January. Escaping Berlin\u2019s harsh winter was the best decision I could have made.<\/p>\n
\nThe area is full of beautiful beaches, mountains, and charming small villages. It\u2019s perfect for weekend trips around the region. M\u00e1laga is just a 45-minute drive by car.<\/p>\n
\nIf you drive 20 minutes to Marbella, you\u2019ll find plenty of beach clubs and bars. The nearest beach, Elviria, also offers restaurants and beach clubs. In La Mairena, there\u2019s even a cocktail bar.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"