Now that my internship at German School Campus has come to an end, I reflect on the past three months with a mixture of sadness and gratitude. It feels like yesterday that I arrived, eager and filled with anticipation. This experience has been truly invaluable for my personal growth, for understanding diverse teaching approaches, and for expanding my cultural competence.

Witnessing Growth & Cultural Immersion

One of the most rewarding aspects was witnessing the progress of the students. The teachers provided a nurturing environment where students were encouraged to explore their interests. Whether it was in the cooking classes—learning collaboration and technique—or in language lessons when the students’ eyes began to sparkle as they proudly demonstrated what they had learned, every moment was meaningful.

Behind the Scenes: Organization & Planning

I gained significant insight into the effort and organization required to run cultural events and prepare lesson plans. Participating in traditional German celebrations like Easter and May Day festivities provided a unique opportunity to share my heritage and reinforce the students’ connection to the German language.

Assessment & Professional Development

Furthermore, I was able to gain insights into the grading process by participating in both written and oral exams. Understanding the evaluation methods and criteria used has been valuable for my future career. Independently planning and teaching lessons has allowed me to refine my skills and adapt my competencies to a multicultural classroom.

A Transformative California Experience

Living and working in California has been truly transformative. Interacting with locals, forming new friendships, and immersing myself in American culture has broadened my perspective. I have learned to appreciate the differences and similarities between the American and German educational systems, which will enable me to incorporate elements of both into my future teaching practices in Germany.

I highly recommend an international teaching opportunity to everyone. The memories created, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned will surely have a lasting impact on my journey as an aspiring teacher of foreign languages.