12-Week Internship in Sydney: Luca’s Experience at a Primary School
CATEGORY: Internship abroad - Teaching
COUNTRY: Australia
READING TIME: 5 minutes
Luca, an aspiring educator, spent 12 weeks interning at a primary school in Sydney, Australia. Her experience offered valuable insights into Australian teaching methods, cultural differences, and the education system. From working with students to exploring Sydney’s vibrant culture, Luca’s time abroad left a lasting impact on both her personal and professional development.
As part of my studies, I had the opportunity to live and work abroad for four months. However, I quickly realized that finding an internship in my dream field and at my desired location was not as easy as I had hoped. My goal was to gain practical experience at a primary school in Sydney to prepare for my future career. To make this dream a reality, I decided to enlist the help of the organization "StudentsGoAbroad." With their support, I was able to secure an internship placement at a primary school in Sydney quickly and without complications.
- Luca visiting the Kangaroos
- Australia's beautiful coastline
- Golden Hour in Sydney
Start of my Australian Internship
On September 9, 2024, I began my internship at the Australian primary school. This experience allowed me to gain diverse insights into different teaching methods and develop a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences between the German and Australian education systems. From the very first day, I noticed several differences compared to German primary schools, such as the mandatory school uniforms and the fact that primary schools in Australia span seven grade levels. During my internship, I worked across several grades, from preschool to Year 6. My tasks included supporting teachers during lessons by preparing teaching materials and working with individual students or small groups. Working in various classes enabled me to observe a wide range of teaching techniques. Additionally, I participated in school assemblies and other school events, such as swimming lessons, which provided me with a comprehensive insight into daily school life.
- Sydney from above
- Luca and Sydney's famous opera house
- Australia's unique nature
Living in Sydney as an intern
During my stay, I lived in a shared apartment in Rose Bay, just 15 minutes from my internship location. I had organized the accommodation in advance through "Flatmates." I shared the apartment with two other girls from Belgium and Israel, which was a very enriching experience. Due to time constraints, I was unable to attend internal meetings on-site. Nevertheless, I quickly made new friends—whether at the beach, in the city, or at parties. The openness and friendliness of the people made it easy to form new connections.
- Friendly "locals" everywhere
- Sydney's Harbour Bridge
- A wombat enjoying a walk
Conclusion after 12 weeks in Australia
The internship at the primary school in Sydney was an extremely valuable experience that contributed significantly to my personal and professional development. It reinforced my desire to work in the education sector. Thanks to "StudentsGoAbroad," I was able to fulfill my dream of living in Australia for a while and experiencing its stunning nature, wildlife, and unique culture.
Written by Luca Yara from Germany (intern in Australia with StudentsGoAbroad)
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