German students choose us for their educational internships

Colombia is a country that captures attention. In the first semester of 2023 alone, 3,246,478 tourists visited, according to figures from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism. The country's two oceans, biodiversity, and the warmth of its people make it a choice not only for tourism but also as a place to work.

This is the case for Gregor Häusler and Maxim Barnert, German students completing their academic internships in teaching this semester at Deutsche Schule Medellín. Gregor, hailing from a city near Berlin, had previously undertaken internships in Colombia and wanted to return to get a closer look at our culture. "The first time, I was in Barranquilla; now, in Medellín, living new experiences".

Maxim, on the other hand, has been in Colombia for five years. Although he initially studied Social Communication at the Universidad Pontificia BolivarianaPontifical Bolivarian University, he switched to a degree in Physical Education at the Universidadty de of San Buenaventura. For both, being at DSM was a dream. "When I learned about the existence of a German school abroad in Medellín, my goal was to do my internships here and, why not, continue working once I finish my degree", says Maxim.

Gregor shares the same sentiment, always clear that when the time came, he didn't want to do his internships in Germany. Instead, he wanted the opportunity to explore other countries and teaching methodologies.

Gregor currently works in Kindergarten. "I have learned a lot about the way things are done. I find the Tándem model very interesting, where we are two teachers communicating with the students in Spanish and German. Certainly, it has a very positive impact on the students". He also mentions that this experience has enriched his thesis work, focused on how teaching through play can be effective. On the other hand, Maxim works in the Sports department, supporting Physical Education classes in Grundschule. He also highlights the fact that he has been able to learn how to teach the language through games. "It has been a challenge for me, but I have enjoyed it. Today, using German with an educational intent in classes has made me more resourceful, and I have become a much more creative person”.

Both express feeling at home at DSM. "From the beginning, I am just another teacher", says Maxim, who remembers that in other academic internships, he always felt that his work was not valued and "they treated me like an assistant". Gregor has also felt this way; from the first day, he received a warm welcome from his colleagues and students. Both appreciate the campus and being able to use it as a classroom. They also value the high educational standard of DSM and how it is reflected in the education of all students. They emphasize that they see comprehensive education in children and adolescents: "how they interact with each other and with the teachers, take care of the campus, and show concern for solidarity; all of that is very good. Also, how they cultivate critical thinking in them", says Maxim. They emphasize the level of German the students have, “it’s very high", adds Maxim.

Although both have had connections with Colombia in the past, they say that this is a very enriching experience because they have contact with people and their customs in a very different way. "We can get to know each person we work with, not only teachers and students but also parents and administrative staff of the school", they both conclude.