Introduction

As part of my studies, it is mandatory to complete an internship at a high school as a teacher. Since I had already spent five months on an Erasmus exchange in the Netherlands, I didn’t have to think long about doing my internship abroad as well. When my teacher mentioned that our university has a partner school in Albania, I immediately saw it as a great opportunity. I contacted the headmaster, and a few months later, I found myself in Shkodra, Albania, together with two of my study colleagues, ready to embark on this new adventure.

Shkodra

Shkodra (Shkodër) is one of the oldest and most culturally rich cities in Albania. Located in the northwestern part of the country, it is known for its stunning landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant atmosphere. The city is surrounded by breathtaking nature, including Lake Shkodra, the largest lake in the Balkans, and the majestic Albanian Alps. Shkodra has a long history of being an intellectual and artistic hub, with many museums, galleries, and theaters. Walking through the streets, you can admire colorful buildings, lively markets, and traditional Albanian cafés. The hospitality of the locals makes it an incredibly welcoming place to live and work.

HTL Peter Mahringer

HTL Peter Mahringer is an Austrian technical high school located in Shkodra. The school follows the Austrian curriculum and offers specialized education in technical fields, including media technology, mechanical engineering, and information technology. With approximately 50% Austrian teachers and 50% Albanian teachers, the school provides a unique blend of educational approaches, combining Austrian teaching methods with the local culture and traditions. Classes are primarily held in German, as students are required to develop strong language skills to prepare for future career opportunities in Austria or other German-speaking countries. The school fosters an international and dynamic learning environment, which made my internship experience even more enriching.

Internship Experience

The internship included 24 hours of teaching and 21 hours of lesson observations. I had the opportunity to teach media technology, focusing on Photoshop and web design. This experience was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. It showed me that teaching is a profession full of variety, requiring adaptability, creativity, and strong interpersonal skills.

One of the biggest challenges was the language barrier. Although the students already had a good grasp of German, I had to adjust my vocabulary and teaching style to ensure they fully understood the content. Additionally, working in a school where both Austrian and Albanian teachers collaborate was fascinating, as I could observe differences in teaching styles and cultural influences in education.

Accommodation & Living in Shkodra

For accommodation, the school recommended a hotel, but we decided to book a private apartment via Booking.com. I shared a spacious flat with three separate rooms, a large kitchen, and a comfortable living room with my two study colleagues. The rent was around €300 per person per month, which is relatively expensive for Albania, meaning that living there on a lower budget would definitely be possible.

Our apartment was conveniently located near the city center and about a 20-minute walk from the school, making our daily commute easy and enjoyable.

Most of the time, we cooked for ourselves, but Shkodra offers a wide variety of excellent restaurants and bars. Traditional Albanian food is delicious and very affordable, with a good meal costing between €5 and €10. On weekends, we took trips to nearby cities to explore more of Albania, experiencing its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage firsthand.

Evaluation

Looking back, I can confidently say that this internship was an incredibly valuable experience. I absolutely enjoyed my time in Shkodra, and I would 100% recommend this opportunity to anyone interested in teaching abroad and experiencing a new culture. 

This experience reinforced my passion for teaching, broadened my perspective on international education, and helped me grow both personally and professionally. If you are considering an internship abroad, don’t hesitate—just go for it! It will be an unforgettable and enriching experience.

Introduction

As part of my studies, it is mandatory to complete an internship at a high school as a teacher. Since I had already spent five months on an Erasmus exchange in the Netherlands, I didn’t have to think long about doing my internship abroad as well. When my teacher mentioned that our university has a partner school in Albania, I immediately saw it as a great opportunity. I contacted the headmaster, and a few months later, I found myself in Shkodra, Albania, together with two of my study colleagues, ready to embark on this new adventure.

Shkodra

Shkodra (Shkodër) is one of the oldest and most culturally rich cities in Albania. Located in the northwestern part of the country, it is known for its stunning landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant atmosphere. The city is surrounded by breathtaking nature, including Lake Shkodra, the largest lake in the Balkans, and the majestic Albanian Alps. Shkodra has a long history of being an intellectual and artistic hub, with many museums, galleries, and theaters. Walking through the streets, you can admire colorful buildings, lively markets, and traditional Albanian cafés. The hospitality of the locals makes it an incredibly welcoming place to live and work.

HTL Peter Mahringer

HTL Peter Mahringer is an Austrian technical high school located in Shkodra. The school follows the Austrian curriculum and offers specialized education in technical fields, including media technology, mechanical engineering, and information technology. With approximately 50% Austrian teachers and 50% Albanian teachers, the school provides a unique blend of educational approaches, combining Austrian teaching methods with the local culture and traditions. Classes are primarily held in German, as students are required to develop strong language skills to prepare for future career opportunities in Austria or other German-speaking countries. The school fosters an international and dynamic learning environment, which made my internship experience even more enriching.

Internship Experience

The internship included 24 hours of teaching and 21 hours of lesson observations. I had the opportunity to teach media technology, focusing on Photoshop and web design. This experience was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. It showed me that teaching is a profession full of variety, requiring adaptability, creativity, and strong interpersonal skills.

One of the biggest challenges was the language barrier. Although the students already had a good grasp of German, I had to adjust my vocabulary and teaching style to ensure they fully understood the content. Additionally, working in a school where both Austrian and Albanian teachers collaborate was fascinating, as I could observe differences in teaching styles and cultural influences in education.

Accommodation & Living in Shkodra

For accommodation, the school recommended a hotel, but we decided to book a private apartment via Booking.com. I shared a spacious flat with three separate rooms, a large kitchen, and a comfortable living room with my two study colleagues. The rent was around €300 per person per month, which is relatively expensive for Albania, meaning that living there on a lower budget would definitely be possible.

Our apartment was conveniently located near the city center and about a 20-minute walk from the school, making our daily commute easy and enjoyable.

Most of the time, we cooked for ourselves, but Shkodra offers a wide variety of excellent restaurants and bars. Traditional Albanian food is delicious and very affordable, with a good meal costing between €5 and €10. On weekends, we took trips to nearby cities to explore more of Albania, experiencing its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage firsthand.

Evaluation

Looking back, I can confidently say that this internship was an incredibly valuable experience. I absolutely enjoyed my time in Shkodra, and I would 100% recommend this opportunity to anyone interested in teaching abroad and experiencing a new culture. 

This experience reinforced my passion for teaching, broadened my perspective on international education, and helped me grow both personally and professionally. If you are considering an internship abroad, don’t hesitate—just go for it! It will be an unforgettable and enriching experience.