Teaching, learning and acrobatics: An intern’s experience at Gymnasium Max-Josef-Stift
JYM student '23-24 Safiya Mostafa (Wayne State University ‘25) discusses her hands-on experience in English, gym and acrobatics classes while interning in Gymnasium Max-Josef-Stift.
In my second semester in Munich, I was lucky enough to have an internship at a German school, namely the Gymnasium Max-Josef-Stift. Here, I assisted weekly in one English class, four gym classes and an after-school acrobatics program called "Majostics" (Max-Joseph Gymnastics). I mainly worked with the sixth and seventh graders, but in Majostics I got to know students from all age groups.
Supporting English lessons
For the English class, my role was less active than in the other classes, but I was there as a resource for students and answered their questions, whether they were academic (grammar, reading or writing rules) or about life back in the US. The latter was especially thought-provoking and led to some interesting discussions in class about American holidays, traditions, the education system, quality of life, etc. and prompted me to reflect on my own life back home.
Leading gym classes
In the gym classes, I had a very active role and even had the opportunity to lead entire class periods independently. I had some general guidelines, of course, but, otherwise, I had the freedom to lead the class the way I felt was right. In some classes, I even got to teach a dance choreography! Leading classes on my own was a first and was definitely a challenge at the beginning, but once I did it a few times I found my footing and the students also got accustomed to me teaching.
Aside from leading a few class periods, my duties included assisting with the set-up of equipment before and during class, ensuring the safety of students, answering any of their questions and helping put away any equipment after class.
A highlight of the internship
Majostics, the extra-curricular course, was my favorite part of the internship. I got to know many more students on a new level because I interacted with individual smaller groups as opposed to one large class. I was also lucky enough to have joined Majostics at the time that I did because they had an upcoming performance that they had to learn and rehearse. I had the task of spotting students when doing back handsprings, aerials, acrobatic lifts, etc., running through the choreography with students, correcting form and positioning and general duties such as setting up and taking down equipment.
Building connections and skills
In my few months at the Gymnasium, I formed connections with both the students and the staff at the school. I was given more responsibility and the students also became comfortable enough to ask me for my help. I learned so much from this entirely new experience and got to see the German education system from a new perspective. In addition to my German vocabulary improving, I noted improvements in my teaching abilities, communication strategies and ability to take initiative. I am incredibly grateful that I was able to have this experience and I am certain it will prove to be very valuable from here on out!