The need for a gap year
My Málaga experience, almost indescribable how much I did, learned and felt. A growth that I have been able to experience in a place that I never thought I would fall in love with. This internship started with a need for a new environment, a lack of inspiration and since my Erasmus could not take place during my Bachelor of Architecture in corona time, this feeling was only reinforced. When I had completed my Bachelor’s degree, I knew for sure that I had to take a gap year with an internship abroad. A necessity before I wanted to continue studying. JongLeren helped me a lot with this. It was difficult to find something in Spain yourself. What could I trust? Where would I live? How am I supposed to manage all this on my own? JongLeren gave me a form of security. She reassured me with the help they offered in both the Netherlands and Spain. A quality internship was quickly found at an Interior Design company.
Internship contract through the language school in Málaga
Since I was going to do this internship when I was not studying, it was a requirement to take 2 weeks of language lessons in Málaga center. The internship contract is then drawn up through them. This was arranged for me through JongLeren. I actually cared so little about it that I didn’t realize I was leaving until I got to the airport. 4 months in the beautiful warm Málaga. I actually saw the language lessons as a supplement, something I only had to do for a while before the real adventure would begin. However, I was completely wrong because this was the perfect first introduction to Spanish life. I came into an environment with a diversity of people who were all open to new interactions. People of all ages and from different countries with whom I learned the Spanish language together and at the same time got to know Málaga. My housemates and the house were also a present. Super clean and super fun. I didn’t feel any kind of homesickness until the first people who became very close to me had to go home again. Meeting people, people leaving you, and of course the moment you have to leave yourself. A process that I found the most difficult. Connections that feel like home and suddenly disappear completely. You are reminded that you are ultimately on this adventure alone, making every good conversation and fun moment so much more valuable
Internship and accommodation in Fuengirola
When I then had to move to Fuengirola to live closer to my internship, I ended up with the sweetest sisters. Antonella and Julieta were about my age and welcomed me with such warmth and positivity. They were interested and showed me Fuengirola. A friendship that was given to me just like that and that I appreciated so much after I had to leave language school. It took a lot of getting used to living with people who already had a life of their own in Fuengirola and at the same time finding my feet during my internship. The first weeks were therefore difficult, I was looking for connection with others. As a result, I often fled back to my friends in Malaga center. But slowly I felt more and more at ease. I learned the way, learned to entertain myself, went on trips through Andalusia, chilled out with Antonella’s friends, started new hobbies like surfing and dancing and became very close with my colleagues. From there Fuengirola became my home. At my internship I was able to work on beautiful high-quality projects, surrounded by the most inspiring people. I have been able to take trips to locations such as Tarifa, had slumber parties, shared trips and dinners with colleagues and, above all, had conversations that will always stay with me. In addition, Antonella and Julieta became my family. They were always there for me and took me everywhere. I was able to get to know the people of Fuengirola thanks to them and make memories for life together.
This entire internship is honestly the most fantastic thing I’ve been able to do so far. It was rich in freedom, self-development, connection, culture and architecture. I have never felt so at home in an environment where I actually arrived as a stranger. Where I actually still can’t speak the language very well, but I could feel the warmth of the people.
A part of my heart will forever be in Málaga, it has planted seeds and sparked motivation to improve my Spanish, learn kitesurfing and most importantly not take life too seriously. JongLeren was always there for me during this adventure and I am glad that I arranged it from them. Because that’s how I ended up in beautiful Málaga, I was able to live with the nicest housemates and work at the coolest Interior agency of Costa del Sol. This is an experience that I can recommend to everyone because it has changed me for the better forever.
