Alone on an internship in Málaga: what to do?!

As a third-year student in Commercial Economics, I started my internship in the beautiful city of Málaga almost two months ago. I embarked on this internship period with few expectations. Now, after some time, I can confidently say that it was a wise choice. Approaching this experience with an open mind and few expectations has served me incredibly well. Let me take you through my experiences during this internship period.

A New Environment
So, there you are. Standing alone at the airport in Málaga, with no idea what the next five months will bring. Upon arriving at the apartment, I was warmly welcomed by my four Dutch housemates, with whom I immediately clicked. The next day, we went out for drinks together, and I quickly met new people. Almost everyone here shares the same intention and enthusiasm for meeting new people. The beauty of meeting new people is that you often encounter individuals with similar interests and goals. During the first weekend, I even went for a run with a group because I met guys who also wanted to run the half marathon in Málaga. We all completed it together on March 10th 2024! During that first weekend, we enjoyed fantastic weather and visited the beach, where we found ourselves playing volleyball with a group of people from eight different nationalities. This is what makes an internship like this extra special. Getting to know people from different countries not only brings joy but can also provide new perspectives and experiences.

Adapting to the New Environment
So… you suddenly find yourself in a completely new environment. But what now? From my own experience, I believe that you should approach this adventure with an open mind. If you have no expectations, nothing can disappoint you. Be open to new experiences and encounters; that’s where the real adventure begins. Of course, you always hope it will be fun, but you also have to make it fun yourself 😉 Be open to meeting new people, try things you wouldn’t normally do, and you’ll undoubtedly have a great time. A new environment also offers opportunities to learn or improve other things, such as Spanish and English. Málaga is the perfect place for that!

Maintaining Habits
Furthermore, it has personally helped me to not only try new things but also to stick to my habits. For example, in the Netherlands, I love to exercise a lot. It was a bit of an adjustment at first here in Málaga, but since I’ve picked up this habit again, I’ve noticed that it also gives me some stability. It not only provides confidence in a new environment but also helps maintain a healthy balance. Maintaining familiar rituals, such as exercising, reading, or meditating, has a calming effect amid all the new experiences.

And You?
When you embark on this adventure, remember this: be open to new encounters and experiences, but also hold on to your own habits and routines that provide stability. Let yourself be surprised by the environment and the delightful weather in Málaga while challenging yourself outside your comfort zone. This way, you will not only experience unforgettable moments and create beautiful memories but also grow personally and form new friendships.

Written by Koen Schlenter, student Commercial Economics