Glenamaddy Community School Erasmus+ Work Placement Update
Students from Glenamaddy Community School FET (Further Education and Training) sector took part in a two-week Erasmus+ work placement programme in Málaga during Easter of 2025. This valuable opportunity was made possible by our host company, European Era, with funding from the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. The trip offered a great mix of cultural experiences and professional learning.
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"Students from Glenamaddy CS PLC took part in a two-week Erasmus+ work placement programme in Málaga during Easter of 2025. "
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The group flew from Ireland West Knock and stayed at a university residence in Malaga for the duration of their visit. During their time in Málaga, students worked in a variety of placements; including hotels, restaurants, food banks, cultural centres and agencies that support student exchanges. These placements helped them build new skills and learn more about different industries.
Alongside their work, the students also enjoyed the colourful celebrations of Holy Week, taking in the atmosphere of Málaga’s parades and local traditions.
They visited some of the city's most famous landmarks, including Málaga Cathedral, the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle. On their first day, they explored the mountain town of Ronda, known for its history and stunning views. They also travelled to Nerja, where they visited the Balcony of Europe, and wandered through the picturesque village of Frigiliana. During their stay, they also sampled local cuisine, including tapas and locally sourced desserts which added to the cultural richness of the experience.
This experience helped students grow both personally and professionally. From hands-on work placements to exploring Spanish culture, the trip gave them a broader view of the world and memories that will stay with them for years to come.
Here are some of the Student Personal Reflections:
"My time in Málaga and Ronda/Nerja has been an incredibly enriching experience, both culturally and personally. From the historic charm of Ronda to the breathtaking coastline of Nerja, exploring these beautiful towns deepened my appreciation for the richness and diversity of Spanish life.
Professionally, my work placement was extremely valuable. It allowed me to develop practical skills, adapt to new environments and gain a better understanding of different working styles. One of the highlights was building connections with colleagues and locals—something that really boosted both my language skills and my confidence.
While I did face some challenges early on, particularly in navigating unfamiliar systems, these obstacles quickly became opportunities for growth and learning.
Overall, this experience has been both memorable and rewarding, and I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned along the way". — Oleksii
"I really enjoyed my time in Málaga, and my visit to Ronda was fantastic—both places were beautiful and had a great atmosphere. The work placement went well and gave me a real boost in confidence.
A highlight for me was meeting new people and getting a feel for the local way of life. At the start, the biggest challenge was figuring out the bus system and the language barrier made things a bit harder too—but in the end, everything worked out.
Overall, it was a really positive and rewarding experience". — Paschal
"Our stay in Málaga was truly unforgettable. We came away with so many lasting impressions from this trip. Visiting the historic town of Ronda and the stunning, whitewashed streets of Nerja—set against the backdrop of the azure sea—left us with some of the brightest and most cherished memories.
We were also fortunate to meet such warm and welcoming people who supported us throughout our internship experience.
The time passed far too quickly, and it’s hard to say goodbye to such a beautiful city and the amazing people we met along the way". — Oksana
