Job Shadowing in Andalusia – an Erasmus+ Educational Experience

Discovering the Heritage of Al-Andalus

Text Author: Jolanta Jurusik

Taking part in a job shadowing experience at a Spanish school in Andalusia within the Erasmus+ programme was a unique opportunity for me to explore the history and culture of the former medieval state of Al-Andalus.

Following my educational mobility experience in Algarve last year, this year’s visit was a natural continuation of my interest in the regions where Arab civilisation flourished between 711 and 1492. From the 9th to the 11th century, this area was home to a multicultural society based on the concept of convivencia – the coexistence of Jewish, Christian and Arab traditions.

As a teacher of Polish as a foreign language and an intercultural assistant, I was particularly interested in observing work with students with migration backgrounds and learning about educational approaches that support their adaptation to a new school environment.

The Spanish Education System and School Observation

During my mobility, I became familiar with the Spanish education system, which consists of three main stages:

• Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO) – compulsory secondary education,
• Bachillerato – an educational stage preparing students for academic studies,
• Formación Profesional – vocational education and training.

I also attended classes during the examination week, which gave me a better understanding of revision lesson organisation and the procedures related to university entrance examinations.

During my stay, I observed English language, history and geography lessons. Particularly valuable were the conversations with the school psychologist about supporting students with migration experiences and organising Spanish as a foreign language instruction.

I also had the opportunity to see how schools support students who are beginning their education in a new country and to learn about the challenges faced by educational institutions due to limited access to specialised staff.

I discussed working with young people from culturally diverse backgrounds, including members of the Roma community, and learned more about the approaches used to promote inclusion and equal opportunities.

Developing Competences and Sharing Experiences

The mobility allowed me to develop both my language and professional competences. I improved my English and Spanish skills and expanded my knowledge of the history, geography and culture of Andalusia.

Observing teachers’ work and exchanging experiences enriched my teaching practice, especially in the area of active learning methods and student-centred approaches.

A great value of this experience was the cooperation with teachers from the partner school and the exchange of ideas related to intercultural education and teaching the history of Al-Andalus.

I found it particularly inspiring to discuss these topics together, share teaching materials and learn about good practices used in the Spanish education system.

Andalusia – History, Culture and the Experience of Place

My stay in Andalusia also had an important cultural dimension. I visited, among others, Córdoba and Jaén, where I could explore the traces of centuries-long coexistence between Jewish, Christian and Arab cultures and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s unique heritage.

An interesting part of the experience was also becoming involved in the life of the local community, including taking part in watching a Champions League football match together in Torredonjimeno. This allowed me to experience everyday life and the atmosphere of the place more fully.

Applying the Experience to My Teaching Practice

I have directly incorporated the knowledge and inspiration gained during the mobility into my teaching practice.

After returning, I developed and delivered lessons for Pre-IB students, including:

• “What Do We Owe to the Arabs?”
• “Andalusia – A Land of Four Cultures”
• lessons dedicated to flamenco culture.

I also prepared teaching materials and conducted Polish as a foreign language classes for a student from Spain completing an internship at our school.

Reflection After the Mobility

The extraordinary hospitality and openness of the people of Andalusia made me feel at home from the very beginning.

This experience strengthened my belief in the importance of an intercultural perspective in education and in the value of learning through direct experience.

The Erasmus+ mobility was not only an opportunity to discover the Spanish education system, but also an inspiring journey that enriched my teaching practice and broadened my understanding of the role of education in building dialogue between cultures.

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