Ocean Lovers Internship

I went to work at the Lüderitz Blue School during my gap year in 2024. I was teaching primary to GCSE level English, maths and science during the day but much more outside of that. The school asked me and the other lovely interns to also run art club, science club, ocean day activities and we took the kids to the Namib desert for a week to learn about sustainability! What I loved most about LBS was its environmental and ocean focus - day-to-day teaching was underpinned with ocean literacy. Being located right on the South coast of Namibia it is part of the school’s ethos that students understand the fundamental importance, diversity, fun and safety of the ocean. Having gone to school in London, I was lucky enough to have had access to swimming lessons, something we often take for granted here. As a previously competitive swimmer I was very keen to teach the students out there basic swimming and buoyancy techniques, something they didn’t have much access to despite being next to the sea. I think it was the most rewarding part of my trip and the kids were incredible, hard-working and improved so much! I also taught ballet and aided with sailing lessons which was so much fun! The accommodation, community and friends I made there was amazing and I still remain in touch with them. I cannot wait to return!

My time interning at the Blue School was incredible. Lüderitz is a unique coastal desert town unlike any other, with a warm and welcoming community both within and beyond the school. From the beginning, I felt supported and included. During my three months there, I had the opportunity to co-direct the end-of-year theatre production, help organise a carol concert with the wider town community, got involved in sports competitions, assisted across a range of lessons and extracurricular activities, and even took part in weekend sailing. Creativity and initiative are genuinely valued, and you can make a real difference. Although Lüderitz is a somewhat quiet town, there is always something happening within the community, and it has everything you need and more. The boarding house I stayed in was comfortable, and had an amazing view of the ocean. I also had the chance to explore more of Namibia, which I could not recommend enough- it really is a stunning country.