Teach & Thrive: Internship Experience in Egypt

My experience at Smith Collin’s Academy in Hurghada was definitely a positive one. My confidence in my teaching skills grew as well as my independence. The cultural experience alone of teaching students that are from all over the world and speaking different languages was an incredible experience. The staff at Smith Collin’s was also exemplary and some of the friendliest coworkers I’ve ever had. Overall, if you are looking for a good mixture of cultural experience and wanting to expand your teaching skills this is the internship program for you.

I worked with Suzanna Valle teaching art to children as well as English. Suzanna does an amazing job and has accomplished so much for the whole community. Her creative projects are amazing and what she is able to accomplish is close to a miracle. It was a wonderful experience and would love to work with them again.

I am Sarah Saadalla, and I had the opportunity to complete an internship at Smith Collins School in Hurghada under the leadership of Principal Suzanna Aprille Valle Sobhi. My time there, during specific periods between 2020 and 2022, was an enriching professional experience that greatly shaped my approach to teaching and classroom engagement. At Smith Collins, I taught both Science and Art to primary-level students in a vibrant, multicultural environment. The diversity of the student body challenged me to adapt lessons to varying backgrounds and learning styles, while also strengthening my spoken English and communication skills. Working with international pupils taught me the importance of clarity, inclusivity, and creating lessons that inspire curiosity across cultures. The school’s environment was dynamic, collaborative, and welcoming. Colleagues were supportive and generous in sharing ideas, and the administration fostered a culture where creativity and initiative were encouraged. I was given the chance to contribute to school-wide projects, classroom décor, and activities that complemented the curriculum, all of which helped me gain valuable organisational and teamwork skills. Working with Ms. Suzanna was a particularly rewarding part of the internship. Her leadership style balanced high expectations with genuine support, creating a space where teachers could grow while maintaining a strong sense of community. She valued open communication and professional trust, which made it easy to exchange ideas and take on new challenges confidently. Looking back, my internship at Smith Collins was more than just a teaching placement — it was an opportunity to grow within a well-led, internationally minded school. The professional skills I developed there, along with the positive relationships I built with both students and staff, have left a lasting impact on my career and outlook as an educator. I am grateful to have been part of such a dedicated and inspiring school community.