2022 marked the launch of Downe House’s Global Internship programme, offering a unique and rewarding experience for our girls to explore an array of job areas and work cultures in different countries and sectors.
Our aim is to make our girls ‘world ready’ and help them stand out in their future careers both in the UK and globally. Internships usually become part of students’ lives at university, however, we believe an early introduction to global cultures and work styles is vital and want our girls to take their first steps into the world of work early to gain a more competitive edge and enhance their CVs.
– Ms Akhtar, Director of Global Partnerships
Downe House Muscat is Oman’s first premium, British all-girls’ school with an impressive purpose-built campus. As such it was the ideal location for one of our first few Global Internships to take place at one of our sister schools.
In March 2023, Downe House, UK Sixth Form students Emily and Alice embarked on a multi-skilled internship, with both girls excited at the prospect of working at our brand new facility in the bustling city of Oman with beaches, and the striking Hajar mountains not far away.
This internship was a little different as both girls were very kindly hosted by a family from DH, Muscat. The girls and their parents were firstly introduced to their host Saja and her family in Oman via a Teams call.
Emily and Alice’s internship began with a settling in period at the host family’s residence, complete with an opportunity to explore the area. The host family treated the girls to a wonderful couple of days of sightseeing, with a visit to a military base, trip to the beach, a very successful fishing excursion and swimming. The girls were also taken to the Muttrah Souq and the Grand Mosque, with both girls impressed by the beautiful architecture. The girls tried local food called fatayer which was filled with cream cheese and honey. The sweet shop visit also proved very popular!
The internship focus was marketing, admissions, administration and events, along with experience of a teaching environment. The girls were quickly thrown into school life, with activities from creating videos and content for the school’s social media, filing for Admissions to assisting in Science, Food Tech and PE lessons.
I really enjoyed marketing, working with the girls to make videos for the school. It taught me how to work quickly and efficiently, as often there would be a short deadline, for example the Mother’s Day video I made, and the Instagram Reel about the official opening. Another thing that I really enjoyed doing was helping with lessons, for example, food technology or sports lessons. I particularly enjoyed playing tennis with the very enthusiastic Grade 5s!
– Alice, Lower Sixth
One of the key highlights was the opportunity to be involved in preparations for the official opening of the school. For Emily, it presented an opportunity to get to know the students and find out more about how the school works.
I really enjoyed making different videos and content for the Instagram for the marketing team, and it allowed us to interact with the girls. It was also really exciting being there for the official opening of Downe House Muscat, which was a huge success.
– Emily, Lower Sixth
Alice and Emily really enjoyed helping to prepare and being there for the official opening of Downe House Muscat, and the event left a lasting impression on them both. Alice was keen to share her experience back at Downe House, UK.
Downe House Muscat is the most incredible school. It was so nice to be able to see it for myself and I am very excited to tell the girls at Downe House UK about my amazing time.
– Alice, Lower Sixth
Ms Michelle Scott, founding Principal of Downe House Muscat said:
It was a pleasure to have Emily and Alice here at Downe House Muscat. The girls had a positive attitude to work and fully embraced all of the opportunities whilst they were with us.
– Ms Scott, Principal
Our thanks to Ms Scott and her team for providing the internship and congratulations to Alice and Emily on getting so wholeheartedly involved in all aspects of school life.
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