For many Irish students, Transition Year is a time to explore new opportunities, step outside their comfort zone, and learn beyond the classroom. For Hector, a student who spent his Transition Year in Málaga, this meant trading the Irish rainy skies for the sunny coast of southern Spain and spending a few unforgettable weeks at MaestroMío in Málaga.
Why Spain, and Why MaestroMío?
“When I was choosing what to do for my Transition Year, I knew I wanted to improve my Spanish before fifth year,” Hector explained. After some research, he found that MaestroMío offered exactly what he was looking for — a program based in a lively city, surrounded by culture and opportunities to practice Spanish every day. “After a lot of searching online, MaestroMío suited my preferences the best, especially because it was in a city”.
First Impressions: Excitement and a Few Nerves
Like many students setting off on their first big trip away from home, Hector admitted to feeling “excited and a bit nervous” before leaving for Spain. Those nerves quickly disappeared upon arrival, though the first impression was one of surprise: “There were a lot more people than I was expecting!” From the start, the school was buzzing with activity — students from all over, teachers ready to help, and the vibrant energy of Málaga itself.
A Typical Day in Málaga
A normal day during the program started early. “A typical day started early, but I loved it — the school was close enough to walk, so every morning began with a short, pleasant stroll through Málaga’s beautiful city centre”. Classes were engaging and focused on improving Spanish through real communication rather than memorization. After lessons, the afternoons were filled with fun activities and social time. “At the end of the day, we would often go to the beach,” he recalled — not a bad way to finish a school day!
Highlights of the Program
When asked about his favorite part, there was no hesitation: “Volleyball on the beach.” It’s easy to see why — playing volleyball under the Spanish sun, surrounded by friends from different countries, captures the spirit of what Transition Year abroad is all about.
The Atmosphere and Support
“The atmosphere was great,” Hector said of both the classes and the group dynamic. Everyone shared the same goal of learning Spanish while having a good time. When asked about safety and support, he added, “Yes, I felt supported and safe while I was here.” The only small challenge? “On the school tours we couldn’t really understand anything,” he admitted, smiling — a reminder that learning a new language takes time and patience.
Málaga: The Perfect Classroom
The city itself played a huge role in making the experience so memorable. “Definitely very well for all the sightseeing, beaches, and easy trains,” Hector said. Málaga is known for its mix of historic landmarks, vibrant modern life, and endless coastline. Every day offered something new to discover — whether it was exploring the old town, trying local food, or simply enjoying the sea breeze.
The host family
Hector said that his host family was very kind and welcoming — “They really made me feel at home,” he said. The house always had a positive and warm atmosphere. He also recommended staying with a host family to keep practicing Spanish outside the classroom: “It really helps improve your speaking!”
Meals in the host family
At breakfast, Hector could choose what he wanted. “I usually had hot tea with toast, butter, and jam,” he said. Dinner was usually light, just like most Spanish evening meals. We often had dishes such as mixed salad with tuna, tortilla de patatas, gazpacho, croquetas, pan con tomate, or even a small plate of jamón and cheese — all simple but full of flavour, perfect for the warm Málaga evenings.“But many afternoons I ate out with my classmates — we loved going for tapas at local bars and chiringuitos (beach bars) near the sea. I really enjoyed those times, tasting new flavours and enjoying the lively, friendly vibe of Málaga”.
Lasting Impressions
If he had to describe the experience in three words, Hector would choose “fun, immersive, and new.” Those three words sum up what makes programs like Maestro Mío so valuable: the blend of learning, cultural immersion, and personal growth.
Looking back, he feels that the experience has made a real difference. “It has definitely given me a head start in classes in fifth year,” they said proudly. Their confidence and Spanish fluency have grown, but so too has his sense of independence.
A Message for Future Students
When asked what he would say to someone thinking about doing the same program, his answer was simple but sincere:
“Maestro Mío is definitely a good option.”
For anyone considering spending their Transition Year abroad, this story is proof that a few weeks in Spain can turn into an experience that shapes not only your language skills but also your outlook on learning, travel, and life itself.
