Benefits and Challenges of Students’ Internship in Moldovan Schools

         Internship is the period of providing a student with real world experience that helps him/her to explore or gain the knowledge and skills required in a particular career. In Moldova, the internship is a significant part of preparation for career above graduation. Interns are the university students and college students. Generally, the internship is unpaid. Most student internships last between four and six weeks and occur during the second, third or fourth year of study.
         One benefit of the internship is that intern gets a wide experience in their field of study. The intern tries to take what's learned in the classroom and apply it to the real world. Naturally, the manager of the institution is looking for intern who can apply his/her academic knowledge. Ideally, the intern has the practical work experience in which they demonstrate their abilities.
         The student uses the internship to determine finally if s/he has a genuine interest for the chosen career.  During the period of internship the individual works hard, prepares very well all that required, materials, equipements. As a consequence, the intern realizes if he/she likes his/her profession.
        Some interns might find a job in the instututions where they did their internship. This is a significant benefit for interns. They should not search for a job anymore after finishing their studies. While doing their internship, the principal of the institution, the deputy and other employeers can see the quality of interns' job. If the principal of the institution likes the work done, he/she can invite interns to work if there are any vacations.
        Except benefits mentioned above, the internship has certain obstacoles that the interns might face.Firstly, the interns can have troubles with some pupils. There are different kids and they have different behaviour and attitudes towards the interns. Some children are very obedient, smart and like lessons promoted by interns who use many interesting, modern methods and strategies of teaching. In such a way, pupils become closer to interns and have a good attitude towards them. In contrast, there are children whose attitude is bad towards interns, because they have already get familiar to their teacher. Another reason for it is that, as a rule, internships are very short in term and children don't managed to acquaint students.
         The second challenge is the time. A lesson in schools is extremely short for teachers. The intern might not manage to do everything what he/she has planned for that lesson. If the intern doesn't manage to do whatever he/she has planned he/she will change the tact of working, some methods and techniques of teaching.
         Another challenge is when the intern is strained in the following situations. The intern can get shy when he/she is speaking in front of the class or when he/she does a mistake either in spelling or in written. The intern gets some remarks from the teacher or even when he/she doesn't receive any feedback from the pupils are also reasons for bothering.
        The student should be responsible for the knowledge he/she shares with pupils. He/she should pay attention to everything that he/she is doing during the lesson is admissible. The material should be understandable and acceptable for pupils's level.
        As seen, the intership is an outstanding way to establish some important connections that are priceless for developing and maintaining a strong professional network for the future. Although, there are certain challenges met by interns. In order to become a good teacher, the interns should overcome them and take advantage of the benefits offered by the intership.