A Student Diary: Olga Ordines Lloret

Student Experience- Gracia Calvo

I arrived in Ireland on the 26th of August. My host mum Kay picked me up. I thought the house was big and comfortable. The family were very nice to me and I liked the dog a lot. The first week I went to a football match, it was very

Esther Work Experience student at Shannon Academy

My name is Esther I am fifteen years old and I am from Spain. I am staying here in Ireland for the school year. I am a transition year student at Athlone Community College. As part of my transition year programme. I am working here at Shannon Academy for one

My experience in Ireland has been enjoyable so far. I have been very lucky with my family and I already love them. The first day I found everything a little bit strange. We were all very tired from the journey and I just wanted to go to bed.

After one week settling in I started school. I can’t say it was a good experience the first day, because it wasn’t. I was completely lost and there were times when I felt lonely, I didn’t know anybody, and I found it a little difficult to explain what I wanted to say. Although it was good because my first day at school was on a Friday so that meant I had the weekend to rest and prepare for the week ahead.

The first week of school as you can imagine, again I was a little lost. I had to ask everyone where my classes were because I found it confusing but I did make two Spanish friends who helped me out a lot.

Over here in Ireland I am attending an all-girls school. This is new to me because back home I attend a mixed school. I must wear a uniform whereas in Spain I don’t. The level of subjects I would say is much easier. I am in 5^th year and I am doing what I was doing in 3^rd of ESO in Spain. After the first week I began to settle in and feel more comfortable.

At first, I didn’t mind the weather but when November came there was a drop in the temperature and I found it very cold. Then there are days it rains a lot and that makes me miss the sun. I do miss the Spanish weather. I really enjoy the views of the countryside, there is so much greenery and farms everywhere it is very beautiful.

I would recommend that anybody going abroad to study, not to be shy, to say what you think and not to keep your problems to yourself. People are so willing to help. It is also important to speak as much English as possible, even if you don’t think you can, you must try to improve your English. Finally, I think reading a lot of English is beneficial and being in class will help you improve your writing and listening skills. I feel I have become more independent and this experience has helped me to become more confident.