THE PROGRAMS
The school programs in Ireland have an annual, half-yearly, quarterly duration and are offered in collaboration with the AFS partner in Ireland, which is called Experiment in International Living Ireland (EIL); in addition to these, a summer program is available which includes a four-week English language course, in collaboration with some language schools in various locations throughout the country.
It should be noted that in Ireland host families, both those participating in school programs and those in summer programs, receive financial support and therefore do not host completely free of charge.
Finally, it should be underlined that for the quarterly program only, the Italian families of the candidates are required to undertake to host a foreign student during the same period as their children’s stay abroad.
THE SCHOOL
Intercultura students are enrolled in an Irish public school. Public schools are schools financed with public funds through local school bodies or religious organizations. In the majority of cases, schools are no longer run by religious and do not provide for any particular religious activity, while maintaining a background of this type in their general approach and in their statute. Most often these are schools attended by students of a single sex. Most schools require the use of a uniform, the cost of which will be borne by the student (sometimes it may be provided by the host family or teachers). The secondary school includes pupils aged 12 to 18 and foreign students are usually placed in the fourth or fifth year (15-17 years), where attendance of at least five courses (with a maximum of seven) is compulsory; if the participant’s knowledge of the English language was not adequate, however, it could be placed in lower classes. Regardless of the student’s English level, Irish schools do not admit exchange students in their final year, which is dedicated to preparing for the state exam. It is important that participants in the program remember to request all school report cards and documents before departure: it can be difficult to retrieve your school reports once you return to Italy. Regardless of the student’s English level, Irish schools do not admit exchange students in their final year, which is dedicated to preparing for the state exam. It is important that participants in the program remember to request all school report cards and documents before departure: it can be difficult to retrieve your school reports once you return to Italy. Regardless of the student’s English level, Irish schools do not admit exchange students in their final year, which is dedicated to preparing for the state exam. It is important that participants in the program remember to request all school report cards and documents before departure: it can be difficult to retrieve your school reports once you return to Italy.
The subjects taught vary from school to school. The exams are always written except those of a foreign language, which also include an oral part. Some schools insist that foreign students attend lessons in their native language, if taught, to help their classmates learn. A typical school day starts at 9.15am and ends at 3.45pm, with lessons of 40 minutes each and no courses on Saturdays. Students are given homework.
Schools sometimes organize free or low-cost extra-curricular activities, carried out mainly after class hours and on weekends, in which foreign students are invited to take part to encourage integration into the local reality. You can practice different sports or take courses in theater, art, debates, excursions, etc.
FAMILY AND LEISURE TIME
Small island but rich in cultural diversity and traditions, Ireland has a long and fascinating history that still affects the perception of the Irish on their origins and belonging. There are many traditions inherited from previous generations, many of which are of pagan origin and are celebrated with major events in the squares. An important gathering moment for families and the community is the meeting place in pubs, where traditional music is often played and you can relax having a drink together, even if Intercultura students attend these places only in the company of their family. host.
The Irish diet is mainly based on the consumption of vegetables, potatoes and meat.
At first, Irish families may seem disinterested in the children they host, but over time they have shown themselves to be involved in their experience. Irish teenagers rely heavily on natural families, while foreign students may enjoy greater autonomy – although always in compliance with the rules imposed by families.