Adventurous Maite: Ireland (15 July- 7 August 2008) My first English language course abroad.

25 DAYS IN IRELAND

My experience in Ireland was an empowering and positive adventure. I finished my studies in 2007 (Philology) and in 2008 I asked for a scholarship to do an English course in Ireland for three weeks. I chose to go to Ireland because I always liked this peaceful and green country. I always loved Dublin to pass time quietly and to enjoy its nature. Moreover, two of my favourite bands were Irish: Boyzone and Westlife.

I lived there 23 days. I was 24 and it was my first on an airplane. I travelled by myself with Iberia. I remember my last moments at the airport the airport of Manises with my mum and Jordi, a friend. It was funny.

I'ts impossible to describe everything that I lived in Ireland. I lived in a nice house in Dublin where was an old Irish man alone. He was separated and he lived alone. I think he was working for a newspaper. The most of the time he wasn't at home.

I studied at The Linguaviva Centre, one of Ireland's most reputable English language schools, that attracts students from all over the world. This is the website: http://www.linguaviva.com/

I arrived on a Tuesday (15 July) and the next day (Wednesday 16) I started the course :-) Before to start with the group I did a test with other new students to know our level. I started in a Pre-Intermediate (B1) and at the beginning I was the only Spanish of the classroom. But after the days arrived several Spanish learners.

The teacher was a simpathetic boy called Richard (if I remember correctly). I remember when I said my edge and he couldn't believe it because he said that I looked like much younger xD.
The lessons are fun and varied. Our classes are compelling and didactic to raise the student's interest.
We worked together in and outside the classroom. I loved to participate in many attractive activities to know the city better. And also other places near the city. I met some good friends at the school and I lived great moments in this beautiful country.

I also met one friend (Carmen) that I knew through Internet before to arrive there. She was Spanish living in Ireland and she has also other nice friends (Spanish and Irisih, boys and girls). This was so funny because I also spent one night in a house of one of their friends in Bray, a small town beside the sea. And also we went to Powerscout and we visited The Ritz- Carlton Powerscourt, a luxurious hotel where was working a friend of Carmen, from Spain also. We took some pictures also inside.

One of my favourite activities in Ireland was the shopping. I became an addited shopping there! That's why I spent a lot of money in a short amount of time. Especially I bought a big quantity of Irish souvenirs. Even in class this was a topic of conversation because our teacher couldn't believe that I bought so many things (clothing, backpack, caps, umbrella, keyrings, chocolate and other souvenirs).

One of those moments that I'll remember always it's when we (me and other friends of the school) went to a music store (HMV). I bought a CD by Westlife but... after that, I forgot my wallet in a shelf of the store! OMG! We returned to the shop and we spoke with a security officer. My wallet had the shield of Valencia CF and when I described it he told me something like: "ok! Come with me" and he went to an small room for lost properties and he showed me my wallet! I was really happy cause I saw that people in Ireland is much more honored that in Spain xD. Another good memory of this country.

During the days in Ireland I visited Dublín city (museums, parks, historical buildings, cinema, the zoo, shopping centres, etc.), and its surroundings: Dundrum, Kilmainham, Bray, Glendalough, Dalkey, Howth, the Powerscourst House, Gardens and waterfalls in Wicklow, Enniskerry, Swords, Malahide, etc. Dublin may not be the prettiest city in Ireland, but around there are places that really deserve it!

Powerscourt is one of Europe's great treasures and Ireland's most famous House & Gardens. Gracing the Wicklow mountains, Powerscourt is a heritage property with a surprising beauty.

In conclusion, I enjoyed this country despite the weather (my last day in Ireland was 7 August and the temperatura was 14 degrees!). I met good people, I bought many things, I lived in an Irish house firstly alone and later with other student, I improved my English, I got a certificate with an Intermediate level of English, I took pictures in several amazing places and I learnt about other culture, its history, traditions, etc. I would have liked to go before! Beautiful memories for life.
25 unforgettable days in the green country!

BEST THIGS IN IRELAND

Clean streets

Public safety

Milk

Green parks and harmonious nature

Beautiful houses

Educated people
Shopping Centres (Dublin)

WORST THINS IN IRELAND

Bus service (horrible!)

The weather (totally crazy!) Very variable climate and strong wind

Traffic lights (I never understood when to cross xD)

Too many people in the morning, stressful

PICTURES IN IRELAND

FIRST WEEK IN IRELAND

Some pictures at the airport

In Manises, in the cafeteria, waiting for my flight with my mum and Jordi

Flying to Ireland! My first flight :-)

At the school Linguaviva. Weekly plan for activities outside of school

School entrance

Bank of Scotland

First visit with the classmates: Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle is the heart of historic Dublin

With Marina, a Spanish schoolmate

The Chester Beatty Library, on the grounds of Dublin Castle

The Chester Beatty Library is a National Cultural Institution

The role of the Library is to protect, preserve and make available to the public in the form of exhibitions, popular publications, lectures and other events the heritage enshrined in the collections of the late Chester Beatty and to provide the world of scholarship access to the internationally important resource