Erasmus+ Journal – Internship in Ireland

Introduction
My name is Katharina Kreiter and I recently completed an eight-month internship at Celbridge Community School in Ireland as part of the weltweitunterrichten.at program. Prior to this internship, I had been working as a primary school teacher for approximately two years. I had always wanted to go abroad and experience different cultures, but during my university studies, I never had the opportunity to do so. When I learned about the weltweitunterrichten.at program, I knew it was the perfect opportunity for me to pursue my dream of teaching abroad. I applied for an internship in Ireland and was thrilled to be accepted to work at Celbridge Community School. In this report, I will reflect on my experience, including my role at the school, the teaching methods used, and the cultural differences I observed.

Overview of the School 
Celbridge Community School is a secondary school located in the town of Celbridge, which is approximately 20 kilometres west of Dublin, Ireland. The school is a co-educational institution that serves students from a range of backgrounds and abilities, from first year to sixth year (ages 12-18). The school’s mission is to provide a high-quality, inclusive education that prepares students for success in the global community. The school campus is comprised of several buildings, including modern classrooms, science labs, a library, and sports facilities. The school is well-resourced, with state-of-the-art technology and equipment that supports student learning and engagement.

In addition to its academic programs, Celbridge Community School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs, including sports teams, drama, music, and debate. The school also places a strong emphasis on community service, with students regularly engaging in volunteering and fundraising initiatives.

Description of my Role  
During my internship at Celbridge Community School, my primary role was to serve as a language assistant in the German language class. My duties included helping students communicate in German and sharing information about Austrian culture and life. However, due to the unexpected departure of the school’s only German teacher, I had to take on a more significant role for the final three months of my internship.

As the only German-speaking staff member in the school, I was responsible for teaching German to all six German classes at the school. This was a challenging task, as I had not previously taught German as a foreign language and was still new to the Irish school system. However, I quickly adapted to my new role and found that my previous teaching experience and language skills were beneficial in the classroom.

Teaching German in an English-speaking country provided me with a unique perspective on language education and allowed me to see first-hand how German is taught in a different cultural context. I gained valuable experience in lesson planning, classroom management, and student engagement, and I also developed greater confidence in my own teaching abilities. Moreover, teaching in English improved my language skills and allowed me to communicate more effectively with students and staff. Overall, my experience as a German teacher at Celbridge Community School was challenging but rewarding, and I believe it will be valuable for my future work as a teacher in Austria.

Accommodation
During my internship in Ireland, I rented a room with a private bathroom in Blanchardstown. I shared that room with my boyfriend, and we shared the flat with a couple who owned the apartment and their new-born baby. The accommodation was comfortable and provided us with the privacy we needed. However, one challenge was the location, as it was not easily accessible without a car. Fortunately, I had my car with me, which allowed me to commute to the school conveniently every day.

The City       
Living approximately 60 minutes away from the city center of Dublin provided me with the opportunity to explore and experience the vibrant capital of Ireland. Dublin is a bustling city filled with rich history, captivating architecture, and a lively atmosphere. I enjoyed visiting iconic landmarks such as Trinity College, where the Book of Kells is housed, and exploring the charming streets of Temple Bar with its vibrant music scene and lively pubs. The city also offers a wealth of cultural attractions, including art galleries, museums, and theatres, providing ample opportunities for me to immerse myself in Irish arts and culture. Additionally, Dublin’s diverse culinary scene allowed me to indulge in traditional Irish dishes as well as international cuisines. Overall, living close to Dublin gave me the chance to fully immerse myself in the city’s unique charm and experience the vibrant culture it has to offer.

Reflection of my Experiences 
My eight-month internship at Celbridge Community School provided me with a unique opportunity to teach in a secondary school setting and to gain valuable experience in language education. The teaching methods used in Ireland differed significantly from those I was accustomed to in Austria, particularly with regards to the use of technology in the classroom.

One of the most notable differences was the fact that each student had an iPad and there were no schoolbooks. This meant that much of the learning took place online using the “Schoology” program, which I used to upload lesson materials and assignments. This was a new experience for me, as I had previously relied on traditional textbooks and classroom materials. It was challenging at first to adapt to this new way of teaching, but I found that it allowed for greater flexibility and engagement with the students.

Another significant difference was the school schedule. The school day started at 8:45, which was much later than in Austria, but the school day ended at 15:30, which was also later. Additionally, the lessons were 60 minutes long, which was different from the shorter lessons I was accustomed to in Austria.

I also observed differences in the approach to language education. While the school used modern technology in the classroom, the curriculum for German was quite traditional, with a heavy emphasis on memorization and exam preparation. This meant that students were not necessarily learning how to use the language in practical situations, but rather were focused on passing exams. This was a contrast to my previous experience teaching in Austria, where there was more emphasis on communicative language learning.

In terms of cultural differences, I found Irish culture to be warm and welcoming. The people were friendly and always willing to help, and I enjoyed learning more about the country’s history and traditions. I particularly enjoyed experiencing traditional Irish music, which was a regular part of school events and community gatherings. The sense of community in Ireland was also strong, with many events and activities bringing people together to celebrate and support one another.

My internship at Celbridge Community School provided me with a valuable learning experience and the opportunity to gain new perspectives on teaching and culture. I feel that this experience has made me a more well-rounded teacher and has prepared me for future challenges in my career.

Conclusion
In conclusion, I am very grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the Erasmus+ program and to have completed my internship at Celbridge Community School in Ireland. It was a life-changing experience that allowed me to see what it’s like to live in a different European country and to work in a different school system.

This experience not only broadened my horizons but also helped me reflect on my own teaching practices and the Austrian school system. I had many opportunities to try out new methods, observe other teachers’ work, and engage in meaningful conversations about teaching and learning. This was invaluable to me as a teacher and has enriched my professional practice.

Overall, the Erasmus+ program has provided me with an unforgettable experience that has helped me to grow both personally and professionally. I would highly recommend this program to other teachers and students who are interested in broadening their horizons and gaining new perspectives.