{"id":12319,"date":"2024-12-10T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-10T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/preprod.sts-education.com\/blog\/2026\/03\/05\/teresa-studied-abroad-in-ireland\/"},"modified":"2026-04-29T09:45:44","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T07:45:44","slug":"teresa-studied-abroad-in-ireland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sts-education.com\/de-ch\/high-school\/unsere-austauschschueler-innen\/schuler-testimonials\/teresa-studied-abroad-in-ireland\/","title":{"rendered":"Teresa Studied Abroad In Ireland"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Teresa studied abroad in Ireland<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Teresa<\/picture><\/div><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Teresa from Austria was on exchange in Ireland.<\/em><\/p>\n

When I was 17 years old, I had the amazing opportunity to spend five months in Ireland on an exchange with STS. It was a transformative experience that taught me about a new culture, gave me lifelong friendships, and provided countless, unforgettable moments.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Why Ireland?<\/h2>\n

I decided to go to Ireland because it isn\u2019t the typical country people go to for an exchange (like for example the USA). Besides that, I love animals and I the thought of being surrounded by sheep and cows.<\/p>\n

School Life<\/h2>\n

I attended an all-girls school with a completely different school system from what I was used to. The teachers were fantastic, as they communicated with us on a personal level rather than maintaining a strict and distant teacher persona. This made the learning environment much more engaging and enjoyable.<\/p>\n

Free Time Adventures<\/h2>\n

There was always something to do in my free time. I loved taking the bus to the nearest big town for shopping or hopping on a train to explore Dublin. I lived quite far away from Dublin \u2013 5 hours with the train \u2013 but it was still enjoyable. Sometimes, I walked the dog to the beach, and we even swam in the sea once it got a bit warmer (it was still cold \ud83d\ude0a). I also took riding lessons, which was a wonderful way to connect with Ireland's equestrian culture. On quieter days, I enjoyed visiting caf\u00e9s with friends, having warm drinks, and good conversations.<\/p>\n

Friendships<\/h2>\n

Making friends was surprisingly easy. It seemed a bit hard in the beginning, but once I opened up a bit, I made many close friendships.<\/p>\n

I made most of my friends in school. Many other exchange students attended my school, and we formed a close bond almost immediately. We spent nearly every weekend together, exploring and enjoying what Ireland had to offer.<\/p>\n

My Host Family<\/h2>\n

My host family was incredible, consisting of two host parents, two young host brothers (aged 6 and 8), an Italian host sister, and a lovely golden retriever. Living in a rural area surrounded by cows and horses was a peaceful escape from the busyness of life. It was especially exciting for me to be the "big sister" for once, as I am the youngest in my Austrian family. My host family made me feel at home from the very beginning. I spent a lot of time with my host family, which added another layer of connection and joy to my experience.<\/p>\n

Challenges and Lessons Learned<\/h2>\n

There were many differences to adapt to, whether it was the school system, family dynamics, or the Irish way of life in general. At times, it was overwhelming, but I quickly learned that the best approach was to embrace these changes wholeheartedly. By doing so, I was able to enjoy countless wonderful experiences and grow from the challenges.<\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n

To anyone considering studying abroad, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to go for it. It\u2019s an opportunity to create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime, forge close friendships, and become a part of a new family. The experience will not only broaden your horizons but also leave you with countless stories to cherish forever.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/h2>\n