Teresa studied abroad in Ireland

Teresa from Austria was on exchange in Ireland.

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.

Why Ireland?

I decided to go to Ireland because it isn’t 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.

School Life

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.

Free Time Adventures

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 – 5 hours with the train – 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 😊). I also took riding lessons, which was a wonderful way to connect with Ireland's equestrian culture. On quieter days, I enjoyed visiting cafés with friends, having warm drinks, and good conversations.

Friendships

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.

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.

My Host Family

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.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

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.

Final Thoughts

To anyone considering studying abroad, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to go for it. It’s 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.

Find out more

• Read more student stories from Ireland
• Read more about a high school exchange in Ireland
• See all our high school exchange destinations