Day 1: Welcome session, language immersion and first steps into Irish Culture

The first day of the English Language Development and Irish Culture course began with a warm welcome from the trainers and an introduction to the week’s programme. Participants from different European countries had the chance to meet, share their backgrounds, and outline their learning goals for the course. 

We took part in interactive speaking activities designed to build confidence in spoken English and encourage communication in real-life contexts. Through pair work, role-playing and guided discussions, we started developing both fluency and cultural awareness. 

In the afternoon, the focus shifted towards the Irish cultural context. We explored aspects of Irish identity, customs, and everyday expressions, laying the groundwork for deeper cultural insights in the days to come. 

The day ended with a reflective activity where each participant identified their main takeaways and set personal goals for the week ahead — a great way to begin this international learning experience with purpose and motivation!