Reflection

I’m so glad I got time to travel at the beginning of this study abroad program. It allowed me to settle into the culture and customs before being thrown into the school. While my school, Scoil Muire agus Padraig, was almost an hour away from Westport, I’m so pleased with that placement. The principal, Patrick Dunne, made the whole experience worth it. We were welcomed to the school with open arms, and the teachers were very willing to let us interact with the students. Both the students and staff were curious about American culture and the education systems, especially after we explained how greatly it differed from the Irish education system. The biggest differences could be seen in the organization of classes, the topics within content, and the grade structure. Our Westport host, Louise, was equally as welcoming. I immediately felt comfortable in the house, even though I barely knew the girls I was staying with. I became so close with the group of girls who were student teaching across Westport, and I hope to keep in contact with them all. I feel so lucky that I was able to spend April (supposedly the driest month) in Ireland traveling, teaching, and building friendships.