Why my Education internship in Ireland was different from what I imagined…

On the path to becoming a teacher, Jennifer traveled to Dublin, Ireland, to gain experience prior to graduation. Aiming to gain practical teaching skills, Jennifer signed up to build a strong portfolio of experience and develop new ways to connect with students. Read on to discover why her Education internship in Ireland was different from what she’d imagined…

Hi Jennifer! What was it like coming to Ireland for your Education internship?

I was very nervous about coming to Ireland for an internship abroad, especially since I’m from across the world and had never done anything like this before. However, from my very first day, everyone was so kind and extremely welcoming. I was quickly included in conversations, activities, and the workplace environment, which helped me feel comfortable and valued.

I quickly noticed that people in Dublin are very friendly, welcoming, and easy to talk to, which reminded me a lot of home. I also found that people share a similar sense of humor and are very social, which made it easier for me to settle in during my first week. They showed me around, introduced me to lots of people, and helped me get settled in with some simple work to start off with.

Everyone at the school, where I was placed for my Education internship, was extremely welcoming and made an effort to include me from the beginning. I was also surprised by how relaxed and supportive the work environment felt compared to what I had imagined.

The most memorable part of my experience during the first week was making new friends, seeing lots of amazing sights around Dublin, and having the opportunity to intern in a school.

Why did you choose to do your internship in Ireland?

This internship contributes to my long-term goal of becoming a teacher by giving me real classroom experience in a different country and school system. It helped me understand what teaching is like in practice, not just in theory, and has shown me how important it is to be adaptable, patient, and well-prepared.

Doing my Education internship in Ireland also helped me to learn how to support students with different levels of English, which improved my communication skills and taught me to simplify instructions when needed. Interning abroad in a multicultural school helped me develop cultural awareness and sensitivity, as both students and teachers come from many different countries. This is directly relevant to my future career because I will likely work with diverse classrooms. I learned how to be more patient, especially when there are language barriers, and how to make sure all students feel included and supported.

Overall, this internship is helping me build confidence, flexibility, and real teaching experience, all of which are important skills for my future career as a teacher.

What did your Education internship role over one month involve?

When I first arrived, I expected to be very involved straight away and to be doing a lot of work at a fast pace. I also thought I would make a big impact quite quickly. However, after spending more time in the school and understanding my internship role better, my expectations changed.

Since my internship was scheduled for just one month, we discussed the time required for my training and planned to focus on simpler tasks. However, I was also invited to cover a class. This opportunity was presented to me since I’m currently studying in a teacher’s college back in Canada. I quickly accepted the offer because I was very excited and grateful for the opportunity! It helped me develop classroom management skills, confidence in speaking in front of students, and the ability to follow and deliver lesson plans.

The teacher was very supportive and helped me by providing a slideshow and explaining the work that needed to be done for the class. My main responsibilities were printing booklets each day and following the lesson plans that had already been prepared. I also had the opportunity to supervise the class during a test, which made me feel very professional and trusted.

On days when I was placed into different classes at short notice, I had to quickly prepare by reviewing the student handbook and teacher workbook to understand the unit being covered and what needed to be taught that day. This helped me adapt quickly and ensure the lesson still ran smoothly despite the short notice.

Overall, I am very grateful for this opportunity. It has allowed me to gain real classroom experience, build my confidence, and develop my teaching skills. Working in different classrooms has also helped me become more flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working with a wide range of students.

How did the internship role align with your expectations?

This experience was very different from what I originally expected from my internship. I thought I would mainly be observing or helping in small ways, so being given full responsibility for a class was something I never imagined would happen so early in my placement. At times, it even felt surreal.

I also realized that a big part of the experience is learning, observing, and slowly adapting to how things are done. I learned that things take time, especially in a new environment with different routines and ways of working. Instead of focusing on quick results, I learned to understand the importance of being patient, helping where I can, and taking in the experience to learn at a pace which is realistic and practical for the setting.

Overall, I really enjoyed the experience and felt very grateful to be trusted with such a responsibility. The support I received encouraged me about my future as a teacher.

If I could give advice to myself or someone else, it would be to not expect too much too quickly. It is better to focus on learning, asking questions, and adapting to the environment. This makes the experience more positive and less frustrating.

What aspects of your internship placement ensured that a unique learning environment was provided for you?

One thing I found especially interesting is how international the school environment was. Many of the teachers came from different countries around the world, bringing their own cultures, experiences, and teaching styles into the classroom. The students also come from many different countries to learn English in Ireland, which creates a very diverse and inclusive environment. It was really interesting to hear different accents, learn about different cultures, and see people from all over the world interacting and learning together.

The staff members were also interested in hearing about where I come from in Canada, while encouraging me to learn more about Irish culture and traditions. This created a positive atmosphere where differences were appreciated and respected. This experience has shown me how important cultural awareness, inclusion, and open-mindedness are in creating a welcoming workplace and community.

I especially learned to be patient and speak clearly when talking with students whose English was not very strong, so they would feel comfortable and included. Even though I was nervous at first, I stayed open-minded, made an effort to meet new people, and learned about both Irish culture and the cultures of the people around me. These experiences have helped me become more confident and comfortable working with diverse groups of people, which would be valuable in any workplace.

What kind of challenges did you encounter and how did you overcome them?

At first, I was nervous about fitting in and understanding how everyone interacted with each other. I also expected the work environment to be much faster paced, so it took some time to adjust to the way tasks and training were organised during my internship.

One challenge I experienced was adjusting to different social behaviours and expectations in Dublin compared to Canada. Although both cultures are friendly, I noticed that people communicate a little differently - not just in a school environment but also in general. There were various slang words used that I had never heard before, but I would just ask questions to learn what they meant. It was a very cool experience to learn all about the words and phrases they use.

Another challenge was being far away from home and adapting to a completely new environment. Since I had never travelled this far alone before, it was sometimes difficult getting used to a different city, new routines, and meeting lots of new people. Another thing was the transportation, figuring that out was difficult at first but it was very simple and fun once I got the hang of it.

I think I could have prepared better by researching more about Irish workplace culture and school environments before arriving. Talking to people who had done similar internships abroad may also have helped me feel more confident and prepared for the experience. Despite these challenges, the experience has helped me become more independent, adaptable, and open to new experiences.

How did the internship contribute to your personal and professional development?

I feel more confident and better prepared to be successful in my field after this experience. The internship gave me real teaching experience and helped me improve my communication, classroom management, and ability to adapt when things don’t go as planned. Working with different students also helped me understand different needs and become more flexible.

I also feel more motivated because I now know what working in a real teaching environment is like. At the same time, I know I still have things to improve, like building more confidence and gaining more experience. Overall, I feel more capable than before and more ready for the future.

What advice would you give someone about to begin an internship position within a culturally diverse setting?

I would advise others to go in with an open mind and be ready to learn from others. It is important not to make assumptions about people based on their culture, and instead take time to understand different perspectives and ways of working. I would also suggest being patient, especially if there are language barriers.

Speaking clearly, listening carefully, and not rushing conversations can make communication much easier and more respectful. Another important tip is to ask questions when you are unsure. This shows interest and helps avoid misunderstandings. It is also helpful to observe how others behave in the workplace so you can understand the local expectations and adapt accordingly.

Most importantly, I would say to be respectful, friendly, and willing to step out of your comfort zone. A culturally diverse internship is a great opportunity to learn, grow, and become more confident working with different people. Most importantly I would say to really just enjoy the great experience and opportunity!

What will you take away from this international experience?

After completing this internship program, I feel more open-minded about different cultures and ways of life. Being in a new country and working with people from all over the world made me realize that there is not just one “normal” way to live or work. I became more aware of how different people communicate, work, and approach everyday life, and I learned to respect those differences more.

The most significant change for me is that I now feel more independent and confident in unfamiliar environments. At first, I was more focused on my own culture and habits, but this experience helped me adapt more easily and understand other perspectives. It also made me appreciate both my own culture and others more equally, rather than seeing one as better than the other.

One of the best parts of the experience was meeting so many people from all around the world and making work friends. I learned a lot about their countries, cultures, and personal experiences, which made the program much more meaningful.

These friendships also helped me feel more comfortable in a new place. Having friends at work made me more excited to go in each day because I wasn’t alone, and I always had people to talk to and share the experience with. They also helped me outside of work by showing me around Ireland and giving me a more real experience of living there.

Overall, these friendships meant a lot to me. They were not just work friends, but connections that made the whole program more enjoyable and memorable, and they turned the experience into something I will remember for life.

What’s next for you now?

After this program, I would like to keep building my skills and experience in teaching. In the long term, I want to look for more opportunities in education, such as part-time or full-time teaching roles, to continue gaining real classroom experience. I also want to keep improving my confidence, especially when working with different age groups and personalities.

To support my development, I would like to continue learning through training, feedback from supervisors, and self-reflection on my teaching practice. I also want to work on my communication and classroom management skills so I can feel more prepared in different situations.

Overall, my goal is to keep growing step by step, gaining more experience, and becoming a more confident and effective teacher in the future.

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FAQs

What does an Education internship in Dublin, Ireland typically involve?

An Education internship in Dublin offers experience tailored to your background. Depending on your internship placement and experience level, your day-to-day responsibilities may include ESL Support, lesson support, assisting head teachers, or even direct teaching!

Can I do a short-term teaching internship in Ireland?

Yes, Intern Abroad HQ offers flexible program durations, including one-month placements. While a shorter internship requires quick adaptation, it is highly practical for students looking to gain international experience during term breaks.

What is the school environment like for international interns in Dublin?

Dublin schools offer a highly multicultural and inclusive learning environment. Students from all over the world come to Ireland to learn English. Many schools employ teachers from various global backgrounds, exposing you to a wide range of teaching methodologies and accents. Irish culture is social, supportive, and relaxed, which helps ease the transition for first-time solo travelers.

What challenges should I prepare for during an Education internship in Ireland?

While interning in Ireland is highly rewarding, foreign interns frequently navigate a few common adjustments. For example, adjusting to local Irish slang and communication styles can take a moment. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Navigating Dublin’s public transportation system can be intimidating on day one, though it is easy to master after the first week. The internship environment may operate at a different pace than what you are used to at home. To best prepare, research Irish culture beforehand, connect with past alumni, and arrive with an open mind ready to adapt rather than expecting instant results.