study abroad

Continually thinking in German

I'm now back a month after spending two months in Germany as an exchange student. It was an amazing experience and I'd even go as far as saying the best two months of my life!. I had soooooo much fun. I made many friends who I hope to have for a long time (some are planning on visisting me in the summer hols), I got to experience another culture and have grown to love it, I've tried many new things, become more organised and independant and my German has improved immensly.

International Student Kaori Kobata of Japan poses at Bunratty Folk Park

Japanese international student, Kaori Kobata of EIL's Secondary School Programme poses for a pic at Bunratty Folk Park. International Student Kaori Kobata of Japan poses at Bunratty Folk Park

Exchange students of Co. Clare Host Community visit Bunratty Folk Park

Lelia, Lea, Pina, Josie and Sophia at Bunratty Folk Park in Co. Clare January 22nd, 2011 Exchange students of Co. Clare Host Community visit Bunratty Folk Park

South Tipperary Local Coordinator Hosts Exchange Student Get Together

South Tip Local Coordinator, Susan Phelan, hosts a get together for her community of EIL Secondary School exchange students on January 15th, 2011. Both new arrivals to Ireland and old students who've been in Ireland since August got together to meet, greet with each other and socialise after the busy Christmas and New Year season. South Tipperary  Exchange Student Get Together - January 2011: Group photo of EIL Secondary School Student in South Tip community at Susan Phelan's home in Clonmel

On Learning to Say Yes!

Now that I've been home for a week, slept for most of it, and sorted out the inevitable bits and pieces that occur when one is away, I'm ready to start writing about my experiences in Tokyo for the past five weeks (knowing me I'll forget them if I don't!). Taking inspiration from Aran's blog (which I strongly suggest you check out if you haven't already) I'm going to take a stab at writing a bit about Japanese culture, though I have a suspicion my efforts will pale in comparison.

Sayonara, sensei

Last day of school with one of our teachers.

Sayonara, sensei

Nice View

The view from my shool!

Nice View

First Day

Taken outside Tokyo's version of the Eiffel Tower, which was just opposite my school!

First Day

Cat Cafe

Hanging out with friends in a Cat Cafe in Tokyo!

Cat Cafe

Heading for The Land of the Rising Sun

Árann McMahon, a Leaving Certificate student in St. Joseph's College Galway has something to look forward to when he is finished his exams. This sJapan Travel Award Winner 2010: Árann McMahon, St. Josephs College Galway, winner of the 2010 EIL Intercultural Learning Travel Award to Japan.ummer he is heading off to Suwa in Japan for 6 weeks on an exchange programme fully funded by the EIL Intercultural Learning Travel Awards. Read on to discover his initial reaction upon learning he had been selected as this year winner.