Celebrating Claudina Leal Casares: A Remarkable Exchange Journey from Mexico to Ireland
As Claudina Leal Casares prepares to return home to Mexico this Friday, we would like to recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution she has made during her exchange year in Ireland.
Claudina joined Saint Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point, Co. Clare, through the PEI Mexico Exchange Programme. Throughout her stay, she embraced every opportunity available to her, becoming an active and valued member of both the school and local community. During her time in Ireland, Claudina not only immersed herself in Irish culture and school life but was also recognised with the prestigious CEIST Award, a testament to the positive impact she made during her exchange experience.
When reflecting on her favourite memories from Ireland, Claudina spoke about the friendships she made and the experiences she shared with her classmates. One of her standout moments was the school trip to Barcelona, where she enjoyed travelling with friends and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Asked what the exchange programme meant to her, Claudina described it as a journey of “changes and memories.” Her year abroad has been one of personal growth, new experiences, cultural exchange, and lasting friendships that she will carry with her long after she returns home.
Claudina is passionate about encouraging other students to take part in exchange programmes. Her advice is simple but powerful:
“Don’t be scared and say yes to every opportunity you have.”
It is advice that perfectly reflects the attitude she brought to her own exchange experience, embracing new challenges, making new friends, and making the most of every opportunity that came her way.
One of the highlights of Claudina’s year was receiving the CEIST Award. Presented annually in CEIST schools across Ireland, the award recognises a student who best embodies the values of Catholic education, including respect for every person, excellence in learning, leadership, community spirit, justice, and responsibility. It is an honour that recognises not only academic achievement but also character, kindness, and the positive influence a student has on those around them.
Speaking about receiving the award, Claudina said:
“It meant that I left a mark on all the people I met and left a piece of me here.”
For someone who arrived in Ireland from Mexico and immersed herself so fully in school and community life, these words perfectly capture the spirit of the award. The friendships she formed, the experiences she shared, and the positive energy she brought to those around her ensured that she became a valued member of the school community. The fact that she was selected for this honour speaks volumes about the impression she made during her time at Saint Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point.
When asked to rate her overall exchange experience, Claudina gave it a perfect score of 10 out of 10.
Her experience highlights the life-changing opportunities that international exchange programmes provide. Students not only gain independence, confidence, and cultural awareness, but they also build lifelong friendships and create meaningful connections that extend far beyond borders.
As Claudina returns home to Mexico, we are immensely proud of everything she has achieved. She has been a wonderful ambassador for the PEI Mexico Exchange Programme and a shining example of the positive impact international exchange can have on students, schools, and communities.
Thank you, Claudina, for sharing your culture, your friendship, and your enthusiasm with everyone you met during your time in Ireland. We wish you every success and happiness in the future and hope that the memories, friendships, and experiences you have gained here will stay with you for many years to come.
Safe travels home, Claudina. You will always have a special place in the hearts of those who had the privilege of welcoming you to Ireland.
