Hello! My name is Ana, I’m 14 years old, from Mexico, and this is my first year studying abroad in Ireland. Starting 3rd year here has been an amazing adventure, teaching me a lot about independence and myself.
First Impressions: Arriving at School
When I first arrived at my new school, I was nervous about connecting with my roommates. Thankfully, I lucked out with Celesté and Alejandra. They've been incredible in helping me settle in, making the start of school much easier.
Adjusting to Classes
The primary reason I came to Ireland was to study, and I’m slowly getting used to the school system, which is so different from Mexico’s! Fortunately, my English is pretty good, so I haven’t struggled much with the classes. It's been eye-opening to learn from a fresh perspective.
I’m studying 11 subjects, including compulsory ones like English, Maths, Science, Visual Arts, History, Geography, SPHE, and CSPE. In addition, I’m taking French, Music, and Business Studies, which adds variety to my schedule.
Friends and Social Life
At boarding school, meeting people has been easy. Everyone is just as nervous, so we quickly bonded over that! I’ve met many Irish students, and our school has a significant number of Spaniards and Germans, which is exciting.
I have two main groups of friends: my Irish and international classmates, and my Spanish-speaking friends, who I hang out with after classes and at night. Both groups feel as close to me as my friends back home in Mexico because we spend so much time together.
The Food: A Cultural Shock
The food schedule and meals at school have taken some getting used to. We have breakfast at 8:00, lunch at 12:30, and dinner at 5:30—much earlier than what I'm accustomed to in Mexico. And the meals themselves are quite different! I’ve gone from eating dishes like chicharrón en salsa verde to more simple Irish comfort foods, with lots of potatoes at every meal. It’s been quite the adjustment!
Host Family Weekends
Once a month, our school has closure weekends where we stay with a host family. My friend Rike and I stay with a lovely family in Lismore. Even though it’s a small town, we always find something fun to do. The family has made us feel very welcome.
Life in the Dorms
My dorm room is a cosy space shared with my roommates. We've decorated it with lights, fake plants, and posters. You can tell whose side is whose just by the decorations, as we all have very different styles.
The dorm also has shared bathrooms, a common room, and a small kitchen we can use (with the sixth years' permission). Most of us spend our free time outside or hanging out in a comfy area called "Legoland."
Coping with Irish Weather
I have never used my raincoat more than I have in Ireland! It feels like it rains constantly. Back in Mexico, I’m used to heavy rain during the summer, but here, it's a light but never-ending drizzle. Seeing the sun feels like a rare blessing, and I appreciate it so much more now.

This is me!

Beautiful sports fields at my school.

A misty morning view from my boarding house window.
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