New Year, New Term: A Fresh Start Toolkit for Exchange Students in Ireland

High Schools International
Dec 31, 2025
3 min read

Starting a new term abroad feels a little like opening a fresh notebook. Even if the first term had its challenges, Term 2 gives you the chance to reset, refine your routine, and feel more settled in Ireland. Many students wonder how to study abroad in high school in a way that feels balanced and sustainable, especially after the excitement and nerves of the first few months. This guide offers a simple, realistic toolkit to help you start Term 2 with confidence.

Before continuing, remember that HSI provides monthly welfare reports, which give you and your parents a clear picture of how you are settling academically, socially, and emotionally. These reports act as a built-in support system, helping you stay grounded and aware of your development throughout the year.

Reflect on Term 1: What Worked and What Didn’t

A fresh start begins with a quick, honest look at the past term. You do not need pages of journalling. A few targeted questions will do:

When did I feel most settled in school?
Which study habits genuinely helped?
When did I feel overwhelmed or distracted?
What could I try differently this term?

For trustworthy wellbeing guidance, SpunOut encourages young people to keep their reflections simple and manageable, which makes it far easier to stay consistent rather than giving up after a few days. Source: https://www.spunout.ie

Set Clear, Achievable Goals for Term 2

Goal setting is one of the most effective ways to regain focus after the Christmas break. Aim for three goals that cover the key areas of your exchange experience: academic, social, and personal wellbeing.

Examples include:

Complete all homework on the day it’s assigned
Join a new lunchtime or after-school club
Build a healthier sleep routine

Try to avoid vague resolutions such as “do better in school”. Smaller, specific goals tend to work better, especially within the Irish school system, which values steady progress and self-directed learning.

Your monthly HSI welfare reports act as natural check-in points, supporting you as you work towards your goals.

Use Habit Stacking to Make Good Routines Stick

Habit stacking is a very simple technique that works brilliantly when your life has already changed a lot through studying abroad. It means attaching a small new habit to something you already do automatically.

Examples:

When I get home from school, I will spend ten minutes updating my notes.
When I plug in my phone at night, I will pack my school bag for the next day.
After breakfast, I will look at my planner for the day ahead.

Youth wellbeing organisation Jigsaw often highlights small-scale changes like this because they help reduce stress and increase consistency for teenagers.

Source: https://jigsaw.ie

Refresh Your Extra-Curricular Life

Term 1 is often about finding your bearings. By Term 2, you understand more about how Irish schools work, which makes this the perfect time to expand your involvement.

Joining a club or sports team can transform your experience of living in Ireland. Options often include:

GAA (Gaelic football or hurling)
Music, choir, or band
Art clubs
Coding or science groups
Debate teams
Mindfulness or wellbeing sessions

Clubs help you make local friends, practise English naturally, and feel increasingly at home in your school community. If you tried an activity in Term 1 that didn’t suit you, that’s perfectly fine, Term 2 gives you a fresh chance to explore something new.

Set Healthy Screen-Time Boundaries

Phones are incredibly helpful when you’re far from home, but mindless scrolling can creep into your evenings quickly, especially during the darker winter months.

Try these small boundaries:

No phone for the last 30 minutes before bed
Charge your phone outside your bedroom if possible
Save social media for after homework
Check screen-time once a week rather than daily

SpunOut and Jigsaw both emphasise that even small adjustments to digital habits can improve mood, sleep, and focus for teenagers during busy school periods.

Download Your One-Page Habit Tracker

To help you put your plans into action, you can download a simple, printable habit tracker using the link below. It helps you stay accountable, visualise your progress, and keep your routines realistic.

Final Thoughts

Term 2 is often where exchange students experience the most noticeable personal growth. You know the system, friendships deepen, and Ireland begins to feel familiar. With a few intentional habits and achievable goals, this term can become one of the most rewarding parts of your high school study abroad journey.

And remember, HSI’s monthly welfare reports and dedicated support team are there to guide you every step of the way.

Start the year with a plan. Speak to our experienced Placements Team about your options for studying in Ireland.