Internship in Dublin: Finja’s Experience at a Football Academy in Ireland

Through StudentsGoAbroad, I eventually got the opportunity to complete a ten-week internship in Dublin at an international football academy — a decision I have not regretted for a single second.

When I arrived in Dublin, I first met my host family, who had also been arranged for me by StudentsGoAbroad. I was welcomed warmly right away and taken in with so much kindness. Especially during the first few days in a new country, that was incredibly valuable. Because of their openness and warmth, I quickly no longer felt like a guest, but almost like I was at home.

My internship started the day after I arrived — and I was immediately welcomed warmly by the five coaches and another intern. The academy uses the sports facilities of a large sports campus, a huge site with state-of-the-art facilities for a wide range of sports. For someone who loves sports, it really is a dream.

The academy’s full-time program includes around 80 young football players who can fully focus on their athletic development over a period of about nine months. They are supported by five experienced coaches. For me, it was incredibly exciting to gain such an in-depth insight into this daily routine.

The daily schedule was varied and challenging: in the mornings, pitch sessions took place, followed by additional training units, for example in the gym. There were also classroom sessions on topics such as nutrition, tactical analysis, or guest lectures on different subjects.

What was especially valuable for me was that I was not only allowed to observe, but was actively involved. I was able to independently lead warm-ups, mobility sessions, and sprint training, as well as take on theoretical content in the field of sports psychology. This trust strengthened my confidence enormously. I am very grateful to the coaches for giving me responsibility and always allowing me to contribute my knowledge and continue developing.

Alongside the daily sports routine, there were also many special moments: a shared camping trip, the graduation at the end of the program, and many small experiences in between made this time truly special. Above all, I was able to meet many wonderful people during this period, with whom I not only shared great moments, but also laughed an incredible amount.

My accommodation was about 50 minutes by bus from Dublin city center. This gave me the perfect opportunity to explore both Dublin itself and the surrounding area in depth.

Around Dublin, I was able to discover many beautiful places and experience Irish culture up close — and of course, a visit to a typical Irish pub was a must. Especially on the weekends, I used every free minute to see more of the country and dive deeper into Ireland’s history. My trips took me to places such as Mullingar, Galway, Killarney, and even Northern Ireland. The bus tours were a great way to experience Ireland’s impressive nature and diversity.

But it wasn’t only the travels that made this time special. Spontaneous cinema and concert visits were more than worth it as well and often led to unexpectedly beautiful encounters. Another highlight was attending a Gaelic football match at Croke Park — an experience I can only recommend to everyone.

Through all these experiences, the internship, and the trips, I formed friendships that would never have happened without this adventure and that still continue today.

My internship abroad in Dublin was an incredibly valuable and formative experience — and looking back, it was much more than just an internship. I was not only able to learn a great deal professionally, but also grow personally in a way I had not expected.

In particular, my confidence in English improved significantly, as I had to actively use and apply the language every day. At the same time, I learned how to find my way in a new environment, approach people openly, and face challenges with greater confidence.

Above all, the many encounters, experiences, and friendships made this time so special for me. I already know that I will definitely return to Ireland.

A big thank you goes to StudentsGoAbroad, the local education partner, the football academy, and my host family for their support, trust, and the opportunity to experience this special adventure. Because of you, this time became an experience I will never forget.