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Pedagogy Meets Pub Culture – Social Work on the Emerald Isle
CATEGORY: Internship - Social Work
COUNTRY: Ireland
READING TIME: 3 minutes
An internship that combines professional expertise, intercultural experience, and pure joy for life – that’s exactly what Anina experienced during her six-month stay abroad in Ireland. As part of her Social Work studies in Switzerland, StudentsGoAbroad organized her internship in a private daycare and ensured she was well supported from day one. In her report, Anina shares how, between a warm-hearted host family and a motivated daycare team, she not only enhanced her teaching and social skills but also formed genuine friendships.
As part of my Social Work studies in Switzerland, I had the opportunity to complete a six-month internship abroad in Ireland. The stay was organized through StudentsGoAbroad, with support from their local partner organization. The application and registration process went extremely smoothly; I always received support, and any questions I had were answered promptly.
My daycare internship
I completed my internship in a private daycare center and lived with a wonderful host family, where I felt welcome and comfortable from the very beginning.
At the daycare, I worked Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., as part of a warm, motivated, and dedicated team. From the start, I was included and taken seriously, and my ideas were heard. My responsibilities included caring for and supporting the children in their daily routines, helping to design play and learning activities, and fostering social skills. I particularly enjoyed getting to know the Irish approach to early childhood education and contributing my own ideas from my studies and home country. Working with the children was not only a joy, but also helped me strengthen my pedagogical skills and broaden my professional horizons.
Irish culture & travels
Outside of work, I had plenty of free time to explore Ireland. Thanks to the local organization, which set up a large group chat, I quickly made connections and met many other international interns. Some of them have become lifelong friends, for which I am very grateful. Together, we took trips from Dublin to places such as the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle, Connemara, the Wicklow Mountains, and Galway. My host family also showed me many beautiful spots in the area, giving me an authentic insight into Irish culture. The open and friendly nature of the people made it easy for me to feel at home.
Conclusion of my Dublin adventure
Overall, the internship was an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience—both professionally and personally. I not only learned a great deal about working in early childhood education, but also improved my English skills, developed intercultural competencies, and made many valuable connections. I can highly recommend an internship abroad in Ireland—especially with the support of StudentsGoAbroad and their local partners—to anyone who wants to broaden their horizons and create unforgettable memories.
Written by Esther from Germany (Intern in Ireland with StudentsGoAbroad)
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