Carla's experience as part of the High School Programme in Ireland.

We recently caught up with high school student Carla Batalla. Carla is enrolled at Dundalk Grammar School. Here is what Carla has to say about her time in Ireland.

Carla Batalla
Spain
Dundalk Grammar School

1. What tips would you give to international students considering studying in Ireland?

I think it’s very important to come to Ireland if you want, if so this is going to be the best year of your life, like mine, but if you don’t want to come, you are still going to have a great and unforgettable year, but not as who want to come.

2. Can you share a memorable interaction with Irish students that made you feel more connected to the community and your school?

Every time since I came I felt part of my school, a memorable interaction with my friends was the first day of school, all was so different but at the same time so similar to how I dreamed that it made me feel so connected to the community.

3. What subject or class do you enjoy the most and find most interesting?

Home economics is a very interesting subject, as you learn the things that everybody should know but no one knows, for example, I find very interesting the part about lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates that all are fundamental in our diets.

4. What clubs and extracurricular activities does your school offer for students to participate in?

My school offers a basketball team, hockey, rugby, gym… and for ‘TY’ they offer sailing and horse riding.

5. How has engaging in these activities enhanced your overall experience?

All these activities are great for having unforgettable moments and making new friends.

6. Did you feel well-supported by the coordinator at ISI Dublin throughout your time there?

Yes, I feel well-supported by my coordinator.

7. Can you tell us about your experience with your host family during your stay?

You have to come with and open mind, Host families are mostly nice and you can find some differences with your nuclear family, but even with all the differences you learn a lot with the families.

8. What advice would you offer to someone considering studying in Ireland?

Before coming make sure you want to come, but if you decide to come you won’t regret it.

9. Have you had the chance to improve your English proficiency while studying in Ireland?

Yes, a lot, I didn’t come with a high level of English but now I’m almost bilingual and it’s so easy now that I look back when I came that I couldn’t even understand what my host mom was saying.

10. What are some of your preferred places to visit or activities to engage in during your leisure time in Ireland?

Go to Dublin City.

11. How does your school assist international students academically, particularly those adjusting to a different educational system?

My school didn’t adjust the system, as I came in the 5th year instead of ‘TY’ but the international students that are in ‘TY’ have a different system adjusting to them.

12. How have you coped with the weather in Ireland, especially if it’s different from your home country?

It’s so different to Spain, at first I loved Irish weather but now that I have been almost one year it’s annoying if I straighten my hair or I wear make-up.

13. Have you sampled any traditional Irish dishes or explored the local food scene? What are your favourites?

Yes on culture day in my school

14. How does your school prioritize the well-being of its students, including access to healthcare services?

My school its perfect in prioritizing the well-being of the students, they are all nice and take care of us, where everyone is friendly and u can talk and they help.