Interview with Grange students

We recently had the opportunity to chat with four incredible students at Grange Community School: Angel Guillén Martinez, Anna Medici, Lina Rugge, and Paula Tschense. We asked each of them one question to get an inside look at their experiences as international students in Ireland. Here’s what they had to say:

Are there any extracurricular activities or clubs at Grange Community School? And how have these activities enriched your experience?

Angel – Certainly, there are various extracurricular activities and clubs at Grange Community School. Grange offers a wide range of options, including volleyball, football, basketball, GAA (which is an Irish sport), boxing, a debating group, a breakfast club, and even a gym with a swimming pool. Personally,

I’m part of the volleyball team, and we have practice sessions twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays. Being a part of the team has been fantastic. Not only has it improved my volleyball skills, but it has also been a great way to make new friends. I initially heard about the school’s exceptional volleyball team, and that motivated me to join when I first arrived.

Tell us about your favourite subject or class at Grange Community School?

Anna – My favourite subject at Grange Community School has to be English. The teacher is incredibly friendly and has a knack for explaining grammar, especially, in a way that I find easy to grasp.

The teaching style here in Ireland is quite different from what I was accustomed to back in Italy. The teachers are very approachable and supportive, which has had a significant impact on my focus and interest in my subjects and classes.

Can you share a memorable experience or interaction with local Irish students that made you feel more integrated to the community and specially at Grange Community School?

Lina – It was a bit challenging initially to break the ice with the local Irish students, but I’ve had a unique experience at Grange Community School. I’m the only international student in my class, which made it easier for me to blend in and feel like one of them.

What’s really remarkable is that the teachers here don’t treat me differently because I’m an international student. That welcoming attitude, along with the warmth of my Irish friends, has made me feel right at home. The local students have been incredibly friendly and have made me part of their group.

What advice would you give to prospective international students who are considering studying at Grange Community School or in Ireland in general?

Paula – Grange is a melting pot of nationalities, which makes it a great place to experience diverse cultures. The teachers, especially Mr. Kerr, who serves as the international students’ coordinator, go the extra mile to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, feels comfortable in class.

There’s no differentiation between Irish and international students, which fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment. Also, the school offers a vast array of extracurricular activities, so there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy beyond the classroom. It’s a wonderful place to learn, make new friends, and embrace a truly international experience.

We hope we have been helpful if you are reading this blog and thinking about sending your child to study high school abroad.