One Week!

WOW! I am leaving for Ireland in less than one WEEK! That means I am going to be living in a completely different country, with a different family, TEACHING. There are so many overwhelming (but exciting) things that are going to happen very soon. Number one - I am making a huge step towards my future. I am starting student teaching! This is the last step in my college career and the first step towards my professional career. That is a lot to take in and it makes me feel so old! Besides that, I am leaving the country to do it - alone might I add. I have never felt so many emotions at one time! (excited, nervous, anxious, overwhelmed, unprepared, prepared, etc.) Besides the millions of things that I have going on in my head, I have so so much to do. I suppose packing would be a step in the right direction. I went to the bank the other day, and I got some foreign money so at least I am a little prepared. Thats about all I have really done to get ready. (ha) On a more serious note, I have a lot to do in this upcoming week - all of which I will accomplish (because I have to). The other thing that I cannot stop thinking about is my host family! I am so excited to meet the family taking me in for 3 months. I can't wait to put a face to the family to whom I have been talking (via e-mail) for the past couple of months! This post is extremely scattered, and I guess that is appropriate because thats how my brian is right now!


Ways I have prepared for my trip:
       Listened to Irish accents via the internet, movies, music, etc
       Researched some Irish history - very interesting
Thats about it for my preparation so I suppose I should get a move on it!

Next time I talk to you I will be in Ireland - oh my goodness

Katie :)

About Ireland!

Population:

·      4.6 Million (2011)

Listowel - Urban and Rural Districts is 22,668; the town itself has a population of 4,338.

Capital:

·      Dublin

Currency:

·      1 euro = 1.2859 US dollars

Airports:

·      Belfast City Airport

·      Cork Airport

·      Derry Airport

·      Donegal Regional Airport

·      Dublin Airport

·      Kerry International Airport

·      Ireland International Airport

·      Galway Airport

·      Shannon Airport

·      Sligo Regional Airport

·      Waterford Regional Airport

People:

·      0-14 years: 21.1% (male 503,921/female 483, 454)

·      15-64 years: 67.3% (male 1,581,959/female 1,560,238)

·      65 years and over: 11.6% (male 246,212/female 295,192) (2011)

Culture:

·      Religion is a big part of the Irish culture

·      “Has a big say in society’s view of family, and marriage"

·      A big part of the Irish culture is their rich history in storytelling – this has been passed down for generations and is deeply imbedded in their culture

Weather:

·      Moderated by North Atlantic Current; mild, windy winters; damp, cool summers

Language:

·      Irish (Gaelic) and English

Diversity of Ireland:

·      Irish 87.4%, other white 7.5%, Asian 1.3%, black 1.1%, mixed 1.1%, unspecified 1.6%

Political Conditions:

·      Republic and parliamentary democracy

·      Chief of State: President Michael D. Higgins (October 2011)

·      Head of Government: Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Enda Kenny (March 2011)

Religion:

·      Roman Catholic 88.4%, Church of Ireland 3%, other Christian 1.6%, other 1.5%, unspecified 2%, none 3.5%

Differences in Terminology:

·      Headmaster=principal 

·      Postman=mailman 

·      Post code=zip code 

·      Class=grade 

·      Loo=restroom 

·      Lift=elevator 

·      Rubber=eraser 

·      Holiday=vacation 

·      Petrol=gas 

·      Dustbin=garbage can 

·      Jumper=sweater 

·      Rucksack=backpack

·      Sellotape=scotch tape

·      Chemist=drugstor

Communication Styles:

·      The Irish have a reputation for wit and humor!

         Communication styles vary from direct to indirect depending upon to whom one is speaking. There is an overall cultural tendency for people to view politeness as more important than telling the absolute truth.

Resources:

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ei.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1038581.stm

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/ireland.html

Why Ireland?

Why Ireland You Ask?

One of the main reasons I decided to cease this amazing opportunity to student teach abroad, was because of the Global Student Teaching Exhibition that was presented on campus. The Global Student Teaching Exhibition was a presentation that St. Norbert College Student Teachers put on of their personal experiences student teaching abroad. Going into college, I knew I wanted to go abroad one way or another. I was too scared freshman and sophomore year to think about leaving a place where I was comfortable. During my junior year of college, I was looking for some direction in my life. I had recently confirmed that teaching was the profession that I wanted to pursue. After attending the Global Student Teaching Exhibition I was filled with excitement and anticipation. I knew at that moment that teaching abroad was something that I had to do. Picking the place I wanted to go seemed as though it would be the easiest part of my abroad experience; however, it proved to be harder than I thought. After doing some research I finally narrowed down my search to either New Zealand or Ireland. Two vastly different places, right?

Ireland wins! One of the main reasons I picked Ireland is because I have always wanted to visit! It looks like such a beautiful place and somewhere I think I will be really comfortable. During my student teaching experience I want to provide my students with the best possible experience. I want to enlighten him or her and provide a learning environment that best fits each individual student. In doing this, I must have a level of comfort. I know at times things will be very frustrating, but one cannot grow if she is not challenged. I am very happy with my decision to student teach in Ireland. This truly is a once in a lifetime experience, and I cannot wait to enjoy every minute of it. I look forward to growing as a future educator and also as a young woman.

There is so much I want to accomplish while I am teaching in Ireland! Here are just a few of my goals while teaching abroad:

To fully immerse myself in Irish culture and living

To challenge myself as an educator to provide the very best for ALL of my individual students

To apply the variety of teaching strategies that I have learned throughout my undergraduate studies

To broaden my cultural awareness as a pre-service teacher and individual