LUCK OF THE IRISH!

At the end of last year school course a group of students from Colegio Madrid had an unforgettable experience! Fourteen boys and girls travelled to Ireland for, in addition to improve and practice their English immersed in the language 24 hours, live two weeks of intensive activities: sports and recreational activities, visits to exciting places, live with kids from different countries, make new friends, etc.

It was a marvelous adventure framed by the warm Irish hospitality, from the reception at the airport in the beautiful city of Dublin.

The host school, located in the quiet town of Waterford, although old, has comfortable and spacious facilities: dorms, canteen, sports courts, pool, etc

In the group there were kids from junior and senior high school.

The river and downtown Waterford City. The center was located 20 minutes walk from the school.

Practicing “hurling” which is the national sport in Ireland.

The students prepared short conferences about different countries and presented them in the school theater.

Replica of one of the ships in which millions of Irish travelled in order to emigrate to different places, especially to the U.S., during a famine that lasted five years. They travelled in deplorable conditions and many of them died during the journey that lasted around two months. The Irish population was reduced by 50% and has not yet been recovered.

Enjoying the beautiful view of the Irish Sea.

Visit to the famous Waterford glass factory. They could see all the process to make cut glass pieces.

Crystal and gold clock.

Crystal harp.

Visit to the famous Guinness beer factory in the city of Dublin two hours from Waterford. They visited this beautiful castle in the City of Kilkenny 30 minutes from Waterford.

The students had English classes 3 hours every day from Monday to Friday.

They were placed in different levels   based on the results of a diagnostic  test they were given the first day.

They improved their language in many aspects,  such as their vocabulary working with different exercises and games, they took part in a competition of short stories and poetry, they prepared conferences about various countries, they worked with songs, they had to answer questionnaires about the visits, etc.

The kids were very interested in all the activities and they participated aking questions during all the guided tours.

At the end of the course they received their diplomas and posed for photos with the members of the staff.

It is a fact that travels enrich people’s lives. The students got along with teenagers from different countries like Russia, Canada, Germany, Italy and Spain. They made new friends and shared information about the culture, customs, food, etc., of their own countries.

The students got along very well. They had no problems in terms of language, food, etc. They were always very interested and participative in all activities. The school told us that they had been one of the best groups that have attended this summer course. It was fantastic!