From the 21st until the 26th of June the classes 6o, 6oN and 4AK (HAK Oberndorf) went on a trip to Dublin, Ireland. After a bus trip to Munich and a flight from Munich to Dublin airport the group arrived at the meeting point, where the host families were eagerly waiting to pick the teenagers up and show them their home for the next 6 days and 5 nights. After arriving at the houses, the students had free time to explore the area around their host families’ houses and to get to know their hosts better.
On Monday, June 22nd the teenagers attended their first lessons in the English school. Before the course began, they had taken a placement test and were divided into three groups according to their English proficiency, ranging from B2 to C1. The course consisted of twelve hours of instruction, divided equally between Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. The theme of the course was “The World of Work,” during which the students improved their language skills and learned valuable job application techniques, such as writing CVs, developing business pitches, and giving confident presentations. After the lessons the 6o and 6oN went on a guided tour of Dublin City. They were informed about the most important sights and their history.
After their lessons on Tuesday, the students visited Malahide Castle, which is famous for its ghost stories, and learned about its fascinating history. Afterwards, part of the group went to Malahide Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dublin area, while the rest returned to the city centre to go shopping and spend some free time. In the evening, the students enthusiastically watched the football match between Austria and Argentina.
On Wednesday the group went on a full day excursion to Glendalough, one of Ireland’s most beautiful and natural historical sights. After a short introduction, the students were allowed to spend some free time at the lake. A few hours later the students went to Powerscourt Gardens. There, the students were able to explore the gardens on their own. There was also a beautiful café, where they could enjoy a quick snack and a coffee. After returning to Dublin City, the students got back to their host families and spent the evening there.
On Thursday, 25 June, the students attended their final lessons at the ATC Language School. At the end of the course, they received certificates acknowledging their improved Business English skills. Before the Irish Dance Night began, the students had around two hours of free time to go shopping or continue exploring the city. During the evening, a singer accompanied by his guitar introduced them to traditional Irish music, while two professional Irish dancers demonstrated the art of Irish dancing and even invited the students to join in.
On the last day, Friday the 26th, the group met again at the meeting point and took a bus to Dublin Airport. The flight to Munich Airport left at 4:25 p.m. and because of delayed take off and the time zone difference the group found themselves in Munich Airport at approximately eight in the evening. From Munich a bus took everyone to Oberndorf where the journey ended at eleven at night.
Michelle Eidenhammer, 6O
