Updates from Ireland

 Saying goodbye is never easy, and it certainly wasn't last week as we said to the last two students on this semester's Blended Programme. While our Finnish students Tessa, Erika and Sun stayed 10 weeks in Ireland, the Dutch students stayed longer, Dorienke staying 13 weeks and David and Laurie 18 weeks. I think it is safe to say there were lots of sad faces leaving as all the students succeeded brilliantly in immersing themselves into Irish culture. They worked at a variety of workplaces in Carlow and surrounding areas, including Hillview Nursing Home, The Delta Centre, St. Catherine's Childcare facility, Maven TM, Irish Wheelchair association and Kildare Youth Services. All of the students worked excellently and CIELS received glowing reports for each student and all the workplaces were sad to see the students leave. While in Ireland the students spent most of their weekends off exploring different parts of the country, they visited Belfast, Galway, Wicklow, Kilkenny and may more. As each student left we indulged in goodbye lunches as you can see above. It is never easy saying goodbye but I'm sure we will see them all again soon!