High School in Ireland (Ages 15-18)
Attending high school in Ireland while living with a host family is the best way for teen participants to discover Irish culture.
School
As an exchange student in Ireland, you may attend a co-ed or a girls/boys only school. Many Irish public schools still maintain ties to their parochial beginnings. Uniforms are worn at school and can be purchased once you are in Ireland. You will find subjects similar to those in the U.S., although the schools and teachers are typically more formal. Most students are placed in the 5th year or transition year class.
Locations
Exchange students are placed in safe communities all around the southern part of Ireland. Most families live in rural communities. It is important to be flexible about which town you’re placed in since we are unable to take your location preferences into account. Our priority is to identify a host family and community that is the best match for you.
Accommodations and Meals
Students accepted to Greenheart Travel's High School Abroad Program have profound opportunities for cultural immersion by living with a well-screened host family while attending a local high school in Ireland. For decades, the cross-cultural homestay has been considered the best educational vehicle for the development of real international understanding.
Each host family agrees to provide its international "son or daughter" with meals and his or her own bed. Just as in the U.S., every family is different. You may share a room with a host sibling or have your own room. You may have younger, older or no host siblings. Some Irish host “mums” work outside the home, but many do not. Host families in Ireland receive a small remuneration to offset the expense of hosting.
It is common to host exchange students in Ireland, so you will probably not be the first student your family has hosted. Your host family will expect you to help with household responsibilities, and family members may be more traditional in what they think are appropriate gender roles. As you can see, host families represent all walks of life. Host families do not want or expect a "boarder," but rather a new friend and family member.
Extracurricular Activities
Many students are involved in activities and clubs after school or on the weekends, such as sports, music, and volunteering. Although it may be possible to pursue these interests abroad, it should not be expected. Searching for opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities is often easier after you arrive, and Greenheart Travel suggests waiting to join until after you have a better idea of what your class schedule will be like. Extracurricular activities should in no way interfere with your classes.
Irish teens typically socialize in groups, and like to get together to go to movies or just “hang out,” so you will likely have much in common with your Irish peers! Sports and other activities are mainly thought of as 'club activities' and are not associated with the school.
Independent Travel and Visits from Family
Family members or friends are welcome to visit the exchange student in their host country once their program with Greenheart Travel is complete. Visiting home or receiving visits from home during the course of a program like this is extremely disruptive to the program of the student. Such visits very often cause the student to feel homesickness afterward, which means going through the challenging adjustment period experienced at the beginning of the program again after the visit. These reactions to visits are hard on both exchange students and host families. Because we truly wish for all of our exchange students and host families to have positive experiences, we seek to minimize activities that threaten to detract from the positive experience meant to take place between students and host families such as visits to or from home.
As such, receiving visits from friends or family during your program is not permitted.
Traveling independently outside the host community is not allowed unless it is with an adult chaperone and is approved by the host family, natural parents of the student, partner organization and Greenheart Travel. Exploring your local host community after class or on the weekends with friends or your host family is encouraged, as it is a great way to soak in the local culture or practice new language skills. Your host family will be a great resource to find out about exciting events going on in the town. We only ask that students find a balance between spending time with new friends and hanging out with their host family.
Academic Credit Transfer
Greenheart Travel will enroll you in a public high school abroad, and documentation of school work done overseas will be provided. You are responsible for coordinating any transfer of credits from your high school in Ireland to your high school in the U.S. If you have questions or difficulties, Greenheart Travel’s staff may be able to assist you in this process. Please note that we can not guarantee that your American school will accept your studies in Ireland as credit. You should see your guidance counselor to determine what credits you might need to take outside of your studies abroad to ensure that you graduate high school on time.
Local Support
Your host family will be a wonderful source of support and advice during your time abroad. Additionally, you will have what is sometimes called a local representative or a counselor. This person will be an adult outside of your host family who will support you throughout your program. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact your local representative. He or she is there for you!
Orientation
Before you depart the U.S., you will need to learn as much as possible about the customs and culture of the country where you will be living. This will enable you to settle in more easily within your host family and community. Upon acceptance to the program, Greenheart Travel will send you orientation, culture shock, and host country information, so that you can familiarize yourself with Ireland. Greenheart Travel’s National Office or local staff will also provide you with a thorough orientation before your departure. You should also read as much as possible about your host country and practice your language skills as much as you can!
Transportation
Along with your host family information, Greenheart Travel will notify you of your arrival city, travel dates, and any travel arrangements that need to be made. Airfare to Ireland is your responsibility, and you will need to send Greenheart Travel a copy of your itinerary to arrange your arrival transfer.
Depending upon the location of your host community, a representative or your host family may be able to meet you at the airport and take you directly to your new home. In other cases, you may be met at the airport and taken to the nearest train or bus station in order to arrive to your host community, where you will be picked up by your family.
Visas
You will need a visa to participate in the program. The Irish visa process is easy. You will enter Ireland with your passport and the official documents indicating your study program, which will be forwarded to you at a later date. Once you are settled with your host family, you will report to a police station or the Department of Justice to apply for your visa. Your local coordinator in Ireland will assist you with this.
Semester Program Options:
Spring Semester: January to June
Fall Semester: August to January
Academic Year:
August to June
Application Deadlines
Spring Semester: September 15
Early Bird Discount $300: June 1
Fall Semester or Academic Year: April 15
Early Bird Discount $300: January 2
Requirements
Applicants must have an interest in other cultures and be willing to participate as fully as possible in the host country's culture and language, in school, and in host family activities. Other desirable characteristics include: flexibility, curiosity, motivation, and a good sense of humor. When applying for Greenheart Travel’s High School Abroad Program, you should be in good academic standing and be in good mental and physical health. In addition:
• Applicants must be between 15 and 17 years
• Applicants should possess a high school cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 / 4.0
• Recommendations will also assist in determining acceptance
Program Costs
Included | Not Included |
Lodging | Airfare/Visa fees |
Full Board (3 meals/day) | Transportation to/from school |
Medical/Accident Insurance | Phone cards/cell phone |
Local Coordinator | Uniforms, books, materials |
24 Emergency Staff | Souvenirs |
Pre-departure and arrival Orientation | Incidentals |
Fees may be paid by personal check, money order or credit card.