Ireland today for teenagers?

Question

The semster after next (fall of '08) I will be a foreign exchange student to Ireland. I will be 16 1/2 at the time. I have done of research but I was wondering if anyone had any first-hand advice for me? What are teenagers like there compared to America? What do they wear? What are the schools like? Any other things that you think I should know?

Answer 1

clothing is similiar, and the people are very nice, and may be nicer than in America and will accept you and welcome you. just have fun!!

Answer 2

Congratulations!  I have been to Ireland several times.  I'm not a teenager, but I was an exchange student when I was your age (I can't believe I just said that ....) so I understand your position.  

Anyway ...  I guess it would help to know where you will be.  Teenagers in Ireland are typical teenagers -- they have their friends and mp3 players ... they have issues with their parents, teachers, etc.  

Dress over there is much simpler than here in the US.  They are stylish, but not overly fashionable the way we are here.  They dress really for comfort and not fashion.  They don't wear a lot of jewelry or make-up.  They don't wear loud fashions -- nothing low-cut, short, etc.  Public transportation is much more advanced over there than it is over here, so be prepared to take it.  It is not uncommon to see swarms of teenagers taking the (public) bus to and from school.  They, like over here, carry a book or totebag (I don't recall seeing girls carry a handbag and backpack).  Make sure whatever you pack is comfortable and that you are able to dress in layers.  The weather is weird and it'll rain at the drop of a dime (so keep an umbrella in your backpack).  

The people over there are extremely friendly, so you won't have a hard time meeting people.  If you are going to be in the Dublin area, make sure to check out Glendalough (in addition to all of the Dublin attractions).

I hope I was able to answer some questions for you.  If you want to know anything else, feel free to email me directly at [e-mail]

Have fun ... and good luck!!!

Answer 3

The girl above was quite good, here are some other things.

Teenagers are the same across the world.  But Irish teenagers will curse a blue streak and nobody will bat and eyelid.  If you are in school from September to December, you will most likely have to wear a school uniform.

You will probably be doing transition year when you get there.  So its pretty easy going, however, if you will be going into 5th year be prepared to be hit by the Leaving Cert cycle of subjects, which can be very intense.

Public transport is really the only way to get around, but if you know young guys with cars over there, be very very careful, they don't drive safe, in the slightest and recently there has been many road deaths mainly due to little gobsheens driving as if they were in Forumla 1 or Nascar.

Answer 4

You will have a uniform at school.  They don't have school buses like in America.  You will probably take the city bus, DART and/or LUAS rail.  It's relaly laid back and fun for young people.  I am glad I spent teenage years in Dublin.  You will most likely do more reading than you do in America.  The schools are also mor eformal than most American public schools.  Teachers dress more formal, and are supposedly more respected, lol.

Dress for the weather.  We tend to layer in Ireland.  Kids wear hoodies and jeans just like in America.  We don't wear skimpy stuff (it's too cold and wet)--especially in the winter.  Wear comfortable shoes, you will walk more.  Kids like the fancy, trendy runners like Sketchers and Fila.  When we socialise, we are more dressy than Americans.  Irish people tend to get dressed up for parties and going out and such.  

Have fun and Good Luck!

Answer 5

well im irish and spent my life here, the other 2 answers are quite right about of alot of stuff, weather is wierd, people are generally friendly and the cursing im afraid is like a second language for teenagers. you will have to wear a uniform going to school but u can wear a backpack, most people do from the amount of books they have to carry. my shoulders used to hurt bad from carrying them so make sure u rent a locker so u dont have to lug them up and down all the time. most schools u can go home for your lunch break and there is normally two breaks during the day. one at around 11 o clock for about 10 to 15 minutes and one at half twelve for an hour, if u didnt want to go home u can stay at the school and eat there, not sure if all schools did that but mine did anyway.  public transport is the way to go but if u stay in a place located near your school than that is better.

i think people dont dress over the top here like alot of places, u can look fashionably good but comfortable at the same time (and warm) like 3 quarter lenghts, jeans, a cute but nice jacket. stuff like that, sure if u look at any videos on you tube of irish people u will get the general gist of what we wear.

well thats all i can think of for now but if u think of anything else that u want to know u can email me, take care and all the best