Veronika is a 17 year old student at the Bilingual Lyceum in Bratislava.  She successfully completed a study abroad program in the Republic of Ireland this year, because it was her dream.

Everybody has some lifelong dream that they wish to become true. In Veronika’s case, it was to study english abroad.“Since I was a little girl I was dreaming about going abroad, studying english, meeting new people and being in a new country too,” she said.  In the second year of her secondary school, she started to think about it more deeply and tried to find out as much information as possible. “I got a scholarship from the Ministry of Education for one year in Ireland and it was decided” said Veronika and added, “and it was the best decision that I could ever make.”

Leaving Slovakia wasn‘t easy for her. Knowing that, for nine months, she won‘t be with her family and friends.  Not knowing where she was going and how her family would be made her a little bit afraid but also curious about how her life would change. Veronika came to her new home in Mitchelstown at 3 a.m.“In the morning it was fairly funny when I realised that I didn‘t understand almost anything because of their fast english and very strong accent.“ Fortunately, this young, strong woman didn’t have any big experience with culture shock and she settled down very quickly. Veronika got a great family, nice and friendly classmates and also she met some Slovak people that made her happier too.“  I had the best family ever,“she said.“ There were 6 of us at home, mom, dad, 2 older brothers and one older sister, so I was the baby of this family.”

Her school, St.Fanahan s College, impressed her from the beginning. She appreciated being able to choose subjects and decide whether she wanted to do ordinary or higher level classes. More practical activities, trips and holidays during the school year confirmed her good feelings.

“ I have never had any problems with my school in Mitchelstown. From the beginning I fell in love with my claasmates and teachers who were very nice, patient and helpful.” In her free time she went out with her new friends or with her family. Sometimes she went dancing, shopping or to the cinema. During the holidays, she was traveling around Ireland. As she said, she wanted to visit as many places as possible. She visited the capital city of Ireland, Dublin, Galway, Killarney, Youghtal, Lismore, Vee, Kingsale, Cork and many others.                                                                                               

“Galway was the best. Shopping, nature, national parks, but also the ocean and a Slovak restaurant with pub and nightlife charmed me so much.” Her leaving Ireland was very sad and full of tears and promises of coming back. “It was the most difficult part of my life. I really didn t want to go home. I was so happy that I could be here for one year. I would suggest it for every young person, because it has such a big impact on life. Also I learned many new things about myself.”  This is a great example of the advantages that exchange programs bring to young people,because doing something for yourself at a young age means better opportunities for future.