Maybe you are wondering what opportunities the international section of Tarbes can offer? Maybe you dream to travel to discover the world and its beauty?
Read these lines and get prepared to an immersion in the life of a BFI student in Ireland…
Amelia is a student that thanks to this section was able to go to Ireland last year. She has been in Ireland for three weeks in March, and according to her it was a fantastic experience.
She decided to take this opportunity because she dreamed of going to another country, alone, as a typical student.
To go to Ireland she needed to do a motivation letter to explain her motives and what she would gain from this experience. She was selected and a few months later she was ready to experience a travel that she will remember all her life!
Amelia’s Adventures
It’s on a Saturday evening that Amélia discovered for the first time a country which would be her new home for three weeks: Ireland. But she did not only learn a language and how to appreciate new landscapes, she also met people that she can now call friends and made unforgettable memories.
This adventure between curiosity, laughs and love all starts with her host family who was, to quote Amélia, « lovely ». Living in a big house with their two daughters and their son, the parents gave Amélia and her classmate comfort, help and affection.
School started on Monday and, as everyone in Ireland, the new students had to wear the school uniform. The first day at school was a bit particular since the teachers there weren’t really aware of the arrivals of our BFI students… Beside this special first encounter, everything went well. She made a friend in her class who guided her through the school and her culture. She started class at 9AM and finished at 4PM.
Amélia and her friend had to experience the Transition Year, a school year in Ireland where the students can try different subjects and activities to learn to know themselves and their wishes better for their future. Amélia told us that she loved it, she had cooking classes where she learnt how to make cupcakes, drama classes and DIY classes with a man who had a strong Irish accent. She and her classmates also went bowling and to the zoo. The cafeteria was also different, it was more a market full of junk food than a school cafeteria and maybe it was for the best because Amélia didn’t enjoy the traditional dishes very much.
Back in her host family, she had great times exchanging with them. They were kind and open to communicate. They ate American food and played games but her favourite evening still is the one where they watched Pride and Prejudice all together. This movie has now a special place in her heart.
Amélia often called her friends and her parents in France to tell them about her new lifestyle and discoveries.
The things that she will keep forever in her head and heart is smiling friends and a beautiful culture. She would do it all over again if she could and that say it all.
Welcome back to France!
What a shock it was to change countries! Wasn’t it?
Well not that much of a shock actually. Sure, there were some strange things and feelings such as not speaking as much English as she did there in the evening for example.
There was a real change in her: her English had improved and she felt more mature.
Another thing is that she did not take the lessons she missed back: she didn’t have any tests about subjects she didn’t study and that felt relaxing (for a while at least).
She explained to us that this experience was even better than what she had expected !
Tips and advice
Firstly, do not forget that France and Ireland are very different: there is a one hour gap between the two countries but mostly, the classes are very different from the French ones (they start at the same time but finish earlier most of the time).
If you feel the need to, don’t hesitate to call or text your friends and family, they can help with the stress or homesickness.
The trip is going to be more organized this year.
Also, you should talk with the host family beforehand to know what to bring and what they were giving out.
But the one thing Amelia insisted on, is even if you are shy or scared, you need to try and talk to the Irish: they are very friendly and can adapt to you if needed. You need to feel included and make friends to have the best time there. 🙂
The international section offers a lot of opportunities such as travels in a foreign country to meet people and live unforgettable moments. Even if you are not sure that you will be able to go alone in a place you have never been before, just remember how lucky you are to get that opportunity, and if you decide to take it, you can live an incredible experience like Amelia did. So just believe in yourself!