German exchange student bemused by place humble spud has on Westmeath dinner plate
By Martin Boyhan
“Potatoes are just everywhere in Ireland. Wherever I look, potatoes! But back in Germany, where I’m from, there are more common food options – schnitzel, currywurst, weißwurst, knödel, and more, “ says Michael, an international exchange student.
Michael also noted how diners at Fraynes like what we know as the Irish breakfast...
For the next nine months, 50 students from various European and international countries will live with host families in Castlepollard and the surrounding areas to enhance their English language skills, participate in traditional Irish sports like hurling and football, make new friends, and share their culture with the locals.
Nearly a fifth of the student body at Castlepollard Community College are international exchange students, demonstrating a commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Katie Johnston, international exchange coordinator and teacher of French and German, said: “As usual, the students who come from all over the world bring a lot of colour and culture to our school. We feel they are immediately welcomed by our Irish students and, within a few days of the term, it’s as if they have always been here with us at Castlepollard Community College.”
A lot of effort in at the school goes in to welcoming students and encouraging them to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletic and sporting events, musical performances, public speaking and debating, and céilí dancing, which many students are starting to learn and enjoy.
The school is also preparing for the October 20 event known as #ThinkLanguages Day, which encourages students to represent various cultures. Work has started and the exchange students have created their country flags during language class.
Students are encouraged to talk in their native languages on the day, as well as to film videos with their country flag sand take part in a nationwide school initiative.
Many international students participate in the transition year work experience programme, often work in local businesses.
Michael Sdrenka, who from Kleve, North Rhine-Westphalia, works at Fraynes Café in Mullingar; he said: “I like working in a café as I get the chance to meet people every day, talk to them, and improve my English skills.”
“Working at a café allows me to see the many foods that Irish people like to eat for breakfast, such as sausage, eggs, and beans, whereas in Germany we tend to eat more bread.”
The TY international students have also participated in a number of excursions and events since arriving, including a Road Safety Day (RSA)) in Athlone, STEM at Microsoft, a trip to Carlingford Adventure Centre in County Louth, and a visit to the Houses of the Oireachtas, where they met local politicians. The group also participated in open night, the Kilafree Cemetery study project, and many other activities.