Scoil Ruáin proudly welcomed a cohort of 48 international students this academic year, hailing from diverse corners of the globe, including France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Norway, and Sweden. Our international student body encompasses a range of grade levels, spanning from 2nd Year to Transition Year (TY), 5th Year, and 6th Year. These remarkable students have made an extraordinary effort in their academic pursuits and have enthusiastically immersed themselves in various aspects of school life.
Our TY students have been particularly busy preparing and staging the school’s musical production of ‘High School Musical.’ Additionally, our international students have had the opportunity to embark on exciting excursions, such as visits to Ballyhass Lakes Adventure Centre, go-karting at Cork’s Marina, and the Dunmore East Adventure Centre.
Scoil Ruáin’s international student program has been a thriving tradition for over a decade, with each passing year seeing more students embrace their time in Killenaule. They are drawn to the region’s serene pace of life and its breathtaking natural beauty.
Adapting to a new environment can be challenging, and our international students initially face homesickness, the nuances of a different education system, the task of understanding local customs, forming friendships, and communicating in a foreign language. Nevertheless, what truly sets these students apart is their unwavering resilience and determination. They are unwavering in their pursuit of making the most of their time at Scoil Ruáin and in Killenaule. The nurturing environment provided by their host families plays a pivotal role in helping them adjust to life in our school and town. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to these remarkable host families, who offer these young individuals a home away from home. The bonds formed with their host families endure well beyond their year at Scoil Ruáin.
These students have diverse motivations for leaving behind their families, friends, and familiar surroundings to study at Scoil Ruáin. Some were drawn by previous visits to Ireland, while others were inspired by positive feedback from friends who had already experienced a year at our school. All share a common desire to immerse themselves in a new culture, expand their horizons, enhance their English language skills, and, most importantly, build lasting friendships.
International students at Scoil Ruáin are seizing the opportunities presented to them with great enthusiasm. They engage in subjects they may not have encountered before, such as Design and Communication Graphics and Construction Studies, relishing the chance to explore woodworking and technical drawing. Their teachers are impressed by their abilities and their eagerness to acquire new skills. These students add a unique dimension to the classroom experience, fostering open and enriching relationships with both peers and educators. Over the years, some have chosen to remain at Scoil Ruáin after their exchange year, successfully completing their Leaving Certificate. Additionally, we have witnessed students enrolling directly into 6th Year and completing a two-year Leaving Certificate Programme in just one year, a remarkable feat considering English is not their first language.
As their time at Scoil Ruáin unfolds, we have no doubt that our international students will fondly remember their experiences with joy, and we have every confidence in their bright futures ahead.
