Teaching in Ireland: How It Started and How It's Going

Hi there! I’m Ellie, and I’m from Rochester, New York. For the past month, I’ve been living in Dublin and teaching as part of the Teach in Ireland program with CIEE. 

I graduated from SUNY Geneseo in May of 2024 with a degree in Communication, focusing on media and journalism. Travel has always been something I’ve wanted to explore more deeply, and although I didn’t get the chance to study abroad during college, I knew I wanted to have that immersive experience somehow.

A few friends of mine had incredible experiences teaching abroad through CIEE, and one of them encouraged me to check out the program. That’s when I came across the Teach in Ireland opportunity. The two-month timeline felt like the perfect fit—long enough to immerse myself, but short enough to feel manageable. Plus, Ireland has always held a special place in my heart because of my family’s roots here.

It definitely took some effort to figure out all the logistics—housing, setting up a bank account, and all the little things that come with living in a new country. But I feel incredibly lucky to be here. Even in just a short time, I can already feel myself growing and learning so much. I was definitely a little nervous about the teaching aspect at first since I didn't have much experience—but taking the TEFL course helped me feel more confident before diving in. When I started teaching there were some tough days, but I eventually found a rhythm and built a bond with my students, which made all the difference.

After spending just over a month in Ireland, I’ve had the chance to explore some incredible places—and there’s still more to come. I’m excited to continue sharing my travel adventures, teaching experiences, and the lessons I’m learning along the way. Stay tuned for more blogs!