Exchanges
A life-changing experience for students
Exchanges
A life-changing experience for students
Virtual Exchange Guide
Virtual exchanges are a great way to start up a partnership with a school. This guide offers tips on how to get started and suggestions for activities.
Taking part in a school exchange brings a foreign language to life. Equal parts challenging and fun, it gives you the chance to connect with a different language, culture and community. Unique experiences, lifelong friends and more can be found every step of the way.
Start exchanges in your school
From teachers and students to schools and families, exchanges have a positive impact on communities at every level.
Interested in starting an exchange in your school?
Check out our guideline booklet and get the practical advice you need.
Why is an Exchange so good for your language skills?
Lots of students would prefer a more hands-on approach to foreign languages, according to recent research*.
Attending school in another country, meeting young people their own age and staying with a host family. There are countless real-life experiences during an exchange that build real connections with a language. Not only will this help during school, these experiences can stay with you throughout your life.
*Research undertaken by RedC on behalf of Post-Primary Languages Ireland in 2019.
Check out the videos below to find out more about some great exchange experiences from schools across the country.
Check out our 'Exchanges' video playlist
School Exchange Funding
As part of our support for schools Languges Connect awards grants to schools who wish to take part in school exchanges.
So far, we’ve awarded 20 schools all over the country a total of €300,000 in funding. Each school receives €5,000 each year for three years. This contributes towards travel, administrative costs and more. We’re working towards offering even more funding for school exchanges. When our next application process starts, more information will be available here – so keep an eye on our social media channels for latest updates!
Languages Connect funding granted for 2019/2020
Ballinamore Community School, Co Leitrim
Celbridge Community School, Co Kildare
Edmund Rice College Carrigaline, Co Cork
Banagher College, Coláiste na Sionna, Co Offaly
Coláiste na Carraige, Co Donegal
Firhouse Community College, Co Dublin
St Raphaelas Secondary School, Co Dublin
Deele College, Co Donegal
Piper’s Hill College, Co Kildare
Stepaside Educate Together Secondary School, Co Dublin
Congrats to all – we hope you enjoy this exciting part of your language learning journey!
