EIL Intercultural Learning

🎵🏆 Celebrating Saki's Success in Ireland! 🇯🇵🇮🇪

We are delighted to congratulate Saki Nish*tani, one of our exchange students from EIL Japan, on receiving a school music award during her exchange year in Ireland.

Reflecting on her experience, Saki shared that some of her favourite moments included spending time with friends, travelling to beautiful locations such as Lahinch and Doolin, and experiencing everyday life in an Irish school and community.

One memory stands out in particular:

"When I first arrived, I didn't have many friends, but now I'm treated as one of them. That's my favourite moment."

Saki describes her exchange programme as a life-changing experience that helped her become more independent, improve her English, and immerse herself in a completely different culture and lifestyle. Along the way, she made unforgettable memories and friendships that will stay with her for years to come.

Winning the school music award was especially meaningful:

"It made me feel recognised and appreciated for my efforts during my time at school. It was a very special and memorable experience."

When asked if she would recommend Ireland as an exchange destination, Saki's answer was an enthusiastic yes, highlighting the kindness and welcoming nature of Irish people and the personal growth that comes from living in a new environment.

Saki rated her overall exchange experience very highly and shared how grateful she is for everything she learned and experienced throughout the year.

Congratulations, Saki! We are incredibly proud of your achievements and honoured to have been part of your Irish journey. 💚

🇲🇽✨ As we prepare to say goodbye to our wonderful Mexican exchange student, Claudina Leal Casares, who returns home this Friday, we want to celebrate the incredible impact she has made during her time in Ireland.

Claudina joined St Joseph's Secondary School Spanish Point, Co. Clare, through the PEI Mexico Exchange Programme and quickly became a valued member of the school community.

One of the highlights of her year was travelling to Barcelona with her classmates and spending time with the friends she made in Ireland. When asked what the exchange programme meant to her, Claudina simply described it as "changes and memories" – memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

Her advice to future exchange students is inspiring:
"Don't be scared and say yes to every opportunity you have."
A particularly proud moment came when Claudina received a CEIST Award, recognising the positive contribution she made to her school community. Speaking about the award, she said:
"It meant that I left a mark on all the people I met and left a piece of me here."

As she prepares to return to Mexico, Claudina rates her exchange experience a perfect 10/10, and we couldn't be prouder of everything she has achieved.

Thank you, Claudina, for sharing your culture, your friendship, and your enthusiasm with everyone you met. You will always have a place in Ireland, and we wish you every success and happiness in the future. 🇮🇪❤️🇲🇽

Last Friday, Adam Peerbux attended the Traveller Pride in Practice:

Empowering Traveller Youth event in University College Cork. Our colleagues from National Youth Council of Ireland led by Cristina Iancu and Cork Traveller Visibility Group Ltd (TVG), the event brought together members of the Traveller community and those working alongside them to celebrate, connect, and share learning.

Through workshops, discussions, and shared insights, the day left us feeling inspired and supported in our work.

A thought-provoking panel featuring Vanessa Paszkowska (Irish Traveller Movement - National Traveller Youth Training Officer), Patrick McDonagh (TVG - Men’s Development Worker), and Joe Curtin (The Hut, UBU Youth Project – Coordinator) shared practical experiences of engaging Traveller young people through a variety of creative and artistic outlets.

We also took part in two engaging workshops facilitated by the brilliant Rachel Coffee and Francesca Castellano, exploring the “power of language” and the importance of “celebrating identity”.

Another hugely impactful part of the day was a cultural display facilitated by TVG Community Health Worker Eileen Burke alongside members of the Traveller community. This included learning about the “self-care bag” initiative being used to support positive mental health and wellbeing.

Thank you to our colleagues in NYCI and TVG for inviting us to be part of an event that underlined the importance of creating environments where young Traveller people feel seen, celebrated, valued, and respected.

At EIL/AFS Ireland, we are proud to work alongside members of such a proud and vibrant community within our society, and we look forward to further collaboration in intercultural learning.

✨ Real learning happens when we step beyond what’s familiar.

Just over a week ago, Dara, one of our volunteers, participated in the BAM training in Bonn, Germany 🇩🇪, gaining new perspectives, building connections, and discovering how international experiences can inspire real change.

In our newest blog, Dara shares firsthand insights into how cultural exchange and experiential learning can empower young people to grow in confidence, empathy, and leadership. 🌍💡
Ready to be inspired?

Read the full blog here 👇
https://www.eilireland.org/2026/05/26/learning-to-create-change/

Tag someone who believes in the power of learning through experience 💬

Last Thursday, our Head of Finance and Administration, Domnica Bivol, and our Head of Programmes, Adam Peerbux, were delighted to attend the The Wheel Summit 2026, where we had the opportunity to connect with many inspiring community and voluntary organisations from across Ireland.

The event featured contributions from more than 40 speakers across plenary discussions and sessions on storytelling, governance, leadership, research, and community engagement. We were especially pleased to hear from special guests Jerry Buttimer, Eamon Ryan, and Séamus Boland.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to UHY Farrelly Dawe White and Thomas McDonagh, Aisling Hughes, and team for their continued support as we implemented SORP accounting for the first time last year and continue that collaboration this year.

It was also a pleasure to thank Boardmatch Ireland and Thora Mackey for their support through Executive Search, as we welcome Conor O'Brien to our Board.

We were equally grateful to connect with Carmichael Ireland and Pascal Derrien, whose support has also played an important role in strengthening our governance practices.

A sincere thank you to The Wheel for organising such a valuable and inspiring event for the sector.

Over the past few days, our Chairperson Andrew Ormsby and CEO Aideen O'Leary proudly represented Ireland in Belgrade, where Interkultura Srbija hosted the annual European Federation for Intercultural Learning (EFIL) General Assembly.

Ahead of Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, it was inspiring to connect with leaders from our AFS Intercultural Programs partner organisations across Europe and to share ideas on the future of intercultural learning and youth engagement.

Our work goes beyond physical exchanges, we are committed to developing active global citizens and empowering young people to become drivers of positive change.

We are especially looking forward to hosting the EFIL Volunteer Summer Summit - VSS in Connemara this summer and continuing to amplify youth voices through our programmes and initiatives.

To learn more about volunteering or our programmes:
📞 +353 21 455 1535
📧 [email protected]

🌍✨ PROUD MOMENT FOR EIL IRELAND ✨🌍

We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate the amazing achievements of our exchange students at St. Macartan's College!

Monaghan Local Coordinators Celia Power & Jodi Clark shared the fantastic news with us this week, and we couldn’t be happier 💙

🇮🇹 Francesco Pio Laera (AFS Italy) received THREE awards:
🏆 5th Year International Student of the Year 2026
🏆 Spórtáid na Scoile 2026
🏆 Athlete of the Year 2026

And in a beautiful surprise, the school arranged for Francesco’s natural parents to attend the ceremony ❤️ What a special and emotional moment!

🇪🇸 Pablo Rafael López Cardozo (AFS Spain) also received the Debater of the Year award 👏

🇮🇹 Andrea Spataro (AFS Italy) was also in the Knights of Columbines Public Speaking All-Ireland Final.

🇮🇹 Achill Montanari Orciani (AFS Italy) has qualified for the Ulster finals in discus, best of luck Achill! 💪

We are so proud of these students for embracing every opportunity, contributing to their school communities, and representing international exchange so positively 🌎✨

Last Saturday, we had an inspiring day preparing our Explore scholarship winners for their summer adventures abroad! 🌍✈️

Our scholars spent the day learning what to expect as they immerse themselves in new cultures, hearing advice from past participants, and building confidence for the exciting journey ahead.

A special thank you to our volunteers Isabel and Rachel for sharing their experiences and encouraging our outgoing scholars, and to our amazing staff team and volunteer Rachel Maher for helping make the day such a success.

We’re so excited to see where this summer takes our scholars as they travel, learn, and grow through intercultural experiences. 🌟

Find out more about the Explore Scholarship Programme:
https://www.eilireland.org/ireland/explore/

Yesterday was a very special day in the office as our staff had the pleasure of welcoming two members of our Board, Andrew Ormsby and Emma Jacobs, for a visit and an opportunity to connect with the wider team.

The visit was particularly meaningful as it gave both our Board members and newer members of staff the chance to meet one another in person, strengthen relationships, and share in the vision and values that drive our organisation forward every day.

Our Chairperson, Andrew, spoke proudly about the remarkable progress the organisation continues to make under the guidance and leadership of our CEO, Aideen O’Leary. He also acknowledged the dedication, professionalism, and passion shown across every department, recognising the vital role each team plays in helping us fulfil our mission and make a meaningful impact.

As this week marks Volunteer Week, it was also a wonderful opportunity to recognise and thank our voluntary Board of Directors for the invaluable time, expertise, and commitment they give so generously to our organisation.

We are incredibly grateful for their leadership, support, and shared belief in our mission.

Thank you to Andrew and Emma for taking the time to visit and engage with the team, moments like these remind us of the strength that comes from working together with a shared purpose. 💙

🌍💙 This National Volunteering Week, we’re celebrating the incredible people who help build community together at EIL Ireland.

Our volunteers are mentors, facilitators, organisers, ambassadors, and changemakers who help create meaningful intercultural experiences for people across Ireland and beyond. Through their passion, openness, and dedication, they help foster understanding, inclusion, and global citizenship every single day.

At EIL Ireland, volunteering is more than giving time, it’s about connecting cultures, creating friendships, and inspiring positive change in our communities.

To every member of our volunteer network: thank you for helping us create a world where all cultures thrive together in peace and understanding. 🌎✨

Interested in becoming part of the EIL volunteer community? Contact us at [email protected]