EIL Intercultural Learning

It was a pleasure for EIL Intercultural Learning to attend the Civic and Culture Awards at Cork City Hall last night. Representing EIL were Emma Jacobs, Aideen O'Leary, Adam Peerbux, and Linda O'Connell.

We were honoured to attend one of the final engagements in the tenure of the Lord Mayor of Cork, Fergal Dennehy. The beautiful setting of the Millennium Hall provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of celebration, including a wonderful performance by the Barrack Street Band.

It was inspiring to celebrate the many individuals and organisations whose commitment and achievements continue to strengthen communities across Cork and beyond. We were especially proud to recognise Cork’s longstanding culture of welcoming and supporting people from all backgrounds.

The evening also gave us a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow civic and community organisations, exchange ideas, and explore possibilities for future collaboration.

To learn more about the work of EIL Intercultural Learning, please calls on +353 21 455 1535 or by emailing [email protected]

🌍 Finding Common Ground in Bonn: Reflections from BAM

What can happen when people from different countries, cultures, and perspectives come together to share ideas and experiences?

In our latest blog, participants reflect on their time at BAM in Bonn and the connections they built through open dialogue, mutual understanding, and cultural exchange. Their experiences remind us that despite our differences, there is often far more that unites us than divides us.

Discover how these international encounters foster personal growth, new perspectives, and lasting friendships.

👉 Read the full blog: https://www.eilireland.org/2026/06/02/finding-common-ground-in-bonn-reflections-from-bam/

Finding Common Ground in Bonn: Reflections from BAM - EIL Intercultural Learning Volunteer Maighréad Kiely shares how BAM Bonn strengthened her active listening, global citizenship and volunteering skills through AFS!

On Friday, we said goodbye to almost 100 of our exchange students as their Irish adventure came to an end. 💚✈️

It was a very long day for our team, with some staff setting off at 3am and our final farewells not taking place until 6pm. In between, there were plenty of memorable moments, lots of laughter and storytelling, a 9.30am 99 ice cream binge, a broken-down bus, and of course, plenty of tears.

There were mixed emotions throughout the day as students, host families and local coordinators said their goodbyes. The bonds formed over the past year were clear to see, and many departures were emotional ones.

When we asked our students what they would remember most about Ireland, almost every single one gave the same answer: the people. 🇮🇪❤️

We would like to thank our wonderful host families, local coordinators and staff who helped make these exchanges so special. A special thank you also to our amazing volunteer, Analis, who was an exchange student with EIL herself last year and was on hand throughout the day to help our students feel comfortable and supported.

While we are sad to see them go, we are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved during their time here. We wish them all the very best for the future and have a feeling we may be welcoming one or two of them back to Ireland again before too long! ☘️

Safe travels everyone, and thank you for being part of the EIL/AFS family. 💚

🎵🏆 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. 💚