INTENSIVE LANGUAGE CLASSES IN DUBLIN by Bertrand Lallemand

The students attending the intensive language courses

In January 2025, I had the opportunity to take part in a three-week English language training course in Dublin, Ireland, as part of the Erasmus+ programme for teachers. This enriching experience allowed me not only to improve my language skills but also to immerse myself in the Irish culture and daily life of the capital.

Dublin is a vibrant and dynamic city, full of history and charm. From Trinity College and its famous library to the lively atmosphere of Temple Bar, there is always something to discover. Despite the cold weather — especially during the first week when temperatures were particularly low — the city remained welcoming. Fortunately, the weather improved slightly in the following weeks. However, I experienced a moment of uncertainty toward the end of my stay, as a strong storm disrupted air traffic and almost forced me to extend my stay unexpectedly!

Thanks to the intensive language classes, I made significant progress and successfully reached the B2 level in English. This has been very beneficial for my teaching practice, especially in the *DNL euro* section at Lycée Paul Vergès, where I teach science in English. The course gave me more confidence and fluency when explaining complex concepts in a foreign language.

One of the most memorable aspects of my stay was the kindness and friendliness of the Irish people. Whether in the classroom, on public transport, or in shops and cafés, I always felt welcomed and supported. Their warm attitude truly made a difference during my stay.

On a less positive note, the school where I studied did not host other teachers from abroad at the time, so I didn’t have the chance to meet potential Erasmus+ partners for future exchanges. This was a bit disappointing, as one of my goals was also to build connections with other European educators.

Despite this, I consider my Erasmus+ mobility a great success. It gave me new tools and renewed motivation for teaching, and I highly recommend such an experience to any teacher looking to grow both professionally and personally.

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