Language Trip to Dublin: Learning English, Discovering Ireland

This year, 17 employees of UAS Technikum Wien once again took the opportunity to travel to Dublin and improve their English skills as part of an Erasmus+ Staff Training programme at the Centre of English Studies (CES). The group included eight colleagues from the faculties, as well as from the Information Centre, IT and Facility Management, and seven lecturers from all four faculties. The programme took place from 6 to 10 July and, in addition to intensive language classes, offered numerous opportunities to experience Irish culture and discover the island. As last year, seven colleagues from our partner university, Politecnico di Torino, also joined the language course.

Our colleague Edit Paráda, a lecturer in the field of Renewable Energy, shares her personal impressions of the week:

One Week in Dublin – and So Much More Than English

As classes started early in the morning on 6 July, we travelled to Dublin on 5 July. Some colleagues took the opportunity to catch the first flight at 6 a.m. This meant that there was even enough time for a little excursion on the island before the actual language course began. Shortly after noon, another group arrived in the Irish capital, while the last colleagues arrived in the evening.

Our language school was located not far from our accommodation near Trinity College. Classes took place every morning from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in two groups (Teacher / Admin). On Tuesday and Thursday, we also had an exciting afternoon programme. We gained fascinating insights into the Irish language and culture and, of course, had the opportunity to discover some of the specialities of Irish cuisine and drinking culture.

Personally, I started the course with a little apprehension. After all, English is my third language and therefore also my weakest. However, my initial concerns disappeared after the very first lesson. The classes were by no means stressful grammar lessons; instead, they focused mainly on interactive discussions and a wide variety of exercises. In a fun and engaging way, we were introduced to new methods that we can also incorporate into our own teaching. By the end of the week, I therefore returned home not only with improved English skills, but also with many new ideas for my work.

Of course, grammar was also part of the programme, but it was taught in anything but a dry or tedious way. I think the biggest surprises for us came when we looked at spelling and pronunciation. It was fascinating to realise that, with many English words, we instinctively place the stress on the wrong syllable and that, naturally, there are linguistic rules for this as well.

Experiencing Ireland

There was also no shortage of activities outside the classroom. We usually spent the afternoons in smaller groups, going on excursions, hikes and other joint activities. And yes – some of us even dared to take a dip in the sea! The weather was very much on our side: throughout the entire week, we did not see a single drop of rain. Instead, we enjoyed plenty of sunshine and temperatures ranging from 24 to 27 degrees Celsius.

On Thursday evening, we were invited to a joint dinner thanks to the support of the International Office at UAS Technikum Wien. This evening was another wonderful opportunity to round off the week together in a relaxed atmosphere.

After the language course ended on Friday, the group continued their journeys in very different directions. Some flew back to Vienna, others took the opportunity to make a detour to Northern Ireland, while some were joined by their families to continue their holiday together. I rented a car with several colleagues, including people I had not even known before the trip, and set off on another week-long journey to explore the island.

Returning Home with Many Impressions

All in all, I returned from my language trip to Dublin with very positive impressions. The combination of the language course, new ideas for teaching, shared experiences and the opportunity to discover Ireland made the week a truly special experience.

If I had the opportunity, I would definitely join again next year.

And, to say goodbye in true Irish style:

Slán!

The International Office at UAS Technikum Wien offers its employees the opportunity to attend an English language course twice a year as part of an Erasmus+ Training Mobility. The next language course will take place from 8 to 12 February 2027 in Oxford (UK). Further information will be available in September.