DAY 1: October 21, 2022
The day has finally arrived, and you are Ireland bound! Travel to Toronto Pearson International Airport to join your fellow Niagara College peers to board your Air Transat flight to Dublin. Sit back, relax, and try to catch a few winks on this overnight flight as the adventure begins in the morning.
DAY 2: October 22, 2022
Welcome to Ireland, or fáilte go hÉirinn as the locals say! You have arrived to the incredible Emerald Isle, a country so beautiful we doubt you’ll want to put your camera down. Board your private transportation to transfer to a hotel in downtown Dublin where you will stay for the night. After dropping our bags off at the hotel, we set off to take in the sights and sounds of Ireland’s capital city-Dublin. What better way to experience Dublin like a local on our first day other than to take an incredible food tour with Irish Food Trail! Sample local produce and traditional Irish dishes all while taking in the sights, sounds, and history of Dublin! Such an amazing way to settle in for the epic week ahead!
- Food tour with Irish Food Trail
(B, D)
DAY 3: October 23, 2022
This morning, enjoy a delicious and hearty Irish breakfast before setting out to the west coast and exploring the Wild Atlantic Way!
The next four days of your time abroad will be spent in one of Ireland’s fastest growing communities – Castlebar! Named after an 11th century castle, Castlebar began as a small market town and has grown into the prominent community in County Mayo. While in Castlebar we will have the opportunity to learn alongside leaders in Irish community services at the Atlantic Technological University and visit local industries to discover the impact that social services have on Castlebar’s community. This will include the impact of regional initiatives, the benefits of engaging locals to be active, and caring for the vulnerable.
- Travel to Castlebar by train
- Meet and greet with ATU
- Evening activity TBD
(B)
DAY 4: October 24, 2022
After enjoying breakfast at your accommodations, your educational sessions begin with an introduction to early childhood education Ireland and early childhood education and care Canada. Spend the afternoon participating in small group activities and hands on experiences.
This evening, enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience at the Mayo Dark Sky Park! Mayo has been awarded the Gold Tier Award, the highest possible accolade, meaning that Mayo internationally recognized as one of the best places in the world to star gaze!
- Introduction to ECEC Ireland
- Visit 3 ECEC settings
- Visit to Mayo Dark Sky Park
(B)
DAY 5: October 25, 2022
Today we set out to explore more of the Wild Atlantic Way and head to Sligo! Once a major port city located at the mouth of the Garavogue River, the name Sligo means “Shelly River” in Gaelic. Sligo holds the title of the 2nd largest city in the west (Galway is 1st) and may easily be one of the most picturesque places in all of Ireland!
Upon arrival, we will discover the Sligo campus and enjoy more thought-provoking sessions. In the evening, we return to Mayo where the remainder of your day is at your leisure.
- Travel to Sligo
- Meet and Greet with ATU Sligo campus
(B)
DAY 6: October 26, 2022
Our adventures continue as we venture to Galway, perhaps singing a little Ed Sheerhan along our way. Known for its near constant festival-like atmosphere, Galway ranks as the cultural capital of Ireland and is home to 10% of the country’s Irish speakers.
This morning we continue our Irish educational journey, as well as enjoy a visit to the Galway Atlanticaquaria. Explore this two-floor aquarium and observe over 1000 marine species that inhabit various lakes, rivers, and oceans.
Enjoy the remainder of your afternoon in Galway, returning to Mayo in the evening. The breath-taking scenery on your drive back to Mayo will certainly make it obvious of why Ireland’s nickname is the Emerald Isle!
- Travel to Galway
- Beach school lecture
- Visit Atlanticquaria
(B)
DAY 7: October 27, 2022
Today is an exciting day as we partake in a story-telling session with Cliodhna Noonan, followed by a bushcraft skills session. Later this morning, we take a break from our educational sessions to get some exercise and fresh air by going kayaking!
With Hallowe’en only days away, we continue our break to enjoy the festive season by joining local community members and their families for a fun filled Hallowe’en Story Trail event!
- Story-telling session with Cliodhna Noonan
- Afternoon bushcraft skills session
- Kayaking
- Hallowe’en community event
(B)
DAY 8: October 28, 2022
Our last day in Ireland brings us back to the nation’s capital where we will have the opportunity to reflect on the importance and impact that community services have and the role that they will continue to have with shaping this beautiful country.
Enjoy your final evening in Dublin and unite with your fellow peers aboard a battery powered barge for a private farewell dinner at the Canal Boat Restaurant. Sit back, relax, enjoy the scenery, delicious food, and some live music while watching the crew operate manual locks as you sail up and down the canal. Sláinte!
- Travel to Dublin
- Farewell dinner
(B, D)
DAY 9: October 29, 2022
It is time to say our final farewell to the amazing Emerald Isle and board our flight back to Toronto. Cheerio, Ireland!
(B)
Disclaimers: Be World Ready does their best to execute the itinerary as outlined above, however all elements are subject to change based on availability or requirement to adapt due to circumstances outside of our control. Cost of the overall experience may fluctuate up to a maximum of $200.00 +/- CAD due to volume of participants and local exchange rate. Students will be informed in writing as early as possible if it is foreseen that the cost will increase. Students are also reminded that it is their responsibility to research the entry requirements to the destination countries visited per their nationality and vaccination status.
* Price per student is in Canadian Dollars and reflects the Be World Ready (BWR) grant which has been applied to the total trip cost to heavily subsidize the rate per person for our Fall 2022 International Field Studies (IFS). Our future IFS BWR grants will not remain this high. To qualify for the full value of the BWR grant applied to this IFS, mandatory training and tasks are required to be completed, training and task expectations will be clearly communicated by BWR staff upon registration. Failure to complete the requirements as outlined by BWR staff will result in the value of the grant being billed back to the applicable student account, up to a maximum of $2500. Securing your seat on this trip will occur on a first come, first serve basis based on registration date, and meeting payment timelines.
