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Youth exchange in Ireland

The program in Ireland is held in cooperation with the English organisation EIL Intercultural Learning. During your exchange program you will live in a host family, attend a local school and therefore experience a foreign culture up close. Apart from regular AFS programs the host families in Ireland are financially compensated. AFS provides a preparation camp before you leave and a reorientation-camp where you can share your experience with other exchange students. The program also covers an AFS framework program during your stay and ongoing consultation and personal support. Local volunteers and the AFS office of the corresponding country are there to support you in any way needed. Chances are high that you will live in either a small city, a village or in the countryside.

Eligibility Requirements

A basic knowledge of the English language is a requirement for all available programs. You are expected to learn the local language, to integrate yourself in your host family and to attend your school regularly and actively. You should be in good health and depending on the country certain vaccinations or medical test may also be required. If you are or have been in psychological treatment over the last eighteen months some countries may not accept your application. Vegetarian, vegan or other dietary restrictions will likely complicate the search for a suitable host family. Smoking will have the same effect and in certain countries it’s even illegal to smoke as a minor. Your future host family’s beliefs may range from agnostic to highly religious, you are neither expected to adopt their beliefs nor to hide your own. But it is very important that you are open and understanding towards other religions.

Age: 15 – 17 years and 7 months at the beginning of the program

*We are committed to worldwide youth exchanges. For us, this means that ideally, as parents, you will also host an AFS guest child. The prices shown here assume this. If you are unable to welcome someone into your family for at least 3 months, the prices will increase by CHF 1,000, which will help us to partially cover the high costs of searching for a host family in Switzerland.

Learn more about Ireland

What's included in your experience

  • Airfare
  • Airport Pick-up
  • Host Family Placement
  • Housing
  • Meals
  • School Placement
  • Individual Contact Person
  • Medical Insurance
  • 24/7 Emergency Support
  • Assistance with Application Process
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • Orientations during your time abroad
  • Re-entry Orientation
  • Continuous Support

What you are responsible for

  • Domestic Transport
  • School Transport
  • School Materials
  • School Uniform