Exchange Student Program
Ireland
TThe island nation is Poblacht na
h'Éireann, more popularly called Éire. A rather quiet, gentle
country—both in landscape and human temperament—the Republic
of Ireland is small enough to fit entirely into Lake Superior.
Yet, the Irish people, and particularly the prodigious numbers
of Irish emigrants, have substantially shaped the politics,
history, culture, and economy of the English-speaking world.
Ireland has been dominated by Great Britain for much of
its history, so that most of the country speaks English,
and much of its architecture and many of its institutions
bear a British stamp. br>
The distinctive Irish character is shaped by old-fashioned,
family-oriented, essentially rural qualities: kindliness,
lack of pretension, gregariousness, and a penetrating, often
self-effacing wit. Irish literature, music and food are
held in the highest regard among people of discriminating
tastes throughout the world; though, indeed, the island's
most significant "export" traditionally has been Irish emigrants,
who greatly outnumber the population of Ireland. The country's
personality takes its strongest form beyond the capital
of Dublin, in a largely rural hinterland scattered with
towns and villages, and hemmed by rugged coastlines and
low, rolling ranges of hills.
Dublin today can provide one of Europe's excited destinations
for Two Worlds United students. Although comfortable, friendly, and full
of fun, Ireland is unlikely to appeal to students as a cultural
and complete destination. Bucking the country's slower-pace
trend when necessary, the capital does provide a completely
modern infrastructure and comfort for international students.
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