Welcome to the ninth edition of the Work and Travel Ireland e-zine!

We are back again giving you a little sample of what’s happening in Ireland. We also have our snippet of the Work In Ireland social which took place in Galway and a little insider info from one of our participants.

So enjoy the read, and maybe even pass it on to any else you know thinking of coming to Ireland!

Cheers,
The Work & Travel Ireland Team

Name: Shannon Mages.
Age: 22 yrs.
University: Illinois State University.
Length of time here: 3 months.

What job are you doing in Ireland?
I worked for the Bagel Bar in Galway, mostly deli service work..

Where & Who are you living with here?
I lived in Rahoon in Galway which was a 30 minute walk from the city centre. I lived in a house share with 7 other people!

Whats your social scene like? Where do you go? What do you do etc?
Obviously the pub life is very good. I went and listened to the traditional Irish sessions in the pubs in Galway, a lot more authentic than in Dublin. It was also nice being beside the sea so you could always go for walks there. There were also several day trips you could take around the area.

Your most memorable thing to date in Ireland?
It’s difficult to pick one thing. I definitely enjoyed the pub life. But it was best travelling around, seeing different parts of Ireland.

Can you sum up your experience on the program in Ireland to date?
My experience has been pretty good. I arrived towards the end of August; had little problem finding a job or accommodation. I liked being in Galway where things were cheaper, smaller, but there was always plenty to do.

What Advice you would give any students thinking about going on the WII program?
If you are looking for a very specific job it can be more difficult. If you’re open there are plenty of opportunities. It is best to go to the location you want and then job search there, much easier than the internet. I would also recommend travelling around Ireland first, then settling down in a place that works for you. Don’t just pick large cities, there are plenty of smaller ones which have plenty of work and you’ll find it easier to meet local people.

Icons of Ireland hit top Time list

GIANTS of Ireland's cultural life - Bono, Bob Geldof, and Samuel Beckett - have made it onto another list of top people that includes 'iron lady' Margaret Thatcher. The campaigning Dublin rock stars and modern literary giant are included in a Time magazine round-up of the greatest international heroes of the last 60 years. They take their place on the '60 Years of Heroes' list alongside a motley crew of individuals including The Sex Pistols, Princess Diana, JK Rowling and The Beatles. Bono and Bob Geldof are included together under the 'Heroes: Inspirations and Explorers' section. Despite their similarities, the magazine said one is an idealist, the other a pragmatist and praises their efforts in alleviating poverty in Africa. Meanwhile, Dublin writer Samuel Beckett is included with The Beatles and Coco Chanel in the 'Business and Culture' list. He is "a giant of 20th century literature" who "made theatre audiences queue to watch nothing happening - twice".

Did you know?

Windmills always turn counter-clockwise. Except for the windmills in Ireland!