In this episode of My Journey Home, we welcome Swiss secondary school exchange students Mattia Crameri from Basel and Malina Heymann from Thurgau. They are currently studying at Ardscoil Phádraig and Templemichael Vocational School in Longford.
They reflect on life back home in Switzerland; from raclette, chocolate, and Swiss Army knives to snow-capped mountains and Roger Federer. Mattia and Malina share with us how school life differs in Ireland especially when it comes to uniforms and co-education.
Mattia talks about working on a family-run dairy farm, learning to fish, and playing football. Malina recalls her unique experience in the Irish bog and also on her passion for tennis and piano.
They chat about what they miss (spoiler: food and buses!), pick up Irish slang, drop some Swiss-German, the friendships and second families you gain as well as offering heartfelt advice for anyone adjusting to a new country.
“Keep learning, keep exploring, and take the time to really get to know the culture.” — Malina.
An uplifting episode full of insight, humour, and cross-cultural connection.
Listen to heartfelt stories on My Journey Home, hosted by Vanda Brady on Shannonside