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              My name is Cecile, I am 20 and I come from France, near Nantes. I study foreign languages at the University of Angers and I would like to be a teacher in a primary school. For my bachelor's degree I needed a placement and I needed to improve my English. One of my friends had been to Ireland last year for a placement too and was very happy there, that’s the reason why 
I  choose the country for a placement. 
    When I discovered Carnaun National School in the web, it seemed to be for me a good opportunity because it was small, so it meant an easier way for me to integrate myself and to improve my English. Moreover such a small school isn’t common in France and Carnaun seemed very dynamic so I knew I would not get bored and I would discover many interesting things for my report. 
I arrived in Galway on the 31st of August. 
  First I felt very surprised by the green fields, the narrow roads which were lined by the limestone walls, the houses without shutters scattered a bit everywhere in the countryside and by the nice weather. Anyway I quickly got used to Ireland and County Galway with its wonderful landscapes and its inhabitants who were so kind with me. Moreover Athenry seemed to be a nice town with colourful shops and houses, which was something different from France. 
With me are in the photograph (from left to right):Barry, Tara, Marion, Cecile, Christina, Enda, 
Seamus, Keira, Tara, Terry and Martin. 
  Concerning Carnaun School I was very surprised by the huge green area of ground around the school because in France we only have asphalt playgrounds with several trees. For me Carnaun is a very nice school and its pupils have incredible relationships together whatever their age and with their teachers who know each of them very well. Here the system is quite different from France, the subjects are different and the way they work is also different. What surprised me also was that in Carnaun much of the teaching is done through projects integrating the curriculum subjects. Moreover I now  understand why 
they were in the National Finals of the ESB Environmental Awareness Awards in 2000: 
They have a very nice garden with all sorts of vegetables. 
  Everyday I learn much there about the life and the language of Ireland, thanks to the pupils of the school who are not very different from the children of France but who are very kind, thanks to their teachers and to the people I meet every day. So I would like to thank all these persons for their kindness and for having welcomed me in their beautiful country. 
I think that my trip to Ireland will stay in my memory for along time to come. 
SCOIL NÁISIÚNTA CARNÁIN 
BAILE ÁTHA 'N RÍ