Interning in Ireland will give you the chance to understand this amazing culture in ways that travelers or students might not experience. Not only are you gaining practical skills and expanding your international professional network, but you’ll hopefully get to see some pretty epic sights, to top if all off. (Cliffs of Moher or Connemara National Park, anyone?)
Your view during internships in Ireland will be a MAJOR perk.
Great internships in Ireland for international students are plentiful. After all, Ireland is home to the European headquarters of tech giants Amazon, Google, and Apple, while also being an important cultural and political capital. (If being in the middle of the action is your style, you might want to look at internships in Dublin!)
While preparing for your Ireland internship, there’s a lot to think about besides the actual work you’ll be doing. Some questions are more subtle, such as, how do you fit into your new office culture and get off on the right start? Luckily, we got you covered for ways to be successful in your internship in Ireland, so you can walk away with strong professional connections, a fun time, and a great internship experience!
9 paths to success during Ireland internships
1. Avoid bringing up Anglo-Irish relations
From the Easter Rising in 1916, to Bloody Sunday in 1972 when 28 unarmed Irish demonstrators were shot by British forces, to “The Troubles” (a three-decade political conflict in Northern Ireland), the tension from conflicts between the UK and Ireland can be traced back many decades, with periods of peace, including today.
It’s best to avoid bringing up the topic and inserting your opinion if you’re not well-informed, unless someone wants to discuss and educate you on the history of relations between the countries, and share Irish perspectives.
You want to do your best to create good relations with your colleagues, so don’t slip up and start boisterously voicing your opinion or bringing up the history of relations between the two countries during happy hour (*buzzkill*). If in doubt, better not say it.
As a general rule of thumb for internships in Ireland, and even professional settings in your home country, it’s best to avoid bringing up religion or politics.
2. Be smart about drink choices
No doubt you’ll go to some form of happy hour with coworkers — so brush up on drink choices beforehand.
And on that note, avoid ordering an “Irish Car Bomb”, that American sports bar drink consisting of a shot of Bailey’s cream and whiskey dropped into a pint of Guinness. The name is taken from the Bloody Friday event in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1972, where 22 car bombs were detonated by the IRA. It’s a sensitive topic to many people.
Key takeaway: don’t order that drink and learn more about the history of your host country, if you don’t already know.
3. But...be prepared to be asked questions about the U.S.
While we just got done talking about being tactful with Ango-Irish relations, get ready to be asked questions about U.S. politics. Since U.S policy affects so much of the world, from trade to diplomatic relations, it’s very common for folks abroad to be (or at least seem to be) more tuned-in about current events and how the U.S. government works than you.
Amanda (named changed), who was a marketing intern in Ireland for four months at a travel website, said that when discussing certain issues, people would ask her, “So, what do people over there think?” Over there meaning: in the U.S. She said people were curious to hear her perspective about American public opinion, but that she had to explain how nuanced the answers could be.
Since the U.S. is home to over 325 million people, and so diverse, public opinions can vary drastically. Explaining the huge divide in opinions is one way to approach these conversations, she said, to let people know that what they read or see in the headlines or from our government may not necessarily be what the majority of Americans think or agree with.
While you don’t have to turn into a news junkie or foreign policy guru overnight, to help you meet these conversations and stay in the loop, try browsing the top political and foreign policy news each morning.
Finally, get to know some basic facts about U.S. government, if you don’t already. For example, who is the current U.S. Secretary of State? What is a popular vote in U.S. elections?
Impress your coworkers with your Irish knowledge.
4. Learn some key facts about Ireland
And on that note, learn a bit about some important topics and key people in Ireland. Who is Ireland’s Prime Minister? What is the country’s major religion? What are the hot topics in the news? Again, don’t worry if you can’t remember or feel like you don’t know anything. Just try to follow the Irish news each morning and know the big things people are talking about. (Ok, we’re done with the quizzes.)
5. Find a work-life balance
It can certainly be argued that the American work culture celebrates overworking. The U.S. is the only advanced economy in the world with no law requiring paid vacation days for employees, and American workers don’t even use all of their paid vacation days each year. Talk about hustle culture. Get ready for a different culture in Ireland!
While it certainly depends on the field and specific company you’re interning at, you’re now in a county where work-life balance is more widely accepted and actually practiced. Ireland is one of the top 10 countries for best work-life balance in the world, according to the OECD.
Families are very important and generally close-knit in Ireland, and taking a break for life outside of work is normal. If you’ve had internships in the past where you feel the need to cram down a sandwich at your desk during lunch break, don’t do that here. Enjoy a break and connect with your team over tea in the afternoon, if they invite you.
Sure, you want to get your tasks done, but remember that work-life balance is about people: remembering to take care of yourself and spending quality time with others. Enjoy it!
Related: 7 Things Separating a Good Internship Program Abroad from a GREAT One
6. Show up on time...for real
While work-life balance is valued in Ireland, Ireland internships for international students are still professional settings. Being on time to work and meetings is a super important part of that professional picture. Even if your coworkers come in late, or if you think nobody is watching (or even cares), be on time.
While others might be more relaxed about it, as a foreigner and an intern, you should be showing up on time and keeping the office chit chat on the professional side.
7. Dress comfortably and modestly
What time of year will you be heading over for Ireland internships? Pack and plan accordingly!
Figuring out what to wear for Ireland internships might seem tricky. After all, you packed for a short time abroad, for different weather (hello lots of rain!), and you also need to go into an office.
As you might know, Ireland is a generally casual and friendly country, and this generally translates to Ireland internships. While each field and company is different, you should aim for non-flashy clothes that are comfortable to wear and professional. Dress modestly.
Wools, muted colors, and a nice blazer can look great. Avoid jeans, sneakers, or sweatshirts for internships in Ireland unless the company directly tells you it’s ok. Basically, if you would wear something to yoga or the gym, don’t wear it to the internship. And if you’re still unsure, ask someone at your new office to tell you more about the dress code.
8. “Slagging” is normal — just roll with it
Joking around with someone, or “slagging”, is a good thing in Ireland. This strong teasing and poking fun at people is a form of social bonding between good friends and in many social circles, a sign that it’s going well when getting to know someone. Don’t take offense if someone makes a lighthearted, jabbing comment about your shoes or height (or whatever) with a twinkle in their eyes.
Maybe you’ve seen this happen already, so rest easy knowing it’s all in good fun. Slagging happens when they like you, so take it as a good sign, and not as an insult. It may or may not be happening directly to you in the office, but you’ll probably see it amongst coworkers.
9. Leave the leprechaun references and green beer orders back in the States
Finally, there are some stereotypes that just need mentioning, so here it goes. Leave any mentions of your elementary school’s March decorations or college frat party drinks back in the States. It doesn’t happen in Ireland, so don’t be that person.
St. Patrick’s Day, or Paddy’s Day as it’s commonly known in Ireland, is largely a family holiday in Ireland, honoring the death of the patron Saint Patrick. It used to be a major religious holiday, with bars and shops closing, but now town parades and having some beers in a pub to celebrate is common.
But don’t expect to be wearing green mardi gras beads while drinking green beer out of a red solo cup. It won’t happen here. Instead, just grab a pint of “the black stuff” (Guiness) at your local pub, catch some live music, and call it a day.
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You WILL succeed during internships in Ireland for international students!
You’ll never be the same after internships in Ireland for international students!
With some general business etiquette (*ahem* be on time), some background in Irish history, and a healthy dose of humor and friendliness, you have a strong foundation for rocking your Ireland internship!
But don’t worry about making a mistake. Going abroad is a learning experience, and there will likely be times when things are confusing, you’re not sure exactly what to say, or you realize that what you thought you knew about something isn’t really that way at all here. This is all part of interning (and let’s be honest, traveling) abroad!
As you learn about yourself and Irish culture each day, you’ll become more confident. But remember: No matter how much you know, always keep an open mind, challenge stereotypes, and learn as much as you can about the places you’re visiting.
With these things in mind, you’ll walk away from your internship in Ireland with a lifetime of memories and some great professional and social connections!
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