Ireland or Australia?

Question

I am thinking about being a foreign exchange student next year (I'm American) and I'm deciding between Ireland and Australia. Can you guys help me decide which is best? I'd love to hear from people who have lived in both places but everyone's thought are much appreciated!

Thanks in advance

Oh, by the way, also debating Italy, but I don't want to be stuck in a place where I don't speak Spanish and will have no idea what's going on. Unless a lot of Italians speak English...

(Ireland and Australia are top two, then Italy)

Thanks again!

Answer 1

That's a tough one.
I'm Australian and I also lived in Ireland for 14 years.
Ireland and Australia are both beautiful countries and the Irish and Australians are both very friendly down to earth bunch of people.
I suppose it would depend on what year at school you were going to go into.
The school systems are pretty much at the same standard.Ireland has 5 years of high school and Australia has 6.
If you were going to go into third year of high school ,I wouldn't recommend Ireland as in 3rd year in high school(the junior cert)they have exams and they have an heaps of study and home work,and they pretty much don't have time to do ant thing else.My husband's niece and nephew just finished their junior cert and their Mam's were saying they couldn't do to much on the weekends as they they always had heaps of homework,where is In Australia in third year of high school(year 9)they don't have exams.My daughter is in year 9 and doesn't seem to get to much homework and is still able to have a pretty good social life.
The only down fall with Ireland it is very expensive place to live compared to Australia and depending on where you are going to be living,you may find it a bit tricky to get to and from places.
Australia also has places where it can be a bit tricky to get to and from places,but if that was the case,you would have a better chance of getting to and from places in Asutralia compared to Ireland.
I don't know how old you are,but if you were to go to Ireland you could also use it as a base,so that when you have school holidays you can also go to other European countries for a couple of days here and there.You can get really good deals from Ireland at certain times of the year.
I hope I have helped you in some way and haven't made you more confused.
If you need any more help you can just email me.Take care.

Answer 2

Funny, when I saw that you were debating between two English speaking countries, I though to myself; geez what a perfect opportunity to enrich yourself and be emersed in another culture than to not speak the lanuguage. I'd say go to Italy (by the way, Italians speak Italian, not Spanish) and have a great time. Get out of your comfort zone, you'll probaby really enjoy it. You'll probably be surprised at how much you pick up when you have little alternative. Many Italians do speak English, but depending on where you end up it could be a lot (Rome) or some quaint villiage (next to none). I bet if you chose Italy you wouldn't regret it. It's a beautiful country too (so are Ireland and Austraila to be sure) with a rich history or art, philosophy, archetecture, and the food is great too!

No matter what you choose, you'll be richer for having the experience ... you really can't go wrong with whatever you choose.

Answer 3

Italians speak ITALIAN, not Spanish, although some words are similar. Given that faux pas - it would seem you haven't done a whole lot of research into a destination at all.

As far as aiming for a completely different & exciting educational experience - Italy would certainly give you that.

The education standard in Australia is a little better than in Ireland, and it is probably a safer country to live in.
Both countries have their advantages. Ireland is much closer to Europe, so if one of your goals is extensive travel, Ireland would provide a more logical base. It is a visually beautiful country steeped in history.

Australia is much bigger, less densely populated, has better weather and there is a lot to see without leaving her shores.

Both have friendly people.

Your decision depends on so many things - you don't really give us much information on what it is you want out of the experience - maybe elaborate a little so we can be of more help?

Answer 4

Captain Crunch does have a point. If you do speak Spanish, it would give you a leg up on the Italian language. However if you do want to stick with two English speaking countries, I'd choose Australia. I think that it is a fascinating country, and might like to go there sometime.

Answer 5

How long will you be staying?Australia is a lot bigger and if you like it will give you more opportunities should you decide to come back to settle.There is so much to see and the people are help full,You will also meet mixture of nationalities from English,Asian ,Egyptian and all over the world so if it is a mix of culture you are after without the language barrier i would say Australia.

Answer 6

as you are an american go to Ireland much better.
Don't blame you wanting to get out of america.
We have your prime minister having a holiday here in Australia at the moment and the city of Sydney is completly locked down with 20 feet fences and razor wire all around and the streets are closed for his 70 cars and the 800 personell to travel as well as the shops are shut and we have to stay at home because all business have to close so if that's the way you live in america you will be better off going to Ireland.
Any way we are a country of convicts.

Answer 7

Im an Aussie, but I would love to see Ireland.
Irish are great.

Answer 8

well ask your self what you like better Guinness or Matilda ? you like to rub on kangaroo tails? Aussies are friendlier too!!

Answer 9

we have enough idiotic yanks here. especially that paranoid president of yours. so if I were you and thankfully I'm not I'd simply leave for anywhere.