Past Student Experiences at Maynooth University (ESAP in Elementary Education)
Intro paragraph to set the context (waiting on Ghina).
Olivia Mayes '26
Participated in the MU El Ed ESAP in Fall 2024
"I would say just go for it! I was very anxious to leave my family and be completely on my own, but I’m glad I took the jump. Being able to find a home away from home and a community was one of the best things I could have ever asked for. I am so grateful every day that I went!"
In Maynooth, I taught at St. Mary's Boys’ National School. I was placed into a Junior Infants class, 4-5 year olds. I got to teach full class lessons throughout the entire day. I became so lucky to make wonderful connections with not only the teachers, but also the administrators there. I was able to make strong connections with the students in my class, and it was so exciting to see them grow over the month that I was teaching consistently every day.
I would say what differed the most was being able to divert all of my time and attention to teaching because, as university students, we were given breaks from classes to get a consistent field experience every day of the week and in the classroom for the entire school day. As I am currently in a student teaching placement in Indianapolis, I feel so much more prepared because of my teaching environment in Maynooth.
One thing I would say was different from my learning here at UIndy and Maynooth was the education philosophy. I was constantly applauding the fact that my classes were less focused on formal assessments and taught how to assess students properly, without putting pressure on the students. Turning assessments into fun activities really stuck with me. Another thing that struck me was that part of the Maynooth curriculum was also focused on learning how to teach specialized classes. In my field experience, I taught physical education, art, music, and observed language.
In Ireland, all of these subjects are typically taught by the main classroom teacher. I loved this idea. It gave the students a more consistent teaching style compared to the U.S. where specials are typically taught by a different teacher per subject. This leads to stress with varying teaching styles and expectations, especially among younger students.
Being abroad, I was able to travel to other countries as well. It was amazing to be exposed to numerous other cultures and traditions. As long as you are respectful in your visit to another country, the citizens will welcome you with open arms.
Before traveling abroad, I saved all of my money. Everything that didn’t go to rent or food, I put into a separate bank account. While in Ireland, I received packages and snacks from my family. As for my tuition, my UIndy scholarships still covered the same amount they always have. The only added amount was my room and board fees. As I typically live off campus, this was the only change!
At Maynooth, they have things called societies. They are essentially clubs. I joined a few societies and met new people and became friends with many of them! I was able to become amazing friends with my roommate Eve, and we still talk today! Through the international student community, I was able to meet one of my best friends, Stella. I found myself having movie nights every Thursday and going everywhere together. My friendships were one of the best things I brought home with me.
I would say just go for it! I was very anxious to leave my family and be completely on my own, but I’m glad I took the jump. Being able to find a home away from home and a community was one of the best things I could have ever asked for. I am so grateful every day that I went!
Pack light! You will buy stuff and fill your bag. Ireland is also very rainy and windy. Bring thermals and a rain jacket.
Cam Koch '27
Participated in the MU El Ed ESAP in Fall 2025
"It is a very unique opportunity and experience. However, it can also be scary coming to a new country, especially if you are going alone. Definitely take some time to think about if it’s right for you, but I highly recommend giving it a shot. My time abroad changed my view on life, and I think it helped me grow in many ways, including as a teacher."
During fieldwork in Indianapolis, we only work with the kids for 30 minutes to an hour. In Maynooth, I would go in once a week for an entire school day. I liked this because it allowed me more time to learn about the kids and connect with them. It also made me feel more like a real teacher.
My classes at Maynooth were extremely laid-back. There were essentially no assignments, and grades are based almost entirely on participation and field work.
My study abroad experience opened my eyes to how many kinds of people there are in the world. There are so many cultures worth experiencing that you can only fully understand once you leave the United States.
I saved up money all summer so that I would not have to worry too much about my spending while abroad. I still made sure while I was at Maynooth to not spend too much money carelessly. I bought groceries each week and meal prepped so that I would have food for the week.
The locals in Ireland are extremely kind. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. You will see two strangers talking to each other, but you would think they’ve been friends forever. I always felt extremely welcomed.
It is a very unique opportunity and experience. However, it can also be scary coming to a new country, especially if you are going alone. Definitely take some time to think about if it’s right for you, but I highly recommend giving it a shot. My time abroad changed my view on life, and I think it helped me grow in many ways, including as a teacher.
No, I think you covered everything!
Lola Reddick '26
Participated in the MU El Ed ESAP in Fall 2024
"My advice would be to stop overthinking and just commit to it. As someone who struggled with anxiety and lacked independence before this trip, studying abroad helped me grow tremendously in both areas and pushed me in ways I never expected."
While teaching at different schools in Indy, I would only get to teach for 30-45 minutes and it was mostly with a small group of students. When I was in Ireland, I taught at an all-boys school, I was able to be there the whole school day, and I taught three lessons each day.
The classes at Maynooth were set up to give you all the information you would need while teaching. You were assessed on how well you could apply it while teaching in the classroom. I had no tests or quizzes, and I only had to submit 3-4 homework assignments throughout my time there.
Living in a different country pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me more aware of different cultures, values, and ways of thinking. It helped me become more open-minded, independent, and appreciative of perspectives different from my own.
I began saving money as soon as I found out I would be going abroad and continued saving until I left. While in Ireland, I planned my grocery shopping every one to two weeks and allowed myself occasional treats or small purchases like souvenirs or clothing. I also made sure to budget for everyday expenses such as laundry and public transportation, including train and bus fares.
I met a lot of people in my classes and hung out with them occasionally, but I became especially close friends with my two Irish roommates. We would go to dinners, out to bars, and sit out in the common area of our apartment and talk for hours with each other a couple times a week.
My advice would be to stop overthinking and just commit to it. As someone who struggled with anxiety and lacked independence before this trip, studying abroad helped me grow tremendously in both areas and pushed me in ways I never expected.
I recommend bringing a carry-on and two checked bags if possible. If friends or family are able to visit, having them take items home that you no longer need can free up space for your return trip. Also, students at Maynooth typically carry tote bags instead of backpacks, so bringing a durable tote for your laptop and daily essentials is very helpful.
