Hey,
My name is Ida and I am currently doing a year abroad in Ireland. I would like to share some of my experiences about my first weeks in an Irish secondary school with you.
In Ireland, secondary school is divided into the Junior Cycle and the Senior Cycle. The Junior Cycle includes the first three years and the Senior Cycle the last two years. In between, students can take an optional year called Transition Year. There are no examinations in this year. Instead, students can take part in projects, practical activities and do work experience. The final two years of secondary school are called fifth and sixth year. At the end of sixth year, students take the Leaving Certificate examination, which is important for getting into university. I am currently attending fifth year.
One big difference compared to school in Germany is the subject system. Students usually take only seven subjects instead of having twelve or more. While English, Irish and Maths are core subjects, you can choose the remaining four based on your own interests. On top of that, you can take subjects at either Higher Level or Ordinary Level, which gives you a lot of flexibility.
Another big difference is the school uniform. In my school, students wear either a navy skirt or trousers with a white shirt, a black and red striped tie, and plain black shoes. If you want, you can also wear a navy school hoodie or jacket. Even if it still feels a bit strange to wear a uniform, I appreciate not having to think about what to wear every morning. It just makes mornings so much less stressful.
My daily routine here in Ireland is quite similar to what I am used to in Germany. School starts at 9 am and ends at 4 pm. My favourite part of the day is the lunch break, where I can meet my friends who attend different classes than I do. 
Before the first day of school, there was an induction day for all the new students. That was a great opportunity to make friends so that you are not alone on the first day. I met some other lovely international students there, which made me feel comfortable right away. But even on my first school day, I made many new friends. The Irish students are incredibly welcoming, open-minded and kind, which really helped me settle in quickly. They also helped me find my way around the school. One of my best friends told me, „Don’t worry. I know the school seems big at the beginning, but if you need help, you can just ask anyone. Everyone is happy to help you.“ And she was right. Asking someone for help, for example to find your classroom, is also a great way to start a conversation.
Overall, I really enjoy living here. Of course, I miss my family and my friends in Germany, but I have a wonderful host family and great friends here, and I am really looking forward to spending the rest of the school year with them.
Viele Grüße aus Irland
Ida Schmahl