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Making Friends at School School life

Making Friends at School

5 min read

Building Your Social Circle in Ireland

One of the best parts of studying abroad is the people you meet. Your classmates will come from all over the world — Italy, Japan, South Korea, Colombia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and many other countries. These friendships often last a lifetime.

At School

  • Be open and approachable: Introduce yourself to classmates on the first day. Everyone is in the same boat — new to the country and looking to make friends.
  • Join social activities: Most schools organise weekly activities like pub nights, city tours, sports, and cultural outings. These are the best way to meet people outside your class.
  • Mix with different nationalities: Resist the temptation to stay only in the Brazilian group. Your English will improve much faster, and you'll learn about other cultures.
  • Study groups: Forming a small study group with classmates helps you practise English and prepare for class together.

Outside School

  • Meetup.com: Has groups for everything — language exchanges, hiking, photography, coding, board games. Great way to meet locals and other internationals.
  • Language exchange events: Several pubs and cafes in Dublin host weekly language exchange nights where you can practise English and teach Portuguese.
  • Sports: Joining a local running club, gym, or GAA for beginners is a fantastic way to meet Irish people.
  • Volunteering: Organisations like Volunteer Ireland connect you with opportunities. It looks great on your CV and you meet lovely people.
  • Church communities: If you're religious, Brazilian and international church communities in Dublin are active and welcoming.

Social Media Groups

Join these Facebook/WhatsApp groups to connect with the Brazilian community in Ireland:

  • "Brasileiros na Irlanda" — The largest Brazilian community group
  • "Brasileiros em Dublin" — Dublin-specific tips and events
  • Your school's WhatsApp group — ask at reception

Important: While it's nice to have a Brazilian support network, remember that your English improves most when you're speaking English. Balance is key.

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