Athlone language centre hosts milestone Mexican programme

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Thirty students from the Yucatán region in Mexico have experienced life in Athlone as part of a government-backed scholarship programme aimed at developing their English-language skills and exposing young people to different cultures.

Athlone company Lakeland Language Centre was one of three Irish organisations selected by the Mexican government to host students as part of the programme, alongside organisations in Cork and Dublin, with 30 students sent to each location.

Lakeland CEO Augustine Del Rio said the programme was particularly significant because many of the students had never travelled outside their home region.

“I think once you become a world citizen, and you’re able to speak English correctly and travel without fear, knowing that you can adapt anywhere you go, it gives you a very strong tool for life,” he said.

He said the exchange also gave the students an opportunity to understand the relationship between Irish and American culture.

“Most of the things they see when they go to the United States, they don’t necessarily realise how much of that culture was brought by Ireland,” he said.

“So I think that by being here, they can see what sort of heritage Ireland has given to the United States, which is huge.”

The exchange also marks an important milestone for Lakeland Language School, which was established as a family business in 2018.

Speaking at the event with the Mayor of Athlone Moate Municipal District in TUS Athlone, Del Rio said he hopes the programme will become an annual initiative, and the experience of hosting the first group would allow Lakeland to build on it in future.

“Having executed this programme for the first time, we are in a better position to provide an even better programme next year,” he said.

Speaking about her experience with the students, programme co-ordinator Yvonne O'Shea said they have been a pleasure to deal with.

"I am responsible for the programme of cultural activities for the exchanges, and generally once I set the programme, it won't be changed.

"However, getting to know these wonderful students, I felt I should add things that I knew they would enjoy. They were just so grateful for every experience, and such a joy to deal with."

Mayor of Athlone Moate Municipal District Cllr Liam McDaniel also welcomed the students to Athlone, hosting a Q&A session with the students.

The students pressed Cllr McDaniel about the structure of the local authority, job opportunities in the wider Athlone area, and education opportunities for international students seeking to come to Athlone.

He said the exchange brought benefits to Athlone and the Mexican students.

"It's important for the students to see a different culture, but also for Athlone, to welcome international students allows us to learn more about their culture. For a group to come here to Athlone and get the flavour of what Athlone has to offer, not just as a town but as a community and a culture, and to understand what Irish culture is like, I think it must be a great experience.”

Cllr McDaniel said he hoped the exchange would continue in the years ahead.

“It’s great that Athlone is the chosen venue for this venture, and we look forward to that continuing,” he said.

Student leaders and English teachers Gabriel Flores and Rene Romero said students are "totally in love" with Ireland and Athlone in particular after spending eight weeks with host families in the area.

"Irish culture is really similar to Mexican culture. Even with languages, in Ireland you have both Irish and English, and in Mexico, we have English, and in the area we are from, we speak Spanish. The students discovered a lot of similarities, and they are thinking of when they can come back here again," said Gabriel.

"Spending eight weeks with their host family, it gave the students the opportunity to communicate in a natural way over dinner, and to share everyday conversation. Their English has improved greatly."

Gabriel added that the students, who are all senior University students, come from disadvantaged backgrounds. While the area in Mexico where they come from is considered safe, he said, it doesn't compare to the freedom they have had in Ireland during their exchange.

"They gained a lot of life experience here. For many of these students, it was their first time to get on a plane. They were able to walk around Athlone on their own in safety, even at night. Being able to get around on public transport was something great for them," he added.

Rene said that the people of Athlone have been very welcoming throughout the exchange.

"I can say that, it's not only the heart of Ireland because it is the centre of Ireland, but the people here are so warm and kind. There is no way you can stay here for eight weeks without a piece of your heart staying here," he said.

"We can say we have made both family and friends, and we are so grateful to the team at Lakeland Language Centre, and our co-ordinator Yvonne."