From Child Psychology to Pub Culture: An Erasmus Adventure in Ireland

Katharina Ringl is studying for a bachelor's degree in psychology at SRH Fernhochschule - The Mobile University. For the 22-year-old, this course of study was a natural step. Ever since her first encounter with psychology, she has been fascinated by the subject. Although she sees herself in clinical psychology in the future, her focus has shifted over the past few years, especially toward child psychology, largely due to internships. "I just love how honest children are and how easy it is to work with them," Katharina says with a smile.

Her goal: independence. To make her own decisions, to take action and to be flexible - qualities that were crucial in her choice of study and led her to a distance learning programme.

The call for freedom

"Living abroad for a while, experiencing the English language intensively and at the same time gaining practical experience in the field of psychology" - this was a dream that Katharina had wanted to fulfil for a long time. Thanks to the flexibility of her distance learning programme and the fact that SRH Fernhochschule is certified to participate in ERASMUS programmes, nothing stood in her way. "When I heard about the possibility of participating in an Erasmus+ programme through my distance learning programme, I knew - this is my chance," she recalls. And she took that chance.

Soon after, Katharina received an acceptance letter from the Solas Project, an Irish non-profit organisation that helps young people create a better future for themselves and their communities. As part of an after-school programme called 'The Club', Katharina would help children to develop positively despite difficult circumstances. It was a win-win situation, as Katharina was able to gain practical experience while immersing herself in the English language.

Finally, in April 2023, her three-month adventure began. A responsible task, a breathtaking country and a welcoming host family awaited her.

"Dia duit!" - Welcome to Ireland

Katharina's arrival in Ireland was initially marked by language barriers and dialect confusion. "The dialect was stronger than I expected," she laughs. However, Ireland's warm welcome and the friendliness of its people quickly helped her to immerse herself in her new surroundings. "When I arrived in Dublin, I was immediately captivated by the vibrant atmosphere of the city," she says. But it wasn't just the bustling metropolis that impressed her, it was the warmth and openness of the people.

Whether it was castles, palaces or museums, Katharina couldn't get enough of history in her free time. Whenever the opportunity arose, she explored new places or deepened her knowledge of the country and its culture. "My host mother often joked that I was now more Irish than she was," Katharina recalls with a smile.

A visit to the famous Irish pub culture was also a must. She was particularly interested in the unique insights she gained into the daily lives of the Irish. She gained these insights not only through her leisure activities and her host family, but above all through the children with whom she worked almost every day.

The Club - After School Programme for Children

From homework help to creative activities and serious discussions about topics such as emotions and equality, the aim of the after-school programme was to provide a safe and supportive environment in which the children could grow and develop. As Katharina puts it: “For us, it was a big responsibility, because depending on the number of supervisors, each person independently supervised two to six children, usually between the ages of 7 and 12.”

However, where there is a lot of responsibility, there can sometimes be difficult moments. In particular, conflicts between children and their individual problems required a great deal of empathy and patience to understand and respond appropriately to each child's needs. "For me, it was the perfect opportunity to put the theoretical knowledge from my studies into practice," says Katharina. The issue of social media was particularly challenging. It was not uncommon for the children to argue about the content of social media or to throw around terms that have no place in the minds of twelve-year-olds. Whether through prevention, education or interpersonal conversations, Katharina applied her knowledge wherever she could. Looking back, Katharina is sure: "The small successes, like gaining a child's trust or seeing a positive change, were worth every challenge."

A worthwhile adventure

Formative and intense. Two words that aptly describe Katharina's experience. But the insights and knowledge she gained were much more: "The Solas Project internship expanded my professional skills, fostered my personal growth and significantly changed my perspective on mental health." she reflects.

Her sensitivity to mental health issues has increased and she now sees the importance of daily conversations and emotional support in a new light. In particular, her work with the organisation has shown her how important it is to talk to children about seemingly small things, such as their daily routines, and to have a person they can talk to about anything who shows genuine interest. It's clear to her that “I've not only gained professional skills, but I've also developed a deeper connection with the human side of my field.”

She is grateful to have had such lasting experiences, which no one can take away from her, and which are invaluable for her future path, whether in her psychology studies or her desire to become self-employed.

Finally, she has one piece of advice for her fellow students: "Take the opportunity, step out of your comfort zone and go on an adventure - it's worth it!"