St. Patrick's Day is an important public holiday in Ireland because it is the symbol of a turning point in the Irish history. Saint Patrick was a Scottish evangelist who converted Ireland to Christianity in the 9th century.

During the sermon of the Rock of Cashel, he explained the concept of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) to the Irish with a clover, which thus became the symbol of Ireland. The metaphor of "chasing the sea snakes" comes from the legend that St. Patrick would cast all snakes out of the country. This action symbolizes the conversion of the Irish people to the Christianity, snakes are people who have polytheistic beliefs Celtic Irish of the time.

The Irish are very attached to the religion, they made ​​this event a national holiday that they celebrate for several days. Note that if that day is a Sunday, the following Monday is still a holiday.

Although this event is specific to Ireland, it is celebrated all around in the world, whether in Canada, Australia, France or the United States where Chicago stands out by coloring its river in green.

This year Limerick made ​​every thing big because the 16th March, to celebrate the 44th anniversary of the International Band Championship, it is not less than 1000 musicians that moved. On the 17th March, there were more than 70,000 spectators in the streets for the parade of the St. Patrick's Day.

Dans le cadre de ma formation à l’ECE Bordeaux (Groupe INSEEC), je réalise un stage de trois mois à Limerick en tant que directeur marketing et responsable du secteur français.

je réalise ce blog afin de parler de différents sujets en rapport avec mon stage en Irlande

Bonne visite, n’hésitez pas à commenter !

La Saint-Patrick est un jour férié important en Irlande puisqu’il symbolise un tournant de l’histoire irlandaise. Saint Patrick était un évangélisateur écossais qui a converti l’Irlande au christianisme au 9e siècle.

Lors du sermon au Roc de Cashel, il explique le concept de la Sainte Trinité (le Père, le Fils et le Saint-Esprit) aux irlandais à l’aide d’un trèfle, qui devint ainsi le symbole de l’Irlande. La métaphore « chassant à la mer les serpents » vient de la légende selon laquelle saint Patrick chassât tous les serpents du pays. Cette action symbolise la conversion du peuple irlandais au christianisme, les serpents étant les personnes aux croyances polythéistes celtiques irlandaises de l’époque.

Les irlandais étant très attachés à la religion, ils ont fait de cet évènement une fête nationale qu’ils célèbrent pendant plusieurs jours. À noter que si ce jour est un dimanche, le lundi qui suit est tout de même férié.

Bien que cet évènement soit propre à l’Irlande, il est célébré partout dans le monde, que ce soit au Canada, en Australie, en France ou encore aux États-Unis où Chicago se démarque en colorant sa rivière en vert.

Cette année Limerick a fait les choses en grand puisque le dimanche 16 mars, pour fêter le 44e anniversaire de l’International Band Championship ce n’est pas moins de 1000 musiciens qui se sont déplacés. Le 17 mars on pouvait compter plus de 70 000 spectateurs présents dans les rues pour le grand défilé de la Saint-Patrick.

Although Ireland is a country close to France, but the fact that it is an English speaking country created some cultural differences, especially in the professional business world.

In fact, since I started my internship I observed the existence of several cultural differences. Including being an intern for example. In France when we are trainees our scope is often limited to some simple and repetitive tasks, the fact of doing more things that we gave us is not tolerated. In Ireland it is the opposite, initially we have a quick briefing on the situation and purpose, we are free to the means employed to achieve it. And if we want to invest more by doing work that we are not requested it will only be well seen. In my business I'm really considered as a true employee, trainee status is imperceptible, I find it particularly rewarding.

Another thing that I noticed is the atmosphere within the company that is much more relaxed than in France. It must be said that the Irish have a relaxed and efficient way to work well with them. It is the same in terms of the hierarchy, it exists, but is not felt at all. How to receive customers and talk with them, it is really like talking with friends more than customers.

Working hours are also a difference as I begin to work every day at 9 am and debauchery 6 pm with one hour for the lunch time, on Friday it is the same thing exept that I finish to work at half past two. It is far from the organization that can be found in a French company.

The most important step when we have an internship abroad is to find an accommodation. It could be quite complex especially as we must do everything remotely before leaving or to do once we arrive on site.

Before to begin on the search for this property it is good to know what we want. We must still be reasonable, because this situation will take only three months, there is no need to invest for a short period. The first relevant criterion that can be establish is to know if we accept the principle of collocation or not. Naturally the question of the budget may provide an answer to this. However, do not overlook the possibility of a roommate because it allows you to meet people and thus enjoy a maximum immersion.

As mentioned previously, the housing search can be done remotely via the internet. This solution can be complicated and risky, because we can not ensure of its actual state or its geographical advantages (transport, shops, etc.). The alternative is to do everything on site. For people who tend to stress, this is perhaps not the right solution. Nevertheless, that allows you to visit the homes and you can realize if they are actually practices with respect to your work placement. The trick is to arrive in the country a few days or a week before the start of the course and take a hotel room or go to a hostel so you have time to find something.

In Limerick this research is not too complicated, as the city has several university towns to accommodate all students. However beware prices displayed because they do not take into account either the consumption of electricity nor hot water and can easily double the price per week. There are many apartments in the city, some may have a good price.

Finally, if you seem lost in this research should not hesitate to ask some help to your tutor, it could be unfortunate to pass up to a golden opportunity. If it still gives nothing do not forget that there are specialized websites for that in Ireland there eg Daft is particularly efficient.