Travel broadens the mind, they say. Often we travel because a job or study opportunity has great pull. Of course, this country has a history of people travelling abroad because of the push of a bad economy. And through good times and bad, some of us simply have itchy feet. The pull is simply the Read More >
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Dreaming of the Open Road This Summer?
We have many things in Ireland that draw tourists from around the world. Ireland boasts stunning natural beauty from the Burren to the Giant’s Causeway. The burial tombs at Newgrange are older than the pyramids, and pretty much every era of our history has left a stunning legacy. Our pub culture and traditional music are Read More >
5 Magic Places to Camp in the Western USA
If you are going to the USA on a J1 visa – or any other type of visa – prepare to be amazed at the sheer size of the place. One thing that will strike Irish visitors is the open space, the wilderness. North America has some amazing cities. If you are going to the Read More >
Wondering If You Can Take the Heat?
If you are contemplating a summer job overseas, you might be looking forward to a proper bit of sun for a change or you might be worried you will simply melt. While generalizations are never 100% accurate, it is fair to say that a lot of Irish people are not used to what constitutes summer Read More >
Students Can Take It with Them This Summer
The weather is solidly spring – wavering from delicious sunshine to blustery rain by the hour. But if you are hoping to spend this summer abroad studying or volunteering, it’s time to start focusing. What you need to do to prepare for a summer abroad depends a lot on where you are going and what Read More >
Crossing the Language Barrier
Learning a new culture is hard. And learning a new language is even harder. Relocating to a new country where English is not the main language means you are diving into the deep end, even if you have studied the language at school. University and secondary school language classes don’t necessarily cover slang, and they Read More >
Moving Back to Ireland
Can’t stay away? This is the time of year when we celebrate the nostalgia and homesickness of the Irish diaspora. Of course, it is the feast day of St. Patrick, our most famous patron saint. But the parades and festivals that are now standard began with the Irish in the USA, not in Ireland. No Read More >
Making a Big Move with Little Children
Moving overseas can be scary for adults, but an international move can be downright terrifying for children. Remember, they don’t understand the world the same way we do. Children don’t understand logistics or distance or finances. They can struggle to see how moving to a different country is not like a holiday. Expect to field Read More >
Preparing to Go – Decluttering before You Are Emigrating from Ireland
If you are considering or have decided to move overseas – or even to move across town – the thought of packing up your personal belongings can be very stressful. Moving house is one of the most stressful life events, even if we are looking forward to the move. The key to staying sane when Read More >
Emigrating From/To Ireland? Let Spratt Help!
Recent figures released by the Central Statistics Office’s (CSO) Quarterly National Household Survey shows that emigration is still prevalent in Ireland, despite the improving economy and increased job creation. Indeed, Ireland’s steady increase in the percentage of people employed is boosted not only by the rise in people finding jobs, but by the continuing numbers Read More >