Hi, I´m Lucia and I am a Spanish student that stayed with the Rooneys last year. I went to blackwater community school last year and I stayed in Ireland for the whole school year. I was very comfortable with the family, they all took care of me as much as they could. It was the perfect family for me, because I had the freedom every teenager needs but I also had the family time the exchange students need when they are alone. They were the best host parents, they took care of me and they made sure I had everything I needed. One of my concerns was the food, because I knew it was not going to be the same as the spanish food, but the food ended up being one of my favourite parts, the mother's food is incredible, and as much as the dad says otherwise, he cooks very good as well. I also had a special bond with the big sister. She is a very sweet girl that helped me with everything I needed. She turned to be like a sister for me. The son was also like a younger brother for me, we used to watch a lot of movies and series together. I learned a lot of english with him. And how to forget about the dogs and poppy... When I arrived, I was so scared of animals, but now I like them, that was one of my biggest changes during the year. I loved the time I spended with my Irish family and I hope I can visit them soon.
I'm Irene, I did an exchange year in 2020/2021 in Lismore, attending blackwater community school and staying at the Rooney's home. It was a wonderful experience mainly for the beautiful people I had to spend the most time with: my host family. From the first moment I arrived there I felt at home, welcomed as a new member of the family, and those feelings never left me for the whole time I was there. We couldn't do a lot because of covid restriction, but I wouldn't have had it any different because it is inside of that house where I have the best memories of my life. With them I never felt homesick or alone, and to this day I frequently look back at those memories I made with them. I love every single member of the family and they always made me feel loved. We all were so sad when I had to leave, and that's why after a year I went back in summer for a month to visit and to spend more time with them. I feel so lucky I met them and I am so grateful for everything they did for me. I love them and miss them everyday