International students from SETU's partner institution in China, hosted in partnership with Carlow International English Language School (CIELS), were treated to an evening of unique Irish heritage and culture by Carlow Rambling House at Club dArt in Carlow town.
The students from Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economics (HUAHE) in China are participants on a two-week summer programme during which they are immersed in English language study and given the chance to experience Irish culture and heritage.
Donal McAllister, International Affairs Manager at SETU’s Kilkenny Road campus in Carlow, said, “I’m delighted that SETU can partner with CIELS to deliver this immersive and engaging learning experience to our students from China. The delivery of English language programmes is of huge benefit to the students and supports them in their future study at SETU, and with our international partners. Cultural events such as the wonderful show hosted by Carlow Rambling House is an invaluable aspect of the student experience. The students see first-hand the arts and cultural offerings available here in the southeast region. Extended thanks to our friends at Carlow Rambling house for inviting us.”
Introduction to Irish culture
Danny Barron, Programme Manager at CIELS who co-ordinates the English language programme, commented, “We’re very grateful to our partners at SETU and to Carlow Rambling House for hosting our students for this live event. While visiting students on our programme are introduced to both Irish music and dance, the opportunity to hold a ‘Rambling House’ session to introduce them to Irish storytelling and musical heritage, at an authentic and traditional venue such as Club D’Art, was an exciting evolution for our programme offering. It completes the experience for our visitors. It takes them out of the classroom and into the real world of alternative Irish arts and entertainment; one that they might not have experienced otherwise.”
Maintaining Traditions
The session was the brainchild of Sean Harding, a teacher on the SETU and CIELS programme. The two organisations then reached out to Bernard Jennings of Club D'Art, and Dave Barron, of Carlow Rambling House, who were delighted to collaborate and host the event. Carlow Rambling House hosts monthly sessions in various locations in the county Carlow. Club d’Art is the key venue for Carlow town and its purpose is to maintain the oral tradition of storytelling through poetry and song.
Attendees expressed their enjoyment at the evening’s entertainment and both SETU, CIELS, and Carlow Rambling House aim to include these sessions in cultural programmes for visiting students in the future.
For more information, visit setu.ie/global
