Interested in exchange to Ireland, although I worry that the culture...?

alan m, your a handicap! dont listen to the person who commented above me. the only religious people in ireland are the over 50's. the only people i know who even believe in god are my grandparents and my mother. and you dont have to hate ulster, but you do have to wish for an english defeat in ANY sporting event! in terms of culture, it wont be too big of a shock. globalisation is everywhere so you'll notice all the same shops in cities. and in rural areas just dont be afraid to be yourself and have a good time and you'll soon catch on to how things work.

Ireland is pretty close to the US in terms of culture. Unless, of course you're going somewhere more rural. Cities like Dublin, Galway and such wouldn't have much cultural shock value for someone coming from a metropolitan area of the US. However, there is a more communal feel in Ireland, as opposed to the insular approach we have here. I'd say similar or not, its a different country and the only way to know how similar it is is to live there.

Excuse me, but Ireland is extremely WELL developed. We have retained much of our own culture, but we're not backward. There won't be that many cultural differences, don't worry. Common neutral topics are the weather, sports and bitching about politicians - this is common to many cultures, right?

Very similar in culture actually. Ireland is more relaxed and less stressful, especially in business. There are more holidays and it is not as demanding as the typical US job in terms of hours expected. Life is a bit slower, which is a good thing, and shops are generally not 24 hours. A good sense of humour and self-effacement is valued as in the US. Ireland is about as religious a the majority of the US - which is to say not very religious at all. France, Italy or Spain might be more of what you are looking for if you are seeking vast differences. Most western countries are very similar due to the spread of information in the world these days. We are not as removed from each other.It is always broadening to live in another country, I would not discount Ireland entirely due to any similarities. Oh, and ignore Alan M, not really much valid information there.

Wow, teaching yourself Irish? Fair play! I've been learning it in school since i was 5 (im 17 now) and unfortunately i only know the basics! Its mostly my fault though! You should visit the West and South of Ireland! Its there you'll find the true Irish culture! I live in Dublin, and well as much as i love living here, it could be anywhere in the world really! So stay out of the big cities, and explore the rural Ireland. Good luck!

yes well some places like big cities are vey like other countrys big cities but you see here everyone talks to each other and holds the door for each other its just so much nicer :) :) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx…

Biggest difference is in the religion politics sport etc. You must go to Catholic church, must learn gaelic must worship the Pope, must hate England and anyone not pro Irish. Otherwise its just another wet country. Must also want to take over Ulster against the will of the people. Happy life. ! Jay shows the attitude clearly. Probably about 20.