Here in Tallwood we are lucky to get the chance to have delegations from different countries throughout the year. Our school celebrates such delegation with themed cafés. In these cafés we get to learn more about culture, a point of view from their perspective, the food they eat, the activities and events they have, and many other things.

Last month the Global Studies and World Languages Academy had an Irish café, and we were very fortunate to have the Irish delegation to come visit our school once again. The Irish delegation has been traveling to America and visiting our school for 4 years now, and we have traveled to Northern Ireland and visited them for 3 years, not including this year. Every year new selected students get a chance to travel to Ireland, and the same with the Irish students.

Attending the café were student Beth McBride, teacher Mr. Keith Dorman, and our very own Miss Murray, among many others. McBride and Dorman both have been to America before, but it was their first time in Virginia, and they both liked their visit. They commented about how people are friendlier, more open to having conversation with strangers than people in Ireland.

Regarding the purpose of the café, Miss Murray states, “It’s to celebrate their culture, and to let students have an opportunity to talk to them (Irish Delegation)…it brings a bigger group to do it, to taste the food.”

The group of students who went to the café got a glimpse of the delegation’s life, got a chance to taste the kinds of food they make in Northern Ireland, and held conversations with the delegation.

The idea of having these cafés, with or without people from the themed country, can bring more understanding and open mindedness among students and staff. Here in Tallwood we get the fortunate chance to be able to experience other cultures, such as Northern Ireland. This is a great opportunity for Americans and Irish alike. Even Beth McBride and Mr. Dorman agree: “Tallwood is good!”