In Switzerland, the workday is very structured: punctuality is essential, breaks are fixed, and the end of the day is clearly defined. In Ireland, however, everyday life at work feels more relaxed and flexible. Small talk happens naturally throughout the day and quickly creates a friendly, cheerful, and welcoming atmosphere. It helps us connect with colleagues much faster than we expected.

Communication is another major difference. Swiss communication tends to be direct and efficient, while in Ireland people talk more openly, with humour and many casual conversations. This makes the workplace feel lively and positive, and we enjoy how easy it is to start a conversation with almost anyone.

We were also surprised by the level of responsibility and trust we received from the very beginning. Here, we learn by doing and are encouraged to take on real tasks early on. In Switzerland, responsibilities usually increase step by step. Both approaches have their strengths, but we appreciate the independence we experience here.

Even though the working styles differ, both cultures value teamwork, respect, and supporting each other. We are excited to continue our internship until January and look forward to everything we will learn along the way.