Carter Madden, one of our project engineers, and his wife, Ashley, are currently in Ireland on a working holiday visa. They have been exploring the world since this past May, and they have been sharing some incredible footage with us that we want to share with you!
We interviewed Carter to get a better sense of what this adventure has been like for him and Ashley. Check out the interview below!
Q: What made you decide to get a working holiday visa? Why did you choose to go to Ireland?
A: “Ashley and I wanted to travel after college, and a working holiday visa is available during the first year after graduation. It was the best time to go before we had a house and other responsibilities. Ireland is one of the few countries to offer a working holiday visa so we could still work while traveling.”
Q: What are your top 3 favorite sites you have seen on your trip?
A: “Edinburgh Scotland: Aran Island, Ireland: Lagos Cliffs, Portugal”
Q: What is something about the culture there that you enjoy?
A: “Health and walkability. We can easily get anywhere we need to by a walking path or a short bus/train ride.”
Q: What is the community you live in like?
A: “We move around a lot, usually in a place for 2 – 4 weeks. So, I guess our community is the changes with the host we stay with. We have stayed with young families with children, an older grandma who had her extended family visit regularly, we worked/ stayed for room and board on the Aran Islands for a few weeks, and currently, we are staying in a small town with a retired math teacher.”
Q: What is your favorite part about currently living there?
A: “Learning and exchanging culture with the people we meet. Being able to take day trips exotic places is a bonus as well.”
Q: Is there anything else you think is worth mentioning about your experience?
A: “This has been the most amazing / toughest experience we have ever taken on and has taught us what things are important and what we can live without.”
