My Circus ESC Experience in Ireland

I have different international experiences (CEEPUS student exchange, Erasmus+ student exchange, Erasmus trainings, Youth exchange), but to do an ESC was still on my “to do” list. Because I have some background in circus methods, I wanted to upgrade my circus knowledge. The perfect option was at Galway Community Circus, where I was selected with three other ESC volunteers among 104 applicants for 11 months. I was the first Slovene at that organization and I helped other tutors teach circus skills in classes in my role as an Assistant Tutor. 

The classes were an enormous culture shock at the beginning. Irish names are special, as you write them differently than you pronounce them, for example, “Aoife” is pronounced as “Ee·fuh”. Although it was a big challenge for me, I managed to learn all the names I needed for classes. The best encounter was with the project LifeLine, where 150 people from various circus organizations in Europe performed Europe’s largest highwire spectacle over the River Corrib. While preparing for the event, I also had an opportunity to cross the river on a wire with an 8-meter-long pole and a safety line, which I successfully did without help. 

I would like to add that this ESC experience has a special place in my heart because I have met so many wonderful people and also because Ireland is an amazing country to explore. So go for it and apply for ESC.

Preparation on 5 meters height to cross over the river. (Photo: Laura Marco)

Updated on Τρίτη, 17/02/2026