For the first time in more than a decade, Ireland will host the Grow Abroad World Alliance Conference, bringing international internship organisers together under one roof. The event, to be held in The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise, on 11 September from 2pm to 4.30pm, will showcase a wide range of opportunities for young Irish people interested in agriculture, horticulture, and equestrian placements overseas.

“We’re organising the Grow Abroad World Alliance Conference which is going to be held in The Killeshin Hotel in the second week in September,” explained Caroline Lane of Equipeople, the Irish partner organisation. 

“Grow Abroad is the umbrella organisation for internship organisations throughout the world which includes agricultural, horse and horticultural placements. Grow Abroad World Alliance members come together once a year, last year it was in Australia, next year it will be in Sweden and this year that conference is going to be in Ireland.”

For Ms Lane, the chance to host the conference here is remarkable. “This is literally a once in a 15 year, maybe 20 years occurrence where all of these organisations are going to be in the one room at the one time and that is why we want young Irish people who may be interested in traveling to another country to come and see what it’s all about. 

They will see some of the incredible options available, get all the details and be able to ask any questions they might have. We would love to see everybody who is interested in exploring the idea of going to another country and working with horses, whether that be show jumpers, dressage horses or even just riding horses to round up cattle in Australia or Canada.” she said.

Around 30 to 40 organisations are expected, representing countries as far afield as the United States, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, France and Denmark. The event offers students the chance not only to learn about placements but also to speak directly with those running them.

“If you are thinking of the possibility, even in the future, that you might like to go to one of these countries, this is your opportunity to meet the organisations, ask the questions that you have, have a chat with them and see what type of placements are available,” Ms Lane said.

For many young people, the Grow Abroad World Alliance Conference may be the first step towards a transformative experience overseas… combining adventure, cultural learning, and hands-on work in some of the most dynamic agricultural and equestrian settings in the world.