About the Program

Diplomats from the U.S. Embassy are available to speak on the following subjects:

• What is the American Dream?
• What do Americans think about Ireland?
• How does the American election system work?
• When does an American school day start, and when does it end?
• What are the school holidays? 
• How many of the 50 states in the U.S. have you visited?
• What languages do Americans learn at school?
• Who is your favorite actor, singer, group?
• What sports do most American students play in school?
• What are the seasons for the various sports?

These are some of the questions Irish students ask the American speakers at U.S. Embassy school outreach programs. 

These programs provide Irish secondary school and college students with the opportunity to meet with American exchange students, as well as Embassy officers, to learn more about everyday life in the United States, about the history, geography, literature, education, political system, foreign policy of the United States.

Visits can be structured to meet curriculum needs but teachers should not expect a formal lecture.  The American speakers present a short overview of a particular subject relating to American society and culture or talk more generally about their lives (their jobs or job goals, the schools and universities they attended, their hometowns) and then open the floor to discussion and questions. In some cases, they may even have some questions of their own!

We particularly welcome opportunities to engage in conferences, discussions, Q&A sessions, and other formats that allow for an exchange of ideas between American diplomats and Irish audiences.  Please do not hesitate to contact us with your suggestions if you have a topic or event that you would like a speaker for! Speakers Bureau Coordinator: ircdublin@state.gov 

Speakers are available at no charge.  For more information, please contact the American Embassy Public Affairs Office +353 (0)1 237 5845 or e-mail ircdublin@state.gov.

Please include in your email the following information:

• Type and age of audience such as students, academic teachers, local authorities, or NGO representatives
• How big is the audience group
• Suggested topic of the speech or presentation
• Type of the event such as lecture, conference, press event, or debate
• Expected course of the speaking event schedule