From August 3 to 23, Zhang Fang, a lecturer at the Irish Studies Centre BFSU, attended an Irish language course at the Oideas Gael school in Gleann Cholm Cille, County Donegal. This three-week program focused on intermediate to advanced levels of Irish language learning. The school offers eight levels of courses, and Zhang chose the Level 6 class for the first week, followed by Level 7 for the subsequent two weeks. The curriculum emphasized listening and speaking skills, covering discussions on various everyday topics while also addressing grammar and reading.

Through this intensive study, Zhang significantly improved his Irish language proficiency, gaining the ability to understand a range of daily conversation topics and engage fluently in discussions. He successfully earned a certificate of completion.

Beyond daily classes, Zhang interacted with fellow learners from around the world, forging friendships with individuals of varying proficiency levels in Irish. Cultural activities were held every evening from Sunday to Thursday, including traditional Irish céilí dances, singing lessons, Irish poetry readings, lectures, and traditional music concerts. On Friday evenings, there were performances where Zhang showcased his skills by teaching Chinese in Irish, singing songs, and participating in group performances.

The majority of Oideas Gael's students came from Ireland, the UK, and the US, with others from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, the Czech Republic, Poland, Bulgaria, and other regions. Zhang was the only Chinese participant in this program. His unique experience intrigued both the instructors and fellow learners, who expressed interest in the current state of Irish language education at the Ireland Research Center, particularly applauding the publication of New Classic: Irish Language Comprehensive Course 1. Oideas Gael and its affiliated Irish language bookstore, Siopa Gaeilge, have purchased five copies of this textbook from the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press.