Life in a Foreign University | ‘Applied to college in Ireland on my own, appeared for DuoLingo English Test to save money’

I decided to study in Dublin (Ireland) mainly for exposure to break free from my usual routine and explore something completely different. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and explore a whole new culture. I did not just randomly pick a place, it was a deliberate choice to challenge myself and see what is out there. It turned out to be more than just a change of place – it became more about personal growth and understanding.

‘Simple, straightforward’: Getting admission in Ireland

I did all the application processes on my own. The admission process is entirely online. Applicants are required to submit their applications through the online portal of the college, pay the application fees, and await a response from the university. The online application process is straightforward and not complex.

Most people rely on a counsellor but I did most of the things on my own in terms of researching the best ways to get through. I took help from a counsellor just for the visa part and the related documents. You are required to submit all your mark sheets and certificates for classes 10 and 12 and undergraduate degree, along with bank details. Also, if you have worked before, you are required to submit work references as well.

While I did not apply for a loan, I borrowed money from my parents and cousin. I also kept looking for ways I could cut costs and then I came across the Duolingo English Test (DET) for my English proficiency score. It was more affordable than other tests and I could give it from home without visiting any test centres. It was not only smooth but also fast as I got the results within 48 hours.

When I got through to the interview round of DET, I explained the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, how embracing discomfort allows you to truly understand life, appreciate the little things, and be grateful for things you have taken for granted back home. Most importantly, studying abroad helps you develop skills that are not only beneficial for your academic and professional journey but also for life in general.

First day in Ireland: ‘A rollercoaster of emotions’

My first day and week in Ireland were a rollercoaster of emotions – a mix of excitement and nervousness. Fortunately, I had a great friend, Joseph, who helped me in making my transition smoother. A family friend whom I have known since childhood, Joseph helped me in finding accommodation and navigating the initial days at the university.

Navigating the grocery stores in Ireland was a bit challenging initially. The variety and brands were different from what I was accustomed to in India, but I remember an incident at Tesco. While I struggled to figure out the unfamiliar products, a random stranger noticed my confusion and helped me find the items on my list. This made me feel very welcome.

Accommodation was another concern in Ireland, but with Joseph’s help, I found a comfortable place. The first week at university brought about some culture shock, especially in understanding the Irish accent. However, with time and interactions with locals, I gradually started feeling more at ease. The challenges I faced initially only made me strong, and I have grown to appreciate the cultural differences. As the weeks passed, I discovered the beauty of this new environment and how helpful people are around me.

To manage the high cost of living in Dublin, I explored part-time job opportunities. I took advantage of the legal allowance for international students to work up to 20 hours per week during term and 40 hours during holidays.

Given my interest in the hotel industry, influenced by my father’s decades-long career as a hotelier with groups like Taj, I decided to pursue opportunities in this sector. Despite not having prior hotel work experience, I was constantly applying for positions.

I landed a role as a food and beverages (F&B) assistant in one of the leading hotels globally, and the best in Ireland. I owe this opportunity to Stephen, the person who interviewed me. Stephen became more than a manager; he became a mentor, teaching me the basics of the industry. I learned by observing and shadowing him, and his guidance has been instrumental in my professional development.

While Stephen initially had reservations about hiring someone without prior experience, I dedicated myself to learning everything from scratch. Now, I take pride in being one of the top performers in the team. Stephen’s support and willingness to take a risk with a newcomer helped shape my journey.

Securing part-time employment in Ireland can be challenging, but persistence and actively distributing my CV door to door increased my chances. The average pay in such roles is around 12.70 euros per hour, with potential for higher wages, reaching up to 15 euros per hour, depending on the position and responsibilities. Overall, the part-time job not only eased the financial burden but also helped my overall experience in Ireland.

Advice for future aspirants

For students planning to study abroad in the near future, my advice is to consider it one of the best decisions they can make. Beyond the potential for better job options and money, studying abroad provides a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. The experience helps in becoming independent while exploring diverse cultures and ways of life.

So, my advice is to embrace the opportunity, be open to new experiences, and allow yourself to learn, adapt, and grow. The skills gained during this period will undoubtedly help in your personal and professional success in the long run.

(This letter is part of a series by The Indian Express where we bring to you the experiences of students at different foreign universities. From scholarships and loans to food and cultural experiences — students tell us how life is different in those countries and things they are learning other than academics)