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Apr 26, 2023 01:40 AM
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Studying in Ireland is a life-changing experience for any international student. If you are planning to study in Ireland, you should be aware of both the benefits and drawbacks about studying in Ireland. Knowing what is to come and what to expect will help you in making decisions beforehand to overcome any possible challenges that you may face.
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In this article, we have enlisted the most common challenges faced by Indian students while studying in Ireland, along with tips on how they can be effectively managed, so you can reap the best learning experience while studying in Ireland. From the moment you walk through the immigration department, you will step into a whole new world that is very different from your own. There is no looking back. Your life and priorities will drastically change, and it is up to you to manage everything in a way that is best for your present and future self.
Let us look at the most common challenges faced by Indian students while studying in Ireland.
Initial Cultural Shock
Adaptability is an essential skill in the globalized world, and it is necessary to be flexible in order to succeed in multicultural environments. Cultural norms and social etiquettes will be different as well. Ireland is a considerably conservative country. It is strongly advised that you read more on student life in Ireland and have a general understanding of the academic and cultural environment of universities in Ireland.
Here is everything you need to know about studying in Ireland :
Paperwork to get Inducted into an Irish University
As an Indian and being from a non-EU nation, you will have to register with the Garda Síochána, which is the National Police Force in Ireland. To do so, you will have to first register at your university, following which you need to have a bank account. After all these are done, you will have to take your documents and paperwork to your local Garda National Immigration Bureau office.
Initially, there are additional bureaucratic processes that you will need to complete as you are an international citizen. These hassles should not take more than two weeks, and by the end of it, you will be free to focus on your school-work. If you face any trouble during this time, try to contact your university’s international office or contact seniors in person or through social media platforms for assistance.
Irish Academic System and Grading Methods
Regardless of where you are coming from, the grading system followed by universities in Ireland can be slightly perplexing. There is no generally accepted grading system, and rules may change from one university to another. Some institutes use the American GPA system while others might use the British way of grading.
The most commonly used grading system in Ireland is as follows
Transportation Systems
Universities like Trinity College Dublin are located right in the middle of Dublin city, so the campus can often be overrun by tourists. Universities such as the University of Limerick are approximately 5 km away from the city centre, which means that you may need to travel quite a bit to access the comforts of city life. Location of your university should be an important deciding factor when it comes to choosing universities you want to apply to.
Cities like Dublin in Ireland have complex bus systems and it might some time for you to get accustomed to it. During rush hours, the buses often change their course of the route, which might make it even more difficult for you as a new student trying to explore the city and be punctual. However, Ireland is quite well connected by public transport systems, and you will be familiarized on how to get around this country in a matter of few days.
Here is everything you need to know about transportation options for getting around Ireland :
Problems with Accommodation for Students
Finding accommodation in Ireland is not easy and requires exhaustive research. Cities like Dublin have enormous historical significance attracting a large number of tourists from around the world. Hence, both the process of finding accommodation and the cost of rent can be challenging to manage, especially so for an international student. It would definitely help if you do a thorough online and offline research before deciding upon a place for accommodation.
Often residents have reservations regarding renting out to international students, and the dormitories in universities may not always be available. If you are an Indian, the landlords may specifically ask you not to cook any Indian dishes as the smell of spices can be repulsive for others. Another problem is insulation. Coming from a tropical country, you may find the cold a little too harsh, and not all residential complexes have proper insulation.
To know more about accommodation options for international students in Ireland, click on the link below :
Learning Irish Language and History
The best way to integrate into any culture is to have an understanding of their history. Read up on Ireland’s history and culture before you travel to the country for higher studies. You may also want to consciously spend time socializing and participating in their functions; otherwise, they take a lot of time accepting you, and you might feel isolated. The Irish are generally very proud of their tradition and ancestry. People there are quite protective about their culture, and if you seek a job, you need at least basic knowledge of the Irish language.
It is crucial for you to learn the Irish language to be able to fit into the Irish society. The Irish people take pride in their language and speaking in Irish to them will be of great assistance in nurturing a bond with the locals. If you fail to learn the Irish language, you cannot expect the people to be welcoming. Not knowing the language may also make it extremely difficult for you to find an internship, student job or establish a long-term career in Ireland.
Learn about Ireland’s rich history by visiting this link below:
Cooking Food
You will have to cook your food as restaurants might be too expensive when you are living on a student budget. It will take you a certain amount of time to get used to all the different food items that you have access to at supermarkets. You may not find the regular daily staples that you are used to in India, such as food grains, types of fruits and vegetables, cooking oil, etc.
Over time, you will get accustomed to the Irish way of living, and this includes food habits. As an Indian studying in Ireland, it is absolutely essential for you to know at least basic cooking. Cooking simple meals at home is way healthier and cost effective than grabbing a bite outside.
Conclusion
Before you fly out to Ireland for your master’s program, do the necessary research and prepare yourself for any challenges that may come your way. This blog attempts to list out some of the most common challenges faced by Indian students along with tips on how to overcome these challenges while studying in Ireland.
Ideally, you must weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of studying in Ireland before deciding upon the location of the university you wish to apply to. Do visit the link below to learn more.
