JOIN USPeople always ask me why I chose Ireland as the destination to do my masters in computer science (software engineering). Many of my acquaintances chose the USA and Canada as the ideal location for their masters. But Ireland offers the best of both: I was able to experience both European and the American culture here in Ireland. It was a decision made with great care and research. The Irish people are very friendly and polite and go out of their way to help others. I was able to expand my network and learn about the different working styles of the people here.
A new experience
I have lived in Dublin for quite some time before moving to Maynooth. Dublin is the most happening and vibrant city in Ireland, with people from all around the world visiting and residing here. Maynooth is a quiet and small town which operates around the University. National University of Ireland, Maynooth University is one of the most prestigious universities in Ireland with students from around the world. It is a place where we can meet students and professors from around the world. It is a diverse and multi-cultured university, where students can truly enjoy the campus and nature.
My life at Maynooth University is more than I could ask for. I will cherish these days for the rest of my life and will share all these memories with my kids. One of the main reasons why I love Maynooth University is that they incorporate the student community into all the decisions they make, students are the foundation of every university and Maynooth understands and respects that underlying fact. Student suggestions and opinions are received through feedback forms and surveys. They make it a point that students have their own voice and that it is loud enough for everyone to hear. That is a fascinating and admirable fact about the university.
Glendalough is home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. The church present in Glendalough is the smallest church in Ireland. Most of the buildings that survive today date to the 12th Century; the Vikings destroyed the remaining, when they invaded Ireland. It is still preserved by the government and the local community to retain all the greenery and the lakes present. The small hike to the lake takes about 30 minutes and the trail, which leads to the lake, is truly amazing. This is one place I love to visit and go on hikes regularly. Its close proximity to Maynooth and Dublin makes it an ideal location.
So, if I’m asked why I chose Ireland, I will always say it’s the people. As the Indian Student Ambassador, I get to interact with lot of different people from the university and each day it has been a new experience which is different from the rest. The people here are so warm and the hospitality of the residents reminds me of my own city in India.
Even though I loved my country and city and it was a really hard decision for me to move to a completely different country and on a different continent, Ireland has made it worth all my struggle and I am confident that it will reward me in my life at some point.