Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

Join Yesenia Dela Sancha from North Carolina, as she shares her incredible four-month adventure in Ireland. Discover how she forged lasting friendships, explored breathtaking landscapes, and immersed myself in diverse cultures.

Four months seems like a pretty decent time to be away from home, especially in a different country, at least that is what I thought before leaving. I was offered an amazing opportunity to travel, live and study in Ireland. How could I say no? It did mean leaving my home, family, friends and pet for a while and packing up only two suitcases to go to a country where I did not know anyone. As scary as that sounds, it was the best decision I ever made.

Looking back to early January where I was stressed and anxious about leaving seems so silly now. Because now, almost to the end of my program, it’s sad to even think about leaving this beautiful country. I was so afraid of being alone and now I am friends with some of the best people I know. I have created memories with these people and that makes it even more special. We went from the awkward stage of getting to know each other to being inseparable. I met so many different people from here and from different countries. This normally does not happen back in the States. It was so nice to take a break and appreciate different cultures while immersing myself in the Irish one.

It’s definitely a surreal feeling as it gets closer to departure time. I have never seen so much of the world like I have the last 4 months. I went all over Ireland outside of Limerick including places like Dublin, Cork, Galway, Belfast, Aran Islands, Killarney, and Dingle. But I also visited other countries like Italy and England. What surprised me the most was how affordable and easy the transportation was between these places. Definitely not this easy or cheap back in the United States.

I was so used to my school system, that the one at the University of Limerick was a breath of fresh air. The study abroad team made it such an easy transition to adapt to this new journey. The professors have been more than understanding and generous. The workload was fairly less than I was used to back at my home university. It was very achievable to get assignments in on time and also have time to travel on weekends, which was definitely my favorite part.

I made so many memories in Ireland, but I’ll never forget what I will take away from this experience. I developed a healthy level of independence, having to problem solve on my own. I became more confident as I stepped out of my comfort zone to get to know people. I gained a new perspective and appreciation for others and their cultures. I found myself just wanting to know more. I have discovered this new sort of happiness that revolves around excitement and curiosity. You travel to a new country and it’s like a whole new world opens up for you.

I was able to create a different life here, I definitely am not the same person I was before leaving. It’s mind blowing how a simple opportunity can change your life and perspective forever. As I pack my bags, I know I’m not truly leaving. I would definitely be back to Ireland, it became a second home. I guess now it is a lot easier to understand the phrase, “Home is what you take with you, not what you leave behind”-(N.K. Jemisin).

Thank you, UL.