Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

1. Speak up 

As an international student from Vietnam, I found that some study methods in Ireland are different from those in my home country. The most valuable lesson I have  learned at UL is to speak up. I have experienced overcoming my shyness to broaden my knowledge by asking questions. Thanks to my international classmates and my professors at UL, I accumulated this value. I remember raising my hand to ask a question that I thought was stupid. But the professor encouraged me by saying it was a good question. That moment gave me a boost of energy as well as confidence and made me want to dive deeper into learning. Shout out to my professor, Daniel.  

2. Irish cuisine 

There is an old Irish Saying “ Is geall le fleá bia go leor”  which means “Enough food is as good as a feast”. These are my favourite quotes from my favourite cookbook, called “The Irish Grann’s pocket recipe book”. I bought this book in a souvenir shop  when I had a trip to King John Castle in the city centre. I have learned how to cook some Irish dishes like Irish stew, Mutton Broth or Irish Full Breakfast. My most loved dish is Irish Stew. It is  convenient and not too challenging to cook. I love the taste when I was consuming he Irish stew with rice. Moreover, it is  one of the most famous traditional dishes in Ireland. I feel like I absorb more of the history and culture of Ireland through this food.  

3. Irish dance 

Although I am not an expert in dance, I found some interesting aspects in Irish dance. By learning Irish dance from Youtube-er Irish, this helps me to experience some street activities in Irish festivals. This is the link to the practice of Irish dance at home. I highly recommend this Youtube account because it is so easy to catch up with the rhythm of Irish dance.  

5. Saint Patrick Day 

Saint Patrick is widely revered as the patron saint of Ireland so Saint Patrick Day is the biggest day in Ireland’s cultural calendar. Everything turns green on this day. People can observe or attend  Irish dance, music and parades on this day. If you travel to Dublin, you might have the chance to see the President of Ireland in the  celebration.