Constructing a Life Overseas | Examine in Eire

Scholar Ambassador Motunrayo Ogunsugba shares reflections on life in Eire as a global pupil, providing private insights on constructing group, exploring new locations, and staying linked to house via meals and tradition.

2024 has come and gone, and 2025 is properly underway. A brand new yr all the time brings recent hope and pleasure for the probabilities forward. Final yr was my first full calendar yr in Eire, and it got here with its justifiable share of ups and downs. As I look ahead to what’s subsequent, I’ve been reflecting on the teachings I’ve realized and I’m decided to make my second yr in Eire much more memorable.

Considered one of my greatest objectives for this yr is to turn out to be much more engaged on the College Faculty Dublin (UCD) campus. Considering again on the previous yr, lots of my greatest experiences occurred as a result of I used to be energetic in numerous societies and golf equipment throughout campus. I used to be capable of make new mates and set up a group of my very own, which I consider is extremely essential for any worldwide pupil. These experiences additionally helped me construct a robust private {and professional} community, which I hope will proceed to develop throughout 2025.

One other precedence for me is to discover extra of Eire’s pure magnificence. I’m actually enthusiastic about nature pictures, so I plan to journey extra throughout the nation, particularly to Galway, Wexford, Sligo and Clare. Eire’s public transport system is dependable and simple to navigate, which makes it easy to maneuver between counties. The persons are additionally genuinely pleasant and infrequently desirous to share the tales behind native landmarks and traditions. I might be sharing a few of my favorite pictures from final yr, and I’m hoping to seize much more beautiful moments within the months forward.

A significant problem I confronted final yr was homesickness, particularly lacking the consolation of acquainted meals. However due to some adventures with mates, I found a number of African retailers and eating places round Dublin. Now I can recreate meals that make me really feel near house. This yr, I plan to prepare dinner plenty of Nigerian meals, and I might additionally like to discover dishes from different cultures, particularly Korean and Thai delicacies, that are simple to search out within the metropolis.

My first yr in Eire was an excellent one, and I do know that with a extra open and assured mindset, the journey forward may be even higher. I encourage all worldwide college students to embrace new experiences and step outdoors their consolation zones. It’s one of the simplest ways to make your time in Eire really unforgettable.

Scholar Ambassador Motunrayo Ogunsugba is learning at College Faculty Dublin through Schooling in Eire.