Ireland is widely known for its colourful scenery, sweeping nature and vibrant culture! Student Ambassador, Catalina Arca Garcia, reveals how she is still in awe of the sights and sounds of Ireland, even after years living here…
I will give you some of the reasons why I chose to study in Ireland and some of my impressions of the Emerald Isle. Hopefully it encourages you to make the next step! But first, let me introduce myself.
My name is Catalina, I was born 33 years ago in a small city in the north of Patagonia, in Argentina, and I am a restless person. Currently, I am a business student in CCT College Dublin. I chose this path after deciding to stay in Ireland, where I originally came to improve my English.
Beautiful light on Georges Street (photo: Catalina)
Colourful autumn leaves at Powerscourt House (photo: Catalina)
My Impressions of Ireland
The colours of Ireland are amazing. This is what impressed me the most during the early years. The perennial green of the island gives Ireland it’s ‘emerald’ character, with green visible on every square, house, flowerpot, and vine. Even the Dart (the urban train in Dublin) is green like the moss that grows around the trees.
Autumn here is like a live painting. All of the yellow and ochre tones varnish the island, while it still keeps its greenery. Ireland is also blue and yellow, like its double-decker buses, and purple and gold like the Luas, the Dublin tram, that connects the city.
Ireland is also red like most manes or rain-dampened bricks of houses that are symmetrically built. These contrast with the mellow grey of the old monuments, the Spire, the sky on cloudy days, and the Georgian buildings. When it comes to its scents, Ireland smells of the soup of the day, Guinness, wet paint, and fish and chips.
Why I Chose to Study in Ireland
I decided to stay studying in Ireland because of its many opportunities. I came here to improve my language skills and study English, which I succeeded to do. When the pandemic came, I decided to stay in the country because I felt my time here had not yet finished. I needed to prove myself. But now, in a different challenge. I decided to begin studying in a third-level programme to grow my professional possibilities, and be able to see the island from a different perspective.
Exploring the Ring of Kerry (photo: Catalina)
I believe that education is a privilege, a challenge, and an investment. Even more so if you are doing it in another country, another language, and out of your comfort zone. I think this is a privilege because, not only will you learn new things about your chosen career, but you will also learn a lot about yourself as you are tested repeatedly. You will learn about your boundaries and negotiations if you have clarity about your goals and desires.
Another reason to study in Ireland is the possibility to be immersed in a different culture with different traditions and also, to experience a different kind of weather! Here, I need to warn you, but I’ll try not scare you – be prepared for the winter to last a little bit longer than the one you might be used to!
Colourful Irish homes! (photo: Catalina)
Being an international student in Ireland you understand the importance of pubs to Irish society. After a while, you too will find your favourite pub, where you will celebrate every stage of this journey.!
At the Cliffs of Moher (photo: Catalina)
At the same time, there is also the possibility to meet people from around the world without moving from the island and with this, there is also the possibility to learn new languages, try new foods, and create experiences that will last forever.
The opportunity to get involved in different activities can create a huge impact on the current Irish society. In my case, I volunteer in a network which works with young migrant women, but that is a story for another post.
And, if someone asks me what I like most about this country, my answer will be: the person I have become through all of these experiences.
Catalina is working towards a degree in Business at CCT College Dublin.