Going it alone in a new country can be tough for anyone but, if you’re worried that you won’t enjoy it or excel because you’re a little introverted, Indian Student Ambassador Feby Jose Mathew is here to put your mind at ease…
I spent a quarter-century of my life in my homeland India when I finally decided to cross the seas and experience a new culture. I came to Ireland to pursue my Masters in Electronic Engineering at Waterford Institute of Technology. Though I knew this would be a huge change and that I would learn a lot from it, I was terrified. How could I, an introvert, enjoy a new land? Well, I actually did! If you are like me and are worried you will not love Ireland, you are wrong. These are some of the things I absolutely love and do in Waterford:
Cooking
Let me be honest. Cooking was never my cup of tea. Nonetheless, this was the first thing I tried in Ireland, something that I am proud of now! YouTube is full of recipes that you can try out. My favourite channel is “Chef Joji”, I absolutely love his videos and have learnt to make some traditional Indian food. Even if you don’t master the art of cooking, you can at least learn to make the perfect coffee that you can sip on a Sunday morning while reading your favourite book.
Reading
“Reading for me, is spending time with a friend.” – Gary Paulsen.
I totally agree. I remember my childhood days when I saw a friend in every book I read. Books have always been an important part of my life. There is nothing more peaceful than spending an evening with a book. If you are an avid reader like me, do not forget to drop by ‘The Book Centre’ in Waterford City. This place not only has an amazing collection of books, but a great, cosy ambience with a cafe on top. If you want a relaxing evening with your books, this is the place to go.
The harbour (photo: Feby)
Going for a walk
There is a popular notion that introverts don’t like stepping out of their rooms – WRONG! We do love going out but normally don’t in a large group. I enjoy going for early morning walks and late evening walks with my roommates. It helps me get ready for the day and relax at the end of it; not to forget that the skies look just amazing during the early and late hours. But most importantly, it helps me collect my thoughts and reflect on my day. The harbour is a wonderful place to just hang around if you want calm.
There are plenty of other things to do here as well. Maybe you could grow your own windowsill garden… You can find a lot of lovely plants, flowers and succulents in almost every shopping centre. You could learn a new instrument! Ireland is a musical land. You can hear some lovely tunes whenever you are on the streets.
So, there you go! These are some of the things that I have come to love in Ireland. I am sure you will too if you give it a chance. I assure you; it is an amazing land for everyone!
Feby is doing a Master of Engineering in Electronic Engineering at Waterford Institute of Technology.