Canadian Student Ambassador Karin Ishak is getting to see the world while studying at medicine in Galway
Hi! I’m Karin and I’m a Canadian international medical student at NUIG. Over the past four years, I’ve been pursuing my dream to study and practise medicine while travelling. I’ve travelled around Europe and Ireland, the greenest country I have ever seen. I didn’t even know what the colour green truly was until I came to Ireland.
I chose Ireland because it offers direct entry into medical programmes that are accredited in my country and in many others including Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, the US as well, of course, as most European countries. Ireland’s universities also offer opportunities in research, medical electives and semesters abroad which furthered my career and my own personal experiences.
Friendliest community
Ireland has the friendliest community who love their night life. My treasured traditions are having high tea, the Galway Races and the Halloween and St Patrick’s Day parades. I also love the Christmas markets – which are ideal for exam season procrastination.
If you’re interested in travelling, I was able to commit to travelling to one country every semester. I got to embrace Ireland’s majestic scenery including the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, the Giant’s Causeway and Connemara!
Explore! I fell in love and so will you. In the meantime, you’ll learn Irish expressions and find many sheep and cows along the way!