Getting Involved: The Key to Success

Tips for international students wanting to make the most of their experience abroad  The best advice I could give to anyone who’s thinking of studying abroad and wishing to make the most of their experience is this: get involved. “Action is the foundational key for all success” Pablo Picasso Whether it is joining a society or club, becoming an ambassador, or attending one of the wide variety of events happening on campus, student ...

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Top Travel Destinations in China

Hello everyone! I’m Qin from Shanghai.  Previously, I shared recommendations on must-visit places in Ireland for international students.  Today, I’d like to introduce some of the best travel destinations in China. If you ever get the chance to visit, these places will undoubtedly make your trip worthwhile. Following the same structure as before, I’ve categorized the destinations based on different travel styles. Every destination in this guide is one that I have personally ...

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The World in One Room

Imagine walking into a classroom where every corner of the globe is represented. Where the air hums with accents from every continent, and every conversation feels like a journey to a new place. What would you learn? How would it change you? Do you believe the whole world could fit in one room?  “Yes”, I told myself. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario at all. It’s my everyday reality as a Master’s ...

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On-Campus Vs Off-Campus Accommodation – Which is the best? 

Why do many students prefer on-campus accommodation?  As an international student coming to a new country, the first preference is to get safe accommodation. Also, it is the easiest of the options for securing accommodation without much hassle. But here’s the twist…! You should be lucky enough to get picked from among the several applicants. However, it is advised by the university management not to be too dependent on on-campus accommodation ...

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One of the Classic Chinese Home-Style Dishes: Braised Pork Belly with Potatoes

Today, I’d like to share a recipe for one of the most beloved Chinese home-cooked dishes—Braised Pork Belly with Potatoes. I hope this guide will help students living abroad recreate a taste of home and provide an opportunity for international friends to experience authentic Chinese cuisine from their own kitchens. Ingredients & Preparation: Pork Belly: The €2.99 pork belly from Aldi works perfectly. Cut it into small pieces, then boil in water. Garlic: ...

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5 Lessons I’ve learned as an International Student at Maynooth University

Moving to Ireland for my master’s programme has been an incredible journey of self-discovery, growth, and learning. As an international student navigating a new country, culture, and academic environment, I’ve faced challenges but also gained invaluable insights that have made this experience truly transformative. Here are five lessons I’ve learned during my time abroad: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone is Worth It Before coming to Ireland, I was excited yet nervous ...

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A Culinary Passport: Connecting Hearts Through Food in Ireland 

Food has always been more than sustenance to me. It’s a language, a comfort, and a connection to home. When I moved to Ireland to study International Development at Maynooth University, I quickly realized that food would become my bridge to a new world. Little did I know, it would also help me build friendships, present my culture, and create memories that I’ll cherish forever.  A taste of home in a ...

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Student Life in Maynooth University

Balancing studies with personal responsibilities and self-care can be challenging.  As an international student, the independence and new added responsibilities can feel overwhelming. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to take advantage of university life. Sometimes we neglect sleep for the sake of studying, get stuck in tedious chores and can’t get any work done or have some days of paralyzing homesickness and solitude. The key to cope with ...

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A Letter to Chinese Prospective International Students

Dear Prospective International Students, Hello. I understand that you may be wondering. Should I study abroad? Should I require an agency to help with application or handle by myself? If I want to apply by myself, how should I go about the application process? I was once in your shoes, feeling uncertain. Many years ago, I had the desire to study abroad, but I didn’t have any relatives or friends around ...

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When a Master of Arts student is a true ambassador for her university

Last week, I had the honour of speaking to a group of American high school guidance counsellors and providing them with a campus tour. The group had flown over to tour Irish Universities for the week, aiming to return to the States better equipped to discuss international opportunities with interested students. I was asked to speak a bit about my time at Maynooth, my decision to move abroad, and my ...

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