Student Stories – MU International Office Blog

by MU Blogger September 4, 2025

Humans of Maynooth – Episode 4 “Will Digital Marketing change in the Age of AI?” – insights from a GOI-IES Scholar

After sharing stories of resilience and empowerment in our previous episodes, we now meet a “new face” in Episode 4 of Humans of Maynooth. Minh, a GOI-IES awardee 2024 who is pursuing an MSc in Digital Marketing at Maynooth University not for corporate fame, but to make a meaningful impact in academia. With a strong enthusiasm for research and a vision for future teaching, he shares how his time at Maynooth University ...

by MU Blogger June 23, 2025

blogs , Eunice Duyen , Student Stories

Humans of Maynooth Episode 2: “Brave, Bold, and Bilingual” – Sichen’s PhD Journey from Shanxi to Maynooth

Welcome back to Humans of Maynooth, a heartfelt interview series that shares the voices of international students at Maynooth University. Each episode offers a glimpse into the lives, challenges, and triumphs of students who have journeyed from around the world to call Maynooth University and Ireland their second home. In this episode, we meet Sichen Huangfu, a Chinese PhD student whose research explores the power of translanguaging in education. I ...

by MU Blogger June 2, 2025

Humans of Maynooth - Interview Series-Minh Quang Tran MSc Design Innovation student

blogs , Eunice Duyen , Student Stories

Humans of Maynooth Series – Episode 1: Designing Dreams with Minh Quang Tran from Vietnam

Humans of Maynooth - Interview Series with International Student at Maynooth University Episode 1: Designing Dream with Minh Quang Tran from Vietnam Welcome to Humans of Maynooth. This is an interview series from which we have a chance to hear different voices and experiences of international students at Maynooth University. Each story offers a unique perspective on life, learning, and personal growth in one of the most welcoming university towns in Ireland ...

by MU Blogger May 7, 2025

blogs , Katheryn Carolina Aymerich Díaz , Student Stories

Reflecting on my experience in Ireland

As the end of the academic year approaches, I’ve reflected on my first impressions of Irelandas an international student having lived in different countries, and how my perspectives havechanged throughout my stay in the Emeral Isle. Arriving in Ireland wasn’t merely a change of scenery for me — it was a deep dive into aculture with values and practices. One of the first surprises was the overwhelmingcommitment to sustainability. Almost everywhere ...

by MU Blogger March 21, 2025

blogs , Olusolape Sonuga , Student Stories

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 ...

by MU Blogger March 11, 2025

blogs , Qin Lu , Student Stories

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 ...

by MU Blogger March 6, 2025

blogs , Emma Elizabeth Willard , Student Stories

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 ...

by MU Blogger February 19, 2025

blogs , Katheryn Carolina Aymerich Díaz , Student Stories

Why Maynooth University is the Perfect Study Abroad Destination

Ireland is an incredible destination for studying abroad. Whether you're considering a semester-long exchange program or pursuing a full degree, choosing the right university can feel overwhelming with so many options available. For me, Maynooth University stands out as a clear winner. Here are my top five reasons why you should consider it too. 1. The Only University Town in Ireland Maynooth University is located in Ireland’s only university town, which offers ...

by MU Blogger February 7, 2025

blogs , Emma Elizabeth Willard , Student Stories

From New England to (old) Ireland, comparing and contrasting on my study abroad year

Over the Christmas holidays I traveled back to my hometown of Boston, Massachusetts, and was instantly greeted with a two-day snowstorm, which got me thinking about some of the cultural and social comparisons between the two places I find myself most- New England and Ireland. Weather: Coming from Boston, I felt prepared to handle the stereotypical Irish weather; I owned plenty of rain gear already, and I loved the fact that Ireland ...