One of the reasons I chose to study at Maynooth University was because it is right next to a castle. It might sound silly, but my one stipulation when choosing where to study in Ireland ...
Read MoreThe song "Summertime Sadness”[1] was playing in a shop, and I couldn’t help but pause and reflect on this musical motif, which is common in literature and lyrics for evoking feelings of sorrow. Typically, summer ...
Read MoreIntroduction When exploring Ireland as an exchange student, trying out Irish food might not be the first thing on your radar. Irish cuisine is often dismissed as simplistic and dull, much like the cooking in my ...
Read MoreMothú sa bhaile in Éirinn: how language gives a sense of belonging
Introduction Illustrations by Catherine Geaney When I told my Dutch family I was learning the Irish language, they were confused: ‘Do you mean you’re learning to speak English with an Irish accent?’ More than once, I’ve had ...
Read Morehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JYt7m1KvzQ In the first of her Vlog series about her study abroad experiences, Vietnamese student Thu takes us not only to the places she has visited since arriving in Ireland in 2023, but also on her ...
Read MoreFrom Halloween to Sinterklaas: how holidays bring us together Introduction During my exchange in Maynooth, I celebrated the Irish festival of Halloween, as well as Sinterklaas; a traditional Dutch holiday. Partaking in various celebrations, I saw how ...
Read MoreCulture hides more than it reveals, and strangely enough what it hides, it hides most effectively from its own participants. Edward T. Hall How to fit in Maynooth: Cultural and Social Shocks Embracing diverse cultures and exploring ...
Read MoreComing to a new city can be challenging, as you don’t know where to get the best coffee, where you can go for a walk or a run, or where to meet your new friends. ...
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