As the end of the academic year approaches, I’ve reflected on my first impressions of Ireland
as an international student having lived in different countries, and how my perspectives have
changed 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 a
culture with values and practices. One of the first surprises was the overwhelming
commitment to sustainability. Almost everywhere I turned, recycling was part of daily life. I
remember struggling whilst learning how to correctly sort out the different types of waste,
reading labels on plastic bottles and bags to ensure they landed in the right bin! Whilst
marvelling at how it seemed like everyone was using reusable travel mugs and cloth bags.
Although learning the specifics of recycling here felt challenging at first, it didn’t take long for
these practices to become second nature, so much so that I find it difficult not to maintain
them even when I return home, and I feel has been a positive change in my life! 

The food! Of course I need to mention the food. Finding out that pies could be savoury or
that bread could be so varied was a surprise for me. Shepherd’s pie became one of my
favourite dishes and I got a soft spot for Guinness beer bread and brown soda bread.
However, as a Latin American student, my diet was quite different from this and making
‘cachapas’ quickly became my antidote to occasional feelings of homesickness. The process
of preparing this cherished dish filled me with a sense of familiarity and comfort. I even
shared the recipe with a friend and, one day, she surprised me by bringing a batch for lunch
at university—a gesture that beautifully highlighted how food can bridge cultural gaps and
keep traditions alive, even miles away from home. Now, my diet is a mix of Irish and Latin
American cuisine, with sprinkles of other traditions I’ve acquired from other international
friends, such as Indian and African cuisine.

Then, there was the striking interplay between nature and modernity. I vividly recall one of
my very first journeys to Maynooth for Orientation Day. Sitting on the top deck of a bus, I felt
a mix of excitement and nerves as I took in the expansive views of majestic mountains,
rolling green fields, and ancient forests. In that moment, a sudden realisation struck me:
here, in this land where lush landscapes seamlessly meet modern technology, I was
embarking on a new chapter of independence. The ease with which local buses connected
different towns via the motorway symbolised not just convenience but also the promise of
exciting beginnings.

Reflecting on these early days and impressions, I now appreciate how every cultural shock
has enriched my understanding of both Ireland and me. Each experience—from the
meticulous recycling practices, and the shared joy of beloved foods to the blend of nature
and urban life—has helped shape my journey in ways I never expected.