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 student at the Department of International Development, Maynooth University. 

Inclusivity – A Global Classroom 

One of the most remarkable aspects of my program is the diversity of my classmates. Our classroom looks like a microcosm of the world, with students hailing from the U.S., Africa, Europe, and Asia, like me. However, this diversity is not just about geography. In fact, it IS reflected through the ways we talk, the ways we think, and the ways we express our true feelings and opinions in a safe and open-minded place. 

Beyond this, I observe that inclusivity is not just about having a seat at the table. Our lecturers make sure everyone feels heard, no matter where they come from or what their background is. Whether we’re discussing global inequality, environmental sustainability, or social justice, the richness of our conversations stems from the fact that we all bring something unique to the table. It has taught me to approach problems with humility and openness. From that, I recognize solutions are often found in the collective wisdom of diverse voices.

Engagement – Learning through Creativity

If you had told me before starting this program that I’d be drawing pictures or playing games in a Master’s-level class, I would have laughed and believed it was a joke. In my old assumption, classrooms were boring – places where we, as students, simply had to listen patiently, and nothing more. But here, learning is anything but conventional.

One of my most memorable experiences was during a module on Critical Pedagogy and Participatory Development Practice. Instead of lecturing, our professor handed us markers and paper and asked us to draw our vision of our own country to understand the connection of local context to a global sustainable community. 

At first, it felt strange. But as we started sharing our drawings, something magical happened. We began to see the connections between our ideas. This participatory approach has made my learning joyful and meaningful. Whether we’re working on group projects or engaging in role-playing activities, every class feels like an adventure. 

Critical Reflection: Asking the Hard Questions

As our program strongly emphasises critical reflection, it is not enough to understand the theories of development in one way. We’re encouraged to question them. I remember a discussion about some policy discourse. On the surface, they seem like a blueprint for a better world. But as we dug deeper, we began to ask tough questions: Who sets these goals? Who benefits from them? And what about the voices that aren’t represented?

These conversations have pushed me to think beyond the obvious. They’ve taught me to look for the power dynamics behind every policy, the hidden inequalities in every system. It’s not always comfortable. It means confronting my own biases and assumptions, but it’s necessary. After all, how can we create a better world if we don’t first understand what’s wrong and right with the one we have? 

Beyond the Classroom

Of course, my experience hasn’t been all serious discussions and deep reflections. Some of my fondest memories are from the moments we’ve shared outside the classroom. Like the time we took a night trip to Dublin with our professors, wandering the cobblestone streets under the glow of streetlights. We explored the city’s famous pubs, laughed over pints, and talked about everything.  Those moments reminded me that development isn’t just about policies and programs. It’s about people. It’s about the connections we build, the friendships we nurture, and the memories we create.

If you would like to find out more about the Maynooth University International Development Programme available to international students you can consult this link here.