In China, although the culture of studying abroad is not as prevalent as it was a decade ago, the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, followed by the citywide lockdown in Shanghai from April 2022, reignited the desire among some returnees to venture abroad once more. One such individual is my colleague—let’s call him Benjamin (a pseudonym)—a quintessential example of this trend.

In September 2021, Benjamin and I became colleagues in the Data Science Department, and it was coincidental that I was arranged by my supervisor to sit next to Benjamin in the office. Benjamin completed his undergraduate studies at Tianjin University and pursued his master’s degree in the Netherlands, where he worked for several years before resolutely returning to China. However, after enduring Shanghai’s two-month lockdown from April to June 2022, he made the decisive choice to study abroad again—this time selecting Ireland as his destination.

At the time, two other colleagues in our department were also considering studying abroad but were uncertain about which country to choose. With numerous popular study destinations and no prior experience in studying or working abroad, we found ourselves overwhelmed by the options. Benjamin, as our trailblazer, shared the reasoning behind his well-researched decision to choose Ireland as a study destination. Let me guide you through the thought process of this seasoned returnee with extensive international education and work experience, and why he ultimately chose Ireland for his next academic journey.

First and foremost, it is essential to thoroughly assess your own circumstances, including your undergraduate academic performance, English proficiency, communication skills, ability to live independently, cultural preferences, future education or career plans, study duration, and, most importantly, your budget for studying abroad.

Budget plays a decisive role, as the cost of studying abroad varies significantly between countries. For example, pursuing a two-year master’s degree in the United States, including tuition and living expenses, requires a minimum budget of 1.2 to 1.6 million RMB, assuming no scholarships are awarded (which is common, as scholarships for master’s programs are often limited). In comparison, a two-year program in Canada costs between 0.8 and 1.2 million RMB, while a one-year master’s degree in the UK ranges from 400,000 to 600,000 RMB. Naturally, costs can vary depending on lifestyle choices, but these figures provide a general benchmark. Your study abroad budget ultimately determines the range of options available to you.

Secondly, the duration of study for a master’s program is typically one or two years. For prospective international students, it is important to note that, in most cases, the field of study at the graduate level should align with your undergraduate major, allowing for minor shifts but not significant changes.

Alternatively, if your work experience aligns with the program you wish to pursue, this can also strengthen your application. For instance, if your undergraduate degree is in Mechanical Design Engineering, transitioning to a master’s program in Intelligent Robotics would be considered a small and acceptable shift. Similarly, if you have a few years of experience working in robotics, applying for a master’s program in AI and Robotics would also be a viable path.

For those making a significant change in their field of study, it is advisable to enroll in a one-year conversion program before pursuing a master’s degree. This will help you build a stronger foundation in the new field and increase your chances of successfully gaining admission to a graduate program.

Additionally, for students who may struggle with English proficiency, it is highly recommended to start preparing for language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo early. Even if you do not achieve the desired or required scores, you will still have options to bridge the gap. Many universities offer language programs, ranging from a few weeks to up to a year, tailored to different proficiency levels. These programs can serve as a valuable alternative to meet language requirements.

At the time, Benjamin and two other colleagues who were considering studying abroad unanimously aimed for a one-year master’s program. After narrowing down the options, the most well-known countries offering one-year master’s programs were essentially limited to the UK and Ireland. However, tuition and living expenses in the UK are significantly higher—typically double those of Ireland—while the quality of education in both countries is comparable. From a cost-effectiveness perspective, Ireland emerged as the clear winner.

Thirdly, Ireland is home to seven prestigious universities, all of which are highly regarded on the international stage for their academic and research excellence. These institutions have built strong reputations, particularly in key fields such as engineering, medicine, business, information technology, and the humanities, attracting students and scholars from around the world.

Trinity College Dublin (TCD), the country’s oldest and most renowned university, consistently ranks among the top universities globally and is celebrated for its cutting-edge research and teaching quality. Likewise, the National University of Ireland (NUI) system, which includes universities like University College Dublin (UCD), University College Cork (UCC), NUI Galway, and Maynooth University (MU) etc. is recognized for its robust academic programs and significant contributions to global research. These universities are considered hubs of innovation and intellectual development, offering students access to world-class resources, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to collaborate with leading experts in their respective fields.

Fourthly, the application deadlines for universities in Ireland are generally quite generous. For example, for a September intake, the latest application deadlines typically fall between June and July. Of course, these deadlines can vary depending on the university and the specific program, so it’s important to keep track of the deadlines and plan accordingly. This extended timeframe is particularly beneficial as it provides ample opportunity to gather necessary application materials and prepare for English language exams. Moreover, many universities offer conditional offers, which can be a significant advantage for students who may not yet meet the required English language proficiency. With a conditional offer, you can first apply for the program and, upon receiving the offer, focus on improving your English skills to meet the language requirements, knowing that you have time to work towards meeting the necessary criteria.

Fifthly, when it comes to the cost of studying abroad, Ireland offers one of the best value-for-money options compared to other countries. The largest portion of living expenses is typically rent. During the pandemic, many landlords were unwilling to rent to international students, leading to a highly competitive rental market and sky-high rental prices. However, with the end of the pandemic, the rental market has eased significantly, and many landlords now have vacant rooms available, which has slightly reduced rental costs.

That said, it is essential to start your search for accommodation early. If you’re applying for student housing in Ireland, it’s crucial to apply as early as possible, as these accommodations are often self-contained suites, meaning you will have your own room with a private bathroom, eliminating the need to share. This is an excellent option for those who prefer more private living spaces.

If you are considering renting from a private landlord in Ireland, you’ll typically encounter either local Irish families or Chinese landlords. Local families often require students to live with them, which can be found through university-provided housing information. On the other hand, Chinese landlords are more likely to offer private rental options, and you can find listings through platforms like Xiaohongshu or university housing groups. My advice is to allocate at least one month for your search to ensure you find a suitable place.

Sixthly, Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is often referred to as the “Silicon Docks” or “Ireland’s Silicon Valley” due to its growing reputation as a hub for technology and innovation. Ireland’s low corporate tax rates, highly educated workforce, and strategic location as a member of the European Union have made it an ideal base for tech companies establishing their offices in Europe. The city has become a hotspot for many global tech giants, with European headquarters for companies such as Google, Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, and Twitter all located there. In addition, Dublin is home to numerous tech incubators, accelerators, and venture capital firms, further solidifying its prominent role in the European tech landscape.

Seventhly, although Ireland has discontinued its investor immigration program, it remains highly welcoming to international students. For those wishing to stay in Ireland after graduation, the country allows graduates to work for up to two years following the completion of their postgraduate studies. This visa is designed to provide international students with the opportunity to gain work experience and pursue employment opportunities in Ireland. Whether you’re looking to experience working abroad or simply wish to stay in the country for a period of time to travel, this benefit is something no other study destinations can offer.

Eighthly, in order to transition from a student visa to a long-term work visa, you will need to secure a job that meets the requirements for a work permit, such as the Critical Skills Employment Permit. This permit is designed for highly skilled workers in sectors that are in shortage within Ireland. It allows foreign nationals to work in specific fields, helping Ireland attract talent crucial to its economy. It is typically granted for two years, and if conditions are met, you can apply for long-term residency. This benefit is something that few other study destinations can match— for instance, in the United States, it may take a decade year of waiting, and even then, obtaining a green card is not guaranteed.

Ninthly, it is important to mention that the official language of Ireland is English. In both academic and professional environments, approximately 98% of communication is conducted in English. This means that those who wish to stay in Ireland after their studies do not face the additional challenge of learning a new language, as one might in countries like France or Germany, where fluency in French or German is often necessary to fully integrate into the workforce, even if a job is secured.

Lastly, Ireland, “Emerald Isle” which is a poetic reference to Ireland, is known for its lush green landscapes. It is a land of breathtaking beauty, where rolling green hills meet dramatic coastlines and ancient castles stand against a backdrop of misty mountains. From the stunning Cliffs of Moher, towering above the Atlantic, to the serene lakes of Killarney National Park, Ireland offers diverse landscapes that captivate every traveler. It truly deserves your further exploration.

The analysis presented by Benjamin on why he chose Ireland as his study destination is both thorough and insightful. After hearing his analysis, two of us colleagues as well as one of my friends who were considering studying abroad unanimously decided that Ireland would be our sole and best choice for further education.

I must say, students who choose Ireland as their study destination truly demonstrate remarkable foresight and discernment.