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Ireland - a great choice for International students

Date: 03 Jul 2009

Published: Times of India

In the wake of the attacks on Indian students in Australia, Chirandeep Patnaik, Masters of Management student at UCD Smurfit School, shares his experiences of studying in Ireland, an oft-ignored study destination that, as Chirandeep puts its, is the friendliest country on earth.

"In his recent speech, US President Barack Obama cited that education was the currency of the 21st century.  This is something Indians have always known, and it has driven many of us to study abroad, for the value that international education, global exposures and experiencing life abroad can add to our lives.  Many countries have thus, tried to draw us to their shores.

However, the pale cloud of gloom hanging over the recent racial attacks on Indian students in Australia is completely appalling.  Though there have been demands to bring the perpetrators to justice, one can gauge – from reading news portals – that the situation has not been handled appropriately by the authorities.  The hate wave that seems to have swept over Australia, has left India overwhelmed, and Indian students in Australia or those planning to go there, alienated.

In sharp contrast, Ireland is an extremely safe destination.  In fact, Lonely Planet voted Ireland as the friendliest country on Earth.  True to this distinction, the Irish are easygoing folds, and are an absolute pleasure to live with.  I started my course last September, and since then, have not experienced a single incident of discrimination or prejudice. 
I walked into Glenomena (UCD’s on-campus mature student’s accommodation) on September 3rd 2008.  I was the first to check in.  The other five studio flats were lying vacant, until my first flatmate, an Irish girl, moved in three days later.  She greeted me warmly with an enthusiastic “Hi!”, which was followed by a nice chat.  The next day, she introduced me to her brother, as well as her friends, and soon, we were all engaged in a friendly conversation.  Then, we went out that evening and had a lot of fun.  Later, the remaining rooms in the flat were occupied by a Ukrainian student, two more Irish students and a British student.  Although I do not live on campus anymore, I have fond memories of the good times we shared living together, getting to know each other, and our late night chats.  At times, we even cooked for each other.  My initial loneliness had given way to a kind of unity in racial diversity.
My school had a majority of Irish students, who, at every junction made me feel included in their world.  As part of my course curriculum I worked on group projects with Irish students and students of other nationalities, with no hindrance whatsoever.  This friendliness was no limited to the classroom.  I was always invited to their social events.

Also, if like me, you believe the small things count, there have been occasions that have solidified my faith in the Irish people.  My Irish classmates have waited with me at the bus stop until my bus arrived, keeping me busy with their conversation (this was when I was new to Ireland).  They have even asked me on occasion whether I wanted something from the vending machine during a class break.  It’s things like these that make the world a better place to live in.

Even the staff at my school have always been supportive, and I have never felt neglected at any point.  Rather I was given the opportunity to represent my school (along with four other non-Irish students) last year in the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese’s talk on ‘Ireland of tomorrow’.  I have always had the freedom to approach my Programme Directors for consultation without any formal appointment.

There have also been a couple of times when I have returned to my room alone late at night with no fear of attack or physical abuse.  Though I come from a country that is known for its hospitality the world over, I find the Irish sense of humour and their welcoming nature spellbinding.  They believe in having fun and laughing every day.  With its strict policing, Ireland is ranked as one of the safest countries in Europe.

When I decided to invest in my education abroad, I conducted a thorough research on the internet and gathered information from various sources.  I think this is essential for every Indian who is planning to study abroad.  Do not fall for attractive advertisements in the local media or the biased views of an agent.  Thorough research, careful planning and relevant information have all helped me to make the right decision.  It is also important that Indian students interact with local students instead of limiting their exposure to their own racial or national groups.  When we make an effort to participate in their culture and social set up, it makes us feel like one among them.

Ireland has been a rich experience and has left a positive impact on my life.  I won’t just be gaining an academic qualification, but also some exposure to living and studying in an environment with Irish students as well as students from the US, UK, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, France, Spain and Sweden."

Chirandeep is a Masters in Management student from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.