Given the worldwide epidemic, you may be wondering if studying abroad in Ireland is really worthwhile. To begin with, you may still study abroad in Ireland right now. While all of this is going on, there is a lot that is unique about studying in Ireland, but it is entirely doable. And all of the fantastic aspects that make Ireland such a terrific study abroad location remain true (more on that below! ); you just have to jump through a few additional hoops to make it happen.
This isn’t your average “Things to Know Before Visiting Ireland” piece. Why? Because I don’t want to go through the fundamentals of Irish history. You’re a wise cookie; you’re already aware of these. Rather, I’m bringing insider knowledge to the table. So have a seat.
Before you travel to Ireland, learn about its history.
First and foremost, plan your route! It doesn’t take a history major to see that Ireland’s deep-rooted history and customs are one of the country’s most captivating qualities. To put it bluntly, if you come to Ireland without an open mind to new ideas, information, and knowledge, you are squandering a fantastic opportunity.
It would be a travesty to visit Ireland and not learn about the country’s customs, history, and culture. You can never truly “know” a nation and its people until you first have an understanding for and affection for its history. As the ancient adage goes, “we can never grasp our present unless we learn about our history.” (At least, that’s how I understand it.) Are you still not convinced? Taking this step will also help you to become a better student.
Ireland’s education system
Irish universities have great research partnerships and contacts with institutions all around the world. During your studies, you will have the chance to create a genuinely worldwide network.
The grading system in Ireland is likewise unique. It is exclusively used in Ireland and the United Kingdom. Overall, a student must obtain a 40% average to pass, a 50% average to receive honours with their degree, and a 70% average to receive a 1:1, the highest grade. However, getting only 60% is notoriously tough. As a result, don’t expect to get more than 95 percent on your assignments during your study.
Visas for Students
Ireland is an EU member state, however it is not part of the borderless Schengen Zone. This does not impact nationals of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom, who are allowed to relocate there, but it does effect people from other nations. In Ireland, a Schengen visa is not valid. You will require an Irish student visa.
However, Ireland does not make it difficult to obtain one of them. In fact, they make things as simple for Americans and Canadians as possible. To begin with, your course must last at least three months; else, you would be classified as a tourist. Ireland eliminates many of the difficulties and bureaucracy because the procedure is mostly conducted online.
Tuition and Scholarships
Ireland’s higher education star is rising, thanks to institutions such as Trinity College Dublin, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and University College Dublin. As a result, finding domestic and foreign scholarships is not difficult. Individual colleges frequently give their own scholarships based on academic excellence and potential, as well as, in certain circumstances, nationality. As Ireland becomes a more popular destination for international students and seeks to recruit more, the number of scholarships for higher education courses in Ireland increases practically every year. Fees range from €9900 ($11,670) to €34,000 ($41,000), depending on the course, level of study, and length of the programme. Undergraduate tuition is paid either annually or in semester-by-semester instalments. Because postgraduate studies are typically one year in length, postgraduate fees are often levied as a one-time fee.
You’ll Need to Be Adaptable
Just as you shouldn’t force a quick pace in Ireland, you must occasionally “go with the flow,” as they say, and be adaptable. I’m sure by now, everyone has heard of Ireland’s ever-changing weather, which deviates from the norm of any and all normal weather patterns about as much as a bride-to-be varies from one dress option to another.
The same may be said about your plans. Whether you are studying or touring in Ireland, your plans will certainly change as swiftly as the weather.
Housing and Living Expenses
The cost of living is reasonable, especially for a metropolis in Western Europe. One of the reasons that so many students looking for adventure chose Ireland is that it is so doable. You must budget wisely, but it is uncommon for people to struggle to make ends meet.
The Irish are Sports Enthusiasts.
The Irish are well-known for their love of sports, and they are host to one of our must-see events throughout the world. Bring your best lungs to shout for your favourite teams! The Irish are enthusiastic about their sports pursuits regardless of the sort of match (rugby, hurling, football), the weather, the time, or the location!
