The first day I arrived in Ireland was my 29th birthday. And actually, it was my first experience in abroad. Yeah, right, I have never been to another country before.
When I was a student, I was deeply attracted to Irish culture, especially the literature. James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and William Butler Yeats. Their novels and poetries gave me a wonderful image of Ireland and Irish life even though I have forgotten what they described. I also watched some movies about Ireland, like Once and Leap Year. I got important information about Ireland, that is “If there is just one word to describe Ireland, that must be “hospitality”. And precisely, it is my initial impression when I landing Ireland on the 29th of August.
Before landing in Dublin airport, I got a phone call from Ali, she is one of the students at the TUS Athlone campus. And she told me details about what I could do when landing Dublin Airport and information about there was someone to meet me at the airport, then she told me not to worry, it would be fine. I must say I was very moved when I received that information.
Then, the plane I took landed in Dublin, Ireland, which is the city I read about a lot before and now everything was happening in front of my eyes; to be perfectly honest, it was full of unreal feelings. Ultimately, it was true, I arrived in Ireland and started my student journey.
That is an absolutely true experience about “hospitality”. School, school alumni, my roommates and everyone I met is friendly and kind. I settled down easily when I got help from a lot of people.
Now, my course started 2 weeks ago, and even though it is complicated and full of challenges because there are loads of barriers due to different language surroundings, I still believe that will be resolved and ultimately, I will be more professional after my studies, because I know there is a lot of support and backing from my school and my teachers.
Last but not least, I must say, thank you TUS, you are the most wonderful gift I received when I was 29.
San is from China currently studying for a Higher Diploma in Business Management.