My First Month Studying Abroad in Ireland: Settling In

I’ve already been studying abroad in Ireland for a month. Things are settling down, and time is starting to fly by. I’m getting along well with both school and sports. After speaking to my teacher, I even got the opportunity to access a piano after school, so I don’t have to stop playing.

Time for Some Projects...

Since I really like physics, I joined a competition called CanSat, run by the European Space Agency (ESA). Along with five other people, I’m part of the team FlopSat. The goal of the competition is to build a functioning satellite, launch it into the air, collect data, and present the findings. I’m working on building the satellite itself and designing the parachute for the rocket. We have a great team dynamic, and I hope we win the regional competition!

Joining the Athletics Club

As I did athletics back home, one of my top priorities was joining an athletics club here in Ratoath. From the very first training session, the group welcomed me as if I’d been training with them for years. The best part is that, unlike at home, I now have an actual running crew to train with.

I even participated in my first running competition in Ireland. Together with some friends from the club, I went to Proudstown to take part in a Cross Country event. Despite the rain and strong winds, I finished my 6K run in a good time.

My First Trip to Dublin

One of my goals was to visit Dublin. Fortunately, there’s a bus stop right in front of my house, which makes travelling really easy. I took the 103 bus to Beresford, and an hour later, I arrived in Dublin. My first stop was the Dublin Portal. I’d heard a lot about it and was excited to finally see it for myself.

Next, I visited the National Gallery. I was pleasantly surprised that this amazing museum is free for visitors. I especially enjoyed the exhibition of 17th and 18th-century Dutch artists, including a painting by Vermeer.

Afterwards, I explored the city on foot, walking through the city centre. After a quick ice cream break, I crossed the Ha'penny Bridge into the Italian Quarter.

Since I loved the city so much and hadn’t seen everything, I returned two weeks later. This time, I visited the Old Library at Trinity College, Marsh’s Library, explored the other side of the River Liffey, and ate fish and chips at Dublin’s oldest chipper. Both trips were fantastic, and I’m sure I’ll be back for at least one more visit.

Conclusion from my First Month Studying Abroad in Ireland

Overall, I’m really enjoying my time in Ireland. Of course, there are things and people back home that I miss, but I’m looking forward to the next three months until the winter break!