By Albert Bentum-Kabenlah, IFY Engineering DIFC

Arrival in Dublin

Who would have thought that a 7-hour flight from Ghana to Europe was all I needed to experience the beauty of Dublin. Only a few months since I got to Ireland, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Upon arrival at Dublin airport, I was filled with anxiety and a tiny bit of uncertainty. The reality of leaving home hit me when I was greeted by the cold air, not what I was used to back home. “Will I fit in well here,” I wondered, “is this the right place for me?”, questions I asked my intrinsic self.

However, things turned out to be completely different and my worries proved to be unnecessary. From the reliable airport pickup and to the aesthetic views of the city landscape, everything was just so soothing. The vibrant green Irish plains which stretched for miles held my attention for the entire trip to my accommodation. It felt as though I had stepped into an entirely different world; one that was not just beautiful but also peaceful. I also received a warm welcome from a representative from students services which set the tone for an entirely new experience.

A Mix of Work and Play

Of course, it was not all work and no play at DIFC. The first month at DIFC featured many social activities which were organised by students’ services. In my opinion, the best one was culture night in the city where we visited an open market and attended a Mexican music festival. The vibrant rhythms of the music, the dancing, and the overall excitement were the spotlight for the night. It was heartwarming to see all my classmates happy, dancing and having fun. Our walks in the city that day made it clear that Dublin had a lot more to offer and there was a lot more to explore.

The fun didn’t stop there, as we did a lot more things in the coming weeks such as celebrating Halloween and holding an International Culture Day event. All efforts by students’ services to ensure we enjoyed DIFC while focusing on academic work.

Discovering Irish Parks

After staying indoors almost every weekend, my housemates and I decided we needed a dose of the Irish evergreen parks. We therefore embarked on a short odyssey to find the best parks and fortunately for us, we stumbled upon Phoenix Park. This was a beautiful experience as some of us had not visited any parks in Ireland yet. The serenity and the view of the evergreen park as the sun set over the park was absolutely beautiful and unmatched. Indeed, this was a nice time with nature.

Solo Adventures

Fridays were my time for solo walks and adventure. Passing by Trinity College in the heart of the city, I couldn’t help but feel like I was part of something much bigger. You would always find me wandering the streets of Dublin city centre at the end of the week. The lively atmosphere of the city after school hours is something I’ve grown to love.

Dublin’s Rich Culture and History

One of the perks of studying here is the proximity to Dublin’s rich history and culture, from castles to statues and memorial grounds – each having a story to tell. Dublin’s long literary history, especially, is woven into the fabric of the culture of its people. One thing I have to say is that the indigenes are proud of it.

Friendships and Personal Growth

The friendships I’ve made at school have been another highlight of my time here. It’s fascinating to hear stories from my friends and learn about their different traditions from their various hometowns. It appears we are always learning something new about each other, and I for one find it extremely interesting.

Reflections on Life in Dublin

Living in Dublin as an international student has been a whirlwind of excitement, learning, and unforgettable moments. Looking back, I’m grateful for how much I’ve learned, not just from teachers but from the people around me and the city itself. School in Dublin is more than just an education; it’s about growing as a person and connecting with people and a place that is as rich in culture and history as it is in warmth and kindness. My time here has already been incredible, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds in this amazing city.