"One language limits your path, two languages ​​can open every door along the way." — Frank Smith (renowned psycholinguist)

I spent a total of one year and eight months in Ireland. Actually, it all started very simply: I've always wanted to see different parts of the world, meet different people, and try different lifestyles. So, when I turned 30, I applied for an Irish working visa!

I think this is one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I even regret not starting sooner! "Coming here, I finally understand what life is"—this is the common sentiment of many friends who have come to Ireland. Every day is no longer just about working for the sake of working. After a while, you gradually get infected by the European pace of enjoying life in the moment. You work diligently at work, and after work, you meet up with colleagues and friends at bars, complaining about the motorcycle boss, the monster customers, while gulping down ice-cold Guinness. The day's stress is completely released! Then, without realizing it, you're chatting with strangers around you as if they were long-lost friends. Then everyone sings along with the singer on stage, and even dances! This is the quintessential Irish lifestyle!

Of course, we worked hard so we could properly explore Europe. One of the best things about living here is how cheap the airfare is!!! I personally visited 14 countries during this period, went to the crazy Tomatina festival in Spain, Oktoberfest in Germany, visited countless Christmas markets, and even set foot on African soil. When I found a great deal on airfare, I took a day trip to London, and the round-trip ticket cost less than 1000 NTD! I really love Ireland! The people here are friendly, the safety is relatively high compared to other countries, the economy is stable, and it's really not difficult to find a job! So, in the end, still wanting more, I decided to give myself another eight months, partly to improve my English, and on the recommendation of many working holiday veterans, I enrolled at NED.

Every day in class, the classroom is like a small global village, with students from all over Europe and even the Americas, as well as teachers from various countries. In addition to solid courses, there is plenty of time for discussion, allowing you to experience an education model that is completely different from that in Taiwan. Teachers also plan outdoor excursions from time to time, and the school has many extracurricular activities, ranging from chartered day trips to group tours to places like Morocco, and so on! You will find that what you gain is not only classroom knowledge, not only making speaking English a natural thing, but also firsthand stories and cultural exchanges from all over the world, and best of all—friendships from all over the world.

During my trips abroad, friends often looked at my photos and said enviously, "Wow! My English isn't that good! I really want to experience life abroad too!" Actually, no matter how old we get, I believe there will always be a moment when, in the quiet of the night, we ask ourselves: Is this all there is to my life? A Spanish best friend once told me, "People must travel, because only when you've seen the world will you learn humility." I couldn't agree more. But at the same time, I also feel that traveling not only makes us realize our own insignificance, but sometimes we also see our own greatness and malleable side! Life is neither too long nor too short, but some things, if you don't do them now, you'll never do them again. All you need is the courage to take that small step and not leave yourself any regrets.

I'm Lulu from Kaohsiung, and I'd love for everyone to be my friend!