Looking back, 2018 was a breakthrough year for me personally. Having always longed to study abroad, I finally mustered the courage to take that step! Leaving the country I'd lived in for 26 years, my family, friends, and even my four-year job as a barista, I came to Ireland alone to study! After researching online, I was surprised to find that the tuition fees were quite affordable. Most importantly, students could work part-time in Ireland!!! After consulting with their advisor in Malaysia, I decided to give myself a chance. And so~~~ I decided to study in Ireland!!!

On May 7, 2018, I embarked on a solo journey and arrived in Ireland. My first impression of Ireland was that it was a quiet and leisurely country. Of course, I can only describe their weather with one word: "cold"!!! After all, having grown up in Malaysia for most of my life, where it's always "hot"! So the moment I arrived, the cold wind blowing in my face was truly bone-chilling!! What impressed me most was Dublin's "huge pillar"—The Spire, the anchor of Dublin.

The lifestyle here has changed me a lot. The people living here lead very leisurely lives, unlike the "rushed" life in Malaysia. They all have a slow pace of life, and although I wasn't used to it at first, I gradually got used to it. Slow down and live in the moment.

Speaking of learning, the teaching methods here are very unique, completely unlike the education system in Malaysia. Since I'm learning English, NED College is an English language center where all the teachers are licensed English teachers. Classes are held Monday through Friday. The school also occasionally organizes trips, taking students to see different places. The teaching methods here are vastly different from those in Malaysia. In Malaysia, teachers follow a rigid, chapter-by-chapter approach. Here, the teachers use a relaxed teaching style to facilitate learning. Teachers require students to primarily communicate in English and also have them watch movies and read news to improve their English skills. Sometimes they even take students outdoors for learning!

People always say, "Foreign scenery is incredibly beautiful," and that's absolutely true! The scenery here is truly stunning! Everywhere you look is a picture-perfect scene. Unlike most countries with numerous buildings, this place is full of natural ecosystems. Some areas are even listed as World Heritage Sites. My experience studying in Ireland these past few months has definitely helped me grow a lot, both intellectually and emotionally, making me much clearer about what I want.