A study trip abroad is an opportunity to study while discovering a new culture. Moreover, these experiences are often conducive to a very lively nightlife (especially in Ireland…). Nevertheless, it is important not to lose sight of your main goal: to improve considerably your English and to pass your semester(s) of studies. Here are our 6 tips for a successful study trip in Ireland.

1. Do not live with people who speak your native language

The first rule (perhaps the most important…) to observe is to not share an accommodation with people speaking your language. Indeed, one of the main reason to study in Ireland is to learn English. This is much easier by having to speak English at home. The level of English of people who have lived with students speaking the same language is much lower than the level of students who have “cut themselves off” their mother tongue. Of course, we recommend a house-sharing with Irish to immerse yourself in the culture and get used to the different accents present in Ireland.

You can read our article about accommodations in Ireland to help you find a place to stay:

Student accommodations in Ireland: a guide to house hunting 

2. Attend all/most of your classes

Going to all your classes will necessarily increase your chances of success. You have to know that it is VERY easy to be a assiduous student in Ireland. Indeed, with an average of 14 hours of classes per week, we cannot describe as a “big effort” the fact of showing up to all classes. Moreover, Irish teachers usually give a lot of clues about upcoming exams. Being present and attentive in class throughout the semester will allow you to get a good idea of your exam topics. In addition to exam preparation, the courses in Ireland are very interactive and will allow you to considerably increase your level of English.

3. Communicate with lecturers

In Ireland, teachers are very accessible and open to students. It is not uncommon to go for a coffee with them between two courses (or even a pint on a class night out…). Education in Ireland is very much based on exchange between teachers and students. Integration into a new academic setting in a different language can be difficult. This is why it is important to ask the teachers when you need help on any topic. They will be happy to help you and will always be available.

4. Do not neglect modules

So, yes, it may sound like a commonplace tip given by the lecturers at the beginning of the year… However, in order to pass a year of study in Ireland, it is mandatory to pass each of the modules of your course. A (slight) compensation system is in place in some colleges. For more information on how higher education works in Ireland, please read our article here.

Also, it is important to specify that – most of the time – all modules are worth the same amount of credits. Thus, in order to succeed in your studies in Ireland, you better not neglect any module  😉

5. Get involved in some of the activities offered on your campus

Irish colleges are very active at all levels. Indeed, you will find a multitude of activities throughout the year. The Student Union is very present in universities and is fully involved in the student life. In addition to nights out, many activities of all kinds are offered all year round.

In addition, charity is highly developed in Ireland. You will have the opportunity, if you wish, to take part in many charitable actions organised on your campus.

Sport is also well developed at university level. Most of the sports are represented in the main colleges of the country. Whether you are practicing individual or collective sports, you are likely to find your happiness

 😉

6. Do not forget to visit and go out

Ok, student life is cool … but a study trip abroad is also (especially) the opportunity to discover a new country. For those who do not know it yet, Ireland is a WONDERFUL country. If you have any doubt, check out our  photo gallery or our Instagram account 😀

The country consists in a small territory, it is easy and not costly to cross it for each of your visits. In addition to discovering sublime landscapes, you can learn more about the rich Irish culture.

Finally, the crazy Irish parties will help you relax between two exams or projects to submit. Going on nights out is also a great way to meet new people and speed up your integration. Moreover, it would be a shame to go to study in Ireland without enjoying one of its best assets: the pubs. Apart from Dublin, pubs and nightclubs close at 2:30am. So, you can go out and have enough sleep to be in (kind of) good condition the next day in class 😎

To conclude:

We can say that by following these 6 tips, your study trip in Ireland will be a total success – from both an academic and a personnel point of view. Ireland is one of the foreign students’ favourite destinations and we could make an endless list to justify it  🙂

You might also like our other blog articles:

10 reasons to study in Ireland

At the heart of Ireland, Athlone, this charming student town

Why Galway is the favourite city of students in Ireland