Leap of Faith: Irish Times Article
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Leiden University is one of Europe’s leading international research universities. Photograph: Getty Images
[Image of Leiden University]
As part of my two-year degree in bologna, I was able to apply to the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and finish my studies with a Master’s in International affairs.
I am from Limerick city. My primary school,An Modhscoil,and secondary school,Laurel Hill Coláiste,are within a five-minute walk of each other. So, being gifted a generous scholarship to such a prestigious and international school felt almost unreal.
In just over five years, I earned three degrees from three different universities, each offering its own distinct outlook on global affairs. It all started with a leap of faith back in 2017, and if you had told me then where that decision would lead, I wouldn’t have believed you.
of course, my experience studying abroad did not come without challenges. At times, it can be isolating to navigate new systems, rules and academic expectations by yourself. In the Netherlands, when looking for accommodation, you would often see advertisements that read “Dutch only”. The language barrier was a challenge at first, both in the Netherlands and especially in Italy.
I found Sundays the hardest; all my friends would go home for the weekend and I would miss my family.However, the benefits always surpassed everything else. I have made friends with people all over the world – from Armenia to Zambia, Jordan to Japan and even someone from Dublin.I found the cultural exchanges between all the different nationalities to be truly enriching. I learned from my professors in lectures and office hours, as well as from casual conversa