Admission Journey: Know how Dev got into Dublin Business School, Ireland during COVID-19

Studyabroad.shiksha.com got in touch with Dev – to know about the challenges he faced while processing his study abroad application during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19. Dev is looking forward to pursuing his Masters in Data Analytics from the Dublin Business School, Ireland. The excerpts of the conversation follow.

Q. Why did you choose to study abroad? Did COVID-19 affect your decision at any point?

Dev: I am a software engineer. I need to enhance my skills and scale up my knowledge to be a more productive professional in the IT industry by studying data related master’s program. Hence, pursuing Data Analytics from the Dublin Business School, Ireland would allow me an opportunity to enhance my skills in the field of data and professionally qualify me for the next level.

The COVID-19 at no point altered my determination to pursue higher studies abroad. There was some confusion over the revision of dates, but I was able to sail through. You have to understand that COVID-19 hit India in a big way in March, with the lockdown being imposed from March 24, 2020, onwards. However, I was able to complete my application process to the university and have my Ireland Student Visa stamped on my passport by the first week of March. So, technically speaking, the COVID-19 did not directly affect my decision or my application process.

Q. Was this particular country your only choice as a study destination or did you consider other countries as well?

Dev: Yes, my only choice to pursue Masters in Data Analytics was the Dublin Business School located in Ireland.

Q. Once you were sure of going abroad to study, how did you research the application process? Was it a difficult stage?

Dev: The application process was a little confusing at the start. Understanding the various stages to apply, obtain a study visa among other things was not challenging but still, a bit tricky.

Q. Which exams were you required to take?

Dev: I was required to appear for the IELTS Academic test.

Q. How was your Visa interview? What questions did the Visa officer ask you?

Dev: My Ireland Student Visa interview was straight forward. Documentation check was extremely elaborate and having a good Statement of Purpose (SOP) helped immensely during the process. The overall experience was very smooth.

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Q. What challenges did you face due to the COVID-19 lockdown? Was it difficult to arrange finances?

Dev: My course at the Dublin Business School got postponed by six months due to the travel restrictions and safety precautions in place at the university. I had already booked my accommodation and travel arrangements were in place to fly to Ireland. Though, I have not lost the money. Still, uncertainty on travel is persistent.

Regarding finances, student loan processing took a long time since the college I’m attending was not listed with State Bank of India. So I opted to apply for a student loan from a private bank. Now, I’m paying pre-EMIs on the loan amount, but the course has not yet commenced.

Q.  Was your family concerned about sending you abroad during these uncertain times? How did you convince them?

Dev: Yes, my family is concerned about my safety. However, there are no objections from their end. So it’s safe to say, they are convinced about my study abroad aspirations.

Q. How did you come across Shiksha Study Abroad Counseling services? What is your honest opinion about the help provided to you by the team?

Dev: I came across the Shiksha Study Abroad Counseling services through the official website. They are an extremely professional and result oriented team of counselors. They know their job well and are available always throughout the application process including weekends.

Q. What additional support did you receive from the university or Shiksha Study Abroad counselors during this unforeseen situation?

Dev: Both, the Dublin School of Business and the team of Shiksha Study Abroad counselors were in constant touch and helped me regain moral support during these unexpected times. They also provided timely advice and were available throughout the application process.

Q. Have you made it to your chosen study abroad destination? What advice would you offer study abroad aspirants, especially amid the COVID-19 scenario?

Dev: Though I have my Ireland Study Visa in place, however, I am unable to reach the Dublin School of Business due to the current travel restrictions imposed in both the countries, India and Ireland. However, once the international borders open, I plan to leave for my study destination.

I have been previously associated with the Renewable Sector and I feel a lot of sectors including the Hospitality Sector have been severely affected by the ongoing crisis. Funding has been stopped, projects stalled and the future is riddled with ambiguity. Hence what better timing than now to go back to your studies. Hence, I feel the current interval is perhaps the best time to pursue higher studies and to grow since uncertainty looms in multiple sectors.

Also, Ireland and Europe in general, are a lot safer and student-friendly than other countries. Some of my friends received financial support from the Government during these times. So, if one’s decision to pursue studies abroad has been made, it is the perfect time to chase that dream.

While Dev waits for the international borders to open, we would like to wish him all the best for his future ahead.

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