A rewarding academic and cultural journey at Griffith College Dublin.
Tips: Before joining Griffith College Dublin, students should be aware that the academic system may differ from their home country, especially in terms of independent learning, assessments, and referencing styles. Understanding the importance of time management, academic integrity, and class participation can help students succeed. It’s also essential to be prepared for cultural diversity, as the college hosts students from all over the world.
The transition to life at Griffith was overall smooth but came with an initial cultural shift. From classroom behaviour and teaching methods to social customs and communication styles, everything required a period of adjustment. However, the supportive faculty and friendly peers made the process easier. Participating in group projects, workshops, and college events helped me integrate and develop both academically and personally.
I was fortunate to receive a partial merit-based scholarship. The scholarship application was submitted during the admission process, and selection was based on academic performance and a personal statement. The allowance helped reduce tuition fees, which made studying abroad more affordable and manageable.
Overall, I am very satisfied with my experience at Griffith College, both in terms of my course and the country. The curriculum is industry-relevant, the lecturers are knowledgeable, and the campus offers modern facilities. Living in Ireland has been a rewarding experience due to its friendly people, beautiful landscapes, and safety. Griffith has not only enhanced my academic knowledge but also contributed to my personal growth and career readiness.
Likes (Indian Food): Dublin, especially around Griffith College, offers a good range of international food choices, though it may not fully match the authenticity or variety available back home. There are numerous Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and African restaurants within a short distance of the college. These places cater well to the student population, and the food is generally flavorful and satisfying.
Typical restaurants include Indian curry houses, halal takeaway spots, Chinese and Thai noodle bars, and kebab joints. Prices are fairly reasonable for students, with meals usually costing between €8 and €15. There are also more premium restaurants if you're looking for a special treat, where prices can range from €20 to €25 per meal. In addition, fast-food chains and local cafés provide convenient options for a quick bite.
Grocery stores and Asian or ethnic supermarkets like Tesco, Lidl, Eurasia, and Asia Market offer ingredients and spices from various countries, making it easier to cook your own meals if you prefer traditional home-style food. This has been especially helpful in maintaining a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Personally, I prefer cooking at home during the week to save money and eat healthier, but I enjoy dining out on weekends or during social gatherings. The availability of ingredients and dining options allows me to maintain a balanced routine and stay connected to my culinary roots while exploring Irish and international cuisine.
Dislikes (Internships): While Griffith College provides some support in this area, there is still room for improvement in terms of guidance, structure, and opportunities. The Careers Office occasionally shares internship openings through emails and job portals, and they do conduct workshops on CV writing, interview preparation, and LinkedIn optimisation. However, the process of finding and securing internships is largely student-driven.
For international students unfamiliar with the Irish job market, this can be challenging. There is limited one-on-one mentorship or a dedicated placement program for many non-technical or niche postgraduate courses. Guidance is often general and not always tailored to individual industries or specific fields of study.
In my case, while the college shared internship resources, I had to do most of the research and networking independently to find opportunities related to my program. There are some relevant internships available, especially in business, IT, and digital marketing sectors, but students in specialised fields like pharmaceutical sciences or clinical research might struggle to find directly aligned roles unless they proactively search beyond the college's network.
That said, Ireland has a growing job market, and with persistence, it’s possible to find meaningful work experience. Griffith does try to support students, but could strengthen its connections with industry partners and offer more structured internship pathways. This would greatly enhance the practical learning experience and better align with the academic programs offered.
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