My Study Experience in Ireland
Government of Ireland International Education Scholar (GOI-IES)
My name is Laureen Joy Chelangat from Kenya. I am currently in semester 2 of my Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution (MADR) course at Independent College in Dublin, Ireland. I was awarded the prestigious Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship for the year 2023/24 to pursue my Masters Degree in Ireland.
Born and raised in the most remote village in Kenya, I embarked on my journey to study abroad having heard of Ireland from stories making headlines in the news and the internet. What some would term as the most peculiar thing, because, essentially, a girl my age way back home, is expected to be starting a family and tending to other key needs of the community. That did not deter me from pursuing a masters in the field of law and dispute resolution. What’s more, I happened to be in the centre of one the most gruesome outbreaks of political violence in Kenya, in 2008, that saw me lose friends and family during the wrangles. This sparked my interest in pursuing a course involving restorative justice. A scholarship at the time, was a definite jackpot and pure luck, that came in handy for me.
Ireland offers top-notch education in the EU and offers studies in the English language. It also boasts of the rich Irish culture, from food, lively pubs resonating with great music, literature, monuments and holiday celebrations. Employment prospects in the country are quite high, and from the few months that I have lived here, I would say I have had several job offers, something that is definitely hard to stumble upon in Kenya. Colleges in the country have state-of-the-art facilities to bolster learning. As a student, one can leverage on career fairs and networking events to secure work placements.
Exploring the country should be on the to-do list for anyone aspiring to be here, and even for those already in Ireland. The country has a lot to offer. From the National Gallery of Ireland, museums, castles, scenic views, awesome landscape for nature lovers including cliffs and endless flowing rivers. Dublin, the capital city of Ireland is a vibrant multi-cultural city with diverse nationalities residing in the city’s suburbs with a majority of businesses being run by non-locals.
Additionally, the MADR course offered by Independent College in Dublin is distinct on its own as it focuses on non-adversarial dispute resolution process modules. The programme also offers one of the most unique learner-centred teaching experiences inclusive of role plays, presentations and lectures to bolster a deeper understanding of the core tenets of the course. Further, the course is taught by prominent solicitors, barristers, mediators, professors and arbitrators who have vast knowledge and expertise in the field. We also benefit from smaller classes as it enhances student-teacher interaction thereby promoting individualized understanding.
I have adjusted to my unique and promising journey in the country. Every day offers a learning experience for me. The locals are friendly and I have learnt to tame my homesickness by going out more with friends and making the most of my time here by getting involved in loads of things. The most notable adjustment has been that of the weather. You get to experience all four seasons in a day in Ireland and it is important to always dress appropriately for the day. Raincoats are a must have. It is good to invest in a pair of waterproof boots as well.
My main goal during my studies here is to gain insight on various modules with the intention of returning back to Kenya and giving back to my society with the newly acquired knowledge while stepping into the shoes of great leaders in the field of peacekeeping like Fatuma Abdulkadir Adan. Ultimately, I am looking forward to a career in commercial dispute resolution and establishing my own consultancy firm.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship. It covers tuition fees, living expenses and up to one year tuition waiver for a Masters Degree programme or PHD course. As a scholar, you have the one-off chance to enhance your professional development, network with people while receiving round the clock support from the Higher Education Institution of your choice.
Laureen Chelangat is from Kenya, is a Government of Ireland International Education Scholar (GOI-IES) and is currently studying on the Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution programme at Independent College in Dublin, Ireland.
🌐 Everything you need to know about GOI-IES: https://hea.ie/policy/internationalisation/goi-ies/