Three Years Abroad: My Final Reflection on Study Abroad in Ireland

Rima F. (Japan)
Jul 10
4 min read

Updated: Jul 21

Reflecting on Sixth Year

As I close the final chapter of my secondary school journey, my thoughts go beyond just sixth year - they stretch across the entire three years I’ve spent living and studying in Ireland. Sixth year itself was intense, emotional, and filled with hard work. There were moments of stress, especially with the Leaving Certificate, but I also had the chance to study subjects I truly cared about, participate in events, and grow in ways I never expected.

Now that it's over, I feel an enormous sense of accomplishment. I pushed myself, found balance (mostly!), and gave it everything I had. Fingers crossed my results will reflect that effort.

The Heart of My Irish Experience

I first arrived in Ireland at 15, and was immediately struck by how warm and welcoming Irish people are. From day one, I was made to feel at home. I’ve made friendships I know will last a lifetime - my friend Ellen, for example, is one of the kindest, sweetest people I’ve ever met.

Ireland's natural beauty also left a lasting impression. I loved exploring places like Wicklow, Wexford, and Waterford. The scenery in each county was so different from what I was used to in Japan, and it gave me a greater appreciation for nature.

Living in Dublin felt incredibly safe, and public transport was reliable and easy to navigate. I especially enjoyed spending time in the city centre, where I found great places to eat and shop - particularly the vintage shops!

Having a guardian during my early months was essential. They helped with everything from visa forms and school documents to host family arrangements and medical issues. That support allowed me to focus on adjusting to life in school rather than worrying about logistics.

From Nervous Arrival to Confident Graduate

Though I won’t be continuing my studies in Ireland, many of my international friends are. I completely understand why - the universities here are top-quality, and student life looks exciting and full of opportunities.

Living abroad at a young age has changed me in ways I didn’t expect. My English improved dramatically, but more importantly, my confidence grew. I made friends from all over the world, especially during Transition Year, which introduced me to a wider community of international students. In fact, that’s how I got to visit places I never imagined, like when I visited my German roommates earlier this year.

What Transition Year Taught Me

Transition Year was where most of my personal growth happened. I tried so many new things and made friendships that remain strong today. Clubs like Model United Nations (MUN) helped me grow in confidence, as I learned to debate real-world issues and meet students from other schools.

I also joined drama - something completely outside my comfort zone. It was tough to balance with studies, but I’m so glad I did it. My school’s support for the arts gave me the freedom to explore my interests creatively.

Life at Boarding School: The Truth Behind the Myths

Is boarding school really like the movies? In some ways, yes. There were dramatic moments, deep friendships, late-night chats, and inside jokes. But living with others also taught me how to manage disagreements and navigate relationships. Conflict is inevitable, but communication always helped resolve it.

Boarding wasn’t just a place to live - it was a support system. Especially during the Leaving Cert, it gave me the space and focus I needed. Everyone around me was working hard, which created a positive kind of pressure. I even picked up new study habits from others!

My HSI guardian played a huge role here too. They helped organise term breaks, communicated with the school, and were a steady support through stressful times. Having someone like that in your corner - when your family is far away - makes a world of difference.

Boarding School Essentials: What You Really Need

Here are a few essentials every boarder should have:

A bathrobe and slippers – especially handy when sharing bathrooms.
Snacks from home – nothing beats the comfort of familiar food.
Be fire-alarm ready – these go off more than you’d think! I always kept a coat and headphones nearby just in case.

Studying in Ireland: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re planning to study abroad in Ireland, here are some practical tips:

Bring a proper raincoat – umbrellas don’t stand a chance against the Irish wind!
Be ready for all kinds of weather – winters are freezing, springs surprisingly sunny.
Pack sunglasses – you’ll definitely need them in April, May, and June.
Don’t overpack – you can easily buy what you forget once you're here.

A Bittersweet Goodbye and What’s Next

It’s surreal that this chapter is ending, but I’m excited for what lies ahead. Ireland has given me memories, life lessons, and a second home. With the Leaving Certificate behind me, it’s time to take everything I’ve learnt and move forward with confidence.