From the nice and cozy welcome with a splendid rainbow to the wealthy historical past of Limerick, each second has been an journey for Pupil Ambassador Zishu (Deborah) Gao.

I used to be welcomed to Eire with a splendid rainbow simply as I landed in Dublin Airport in October 2022. What an ideal view to kick off my journey right here!

After three months of my time right here in Limerick, I can lastly say I completely had the appropriate alternative to return to Eire for my  MA in Design. Limerick College of Artwork and Design is the oldest artwork faculty in Eire with a world-renowned status. The Technological College of the Shannon is a multi-campus college unfold throughout six campuses all through Eire’s Midwest and Midlands area with 14,000+ college students from everywhere in the world. I managed to make mates from many various worldwide backgrounds.

Limerick is a metropolis with its wealthy historical past and has a novel vibe amongst different cities in Eire. My bachelor examine was in Industrial Product Design each in my house metropolis Shanghai, China and in Nantes, France. Reality to be advised, it feels a lot nearer to check it to my earlier expertise in continental Europe. 

The primary semester began with a course in a collaborative mission. Since all of us within the class are worldwide, we missed a little bit of native connection throughout our time on campus. I joined the coed expertise committee and a DJ society with different Irish college students on board which I loved so much throughout my free time in college.

I used to be fascinated by Irish tradition and historical past earlier than I got here to Eire. To have the ability to examine and dwell within the hometown of The Cranberries was like a dream come true. I felt so fortunate and grateful to be awarded with the Claddagh Scholarship by Training in Eire once I was making use of for my examine. Once I first travelled to Galway throughout Christmas break, I lastly managed to carry my Claddagh “allure” from 2D to 3D. I used to be so touched by the attractive symbolization* of the Claddagh ring (*The fingers are for friendship. The center is for love. And loyalty is proven with the crown over it.)

I used to be invited by my pal to attend the President’s Ball from Engineers Eire in Dublin. This was the very first time for me to expertise an official ball like this. It was such enjoyable!

Up to now my life in Eire has met each expectation I had. 

Eire, undoubtedly my proper alternative!

Deborah Zishu Gao is pursuing a Grasp of Arts in Interdisciplinary Design at TUS