As a GOI-IES scholar, how will you extend yourself beyond your project/studies to become actively involved in Irish society in order to maximize your academic/cultural exchange experience and raise awareness of the GOI-IES scheme in Ireland and beyond?
In order to fully immerse myself in Irish society during my studies at the ATU Donegal campus, I intend to participate in cultural events, festivals, and student societies that align with my interests in cooking, sports, and language learning. These activities will allow me to share my own experiences while learning more about the traditions, values, and lifestyle of the Irish community in Donegal.
Cooking is one of my favourite activities, and I believe it is one of the easiest ways to connect with people because food creates opportunities for cultural exchange. During my undergraduate studies, I regularly hosted friends from different tribes and cultural backgrounds for campus cooking hangouts, where I prepared traditional Yoruba delicacies and shared my culture through food. I hope to recreate this experience at ATU Donegal by becoming involved with the African & Caribbean Society and organising an event themed "International Food Evening at ATU". This will allow me to introduce Nigerian culinary traditions to Irish students while also creating a platform where students from different backgrounds can exchange their own cultures. I also look forward to attending the Donegal Festival of Foods at Oakfield Park, where I can experience Irish cuisine, learn about local food traditions, and build connections with people in the community.
Beyond cultural activities, I intend to engage with sports and social communities to maintain a healthy study-life balance. Throughout my academic and professional journey, activities such as swimming and gaming have helped me manage stress and connect with people outside my immediate environment. Joining the swimming club and gaming society at ATU Donegal will provide opportunities to interact with Irish students, meet local communities, and develop friendships beyond my academic programme.
Language learning is another way I plan to involve myself in Irish society. I intend to attend Irish language courses at Oideas Gael, where I will have the opportunity to learn the Irish language alongside workshops in traditional music, singing, and dancing. This experience will allow me to engage more deeply with Irish culture, understand its heritage, and develop a stronger sense of connection and belonging within the community during and beyond my studies.
To raise awareness of the GOI-IES scheme in Ireland and beyond, I plan to share my scholarship journey through digital platforms. During my application process, scholarship content from African creators such as Victor Agboga and The Management Diary provided valuable guidance and motivation. I hope to collaborate with platforms like these by sharing my experience as a GOI-IES scholar, from the application process to my academic and cultural journey in Ireland. Through this, I aim to inspire future applicants, especially students from Nigeria and other countries, while promoting the opportunities created by the GOI-IES Scheme.
In order to fully immerse myself in Irish society during my studies at the ATU Donegal campus, I intend to participate in cultural events, festivals, and student societies that align with my interests in cooking, sports, and language learning. These activities will allow me to share my own experiences while learning more about the traditions, values, and lifestyle of the Irish community in Donegal.
Cooking is one of my favourite activities, and I believe it is one of the easiest ways to connect with people because food creates opportunities for cultural exchange. During my undergraduate studies, I regularly hosted friends from different tribes and cultural backgrounds for campus cooking hangouts, where I prepared traditional Yoruba delicacies and shared my culture through food. I hope to recreate this experience at ATU Donegal by becoming involved with the African & Caribbean Society and organising an event themed "International Food Evening at ATU". This will allow me to introduce Nigerian culinary traditions to Irish students while also creating a platform where students from different backgrounds can exchange their own cultures. I also look forward to attending the Donegal Festival of Foods at Oakfield Park, where I can experience Irish cuisine, learn about local food traditions, and build connections with people in the community.
Beyond cultural activities, I intend to engage with sports and social communities to maintain a healthy study-life balance. Throughout my academic and professional journey, activities such as swimming and gaming have helped me manage stress and connect with people outside my immediate environment. Joining the swimming club and gaming society at ATU Donegal will provide opportunities to interact with Irish students, meet local communities, and develop friendships beyond my academic programme.
Language learning is another way I plan to involve myself in Irish society. I intend to attend Irish language courses at Oideas Gael, where I will have the opportunity to learn the Irish language alongside workshops in traditional music, singing, and dancing. This experience will allow me to engage more deeply with Irish culture, understand its heritage, and develop a stronger sense of connection and belonging within the community during and beyond my studies.
To raise awareness of the GOI-IES scheme in Ireland and beyond, I plan to share my scholarship journey through digital platforms. During my application process, scholarship content from African creators such as Victor Agboga and The Management Diary provided valuable guidance and motivation. I hope to collaborate with platforms like these by sharing my experience as a GOI-IES scholar, from the application process to my academic and cultural journey in Ireland. Through this, I aim to inspire future applicants, especially students from Nigeria and other countries, while promoting the opportunities created by the GOI-IES Scheme.
