This is the second question for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
2. As a GOI-IES scholar, how will you extend yourself beyond your project/studies to become actively involved in Irish society to maximize your academic/cultural exchange experience and raise awareness of the GOI-IES scheme in Ireland and beyond? (15 marks) MAX 500 WORDS
As a GOI-IES scholar, studying in Ireland is more than an academic goal; it is a chance to build real connections, share stories that matter, and engage in meaningful cultural exchange. I see this experience as living and interactive, not just a programme requirement, and I plan to fully immerse myself in Irish life while bringing a piece of Nigeria with me.
I will begin by joining local communities and volunteering with organisations such as the Irish Red Cross and Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI). Through JAI, I can share financial literacy tips with young students, linking lessons to my background in economics while learning from Ireland's inclusive educational approaches. I will introduce basic concepts like opportunity cost and needs versus wants to help students make smarter financial decisions. Volunteering with the Irish Red Cross will allow me to contribute my skills and observe how community resilience is built, drawing on my experience providing first aid to participants and coordinators during Nigeria's National Youth Service Corps programme. These activities will create authentic engagement and a two-way cultural exchange.
Cultural immersion will be at the heart of my journey. I plan to actively participate in Irish festivals, such as St. Patrick's Day and the Waterford Harvest Festival, experiencing local customs, music, and storytelling. I will also collaborate with the SETU African Society to host small 'Taste of Nigeria' events during cultural programmes, sharing traditional dishes like jollof rice and oha soup while narrating the stories behind them. I remember hosting a small dinner for friends in Lagos, where cooking these dishes sparked conversations and connection, which I hope to recreate in Ireland. I believe food is a powerful bridge for sharing culture and values.
Beyond in-person experiences, I will share this exchange digitally through a themed Medium publication titled Bridging Cultures: Ireland & Nigeria. This mini-series will highlight my journey as a GOI-IES scholar, showcase cultural stories and sustainability practices in Ireland, and share ethical finance lessons from my Master's studies. It will also provide practical advice for international students looking to study in Ireland. I also plan to take part in online interviews and videos on education-focused YouTube platforms like SETUIreland and EducationinIrelandAfrica, sharing my GOI-IES journey and tips for studying abroad. This will include sessions like 'Q&A with South East Technological University,' where I will discuss academic life, cultural experiences, and practical advice for students. Additionally, I will share highlights of my experience and lifestyle on my LinkedIn page, including through SETU's #SetuStudentSpotlightSeries, to raise awareness of the GOI-IES scheme and inspire future scholars.
Finally, through volunteering, cultural immersion, and knowledge-sharing, I aim to leave Ireland with more than a degree. I want to leave footprints of friendship, shared wisdom, and cultural understanding. By building bridges between Ireland and Nigeria, I aim to show how learning across borders can spark lasting change. I will carry these lessons home through workshops on financial literacy and cultural exchange, empowering young Nigerians to be agents of change in their communities.
2. As a GOI-IES scholar, how will you extend yourself beyond your project/studies to become actively involved in Irish society to maximize your academic/cultural exchange experience and raise awareness of the GOI-IES scheme in Ireland and beyond? (15 marks) MAX 500 WORDS
As a GOI-IES scholar, studying in Ireland is more than an academic goal; it is a chance to build real connections, share stories that matter, and engage in meaningful cultural exchange. I see this experience as living and interactive, not just a programme requirement, and I plan to fully immerse myself in Irish life while bringing a piece of Nigeria with me.
I will begin by joining local communities and volunteering with organisations such as the Irish Red Cross and Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI). Through JAI, I can share financial literacy tips with young students, linking lessons to my background in economics while learning from Ireland's inclusive educational approaches. I will introduce basic concepts like opportunity cost and needs versus wants to help students make smarter financial decisions. Volunteering with the Irish Red Cross will allow me to contribute my skills and observe how community resilience is built, drawing on my experience providing first aid to participants and coordinators during Nigeria's National Youth Service Corps programme. These activities will create authentic engagement and a two-way cultural exchange.
Cultural immersion will be at the heart of my journey. I plan to actively participate in Irish festivals, such as St. Patrick's Day and the Waterford Harvest Festival, experiencing local customs, music, and storytelling. I will also collaborate with the SETU African Society to host small 'Taste of Nigeria' events during cultural programmes, sharing traditional dishes like jollof rice and oha soup while narrating the stories behind them. I remember hosting a small dinner for friends in Lagos, where cooking these dishes sparked conversations and connection, which I hope to recreate in Ireland. I believe food is a powerful bridge for sharing culture and values.
Beyond in-person experiences, I will share this exchange digitally through a themed Medium publication titled Bridging Cultures: Ireland & Nigeria. This mini-series will highlight my journey as a GOI-IES scholar, showcase cultural stories and sustainability practices in Ireland, and share ethical finance lessons from my Master's studies. It will also provide practical advice for international students looking to study in Ireland. I also plan to take part in online interviews and videos on education-focused YouTube platforms like SETUIreland and EducationinIrelandAfrica, sharing my GOI-IES journey and tips for studying abroad. This will include sessions like 'Q&A with South East Technological University,' where I will discuss academic life, cultural experiences, and practical advice for students. Additionally, I will share highlights of my experience and lifestyle on my LinkedIn page, including through SETU's #SetuStudentSpotlightSeries, to raise awareness of the GOI-IES scheme and inspire future scholars.
Finally, through volunteering, cultural immersion, and knowledge-sharing, I aim to leave Ireland with more than a degree. I want to leave footprints of friendship, shared wisdom, and cultural understanding. By building bridges between Ireland and Nigeria, I aim to show how learning across borders can spark lasting change. I will carry these lessons home through workshops on financial literacy and cultural exchange, empowering young Nigerians to be agents of change in their communities.
