‘Here, student experience is important.’ UL Ambassador Jian on discovering Irish food and making the most of studying abroad.

By Ruby Wrankmore

Name: Jian

Course: MSc Psychological Science

Hometown: Malaysia

Favourite animal: Fox or wolf. A fox because they’re cute, and a wolf because they are really nice! Maybe I’m more of a dog person. When I was a kid I wanted an exotic animal as a pet but soon realised it was dangerous.

Can you tell me about your education journey so far?

‘I studied BSc Psychology and decided to continue my studies. I thought the first semester was hard, but now it’s even harder! I wondered how I’d survive, but I just need to push myself for a bit longer.’

 ‘When I was around 16 I was interested in how other people interact. I’m more of an introvert, so I’m interested in how extroverted people communicate so differently. That got me thinking about the social aspect of psychology and led me here.’

Why did you choose UL?

 ‘Originally I was thinking about going to England, but my brother studied in Ireland prior to my decision and he told me all about it. After going to Dublin on a trip I decided it was a bit too tourist-y, which is when I started looking at UL. Their student services are really, really good. It’s quite rare for it to be this good. I did my undergraduate in the USA, and unless you’re in a fraternity you don’t get the same experience. Here, student experience is important.’

How did you find out about the city before you moved?

 ‘I went to an agency in Malaysia and asked questions about local information so I could learn more. I also did a lot of research into the city myself!’

What is your favourite thing about Limerick / Ireland?

 ‘The people and the hospitality is great. I also love the nature and the beauty of the country, besides the rain and wind and everything else. And the food! I’ve been going to the farmer’s market a lot. I have also tried a full Irish breakfast and I like Guinness! Sometimes I get to go on trips with the university, which gives us a chance to know more about Ireland.’

What do you wish you had known before coming to study at UL? What advice would you give to new arrivals or people thinking of studying at UL?

 ‘I wish that I had come pre-Covid! I wish that I studied here for my undergraduate. I’m graduating this summer, but the months I have spent here have been great.’

 ‘My advice is to prepare for the weather and for the fact they are leaving their family. Students from Asia tend to come to other countries and then return back home, so it’s important to properly travel and take the opportunity to see other places. Personally, I want to experience as much as I can. In Ireland, there’s plenty of opportunities.’

 

What was the most challenging part of coming to study at UL?

 “It can be hard being in another country, but you have to build up your mentality and know how to take care of yourself.’

 Why did you decide to become a CC ambassador? How have you found it?

 ‘I want to participate in lots of things and influence others, and let others know how nice it is and have a good student life. When someone is from far away they don’t know what they will experience, so I want to reassure them that everything will be ok.’

 ‘I want to participate in lots of things and influence others. I want to let others know how nice UL is and how to have a good student experience. When someone is from somewhere far away, they don’t know what they will experience. That’s why I think the CampusConnect app is great for students who haven’t arrived at university yet and have lots of questions. I want to reassure them that everything will be ok.’

Ruby Wrankmore