Most students who study abroad either complete a full degree, or spend a year or semester on an exchange program.
However, an agreement of cooperation between China’s Harbin Institute of Technology (one of the prestigious ‘C9’ group of universities) and the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) meant that Zhensheng Tan was able to take a slightly different approach.
After spending the first two years of his BSc Computer Science program in his native country, he then packed his bags and flew out to the capital of Ireland, in which he is spending the remaining two years of his four-year program.
Studying abroad in Ireland
The idea of studying in Ireland appealed, he says, because of the country’s strong reputation in the software industry.
“Part of the course content of the joint program is an internship in the industry,” he explains, “which is appealing because work experience is very important in this field, and it will also let me get a taste of what working will actually be like.”
Did studying abroad always appeal to Zhensheng?
“I always wanted to study abroad, because I could learn things I wouldn’t in my home country,” he replies, “like how the software industry works in other places, and the differences in the history, culture and literature between the two countries.”
The differences between the more academic approach taken in China, and the more practical one in Ireland are striking, Zhensheng feels.
“Because of the industry focus, the courses, while certainly good in terms of applied skills, sometimes fall a bit short when it comes to the more academic side of things – like foundational mathematical skills. This means that they tend to focus on ‘what’ and ‘how’, rather than ‘why’.”
Another downside is the high cost for international students.
Zhensheng is supported by his parents, for whose relative affluence he says he feels lucky. This is supplemented by the income he made during his year in industry, and occasional part time work in local shops also helps earn him a bit of spending money.
The social side of university life: Studying abroad in Ireland
He is, however, enjoying the social aspects of university – particularly the cosmopolitan makeup of the student body at Dublin Institute of Technology.
“One of my favourite things about studying here is all the friends from different cultures I have made, and the great opportunities to travel – be it within Ireland or further afield. Off the top of my head, I have friends from France, Germany, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and, of course, Ireland itself.”
Has he found it at all difficult to adapt to life in his host country, given the differences that exist between Ireland and China?
He replies in the negative, explaining that he has been staying with a host family, something which allowed him to get used to the Irish way of life “very quickly.”
Though there are some downsides, Zhensheng is quick to recommend international study to others, and, again, talks up the positive aspects of getting some industry experience – a door opened to him by his choice to study abroad.
“Ireland is a great place to study for other reasons too. For one thing, it’s given me a chance to practise my English, and to make lots of international friends. There’s lots to do socially too: me and my friends like to go to out for meals or to restaurants, or just to the pub.”
He advises doing as much research as possible before you make your decision, and again before you set off.
After he completes his degree, Zhensheng is planning to stay in Ireland for a couple of years, gaining some more experience, or to enrol on master’s degree to further hone his skills.
And finally, does he feel that studying abroad in itself has been beneficial to him?
“Yes. In this era of globalization, it’s very important to be able to understand different cultures and ways of working – and what better way to do this than to study abroad?