Any Expats from Ireland here?

[chiasx]

I am a Singaporean looking to study medicine in the Ireland. I have already applied and awaiting the result. In the meantime, I am wondering whether any expats here could enlighten me on the broad differences amongst the cities of Dublin, Cork and Galway; because these three are the cities whose universities I have applied to ie TCD/UCD, UCC and NUI respectively.

Firstly, I would like to know the relative cost of living between these cities In addition, other aspects which expats like yourself are also concerned about (when you moved to Singapore) would be helpful too. For example, climate, modes/affordability of transportation would be key factors in me making my decision in the event that I get in.

Secondly, I know this is a long shot; but are there any expats here, especially but not neccessarily doctors, who have studied in these 4 universities? It could be any course that you have studies, so long as you could tell me more about your studying experience in the respective universities that you went too

Thank you!

[manutdfan]

I am a Singaporean looking to study medicine in the Ireland. I have already applied and awaiting the result. In the meantime, I am wondering whether any expats here could enlighten me on the broad differences amongst the cities of Dublin, Cork and Galway; because these three are the cities whose universities I have applied to ie TCD/UCD, UCC and NUI respectively.

Firstly, I would like to know the relative cost of living between these cities In addition, other aspects which expats like yourself are also concerned about (when you moved to Singapore) would be helpful too. For example, climate, modes/affordability of transportation would be key factors in me making my decision in the event that I get in.

Secondly, I know this is a long shot; but are there any expats here, especially but not neccessarily doctors, who have studied in these 4 universities? It could be any course that you have studies, so long as you could tell me more about your studying experience in the respective universities that you went too

Thank you!

It's not that much of a long shot, most Irish people here are graduates and you've named most of the decent colleges (plus UCD

I've sent you a pm with contact details if you have any specific questions

[chiasx]

Anyone else?

[Strong Eagle]

No help from me... but it did remind me of a cartoon.

[Eau2011]

No help from me... but it did remind me of a cartoon.

In case you haven't seen it before, here is "Achmed the Dead Terrorist"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uwOL4rB-go

[chiasx]

That's funny. I remember studying about the IRA years ago for my social studies. Come to think of it, they have since hung up their flag, which is a good thing in a way. Are there still fighting though?

[zonemelt]

All of those colleges are very good so if you get an offer from any then you should be happy

It's generally perceived to rain more in Cork and Galway than in Dublin, but there's no escaping it really. That's the only difference as far as climate is concerned

It's more expensive in Dublin for sure than the other cities but public transport is better. Public transport is not much compared to other major cities but if you rent a place near a Luas (tram) line it's a good idea

You can compare cost of living by comparing these pages (both in SGD)
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/co ... rrency=SGD
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/ci ... rrency=SGD

The IRA is old news. If you want up to date local current affairs, then you can get a broad view on http://news.google.ie

Hope this helps!

[gonzales]

Galway is a great city & I'd prefer to live there over Dublin or Cork anyday, the cost of living should also be less than Dublin. Any of the Colleges you mentioned are as good as each other in my opinion.

Rental housing in Ireland should be more affordable these days as supply is greater than demand. Again Galway should be cheaper than dublin.

There is an excellent irish forum with a section dedicated to:

3rd level education: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=28

Student accomadation:http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=975

Galway: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=177

Dublin: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=175

Cork Boy: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=176

good luck.

[chiasx]

Thanks for the generous information! I will be sure to update.

Anything to note about Irish culture in particular? Like the do's and don'ts over there.

[ecureilx]

Anything to note about Irish culture in particular? Like the do's and don'ts over there.

A great sense of humour ?? And a thick skin to understand Irish ?? and a penchant for Irish Beer .. ???

[Edroche]

Hi there

I come from Dublin and would say that it is most expensive as far as I know. If you are coming from Singapore, Dublin will seem cold and windy for one, alcohol and drinking being central to everything and people dressed as if they were in Singapore but it's half temperature. As with anywhere the people make the place and you will definitely find it different in that respect to Singapore. Lots of cursing so don't be shocked if people say f..k a lot. Rent will be similar to Singapore but food and all other things will be more expensive. No condos/swimming pools. Public transport is ok. Mostly bus with basic tram system. Cheap food options are not as available as hawker centers. Dont's - safety at night, things like not walking alone on empty or shady streets in city center. Don't leave wallet, bag or phone on table tops. Pick pockets and other great folk like that are common so be extra safe to avoid. Addressing races using derogatory terms such as 'ang mo', 'china people' and other uncultured stuff like that doesn't won't work there. Avoid arguments as physical fights can happen. DO's - go into the mountains and countryside. Leave the cities and hire a car, they drive on same side of the road. Smile and learn about people, characters and culture. Learn some of the history. Go to see a play. Get some warm clothes, the cold really changes small aspects about lifestyle. Have at least one pint of Guinness per week (go to Irish pub this st patricks day to test). Above can be applied to other cities. Best of luck with your application Doc.

[Edroche]

No help from me... but it did remind me of a cartoon.

Funny. Oh and Irish are traditionally catholic but recovering, slowly. Dublin is v multicultural now so you won't feel out of place. Only Irish you will need is 'kiss my ass' as the language is almost dead. Some homework.

[chiasx]

Thanks for the info, Edroche!

Would you mind elaborating on Cork? Becuase right now, it seems to be a more viable choice than Dublin to study due to the university requirements. It also provides a more authentic Irish experience, would you say that?

Btw, are the guiness beer from the pubs any different from those found in supermarkets? Haven't been to a pub since my last outing with a few army buddies.

[zonemelt]

Thanks for the info, Edroche!

Would you mind elaborating on Cork? Becuase right now, it seems to be a more viable choice than Dublin to study due to the university requirements. It also provides a more authentic Irish experience, would you say that?

Btw, are the guiness beer from the pubs any different from those found in supermarkets? Haven't been to a pub since my last outing with a few army buddies.

The corkonians would say that they provide a more authentic Irish experience, but we dubliners would differ!!! The cities though are very different but both are quintessentially Irish, so you need not worry.

In Ireland you can only really drink Guinness in a pub, and it has to be the right pub too! A nightclub for example will serve a sloppy pint, but a good Guinness pub like Mulligans in Dublin will never let you down.

That said, the more traditional Guinness drinkers in the country towns will drink the bottled version at room temperature off the shelf in the pub. It's a different drink, more like the foreign export but not as strong