Word of the Week
Céad Míle Fáilte - This is the exact phrase I first heard during orientation at Mary I. Since then, no matter where I go, Limerick, Galway, Cork, it greets me everywhere. Literally, it means a hundred thousand welcomes, and truly, that is exactly what it feels like. The people of Ireland have never been so welcoming and friendly to me.
I have never felt such genuine support and enthusiasm from lecturers and staff as I have here. Emma, my programme coordinator, always finds time for coffee chats, patiently listening to all the concerns of an international student like me. She makes sure I never feel excluded and supports me in every personal and career goal I pursue.
Every staff member I have met at Mary I embodies this spirit. They pause in the middle of their day, guide me along unfamiliar paths, and explain everything with patience and kindness. It is in these small, thoughtful gestures that I truly believe the warmth, hospitality, and generosity I experience here are more than personal: they are a reflection of Irish culture itself. Every interaction, every conversation, leaves me feeling part of a community that doesn’t just teach but welcomes, includes, and inspires. And that is what Céad Míle Fáilte feels like in real life.
This week, I also learned a new Irish phrase: “Go raibh maith agat", which means thank you. It is simple, but saying it makes me feel connected. Whether I am thanking a teacher, a fellow student, or a stranger, these words show respect and appreciation.
Learning words like this made me curious to explore Irish culture even further, beyond the classroom. So, I joined some local cultural activities to see how this spirit shows up in everyday life. During Culture Night, I could feel the energy and liveliness of Limerick city. The streets were bustling with people, and cultural events were happening from morning until evening. There were workshops, music, performances, and more, giving everyone a chance to engage with different aspects of Irish life.
Our Vietnamese Friends at the Pottery Class
Our Vietnamese team chose to participate in pottery and felting workshops, and it was amazing to see how patiently and enthusiastically the instructors guided everyone. Watching people create, learn, and enjoy themselves made me realize that culture is not just something to observe; it is something to take part in, something you experience with others. The laughter, concentration, and pride in everyone’s work reminded me how living traditions connect people and make a city feel alive.
It’s only been a little over a month since I arrived in Ireland, and you know what, thankfully, I haven’t really experienced culture shock. Maybe it’s because of the people, my friends, the teachers, and the charm of Irish culture itself. Everything feels so welcoming, warm, and just like home.
I am truly looking forward to exploring more of Irish culture, living fully, and enjoying every moment of this academic year. I want to experience everything, language, music, traditions, and the little everyday moments that make life here so different.
By Linh Dong, Vietnam
