I never planned to study abroad. Then a Mumbai career fair took me to Ireland
If someone had told me a few years ago that I would eventually move to Ireland to study veterinary science-related subjects, take on leadership roles
If someone had told me a few years ago that I would eventually move to Ireland to study veterinary science-related subjects, take on leadership roles in an international student community, and begin building a life thousands of kilometres away from Mumbai, I probably would not have believed them. Like many students growing up in India, I had imagined my future unfolding within familiar surroundings close to family, within the fast-moving rhythm of Mumbai, and inside a system I had understood all my life. Growing up in Mumbai meant growing up in a city driven by ambition, resilience, and constant movement. Often called the 'City of Dreams', Mumbai has a unique way of shaping the people who live in it. Beyond its crowded trains and fast-paced lifestyle, the city taught me adaptability, persistence, discipline, and the confidence to keep moving forward even during difficult moments. At the same time, its cultural richness and diversity instilled in me empathy, openness, and a deep connection to my roots. Science has always been at the centre of my interests. I pursued Biology in Class 12 and later started my Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science because I was deeply fascinated by research, medicine, animal welfare, and understanding how living systems function. Over time, that curiosity became even more specific. I developed a strong interest in animal psycho-neurology, behaviour, and healthcare systems. (AI-generated image) Even outside academics, I naturally gravitated towards activities that involved discipline, creativity, and communication. My life was always packed with things beyond the classroom --Hindustani classical music, Kathak dance, Taekwondo, speech and drama activities, language learning, leadership initiatives, and student organisations. Read Full Story THE CAREER FAIR THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING Despite all of these interests, studying abroad never felt like a realistic plan. Ireland, in particular, was never something I had previously envisioned as part of my journey. Everything changed unexpectedly in 2024 when I attended a career fair in Mumbai after my father had signed me up almost by chance. Initially, I had gone there quite casually, not really thinking much about studying abroad and expecting only general conversations about international education. It was only when I spoke to my career counsellor and guide during the session that the idea of going abroad -- particularly Ireland -- genuinely came into focus, especially in relation to veterinary care, agriculture, and life sciences opportunities.
That was the first moment I genuinely paused and wondered whether there might be opportunities beyond the path I had originally imagined for myself. The more I researched Ireland, the more the country started making sense professionally and personally. Unlike destinations that felt intimidatingly large or impersonal, Ireland seemed welcoming and closely connected to industries relevant to my field. Radhika Redkar at TUS I was especially drawn towards the strong veterinary care and agriculture ecosystem, as well as the growing opportunities in veterinary sciences, veterinary technology, and life sciences. During my research, I discovered Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). What stood out was its practical, industry-focused approach. Rather than focusing solely on examinations, the university appeared committed to employability, professional development and preparing students for rapidly changing industries. WHY TUS FELT DIFFERENT What appealed to me most about TUS was that it recognised an important reality: students today are preparing for industries that are constantly changing. Artificial Intelligence, automation, and technological shifts are transforming healthcare and life sciences rapidly. I wanted to study somewhere that acknowledged those changes rather than ignoring them. At TUS, there was a visible emphasis on adaptability, critical thinking, practical understanding, problem-solving, and industry exposure rather than classroom learning. That approach mattered enormously to me because I wanted my education to prepare me not only for my first job, but for a long-term career in a changing global environment. I also appreciated how practical the learning environment felt. My days at TUS involve lectures, laboratory sessions, assignments, presentations, research discussions, and collaborative projects, but academics never feel disconnected from real-world application. There is a strong emphasis on communication, teamwork, and understanding how industries actually function. TUS campus (Photo: Radhika Redkar) That practical exposure gave me confidence that I was preparing for more than just examinations. LEARNING HOW TO START OVER IN IRELAND Moving to Athlone was exciting, but it was also emotionally overwhelming in ways I had not anticipated. People often romanticise studying abroad, but very few talk honestly about how strange it feels initially to rebuild your life in an unfamiliar country. I still remember arriving in Ireland, caught between excitement and nerves, stepping out of the constant buzz I had always known into a stillness that felt almost unreal.
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