Buongiorno!
My name is Martina, freshly exported from a small Italian town near Turin called Venaria Reale. I speak fluent sarcasm, packed way too much useless stuff, and I’m currently trying to survive without Italian coffee — surprisingly, I’m managing so far. But… ask me again in two weeks!
For years, I dreamed of living abroad, and I finally took the big leap after graduating. I found myself searching for something without a clear direction, but deep down, I knew exactly what I wanted: total immersion in the English language, a country full of opportunities, and the chance to deepen my theoretical knowledge.
This is where Ireland and GEAI came into play. I wanted to improve my skills in politics and social media, exploring topics that are very close to my heart, like environmental policies and sustainable development.
Plus, the chance to explore new places and build genuine connections with people who share my values made this opportunity simply perfect.
My journey was long but smooth.
On August 27th, I took a flight from Turin to Dublin, then waited for the bus that took me to Carrick-on-Shannon. Waiting for me there was a car, and with it, the first real sign that this new life was really beginning: someone was driving me “home.”
I wasn’t sure if I was more excited about the landscape or the fact that I didn’t have to drag my suitcase all the way to the village!
I arrived at my new home (OMG! It feels so strange to write that) when it was already dark. I was exhausted, but the person who would become my first roommate welcomed me in the sweetest and warmest way possible.
This first week has been full of firsts: first time moving to a new city, first time living outside Italy, first week of this brand-new life of mine! Isn’t it crazy how much things can change in such a short time?
I still can’t get over how the kindness and beauty of this place manage to surprise me every day.
Here I am: immensely grateful, perpetually confused by the weather, but somehow exactly where I’m supposed to be.
And if this first week is just the trailer, I can’t wait to see what the full movie looks like… Stay tuned!