''I am honoured to study at one of the world's leading universities!''

My name is Ciarán O’Donoghue, I’m 23 years old and from Tralee, Co.Kerry. My main passions are sport, nature, languages and spending time with family and friends. I have recently graduated from the University of Galway with a Bachelor of Commerce with French. I recently moved to Paris where I am pursuing a Master 2 in International and Development Economics at PSL Dauphine.

What made you choose France for your studies? 

I was lucky enough to spend an Erasmus year in Toulouse as part of my undergraduate degree and since then I always wanted to come back. I recently watched a documentary about the life of the late great sports broadcaster Micheal O’Muircheartaigh. One moment particularly resonated, when Mícheal described leaving his family home in Dún Síon, Kerry for Dublin as going to explore “an taobh eile” (the other side). I am lucky enough for Paris to be my taobh eile through which I can explore a different culture while meeting people from around the world. After completing an undergraduate in commerce and French, it was always my ambition to combine the two and study a master’s in economics through French.

Ireland and France are both great countries for different reasons, but life is short and I want to look back saying I opted for the path less travelled when the opportunity arose. Other benefits of living in France are of course the many boulangeries, more affordable social outings and better public transport to get you there and back. Finally, being a sports enthusiast, there is no better place to be. Nothing beats French flair as we all witnessed this summer and during last year’s Rugby World Cup!

How did you hear about the France Excellence Europa scholarship?

I first heard of the scholarship from my course co-ordinator and French lecturer at the University of Galway, Ruadhán Cooke. Ruadhán has helped me immensely on both an academic and personal level over the last four years. Outside of my family, he has been one of the most influential people in my life and testament to how a good educator can change somebody’s life.

How did you prepare to apply for the scholarship?

I tried not to overthink the process and hoped to allow my personality and ambition shine through different features of the application. Being in the middle of my Masters application helped as I already had most of the required administrative documents on file.

What are your first impressions of France? Is it easy to settle in?

 Paris is amazing, although much bigger than Toulouse which poses both opportunities and difficulties. Of course there are moments when I miss home, family and the beach. Luckily, I have always found French people friendlier than their stereotype suggests, especially when you make an attempt to speak their language. It definitely takes a while to adjust to 3-hour classes although they are usually great opportunities to learn and contribute.

Finally, there is less small talk and banter than at home. I have always found that French people value a deeper conversation in an attempt to understand your personality. I appreciate this as an international student, especially since the range of topics discussed always helps improve my French one grammar error at a time !! That said, I like knowing other Irish abroad and am incredibly fortunate to know two close friends from home who are working in Paris. At weekends, it is nice to have the craic and talk about whatever else is happening at home. Playing GAA with Paris Gaels has also been a great way to meet new Irish and French people while staying fit. 

What are your expectations for the upcoming year?

I hope to continue enjoying Parisien life while seizing the amazing opportunity that has been presented to me. I am honoured to be awarded the France Europa Scholarship and to study at one of the world’s leading universities.

However, for me life is about so much more than academics and awards. While reading a few months ago, I stumbled across a nice expression : « Il est plus important de réussir sa vie que de réussir dans la vie. »  The French definitely work to live, a way of life which appeals to me. Be it a glass of wine with friends on a Wednesday evening after work, a rugby match at 21h on a Sunday evening or a lengthy lunch with colleagues, time seems to move that bit slower here. Time which I look forward to embracing as I await to see what the next chapter in my personal and professional journey hold in store.