Ireland - a country steeped in history and culture - and recognised all over the world as a place of great beauty … from its largely unspoilt coastlines and wondrous scenery to its cosmopolitan cities such as Dublin. Ireland is the ideal study destination for any student who is looking to study overseas, and Dublin is an experience in itself.

Dublin is renowned worldwide for having an education system that is second to none. If you are considering furthering your education overseas, then choosing Dublin would be a wise decision as you will be able to enjoy a quality education which, in the long term, will be advantageous to your career.

Ireland has a population of approximately 5 million people, yet for quite a small country it is remarkably diverse with a beautiful variety of countryside and large and small towns to suit whatever type of lifestyle you prefer. It is famous for its music, its art, its writers, including Swift, Joyce, and Yeats, and not forgetting its Guinness!

Dublin is Ireland’s largest city, and has a population of over 1 million. With the Wicklow mountains on one side and the expanse of the Irish sea on the other, you could not chose a more beautiful city to study in.

Not only does Dublin have beauty, it also has a great deal of character with plenty to offer the international student such as museums, theatres, clubs, bars and restaurants. With its busy markets and the sound of traditional Irish folk music from street artists and buskers, the liveliness of this centre of industry obvious.

From cathedrals to craft shops, antiques to art galleries, Dublin is thriving with a history and culture all its own. Whether you choose to visit Dublin’s own castle or simple take a walk through the streets, you will be impressed by the relaxed atmosphere. You will soon be feeling at home with a welcome from some of the friendliest people in the world.

This is a city where you need not stand on the sideline and view the hustle and bustle as a sightseer as there are many pubs, bars and clubs to experience. The singing tradition continues here with great gusto, aided by the flow of strong Irish ale!

As an international city - Dublin is one of Europe’s best cities and attracts visitors from all over the world. Dublin is also a university city with many reputable institutions. Many of these have English language programmes where foreign students who do not have the required English language level to enter university can improve their English in order to gain university access.

So, if you are considering studying overseas at a college or university for either academic, professional or vocational purposes, full-time, part-time or shot length courses, then choose Dublin, to ensure you gain a quality education.

The Author: Leo O'Brian, Griffith College, Ireland

Visit: http://indigo.ie/~griffith/

This article first appeared in Educational Courses in Britain