Choosing IT Sligo was not an easy choice. First I thought I only had the choice among the local university, online or in the states. The changing factor in the decision-making process began in my second year when KOM consultants came to St. Clair College, Ontario. Where I learned the possibilities of building on my 3-year advanced diploma in Business Administration-Marketing at St. Clair and continuing onto my Degree with several countries to choose from at various price points.
Ireland was an opportunity and it was an extremely attractive option. I could complete my Bachelor of Business Honours in Marketing in only one year while living in a different country. I was not sold yet so I finished my second year and left the idea in the back of my mind, because how could I leave my family house for the first time and live on my own... in a completely different country that was not Canada or the United States.
Entering year three I knew I had to start making my decision. Would I complete my degree or just move onto the business world with my advanced diploma knowing no matter what choice I make it would not be wrong. That's when KOM consultants came back to St. Clair and I had the opportunity to talk to different schools from Ireland, Australia, and Scotland. Discovering I could read blogs just like this about students real-life experiences while living abroad. The one that caught my eye the most was an alumnus of St. Clair who was studying at IT Sligo. A town and school I had never heard of besides KOM and her blog.
Doing research and staying updated on Sara's blog I grew to start admiring the idea of relocating to the town of Sligo. Additionally, three other students from my program also had the idea of following our alumni's path and moving to Sligo. Utilizing the services KOM consultants offer as the middleman, students can contact KOM to ask anything regarding studying abroad and the partnerships available. Free information is the best information.
IT Sligo's tuition was €7500 which comparing to all the available options ended up being the cheapest. Ireland has an agreement with Ontario Colleges giving students a discount to the international fees. As well Canadian students do not require a student visa while studying in Ireland, making the price point and application process much easier. Comparing the significantly lower tuition price at IT Sligo to completing my degree in two years at the local university. Additionally, the living expenses of living in student accommodations made it remarkably similar but remember completing the degree in one year and not two.
Now, three months in I have not regretted my decision. Being further from Dublin has positives and negatives. Positives being lower rent prices, nature and less commercialization. Few negatives consist of the proximity to the major Ireland airport (Dublin) for trips and no one knows where Sligo is.
To hit back onto the nature point, I wrote this post while admiring the many waterways that surround Sligo, check out my view!
