Coming to college at 17 from anywhere in the world was always bound to generate culture shock. But coming from Peru, a country 9,844 km away goes far beyond the norm.

I had braced myself for the cold weather, which felt like freezing compared to Peru. Knowing Ireland’s reputation, I prepared for the rain. I was ready for the much thicker accent that Irish people had compared with the standard American accent I learned in school.

I even anticipated some challenges with the transport system. Though it was much more accessible than the one in my hometown in Lima. I was also aware that the educational system would be different.

But none of these turned out to be the biggest culture shock.

The Biggest Culture Shock in Ireland

What truly took me by surprise was how at home I felt. Ireland is full of amazing tales and, positive or not, stereotypes. I think the biggest stereotype is how friendly people are in Ireland, and I am happy to say it is 100% true.

The familiarity in every conversation, the care shown in every sentence by every person, and how colourful everyone was in spite of the greyness of some rainy days reminded me a lot of my Peruvian culture.

Music, food, and chats

Just like in Peru, Irish people rejoice in music. Street singers on Grafton Street bring the city alive with their songs. We share a passion for food, especially when there are cultural mixes. We love chatting for hours and hours and celebrate our heritage with pride and honour. This was my biggest culture shock for certain.

Dealing with Culture Shock

Adjusting wasn’t easy.

I was young, in a completely different country for the first time, and had to navigate everything alone. But I was surprised to learn I wasn’t in this culture shock boat alone.

I discovered that regardless if students came to Dublin from a county a few kilometres away or from the other side of the world, we were all exploring this city with fresh eyes.

The warm, welcoming atmosphere helped ease my nerves. The Irish had a way of making me feel included and turning what could have been an isolating experience into one of genuine connection. The kindness I encountered was genuine, and it bridged the gap between my old world and this new one.

So, while the freezing weather, the rain, and the accent were certainly different, it was the unexpected sense of belonging that made the biggest impact.

Ireland felt like a place where I could truly find a home away from home. And three years later I can happily say, I was right.

Yet, I can’t lie – I miss parts of Peru that I can’t quite replicate here in Ireland. The familiar rhythms of daily life, the unique flavours of Peruvian cuisine, and the warmth of family gatherings are irreplaceable.

But after all this time, I can say the same thing in reverse, too.

When I visit my parents back home in Peru, I’m eager to share everything new I’ve experienced in Ireland. They love hearing about the latest cliff walk I did, which I wouldn’t have the chance to do in my hometown, and the last Irish word I’ve learned, even though my pronunciation still needs some work.

It’s these exchanges that make me appreciate both worlds even more.