Pauline Sim who came to SETU in Waterford from Kuching, Malaysia is a recent graduate from the LLB Bachelor of Laws (Hons) degree. She was an active International Student Ambassador for both Education Ireland and SETU n Waterford while studying here. Towards the end of her college life, she was fortunate and honoured enough to share her experience as an international student in SETU in Waterford on RagRadio and as well, to be nominated by USI as International Student of the Year 2019.
What attracted you to study at Waterford Institute of Technology?
SETU in Waterford offers affordable yet top-notch education. As an international student, it is important that tuition fees are affordable and that we get the most value out of the fees we pay. There are internship opportunities offered by Property Registration Authority, Waterford, which provides law students an insight/hands on experience in the area of property law.
What words of advice do you have for new students?
Choose SETU in Waterford. It is a lifetime experience that you will never regret.
What have been the highlights of your college experience?
Representing SETU in Waterford as part of the International Student Ambassador Programme offered by Education in Ireland. Throughout the programme, I got to experience Gaelic Football, visit Glendalough Mountains and was treated to traditional Irish meals. Towards the end of the programme, participants were given an award of recognition which took place at Farmleigh House. It was truly a wholesome way to experience the Irish culture.
What did you like about Waterford as a city to live in/to study in?
Being so far away from home, I wanted to be somewhere that makes me feel "at home". Today, I can proudly call Waterford my "second home". What I love about Waterford is its moderate-paced lifestyle. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Waterford City, people always seem to have time to stop, smile and make conversations with me. And as well, the busking culture and Street Arts painted around city centre makes Waterford a lively, quirky place to live.
How did work experience add to your college experience?
My summer internship at Property Registration Authority gave me a hands-on experience to know what it is like to work in the legal sector. On top of that, class trips to Leinster House as well as a mandatory court visit as part as of our coursework enabled me to grasp an insight of the practicality and functionality of the legal sector. Among all, getting to interact with Judge O'Malley during her visit to Waterford for Waterford's first ever Supreme Court hearing was among the highlight of my study experience.
What were the benefits of international study for you?
Studying law abroad had allowed me to understand law itself from a different perspective. It enabled me to compare the political and legal aspects of my home country-Malaysia to Ireland. Ireland gave me the opportunity to view democracy in a different, much more liberal approach. Studying abroad in general provided me the freedom to explore and learn about a culture different from mine.
How did your experience at WIT help get you to where you are now?
The constant support and exposure that I have received both academically and throughout my college life from SETU in Waterford have definitely made me a more confident and outspoken individual.
Honours of Bachelor of Laws, Legum Baccalaurcus (LLB) in Law
SETU
