Through Chinese Eyes: My Journey in Ireland
Hi everyone, I’m Lora, a marketer from China. A little over a year ago, I made a decision that shocked everyone around me—I decided to leave my stable job in Shanghai, the city I had lived and worked in for thirty years, and move to Ireland to study Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Trinity College Dublin.
It wasn’t an easy decision.
I spent a lot of time reflecting on my future, and I realised that sometimes, the best way to ensure a fulfilling future is to embrace the present fully and step outside your comfort zone. With that mindset, I took the leap to start a new chapter as a Chinese expat in Ireland.
First Impressions: The Irish Accent and Kindness
One of the first things that struck me when I arrived in Dublin was the Irish accent. Before I moved, I had heard many stories from international students online, talking about how friendly the Irish are but also how difficult it can be to understand their accent. I didn’t quite grasp the challenge until my first day in Dublin.
At the airport, I met a friendly Irish taxi driver. He noticed I was struggling with my four large suitcases and offered to help. Not only did he help with my bags, but he also went out of his way to call my student accommodation office, as I didn’t have an Irish SIM card yet. He waited with me until a representative came to show me to my dorm. His accent was thick, and I had to listen carefully, but his kindness and warm welcome left a lasting impression. That was my first interaction with an Irish person—and a memorable one.
Food: A Culinary Culture Shock
Another major difference I noticed early on was the food. During my first orientation day, we were asked what we found the hardest to adapt to, and without hesitation, I said, “the food!” Chinese cuisine is vast and diverse, with flavours, textures, and ingredients that I had grown up loving. In Ireland, the most famous food seemed to be… potatoes! Boiled, mashed, fried, or roasted—potatoes were everywhere. It was quite a shift from the stir-fries and rich dishes I was used to.
But over time, I grew to appreciate Irish food in its own right. There’s something comforting about a warm Irish stew and Chinese food on a rainy day, which, as you can imagine, happens frequently here.
The Weather: Four Seasons in a Day
Speaking of rain, the weather in Ireland was another big adjustment. In Shanghai, we have clear seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. But in Ireland, you can experience all four seasons in one day! At first, I would always carry an umbrella, but soon I learned to embrace the rain. Now, I even enjoy walking in it. Every sunny day here feels like a gift, and I’ve learned to appreciate both the rain and the sunshine in equal measure.
- https://babylonradio.com/the-realistic-survival-guide-you-need-for-irish-weather/
- https://babylonradio.com/sunny-day-activities-in-dublin/
The Irish Way of Life: Friendliness and Balance
The Irish are friendly, always ready with a story or a joke. Back home in China, friendships often take time to develop, and we tend to be more reserved at first. But here in Ireland, it feels like everyone is a friend waiting to be made. Whether I’m at a local café or attending a community event, there’s a sense of openness and inclusion that I find refreshing and heartwarming.
I’ve also noticed a difference in the approach to work and life. In China, it’s common to work long hours, and our careers often become a significant part of our identities. Here in Ireland, there’s a stronger emphasis on work-life balance. People value their downtime, whether it’s spent enjoying nature, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing with family and friends. It’s a lesson in prioritising well-being over the relentless pursuit of career success, something I’ve come to deeply appreciate.
One of my favourite activities in Dublin is walking along the coast and hiking in the countryside. The birds here seem so carefree, often walking right in front of me, completely unbothered. It’s a peaceful and relaxing experience that I look forward to every week.
Professional Parallels: Marketing in Different Cultures
As a Chinese marketer now working in Ireland, my journey has highlighted both the contrasts and similarities between these two marketing landscapes. In China, I was accustomed to the fast-paced, real-time engagement on platforms like WeChat, where B2B marketing feels like a constant conversation. The ability to share quick insights, generate leads, and foster relationships through WeChat Groups or live-streaming content was second nature. The dynamic nature of marketing there, with tools like Tencent CRM deeply integrated into the social media ecosystem, made it all about speed and precision.
When I transitioned to Ireland, I encountered a different rhythm. Here, LinkedIn is king, and B2B marketing is a more thoughtful, long-term process. Instead of quick engagements, success is built on trust and deep storytelling. Campaigns focus on case studies, white papers, and thought leadership pieces that resonate with decision-makers over time. Tools like Salesforce and HubSpot help manage the more gradual sales cycles typical in the Irish market, ensuring every interaction is meaningful and aligned with the buyer’s journey.
This experience has taught me that, while the tactics and tools might differ, the core of B2B marketing—building relationships, providing value, and earning trust—is universal. My journey has been about adapting to a new culture while realising that, at the heart of it, marketing is about human connection, no matter where you are.
Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn here to share your thoughts or exchange ideas on marketing across cultures.
Entrepreneurship Culture: China vs. Ireland
As part of my journey, I’ve had the opportunity to experience the entrepreneurship culture in Ireland. One of the highlights was attending events like “First Friday” and “Founder Weekend,” organised by Dogpatch Labs, a co-working space and incubator for startups. At these events, I saw people from all over the world pitching their business ideas, full of passion and ambition. It was inspiring to witness the entrepreneurial spirit that drives so many in Ireland, especially in the tech and innovation sectors.
In China, we have a rapidly growing entrepreneurial ecosystem as well, especially in cities like Shenzhen and Beijing, which are home to countless startups aiming to revolutionise industries. The younger generation in China is increasingly driven by the desire to change the world through innovative business ideas. The pace is fast, and the competition is fierce, with a strong focus on technology and scaling businesses quickly. In contrast, while the ambition in Ireland is just as strong, the entrepreneurial journey here seems more patient and measured, with a greater emphasis on sustainable growth and work-life balance.
One thing both countries share is the drive to make a difference through entrepreneurship. Whether in China or Ireland, the next generation of entrepreneurs is focused on solving real-world problems, from tech innovations to sustainability. What’s fascinating is how this shared ambition transcends borders, despite the differences in approach and cultural context.
The Education Experience: Encouraging Debate
One of the biggest surprises for me has been the difference in the education systems. In China, education tends to be very structured, with a strong emphasis on discipline, memorisation, and exam performance. In Ireland, classrooms are much more discussion-based. Students from all over the world are encouraged to voice their opinions, debate ideas, and share perspectives. It’s a dynamic learning environment that has helped me grow, not just academically, but also in terms of confidence and critical thinking.
Embracing Community and Festivals
Living in Ireland has also given me a chance to experience its vibrant community life. The Irish love their festivals, and whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day with its green parades or local fairs where communities gather, there’s a strong sense of togetherness. In China, we have our own rich traditions and festivals, but here, there’s an openness to everyone, regardless of where you’re from. It’s about sharing stories, celebrating life, and creating connections.
Looking Back: Growth and Gratitude
As I reflect on my year in Ireland, I realise that this journey has been more than just an experience of living in a different country. It has been a journey of understanding—both of another culture and of myself. Through the differences, I’ve found common ground, and through the similarities, I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of diversity. Ireland has taught me to embrace the unexpected and to find joy in the simple things in life. For that, I am deeply grateful.
To anyone thinking about stepping out of their comfort zone and experiencing a new culture, I say: go for it. The world is full of surprises, and each one is an opportunity to learn and grow.
