From Mexico to Dublin: A Journey of Exploration and Community

Last year, I traveled to Dublin for the first time to visit my friend Fatima, who was staying there. To my surprise, I discovered that Dublin is a melting pot of cultures, particularly with a strong presence from Latin America. My curiosity drove me to learn more about the transition from warm and vibrant Latin America to cooler, more conventional Europe. I also wanted to understand the significance of the Latino community in Dublin. Now, more than a year later, I've gained a glimpse into why Dublin is becoming a hotspot for Latinos seeking knowledge and life experiences abroad.

Back in 2015, I had the opportunity to travel to Mexico City to conduct my Master’s research. I was captivated by the people, the city, and, of course, the food. Before traveling, I connected with my now dear friend Fatima on Facebook. My father knew someone who introduced me to her. We exchanged a few messages on social media, and without really knowing each other, she generously offered to pick me up from the airport. This marked the beginning of our beautiful friendship. Throughout my trip, Fatima and her entire family made me feel welcome and at home. While in Mexico, I also connected with Fatima’s sister, Lupita, who was studying Geology at the time. I remember her immense passion for rocks and science.

Fast forward to 2023, Fatima had moved to Dublin to study English. After years of not seeing each other, visiting her was a no-brainer. As we explored Dublin together, I noticed a significant presence of the Latino community. Many of the places we visited had staff from Latin America, which triggered my curiosity even more. While Fatima returned to Mexico last year, Lupita arrived and is currently residing in Dublin. 

What was the reason behind your decision to move to another country? What led you to select Ireland as your new destination?

I had longed to live abroad since high school, and two years ago, I decided to make it happen. My sister suggested we live together in Ireland and explore life in a foreign country. I agreed, but after the pandemic, I decided to postpone the trip to further grow my savings and gain work experience, in case I wanted to return to my home country. One of the advantages of moving to Ireland is the relatively straightforward immigration process. As a Latino, you only need to purchase a six-month English course to obtain a student visa and a part-time work permit, which helps cover your expenses while in the country. This also provides opportunities to travel to nearby countries and experience cultural diversity.

Was it difficult to get established in Ireland?

It wasn’t easy. I believe that everything has its challenges, and each person experiences them differently. In my case, my sister was already living in Dublin, so she was a great help. Within a week, I managed to secure an appointment to process my student visa and had my first job interview. The most difficult and stressful part was finding accommodation. This is a critical issue, not only for immigrants but also for the new generation of Irish citizens.

Indeed, Ireland, like the Netherlands, is experiencing a housing crisis, with a shortage of homes and rising rent prices due to population growth and other factors. Nevertheless, Lupita was able to find accommodation for her stay in Dublin.

What surprised you the most about Ireland?

I was surprised by the number of immigrants here. You can easily meet people from all over the world; it’s incredible! Some of the largest communities in Dublin are from India, Ukraine, and Brazil. It feels like everyone is in one place. Since Dublin is a small city, it’s easy to form close connections with

others.

What do you like most about Ireland, and what do you miss most about your home country?

I really enjoy the landscapes, including the beautiful cliffs, and I love the traditional Irish villages. However, I must admit that the cuisine doesn’t compare to that of my home country, Mexico, and that’s what I miss the most.

I can relate to Lupita. I was quite disappointed with the food I tried during my visit to Dublin. I don’t consider myself a picky eater, so you can imagine how severe it was when I had to send my plate of fish and chips back to the kitchen and order a pizza Margherita instead, to play it safe. And guess what? The best things I ate there were tacos from a traditional Mexican spot and pain au chocolat from Ladurée. I suppose I’ll have to visit again to give the cuisine another try, right?

Furthermore, Lupita visited Amsterdam in May this year with her group of friends, all of whom were from Latin America. I was ecstatic to see her, as we hadn’t met in person for seven years. Additionally, seeing her with friends who understood her background gave me comfort in knowing she had a solid support system in Dublin.

How did you manage to make new friends in Dublin?

I started making friends from the day I arrived in Ireland. The company that offers the English course, which includes accommodation for the first week, coordinates flight dates so that students arrive around the same time and can be picked up as a group from the airport. Additionally, the company organizes activities for new arrivals, providing opportunities to meet people and build a network.

Finding a Latino community and friends in Ireland is very easy. You can find them in your classroom, as 90% of Latinos who come to live in Ireland take the same English course. Plus, there are Latino music nightclubs, and the fact that we have work permits allows us to make friends at work as well.

What are the benefits of having this community in Ireland?

It is important for the Latino community to be visible in the country, as this ensures that our rights are considered. This can lead to improvements in immigration programs. For example, the Latina content creator “Itzi in Dublin” reported on May 14th that she appeared in the Irish Parliament as a representative of the Latino community to discuss issues such as the regulation of English language schools in Ireland and the limited working hours for students. It is a reality that the 20-hour part-time jobs students get are no longer sufficient in today’s economy, considering inflation.

Moreover, I wanted to know if, like Fatima, Lupita would return to Mexico or if she sees her future in Dublin.

Where do you see yourself in the future? In Ireland or Mexico?

This is a very difficult question. While I could see my future in Dublin, I’m aware that if the opportunity for professional growth does not present itself, I will choose to return to Mexico, knowing that I did my best here in Ireland and had one of the best experiences of my life.

Education and exchange programs have long made it feasible to explore new countries and discover oneself in a scene where all is foreign. It requires a great deal of bravery and determination to take the step and do it. Therefore, I admire and applaud Fatima, Lupita, all the Latinos, people from the Caribbean, and immigrants in general for daring to cross the ocean, like me, to explore life in another country while learning a new language and much more. It’s not easy, but having your tribe - people who understand your background and speak your language - definitely makes the adventure more enjoyable. I can’t wait to see where Lupita’s journey takes her next.