I am Magdalena Wagner-Manslau from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Following the completion of my undergraduate studies in Psychology, I pursued specialisation in Epidemiology. Over the last three years, I contributed to the Ministry of Health in my city, focusing on the management of primary health care and collaborating within an interdisciplinary territorial team addressing the needs of homeless people with severe mental disorders. Additionally, I engaged in private patient care. My dedication to community service and a desire to make a broader impact led me to prioritise public health initiatives and actively participated in voluntary work. Moreover, I have been involved in Irish dancing for the past decade since my mother brought me to a St. Patrick's Day festival. Passionate about music and dance, I developed a keen interest in the country and its culture.

I selected the Master's in Global Health due to my in-depth exploration of epidemiology and mental health, which revealed the pervasive nature of major health challenges transcending geographical boundaries. Recognising the imperative for innovative, interconnected solutions, I am confident that this programme will furnish me with indispensable tools and networking opportunities to address these pressing issues effectively.

The foremost advantage of the Ireland Fellows Programme lies in its capacity to expand my cultural perspective. Living with other Fellows from diverse nations and engaging in a master's programme alongside people from various backgrounds has fundamentally altered my worldview, fostering the adoption of novel approaches to academic and daily endeavours.

My most profound lesson has been the conquest of language barriers, enabling me to confidently express opinions in class or in social interactions. Additionally, I have gained insight into the variations in our interpretations of concepts such as health, as well as shared sentiments regarding relationships, gender dynamics, culinary preferences, and our affinity for pets.

Adapting to life in a new country inevitably encounters challenges, with language difference being the initial hurdle to feeling fully familiarised. However, patience is the key as familiarity gradually fosters ease, diminishing any initial discomfort. Meal schedules and evening activities, in particular, continue to surprise me, as cultural norms differ from those of my homeland. Moreover, adjusting to the reduced daylight hours during winter presents its own set of challenges. Nonetheless, embracing these differences prompts the discovery of new routines and the benefits they offer.

I believe I am realising a significant part of the objectives I aspired to achieve through this fellowship. These include engaging in cultural exchange, enhancing my language proficiency, acquiring firsthand insights into healthcare systems in diverse global contexts, exploring new destinations through travel, and acquiring knowledge that will potentially broaden my career prospects.

It is hard to choose a favourite part of the fellowship, as there are numerous aspects that I find equally rewarding. I enjoy the discussions in class, the cooking, chats with my flatmates, and learning how to get around a foreign city as a local.

I wholeheartedly endorse the Ireland Fellows Programme to prospective candidates. This initiative offers a unique opportunity, particularly for individuals from regions with limited access to such experiences, to pursue studies in Ireland. It enables the acquisition of invaluable personal and professional skills while fostering cross-cultural appreciation, enriching both the individual and their home country.

To individuals considering application to Ireland Fellows Programme, I advise to be patient throughout the process. It is natural to experience mixed emotions when leaving the familiarities to confront the uncertainties and trials associated with migration and resuming student life in a foreign language far away from loved ones. However, based on my own journey, I can confirm that the rewards of learning and enjoyment far surpass homesickness. Remember, your home will remain steadfast, awaiting your return. Go for it!