This tradition continued through the centuries as Irish teachers traveled to the farthest and poorest corners of the world. In modern times, education and research have played a vital role in transforming Irish society, making it the most globalized nation on earth (according to the 2011 Ernst and Young annual survey), the world's second largest software exporter and a base for the world's leading pharmaceutical, science, ICT and financial services companies.

US President Barack Obama has called the Irish system world class and has called Irish-educated graduates among the best in the world.

Eight Irish higher institutions of learning are ranked in the top 5 percent of institutions globally. Ireland's technological institutes are known as industry-focused and responsive to enterprise needs. Specialist institutions in the medical field also have global reputations. Ireland is also a leader in the development of national and European qualifications frameworks and has a highly regarded, government-backed quality assurance agency, which recognizes some Irish private colleges.

Moreover, it is the No. 1 country in the European Union in terms of participation in higher education. IMD, one of the world's leading business schools, rates Ireland as first in the world for the availability of skilled labor and as one of top countries whose education system meets the needs of a competitive economy. Employers in particular value the skills of Irish-educated graduates with Ireland finishing 1st out of 28 European countries in terms of enterprise perception of graduate quality (ECOFIN, 2009).

Ireland's high quality of education is bolstered by satisfied and grateful students.

Sarah Nagadi dreams of becoming a doctor after receiving a government scholarship at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) which has a good medical reputation. In Dublin, she did an EAP (English for Academic Purposes) course for three months. One thing, which made her comfortable in Ireland was the Irish attitude.

“I have been to many countries but I have never seen people as friendly and as kind as the Irish. I think that I had made the right decision to come to Ireland,” she said.

From Dublin, she moved southwestward. This is because RCSI's medical course includes a foundation year called the Medical Commencement Program (MCP) which takes place at the Institute of Technology Tralee (ITT) in County Kerry. One of the annual events at ITT is the International Day where each country has its own stand. “It was one of the best days I have had in Tralee. People and students from other countries learned much about Saudi culture, food, traditional dance and music. We prepared for it with love and enthusiasm...I got to know more about other countries like Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Germany, Italy, Spain,” she said. She is excited to make the most of her last semester in Tralee. She wants to visit the Ring of Kerry, Dingle, Banna Beach and other places before May. “I'd like to take pictures of this experience so when I look back insha'Allah five or six years from now, I will remember the great time I had and the kind people I met in Tralee.”

She has also become involved in some societies and clubs and wants to experience new things like rock climbing and hill walking. “I am looking forward to starting my studies at the RCSI, but I know I will always look back fondly on my time in Tralee,” she said.

Raja Al Dandan, a Saudi from the Eastern Province, also wanted to take up medicine and decided that the best medical school is the RCSI. She got a guaranteed acceptance from RCSI. However, she had to attend the Institute of Technology in Tralee (ITT) where she fared well due to her strong high school international background. “The subjects at ITT are taught well by professional teachers and lecturers. The classes have both international and Irish students. Such an environment enhances my English and introduced me to various cultures,” she said. She's hoping that by the year's end she'll be able to pass all the science and language subjects with honors so “I can be a few steps away from achieving my dream, of becoming an RCSI doctor.”

Michael Buble is another youngster who went to Ireland to take up medicine. But once there, he thought he'll not only study medicine. He'll also drink in the beauty of nature and taught lessons in life. He admits having some bad habits, such as lack of punctuality or acquiring books without reading them. Attempting to be a bookworm, he decided to finish a 62-page book by the time he reached Tralee. His accommodation in Tralee was arranged by one Nora while he was on the train. When he reached his accommodation, he was disappointed when he saw the old white brisk fence with the little red wooden door in the middle. He thought he was on the suburb of the town and that he would be living on a farm. He was guided upstairs by Nora who opened the door of his room. Seeing it, he expressed surprise. He loved it and interrupted Nora who was still explaining, “I like it. It is great!” Nora asked, “Are you sure? Take your time and do not be embarrassed to say 'no'.” He said: “Everything was perfect about it and it was my piece of heaven compared to the one where I stayed in Britain so I replied 'I am sure, thank you'.”

He spent the night rearranging and adding touches to the room. The second day, he went out exploring alone with neither a map nor sense of direction and he discovered how gorgeous Ireland was. “I realized why I came to Ireland. I am in love with art and beauty of nature surrounding me. Birds are flying high, sun in the skies, and breeze drifting by,” he said, adding: “It is time to do some soul searching and therefore as I explore Ireland I will also explore myself and get to know myself better. I can feel redemption calling and I can see the edge of my new beginning. It's a new life for me and I am feeling good!”

Another youngster who dreams to become a doctor and offered a place at the RCSI was spellbound by the beauty of Ireland and also impressed with Irish friendliness and hospitality. He said, “I booked my flight from the UK. The first interaction with Irish people was on the airplane. I immediately noticed how friendly they are. The Irish families are closely-knit, which was overwhelming as it reminded me of my own country.” He says that he has no regrets in his decision to study in Ireland, hopes to go to RCSI and graduate by the end of 2018.