What inspired you to go abroad?
I wanted international work experience and an authentic cultural immersion.
Why did you choose CAPA The Global Education Network?
I chose CAPA because my home university (University of Florida) works closely with this program. Also, I had already decided I wanted to go to Dublin and this is one of CAPA's destinations.
What was your favorite part about Dublin?
I loved Dublin and it is very difficult to choose only one favorite part. If I had to choose the most compelling part of the city was the positive energy found in Dublin. People are kind, friendly, and helpful. It's a city that enjoys life.
What made your experience abroad unique?
My internship placement was probably the most unique part my of experience. I interned at an award-winning advertising agency. I loved the people I worked with and the type of work I was doing.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
My CAPA directors and professor were the best. My director, Susanne, is amazing. In fact, the first email she sent gave me comfort and confidence that she was more than qualified to orchestrate this experience. Her assistant director, Hayley, is very kind-hearted, hospitable, and helpful. She made an impact on my trip's experience from the very beginning. My flight had some complications causing me to land in Shannon, and Hayley communicated with me during the entire process helping me organize a ride to the campus. She stayed after hours to make sure I arrived and she walked with me to a local café to grab dinner. Hayley went well above and beyond the expected job duty. Both Susanne and Hayley are exceptional directors and their assistance was greatly needed.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I wish I would have had more money to travel. I don't know if there is any way this would have been feasible, but I would have liked to have seen a few more countries/cities while I was in Europe.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
- 7:30 a.m. Wake up
- 8:15 a.m. - 8:45 a..m. Walk to work
- 8:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Get coffee and breakfast, and get ready for the work day
- 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. Daily tasks at internship
- 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Lunch break and walk along the canal
- 2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Daily tasks at internship
- 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Walk home
- 6:00 p.m. - 7.00 p.m. Grab stuff for dinner at grocery store on the corner, then make dinner
- 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Hang out in the dorms with friends from CAPA
- 9:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Do homework
- 10:30 p.m. Get ready for bed
- 11:15 p.m. Sleep
A few days a week, I would meet friends after work at a café to do homework together. Also, my friends and I would go out most Thursday evenings for a few hours to hang out at the local pub. Most people travelled on the weekends.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I loved being outside. Also, I spent a lot of time walking in the city, visiting the parks, and meeting friends for a night out.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
I lived in the Griffith dorms. The accommodation was probably my least favorite part about my trip and the program. However, the living arrangement never deterred me from having a great experience. There were a few things that were difficult. Sharing a room was expected and I was blessed with a good roommate. The campus apartment was clean and located in a safe area. Also, the campus housing was very convenient. My only complaint is the refrigerator and the bathroom. The fridge was very small for four adults; it was the size of a personal, dorm fridge.
The bathroom was very European. As an American I am not accustomed to a bathroom being that small. Our shower and toilet were mere inches from each other with no divider. As I said, these small inconveniences did not greatly impact my experience, but I would have liked a bigger fridge and a different bathroom for the price of the program.
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
The directors are extremely helpful resources - utilize their experience and advice.
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
The internship placement was a great addition to my resume. During my internship, I was contacted by a billion-dollar corporation in Florida; the company was mostly interested in me because of my international work experience.
Would you recommend CAPA to others? Why?
Absolutely! I loved working with this program. CAPA's program was very well organized and their help was greatly needed. I would use CAPA again and recommend their program to family and friends.
