What inspired you to travel abroad?
I always wanted to study abroad for as long as I could remember. I truly believed that testing my limits and reaching out of my comfort zone by throwing myself into a completely different lifestyle abroad would be a learning experience that would give me a different perspective on life, as well as help me pursue my academic and professional goals.
Top of Howth Cliff Walk!
Why did you choose CAPA The Global Education Network?
After researching many different study abroad programs, I finally found the perfect program with CAPA through my University's business school. I wanted to do an internship in addition to taking classes in an English-speaking country, so CAPA's Dublin, Ireland program was ideal. I was able to take classes relevant to my major, as well as gain professional experience in my field of study at my internship.
What was your favorite part about Ireland?
My favorite part about Ireland was definitely the atmosphere and the people. The country’s landscape is breathtaking, the city is bustling, and the Irish folk are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience abroad extraordinary were definitely the people I was surrounded by. The other students in my program quickly became my best friends who made every fun experience that much more enjoyable. I also became close with my coworkers at my internship, who gave me Irish fun facts, recommendations, and pointers throughout the summer to make the most of my time in Dublin.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The on-site administration of the program in Dublin were fantastic! They showed us around the city and Griffith College and helped us settle in upon arrival. They were very personable and always willing to help us with whatever we needed.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
One thing I definitely would have done differently was my packing strategy. People always say to pack light but I really wish I packed lighter. Not only did I end up having to pay overage fees both on the way to Europe and on the way back to America, but I also didn't end up using a lot of what I brought with me. Be realistic and remember there are stores across the pond too in case you forget something!
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Almost everyone's schedules are different depending on your internship and classes. The standard week is two-and-a-half days of your internship and three days of classes, sometimes with the two overlapping. Here and there our schedules got flipped around so that we would have three-day weekends, allowing us more time to travel around not only Ireland but the rest of Europe as well. Overall, a typical day consisted of either class, your internship, free time exploring, or sometimes all of the above!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
One of my favorite things to do during my free time abroad was simply ambling around the city of Dublin. Whether it was grabbing a coffee at a local cafe, people-watching by the city center, or discovering somewhere new, there was always something to do. I also really enjoyed spending time with my fellow classmates either out on the town or just in our apartment complex!
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
Over the summer we stayed in an "aparthotel" called Staycity, where the lobby was open 24/7 with receptionists and the apartments were cleaned once a week. It was in a perfect location as well, so I really enjoyed living there!
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing I would tell future participants is that since meals are not included in the program fee, you shouldn’t get carried away with spending money on eating out all the time as if you were on vacation. It’s great to treat yourself and try new things once in a while to make the most of the experience and immerse yourself in authentic Irish cuisine, but always remember that you are living there for an extended period of time that might cause your expenses to add up quickly. Local grocery shops are very inexpensive in Dublin, so it’s easy to save money on a weekly basis by cooking at home or stocking up on cheap snacks from Lidl or Tesco!
Would you recommend CAPA The Global Education Network to others? Why?
I would definitely recommend this program to others because it included everything needed to have a worry-free, fun, and safe experience abroad in a city that I love.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
I think the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is gaining a new perspective of the world by submerging yourself in another culture.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My time abroad impacted my life more than I ever imagined. The adjustment period coming back to America was actually more difficult than adjusting to living abroad because my perspective on life had changed so much in those three months. I can confidently say that studying abroad has changed both the way I view the world and myself.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel means having an eye-opening experience in a new place. Whether it’s an entirely new country or perhaps just somewhere you’ve been before, there is always something new to be discovered that can change your perspective.
