Now that I have reached the halfway point of my study abroad timeline, which is hard to believe, I reflect on my time here so far and what the rest of my experience may look like. Within the span of a couple of months, I have collected advice to offer to prospective study-abroad students.
One of the most wonderful things about studying outside of the United Statesis that traveling to various countries becomes far more accessible with cheaper flights and trains. By the second month of being abroad, many of my friends and peers began spending their weekends in another country, booking cheap flights and accommodations. On the other hand, I spent my weekends further exploring Dublin, pursuing hobbies like rock climbing, hiking, and visiting other cities and towns in Ireland. There is so much to explore and see within the country of study, as well as within the continent and surrounding countries. I believe it’s important to have a sweet balance between the two that fits your wants and situation. It truly is a great opportunity to visit various countries, especially with other study-abroad and international students that are eager to do the same but don’t feel left behind if you don’t feel the desire to or simply can’t. There is so much to see and experience within the country of study itself, for example, I have become good friends with locals by visiting the same weekend markets and have had a blast on weekend trips to cities across the country. I am now prioritizing traveling more internationally. Just know that everyone follows a different timeline with travel!
University College Dublin has a large population of international students and the exchange program this semester was the largest it has ever been.
It’s interesting because I don’t find Dublin, Ireland to be super different from the United States. It may be that I have adjusted to my environment now, but it is an English-speaking country that is diverse and feels like an international hub, much like Washington D.C. There were things that were familiar to me but also differences that are important to highlight. The academic culture here is different with a lower passing grade and grades largely being based on exams or just a few assignments. Local Irish students tend to go home on the weekends, even if they live a few hours away, so many students tend to go out on the weekdays. This causes a bit of a divide between exchange/international students and local Irish students. However, it is not difficult to form friendships with them if you put in effort on your end and reach out to them in class, in my experience. There is a greater casual smoking culture. You aren’t necessarily expected to throw away your trash when eating out (which I would still recommend doing!), as the workers will do it for you and you aren’t expected to tip. For the bus
to stop for you, you have to put your arm up (I learned the hard way). There is slang you will pick up on - which is fun!
My first month here felt a little lonely and I realized that was the case for a lot of people. I initially met so many people, as the school, program, and international student society puts on many events and orientations. I met many kind people from all over the world and felt like I already began learning about various cultures through them, however, in my situation, I didn’t keep up with too many people. Over time, I made friends through classes and talked to others about them feeling the same. Meanwhile, I was finding myself homesick and missing family which I did not expect at all! I would advise going to as many of the initial orientation events as possible and talking to many people, this led me to have a group to go dorm shopping with and secure my sim card. If you aren’t talkative or social, push yourself to be a little uncomfortable and awkward, your peers are in the same situation as you but it’s important to do this without having high expectations. Be patient with yourself and extend yourself some grace! Give yourself alone time if you need it. Push yourself if you need it. I would encourage weekly reflections through journaling or by talking about your experience with other exchange students. Through this, you won’t feel as alone and can set goals for yourself on what you may what to change in the next week or keep the same.
Some of the most insightful things I have learned are just how different people’s timelines are. For example, many Swedish students take a year or more off before entering college. An Irish student may be younger than them but is getting ready to graduate. Witnessing the normalcy of this was very refreshing and a reminder that even the concept of a timeline one is expected to follow are social standards that don’t fit everyone. Another one is being able to connect with people who have lived such a different life than you. I found core similarities with others that are internal and eternal through conversation which is simultaneously overwhelming and grounding.
Come in being super receptive and open, but not with grand expectations. I knew going into traveling that all my problems were not going to be solved and that I wasn’t going to become a totally changed person. I do find that I have grown in many ways and have a greater sense of self by being somewhere different. I have had some of the greatest experiences of my life abroad, however, this is not a daily occurrence. With the right attitude, an amazing time is guaranteed.
Also, beans on toast slaps.
Anoosh Tauqir
GW Enxchange - University College Dublin
Spring 2023
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Civil Engineering Major