University College Dublin - Study Abroad

In the United States I attend The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa , studying mechanical engineering and math. I never thought that I would come abroad, but it was a spur of the moment decision that I will never look back from. Attending UCD has been a great experience. I enjoy all the classes I am taking and Dublin is a great city to be in. The school itself has ample free opportunities like free trips around Ireland, and tons of free events all the time. As a study abroad student one thing you look forward to is traveling. The school work at UCD has never seemed to get in the way of that and the classes meet alot less often then at my home University. While looking for a university to study abroad at, I would highly recommend going to UCD.

My name is Elizabeth Bach and I am a Chemical Engineer major from Cornell University. Last semester I had the honor of studying abroad at University College Dublin in the College of Engineering and Architecture.

Going abroad was one of the most bitter-sweet experiences of my academic career. During this semester I made lifelong friends whom I would have never met otherwise, travelled to cities I had only read about in books, and experienced a new, vibrant culture. The only bitter part of the experience was having to leave after one semester. I highly recommend anyone who chooses to study at UCD go for the full year.

While the academics at UCD are challenging, I never felt overwhelmed because UCD has wonderful staff members and on-campus resources for abroad students. I also enjoyed the collaborative academic work environment because I got to know my fellow students and learn more about the Irish educational system.

UCD’s social life and clubs are just as good as its academics. The clubs I joined at UCD allowed me to try activities I never imagined doing like kick boxing and windsurfing. The clubs also helped me expand my friend group beyond the classroom which made me feel like I was really a part of the Irish community.

I am so happy and grateful I had the opportunity to study at this amazing institution. Studying at UCD really was a once in a life time experience.

When I was little my dream was to move to Ireland. I wanted to be closer to family and friends and for years that dream never went away. When the time came to start applying for colleges I knew that UCD was the place for me. I had visited once before and fallen in love with campus, the staff, and the structure. A friend of mine in the USA had done a study abroad to UCD and fell in love with it. She had an amazing time and from listening to her stories I was sold! Unfortunately, I was not accepted right away. I attended a univeristy in Hawaii for a semester and reapplied to the University of College Dublin again the following year. My determination, passion and patience is what got me here to study my full degree in Animal science to further study in Veterinary Medicine. My experience has been entirely worth the wait. There is so much opportunity here for international students. The first week was definitely daunting but with so much support from UCD international and all the events planned it was extremely easy to make friends. These past 7 weeks have been so incredible. I have made life long friends, traveled around Ireland and ...oh yeah studied too. The staff here at UCD are so supportive. I would highly recommend doing a study abroad with UCD. My favourite memory so far would have to be freshers week. It takes place the second week of college and is an introduction to all the clubs and societies on campus. It is so festive and fun and there is always something for you to get involved in. If you are thinking about coming to Ireland I can not recommend it enough. You will feel right at home while having an amazing opportunity traveling around the world <3

As I'm thinking of what to write for this review, my mind is filled with ideas and thoughts -- I don't even know where to begin. I am about halfway through my program and it pains me to say that. Two months into studying abroad at University College Dublin in Dublin, Ireland, I have nothing but good things to say, not only about this university, but this country as a whole. My experience at UCD, thus far, has been such a refreshing, fun experience. Coming from California, everything here is so different -- in more ways than one. I can't fathom that I've only been here for two months, and that I only have two more to go. UCD has been so helpful to help me acclimate to my new environment, they made me feel so welcomed and supported. Hence why time has flown by! I feel at home here. I have been able to go on a few trips provided by UCD to explore Ireland and it has been such a joy to have that opportunity. The University really does accommodate to their international students and I think that speaks volumes to their character. UCD and Dublin as a whole has made their mark and has a special place in my heart. I can't wait to make the most of these last couple of months -- let alone, come back to Dublin!

The University College Dublin international program gave the opportunity to study abroad students to attend the Irish House Party. This night included free transportation, food, and a show. We began the event by hearing traditional music played by fellow UCD students and they taught us a lesson on the Irish language. After this we enjoyed a three-course meal followed by a show! The show included music, dancing, and a lot of laughter. This has been my favorite night in Dublin by far! You experience Ireland with your taste, sight, and hearing. It was truly the Irish experience. If you are ever in Ireland the Irish House Party is something you MUST attend! Go rabid maith agat. Thank you to the UCD International program for this awesome Irish experience!

I am a junior studying nursing and biochemistry at UCD for the academic year and I absolutely love it!
Academically, the courses are comparable to those at my home university, and the quality of the lecuturers overall is top notch. I feel as though I am actually learning this year, not taking a year off as with some study abroad programs.
Initially, I was worried about coming to Ireland not knowing anyone, but my problem was quickly solved because of the housing, orientations, societies, and UCD International events. My roommates are all Irish and have been wonderful in helping me out and answering questions. UCD International has given me the opportunity to see so much of Ireland along with meeting loads of new people! They have trips all over Ireland almost weekly and the trips are so much fun. I traveled with them to see Powerscourt House and Glendalough just yesterday and it was incredible.
To anyone considering coming here to study- I would encourage you to do it! It is truly a unique university with a welcoming atmosphere and people willing to help with anything you need!

UCD and Ireland were perhaps the best experiences I have ever had. The university was beautiful, the teachers cared and wanted to help, tutorials were built into the schedules, the classes were put together with few bumps. The expectations were set forward and there was ample time and opportunities to ask for help from the staff as well as the students around you. Just be prepared for the cold, wind, and rain, which I personally was in love with. The lakes on campus provided an amazing place to sit and have coffee with friends between classes or to decompress afterwards. I only wish that I could have stayed for an entire academic year instead of just a semester. UCD is located in a perfect spot: not within the heart of Dublin, but not far from it. Going to UCD was perhaps the most revitalizing and invigorating experience that I needed and am thankful for all the people I met along the way.

UCD is a great place to study and work. Before coming I didn't really know what to expect but the classes are fun and the teachers are really engaging, you can tell they are knowledgeable and willing to help. The internship program that I was placed with was exciting to get hands on experience but a little disorganized in the beginning which really doesn't have any bearing with UCD, just something to take note of. Otherwise the campus is beautiful, the bus stop is centrally located making it easy to get around. The administrators I cannot thank enough for being so nice and helpful with any questions or concerns. I never thought I would get the opportunity to study abroad but I'm very thankful for the experience and friends I have made at UCD.