The Most Bitter Sweet Experience

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.