Stint Ireland: Working Holidays in Dublin, Ireland

Why did you pick this program?

What first caught my interest about Stint was that the program focuses on and is based in Ireland, the one place that I had always dreamed of visiting, and I knew this would provide a level of personal involvement and knowledge that other broader programs simply could not give.

From the moment I first made contact with them, I was surprised and excited by the enthusiasm and dedication of the Stint crew. I made my decision then and never even considered looking back.

The Stint crew are not just voices over the phone, they are fun, friendly people and I look forward to visiting them, charming Dublin and beautiful Ireland again.

What was the hardest part about going abroad?

For me the hardest part about going abroad was never leaving home or being away from family and friends, it was never being in a strange country with strange people. These issues are easy to predict and simple to fix. Go. Do. Fill every moment and take every opportunity, that's all there really is to it.

I've always found that the hardest part was not knowing what to expect. What will the country be like? What will the people, university, workplace expect from me? It's hard, but the only way to find out is to dive right in and see.

What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?

It's the little moments that stand out the most. Like sitting in my parked hire car in the middle of a hauntingly empty landscape, where the wind was so strong it rocked the car. There was not a tree, a house or a soul in sight but for me and the little white Connemara ponies crossing the road.

Or that time I climbed the Slieve League cliffs, three times the size of the Cliffs of Moher and twice as wild, and listened in honest disbelief as the wind whispered my name. Until I realized I had pocked dialed my mum. These are the simply stunning or silly situations that I'll never forget.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

My advice to anyone taking part in the Stint Ireland program is to make the most of their expertise. Unlike so many other programs the Stint crew are literally just down the road, and they are always ready and willing to help. If you have a question, ask them. If you have a problem, consult them. If you want a chat, visit them.

They know Dublin and Ireland intimately and are full ideas and suggestions for a quick getaway, weekend trip or even just drinks after work. Don't make the mistake of thinking that all Stint has to offer is an internship. If you want to experience the real Ireland, they can give it to you.

Did you study abroad? If so, where and what inspired you to go?

Jeffrey: Yes, I was lucky enough to study abroad twice. My first experience was at Oxford, England, as part of my college’s British Studies Summer program. It was the summer after my freshmen year. I’d always known I would study abroad ever since my older cousin studied abroad in Australia so I jumped at the first opportunity I had.

My second stint was a semester abroad in St Andrews, Scotland, during my senior year. Having spend a summer abroad, I knew I wanted to experience a semester abroad to have a full immersion. It turned out to be exactly as I hoped as I met so many wonderful people during those 4 months who’ve become great friends.

What does the future hold for Stint Ireland - any exciting new programs to share?

Jeffrey: Recently, we launched “Work in Ireland,” a new program that gives people the chance to come to Ireland on the working holiday agreement to work and travel. As a new company, we are extremely ambitious. The study abroad industry has been around for decades and it’s at the forefront of higher education now more than ever.

There’s a movement to increase participation in the United States because of it’s perceived benefits. This is a good sign. However, it’s important not only to think of quantity but also the quality of the experience. We’re keen on being innovative in the way we conduct our business; we’re never satisfied with the status quo.

We want to lead the way and set the standard for study abroad in the 21st century, using the endless resources available to structure meaningful programs that benefit the community and the individual in addition to lowering the barriers of entry to study abroad programs.

What about the future of the industry? How do you think study and/or intern abroad and international education will change over the next 10 years?

Jeffrey: There’s a lot of research being published about the benefits of international experiences. However, many programs are ill-equipped to implement some essential services such as cross-cultural preparation or re-entry classes. Program costs are a problem as it prevents many less privileged students from getting an international experience.

In the next 10 years, we’ll see a rise in the implementation of experiential education that optimizes the student’s experience and increases the impact they have on their adopted community. Infrastructure for support and social networks for students abroad will be put in place providing genuine cultural immersion.

With the proven tangible benefits to the host community and the individual comes the opportunity to implement a viable crowdfunding model to lower the barriers of entry allowing lower-income students a chance they would not have if it were 5 years ago, or even now.

What unique qualities does your company possess?

Jeffrey: We believe in being genuine. We are aware that there are people behind every aspect of our business. Every single applicant has a different background and unique journey ahead of them. Every company and organization we work with in Ireland is made up of people working on something they’re passionate about.

And the city of Dublin, and the country of Ireland, are places we love. With this in mind, we’re devoted to facilitating growth in both our program participants and our local community. We encourage the cross-pollination of cultures. Of talent. Of people. It is a powerful phenomenon and we hope it’ll help change the world in a positive way.