USIT Travel

After graduating from University I decided to finally fulfill my dream of living abroad in Ireland. I was incredibly excited but at the same time nervous because this would be my first trip abroad, all alone. This fear was quickly squashed because the program made it SOO easy to meet people from all over the world. Within the first week of my arrival I was already headed to a house party with a bunch of participants from the program! I learned invaluable communication skills, gained confidence, knowledge and an incurable desire for travel.
I learned about Irish music, culture and even a little bit of the Irish language from my Irish friends (Ishka Baha being an important one ;) ).
The most difficult aspect of the program for me was opening up a bank account as a foreigner. The banks really depend on you having a proof of address in order to open up a bank account. I had no proof of this, as I did not have any bills in my name or any government documents showing where I lived. After 3 months, with lots of tears, letters back and forth and nagging I was finally able to open up an account. I think the most valuable information I should have taken from the very helpful USIT orientation was to wait to apply for my PPS number until I had a place to live, as this can be used as proof as address.
There is so much more to write, but if you are thinking of taking a gap year to live abroad, just do it! I was able to travel all over Ireland and Europe in my 2 years in Ireland. I have friends all around the world now and memories and experiences that I will treasure for a life time. It will be an experience you will not regret!

Ireland is the place to go if you want to learn about culture, family and growing as a human being. The people have ties that go way back, traditions passed on through the generations. They're very loyal, family-oriented, and genuinely interested in keeping everyone happy and safe. After living with a family here, I've realized how to treat each other, how to take care o one another without looking for something in return. Everything is simple here, and you star to appreciate all the little things you might have taken for granted your whole life. There are beautiful sights to see, history to hear, and pubs to visit, but the people are what really make a difference.

The Work in Ireland program at USIT has been a life savor! I could not be more satisfied with the service they have given, and continue to give me every day. In college I spent a year studying abroad in Germany and absolutely fell in love with Europe. I travelled to 16 different countries, but without a doubt, my favorite was Ireland. The warm, welcoming, nonjudgemental, and happy culture that's here is incomparable to anywhere else in this world that I have travelled.
Moving to a new country is an extremely overwhelming experience, no matter how many times you've done it, and if you're anything like me, and need to have someone to turn to with questions, then the Work in Ireland program at USIT is perfect for you.

I was in contact with the program on a weekly basis, even months before I moved to Ireland. They helped me with everything from what to bring, where to stay, when to arrive, how to prepare and were there for me every step of the way in applying for my visa. Once I arrived in Ireland, the orientation was absolutely fabulous. I would have been completely lost without it. There are so many things you would not even think about, that you need to do, and USIT is there to help with it all. They provided all resources and the staff were so supportive and caring. I could genuinely tell that they wanted me to be successful here. I even ended up finding a job in USIT, and I could not be more grateful for that opportunity!

I have been loving my year in Ireland, I just wish it wasn't flying by quite as fast! For me, the best part is being able to travel all the time, such short distances, at such low costs. It's incredible! It's definitely a huge adjustment moving across the world, but I am so happy I did it with USIT!

USIT staff were extremely helpful with questions regarding living accommodations, where to do groceries, tax information, job assistance, socials, etc... My year in Ireland is one of the best decisions I've made and I'm itching to return! Biggest tip would be: just go! You won't regret it and the staff at USIT are there for you every step of the way.

I have moved and lived in several different countries and as I get older and do not have college to rely on it has been harder and harder to meet people and USIT has been so incredibly helpful with events, orientation, and just general basic help. Everyone is always kind and tries to help you in any way they can, even if it's just for a good rant or a chat with someone. I was very lucky to already have met some people in Ireland before coming over and live with 5 other Irish roommates so I get a great eye and earful of what it's meant to be Irish (Love/Hate can only teach you so much), but I know that has not always been the case for other first-comers and USIT/SWAP has been so great with accessible information and kudos to Aisling for putting up with us crazy foreigners!
Through the programme I found a job within the first month of moving over and thanks to my leap card I can actually get to work easily.
I could not recommend this way of travel more, to really experience a culture, surrounding yourself with activities and Irish-ness (don't just go to Copper's folks!) it has been crucial.