Program Reviews

My name is Pollini Passos and I would like to talk a little bit about my experience in Dublin City University during my graduation through the Science Without Borders Brazilian programme. Choosing DCU was an easy decision after researching about the best universities in Ireland and it became one of the best ones in my entire life.
The international office was always very patient and helpful even before I decided to study at DCU, whenever I had a question I sent emails and the answer was always quick and helpful. I arrived directly to the academic year, and even not knowing a lot of people, easily DCU became home. The students' accommodation provided by the university is all new and comfortable, and the staff is always kind to help.
During the academic year I took several relevant modules related to the Manufacturing Engineering course where classes were all fine and the Lecturers always ready to assist the students. Besides that, during the summer, I had the honour to develop a research alongside Dr. Liam MacGabhann that hopefully will become the basis for my final dissertation back in Brazil.
I owe a huge gratitude to Caroline and Emma, both from the international office, that always supported us in every field of our lives. Also, to all the friends I made during this incredible year: you made Ireland feels like home, even if it was for a short time. I will carry this experience and you all with me, for the rest of my life, thanks for every second spent here. Thanks for all the nights spent indoors during the terrible winter, thanks for every shite night at NuBar, thanks for enjoying the spring that none of us will ever forget.
Finally, thanks DCU, for having me. Thanks for the year of my life!

Coming from the Catholic University of Paris, I have studied one semester (september-december 2015) at DCU.
Overall this semester was a fantastic experience for me. This might sound too general but I better grasp the plurality of the world in which I am living today thanks to this experience. And this is not the case of all my fellow students in Paris. I am not meaning that they are not open to the world, but the experience abroad is a much better way of understanding our world.

In that matter, DCU is a great University. I have been warmly welcomed with a pre-semester week specifically organized for foreign students. I was assisted during the choice of the modules and during the whole semester by a very competent and available International Office.

Regarding accomodations, DCU must be one of the most modern University in Europe. Welfare and after-school activities are a significant part of DCU's policies. The Helix building welcomes films, conferences and drinks party. The huge library grants students with thousands of textbooks and articles in each academic field. Those crucial resources are available on DCU's website. It is very convenient to borrow a book or to download an article. Sports are also encouraged in DCU. Football, rugby grounds, tennis courts, swimming pool and gym rooms are available and included in tuition fees. I have been delighted to take part in a well-organized five-a-side football league that gathers students from all other the world. The spirit was amazing.

Finally, a part from the excellence of modules granted, the most amazing experience for me was the impetus laid on student life. This student life is really prompted by DCU's administration. I can not count how many events I have been to, how many societies exist. The most amazing thing for me was to discover that student life had a proper building -the HUB. The Student Union is working all day long to help students register to events, pay their Leap card for Dublin Buses, basically give information on societies etc. Every week there is a theme such as mental health or Sexual Health Awareness & Guidance that grant students with interest and knowledge on the subject. I took part in 3 different societies (International relations society, DCU astro league, DCU Surf'n Sail society, Esoc) but I could have taken part in far more if I wanted to. In deed the subscription to each society costs 4€. In concrete terms, I enjoyed great "craics" (real Irish world) on campus events, attended conferences with the Palestianian Ambassador in Ireland and went surfing in Bundoran in October !

From a French point of view, it was a real pleasure to meet appreciated Dubliners, to discover Dublin - its joyful atmosphere and typical weather, and to study in an open University.

A sincere thank you

Had a wonderful time.The people at DCU (staff, students, admin) were all so approachable and kind. The school is really nice and clean. The classes are not that difficult and the teachers are very understanding if you need help in a class or anything because you are an international student. There are a lot of clubs and societies that you can join. The pub on campus is quite fun. Always something to do. Close enough to city center but not in city center which was kind of nice.

Dublin is one of the best cities in Europe, let alone the world. I studied at this University and always had time to have a great time and enjoy the city and the excellent view of Ireland. I learned a lot about European culture in my classes and really enjoyed making new friends. Going abroad was the greatest decision of my life and I would not change anything about my trip! My friends and I would often go to different universities to hang out with Irish students that we had met out.

Studying at DCU was definitely the best experience I've ever had in my life. Getting to know some of the nicest and most helpful people I've ever met, speaking English all the time and having the opportunity to take modules I can't take here in Brazil make me don't have anything to complain about the Exchange.
DCU staff were always there to support us and they were always trying to make us feel the most comfortable possible. DCU has a big campus, with lots of facilities as restaurants, a drugstore, a bank and some ATMS around, besides the huge library where you can find some really important books.

As an Engineering student, I could learn a lot from the modules I had taken there - from bionedical engineering to programming and image processing modules.
DCU accommodations are very good, maybe the best I've seen in Dublin, and they are all inside the campus or quite near it.

Visit NuBar, go to the Albert College Park, join a society or a club... enjoy DCU to the fullest. I can tell you: YOU WON'T REGRET IT ;)

For sure the experience of studying in DCU is the best you can get so far!
All the staff there was really helpful from the very first day till the day I left Dublin for the last time. The accommodation they got me was comfortable and secure, the facilities were great including football pitches, a complete sports centre with swimming pool and all the rest you may need and a pub with good beer and food.
I've spent one and a half year there and attended both English course and University. These two experiences were quite different but great in different ways.
On the english course the lessons were funny without losing content and the teachers committed with all the students. There were useful extra-classes like "Job interview" and "Conversation" classes, with the two best teachers ever. The IELTS preparation course is also a powerful point of the experience.
On the other hand, during the University time things get a bit more serious as you may expect, but the social life improves as well. There were great classrooms, labs fitted with everything you need to study and a complete library.
No regrets at all! I highly recommend DCU!

All I can say about my experience in Ireland is that I had the craic. Despite all stories I've already shared there is one that I haven't yet.
Is about my college conclusion essay- all students must do it in Brazil- well after my exchange in Ireland I could reflect about some issues evidenced in Brazil that I only could see when I left. So, when I came back home, I promisse myself stop complaining and really try to make some difference. And that is what my conclusion essay is about: A business plan about a Brazilian cultural issue that I have figured out when I was in Ireland and now I am trying to implent it.

Hi,
I went to DCU by a brazilian exchange program called "Science without Borders". I stayed there for 15 months, which I studied English, Engineering and researched too. It was such a good experience.
The school was always there to support me. I managed to met great friends there. The modules were such a good challenge for me.
Not to mention how much I miss my host family and the DCU accommodations. Try to go Nubar as much as you can, best burguer ever. And yeah, try the societies. :D

I can say for sure that the time I've spent in Dublin was by far the most amazing experience of my life. I had all the support from the university staffs, specially Caroline Maggee, who was always up to help me and my schollarship mates.

My host family was incredible also, presenting me the city and their county (swords). Mary and Paddy McCallion deserve a lot of respect and I super recommend them as host family.

The great thing about dcu is its sport complex. With a lot kinds of facilities, we are all able to exercise every day.
I enjoyed going to the swimming pool twice a week, going to the gym twice a week and the very best thing was really the football peaches.
I remember one week I played football with some friends on Friday afternoon, as usual. But the great thing is we spent the whole following weekend exercising. Football matches, swimming, gym etc...