CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Dublin, Ireland

My experience was amazing! The education system is vastly different compared to schools in the US and getting to experience the difference gave me a new perspective on education. The support and care from professors was unmatched and I never felt intimidated by assignments. We were given so much freedom on our class work and it allowed us to be more creative and personal when completing assignments. The grading was very fair and I received helpful feedback on everything. Overall, a great change of pace!

Over this past summer, I studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland, with CEA CAPA, and I am forever grateful that I decided to. Dublin is one of the most gorgeous cities and has opportunities for everyone. Not only is the scenery breathtaking and the pubs enlivening, but the people are more welcoming than I could have imagined. Prior to studying abroad, I imagined this experience to be mostly independent and consist of solo traveling. However, I received so much support from the CEA CAPA staff and built some of the most meaningful relationships with the teachers and faculty there. There was truly never a dull moment in Ireland, and I will always remember my time there!

I absolutely loved my time in Ireland. The staff were so helpful and made us feel at home. The excursions were amazing and allowed me to really get a full picture of the Irish culture. The neighborhoods were fun to explore and by the end of the program I really felt like I knew the city. The city was walkable and full of exciting things to do, and friendly locals. The classes took advantage of the city we were in while still being educational and informative. My study abroad was a highlight of my college experience!

The staff was so incredibly welcoming! Dublin is the perfect city for students; everyone is so eager to talk to strangers. One of my classes took us to a local primary school, where we got to meet with teachers and learn about the way they structure their disciplinary actions to better meet the needs of the students. In my other class, I went to multiple museums, where we got to chat with curators and learn more in depth about Ireland's history and culture. I met some of the most incredible people, who have become lifelong friends.

I feel that everybody should study in Dublin, Ireland because it is truly one of the best places in the entire world! From the food to the academics to the people, it is truly amazing here and everyone should become a part of the Irish culture. I also met the most amazing people while I was and everyone here is very inclusive and nice. You will never find yourself bored here. It is also very easy to travel all around Ireland because they have reliable public transportation which gives you the opportunity to go see all the amazing sites that Ireland has to offer.

I really enjoyed my program. The staff were so friendly and helpful. I enjoyed all of our excursions around Ireland. The city was very walkable, and there was so much to do. The environment was laid-back, and there wasn't a lot of judgment or standards from the locals. The excursions around Ireland were amazing. I wish I could see more. My internship there was the best. My supervisor remains in contact with me and serves as my primary point of reference for future job applications. I wish my time there were longer than it was.

My flight to Dublin was my first flight ever. Needless to say I was nevous not only about the travel but being that far away from my home. Ireland and CEA CAPA both made me feel so comforted and at home. I was able to comfortably travel not only Ireland but other parts of the world which was so special to me. The things that I have learned while abroad are things I will never forget. School was so different and helpful to me and it has really improved my look at education going into my senior year. My time abroad was the best time of my life, I was able to grow not only in my eduacation but also in my personal development.

I visited Ireland back in 2019. I explored most of the country, and it instantly becoming one of my favorite places in the world. I left knowing, with absolute certainty, that I had to return. I had also always planned on studying abroad. When the time came around, Ireland was an easy and obvious choice. The decision was practical, it wasn't too far from home, and since I already take Spanish, I wasn't too keen on navigating a completely different language. But also, it was an incredible gateway to the rest of Europe, offering so many opportunities to travel and explore a continent I'd never really experienced before.

For four incredible months, I lived with two other girls, both from schools in New York, about 30 minutes from campus. Our daily routine involved a pleasant walk or a bus ride, and I absolutely loved the mild weather, it was never too hot. The academics were absolutely a highlight of the experience. Some of my classes were much more different than back home. I especially enjoyed the course where we analyzed and explored the city itself. All of my professors were talented and knowledgeable, making every lecture an immersive learning experience. I'm not sure I could say the same for my home university.

Beyond the classroom, the culture and the people were what truly made the trip unforgettable. Irish people are simply wonderful, they are so nice and are always willing to help you out. The nightlife, too, was a pleasant surprise. It’s very community-based, with a strong emphasis on "third spaces" where people can gather and connect. It felt so welcoming and authentic.

This trip was the best four months of my college career. I learned how to be fully on my own in a whole new country, and I am so proud of that growth. I traveled a great deal and gained so much from the experience, both personally and academically. Something I think can't be found anywhere else. As an International Management major, this opportunity to truly live and breathe in a new culture will undoubtedly benefit my career moving forward. I miss it every single day, and I'll forever be grateful for the memories and lessons I gained.