I know I failed to hint at this in previous blog posts but that’s only because a part of me was convinced it was a no-go. But fortunately, despite all the visa hurdles, I made it to Ireland for my study abroad!
I am currently an exchange student at Dublin Institute of Technology on Aungier Street. It’s actually pretty funny how people here consider me an “American exchange student” but I usually don’t explain to them that I am actually an international student in the U.S. because it’s just too much effort lol.
Truthfully, it was an odyssey getting to Ireland. And after I pushed through stressors like visa issues (you freakin’ Americans have it so easy, I swear), finding reasonably priced accommodation close to campus, and dying of thirst and hunger during my underwhelming flight with WOW airlines, I have arrived around three weeks later than when I was expected, and so I have the task of catching up with my courses — or “modules” as they call it here.
My first night in Ireland (which was also my first night in Europe) was a reflective one. Being used to having roommates and having spent a month and a half in Canada made me all-too-aware of how alone I was. It shocked me how down I felt; this feeling was foreign to me as I am typically very chipper during the first couple of months of being in a new country. After messaging a couple of friends from high school and tearing up over Skype while on my Airbnb bed, I convinced myself that it was probably only a first-night thing.
Sure enough, the next few days proved to be brighter ones. I attended my first classes at DIT and found them pretty fun. I started learning how to set up a video camera and had a go at speaking in front of one in the presence of my classmates. For another module, we went to the streets in groups of two or three to do man-on-the-street interviews with a recording device, a microphone and a pair of headphones. It was extremely nerve-wracking approaching strangers along Grafton Street and on St. Stephen’s Green, but most people were a lot nicer than I had thought.
As I familiarized myself with the route from DIT to my accommodation, I started to truly appreciate the appeal of Dublin. I couldn’t stop the wild exclamations of “I’m in Europe!!!” in my head while I walked about. It also pleases me so much that unlike New York, I don’t see clusters of high-rise buildings that I find intimidating at times. Instead, I get what is a mix of a typical busy city and a historical avenue with some town-y vibes.
On Saturday, I met up with Alex and Catherine, my first years from UWC Hong Kong, who attend Trinity College and University College Dublin. It was such a relief for me to see familiar and friendly faces (and voices!) and Catherine gave me my first hug in Europe!
We decided to meet at Café Sofia for breakfast, which was thankfully not very hard to find as it was close to DIT, and they both caught me up on what UWC stories I’d missed since I graduated. (Unsurprisingly, there was a lot.) They also talked a little about the UWC network in Dublin, and apparently, the UWC National Committee in Ireland is having its selection activities next weekend!
We came across quite a few street performers as we walked around and this man in the picture above entertained me the most. His trick of balancing on a unicycle on one foot while juggling was impressive, but it was his humor that really sold the performance for me. I recorded a portion of his performance and I’m thinking of doing a video compilation at some point so stay tuned. 😉
We also made our way to Trinity College to see The Book of Kells exhibition that Alex got us free admission to. I thought the campus was stunning; it felt like I was transported to a different time. Perhaps this is because I’m not used to seeing such buildings very frequently because UF really only has red-brick buildings (which I also love, to be fair). Above is a picture of the majestic Campanile that greets everyone who steps into the university.
After we went into The Book of Kells exhibition, we decided to see the Long Room library. I was absolutely amazed by it. I very badly wished that I could be alone inside and actually get to lift books out of the shelves and turn pages. Unfortunately, it was filled with tourists such as myself and had green ropes that prevented unauthorized entry. :'(
There were also some awesome busts of influential academics that line the aisles. (Although to be honest with you, I have no idea who A.B. Ufher is. 🙁 )
Our city center tour didn’t end there; Alex also brought us to a little Asian market where I got ahold of some Indomie (my UWC best friend that ruined my health) and green Chippy corn snacks! Unfortunately, my camera ran out of storage at some point (and my iPhone has always failed me so I didn’t even try) so I couldn’t take any more pictures of Dublin in the lovely weather. However, I’m going to be in this city for a quite a while so I’ll have many opportunities to take some more pictures. <3
I truly find Dublin to be such a charming city. Its beauty makes all those (thirty-something) distressed calls to the Irish Consulate worth it. Overall, this has been a challenging yet rewarding first week. Despite getting lost quite a few times and having to experience loneliness properly for the first time in my life, the city now feels inviting. I know that I am already here but somehow I am still so excited.
Thank you for reading! If you have any suggestions on where I could go in Dublin, feel free to message me. 🙂
Ferna’s interests include blogging, reading and learning all things digital media! She hopes to soon become a half-decent baker.
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