My Study Abroad Journey: An Adventure of a Lifetime
I started business school with one goal: earn a degree, gain experience, and get out into the real world. Studying abroad? Never crossed my mind. The cost alone made it feel impossible. But one informational session changed everything. In under an hour, I realized the opportunity was within reach. What I thought would be a financial burden turned out to be one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made.
Chapter 1: Preparing for the Adventure
If you're thinking about studying or interning abroad, my biggest tip is simple: plan ahead. The two biggest obstacles students face are budgeting and making sure credits transfer. So, start early. Talk to your academic advisor and the study abroad office to see how an international semester can fit into your schedule.
Academic Credits: Try to save general education or elective courses for your time abroad—those are easier to fulfill with international programs. Core or senior-level major courses might not always be available, so flexibility is key. If you're planning to intern abroad, check with your registrar to see how credits can be applied.
Visas and Paperwork: Every country is different, so do your homework. Visa processing can take months, especially if you need to apply for a passport first. Make sure your passport won’t expire within six months of your departure. I didn’t need a visa for my internship in Ireland, but I still had plenty of paperwork to handle. Start early and ask your school for help—they’ve seen it all before.
Packing Tips: Packing last-minute? Been there. Avoid the panic by making a checklist ahead of time. Organize your items into categories (clothes, toiletries, documents, etc.), and don’t forget the essentials in your carry-on—passport, snacks, charger, and a change of clothes. I also recommend bringing a backup debit card from a separate bank. It saved me more than once overseas.
Chapter 2: First Impressions – Arriving in Ireland
This was my first time leaving the U.S., and even though Ireland shares a language, I still had moments of culture shock. From how people greet each other to the structure of daily life, everything felt both familiar and totally new.
I’ll never forget stepping off the plane in Dublin—the crisp air, the cobblestone streets, the cozy pubs glowing with warmth. It was surreal. My first full Irish breakfast and a chat with a local bartender sealed the deal: I knew I was in for something special.
Chapter 3: School and Learning in Ireland
If you have the option to intern abroad, do it! I highly recommend getting the chance to gain work experience in another country, as it opened my eyes to a different type of work culture. Instead of attending classes like the rest of my peers, I was working 8-5 everyday in an office. I would commute on the train and work on projects meaningful to the organization I was a part of. This experience gave me a lot of confidence in my abilities as a fast-starter and quick-learner. You never know what you’ll learn about yourself when you embrace new experiences like this!
A lot of my friends in Ireland studied at Trinity College or University College Dublin (UCD). This is a very different learning experience than in the United States. The curriculum and assignments are much different in Ireland than what you may be used to. The emphasis on independent learning was a big shift from what my friends in the U.S. were used to. There is less hand-holding, but more room for curiosity.
If you save your English or Humanities credits for your study abroad, you can take classes like History of Ireland or Irish Literature, that contribute to your experience learning about the culture of Ireland. This is hands-on learning, but in the most immersive, unforgettable way.
Chapter 4: Exploring Ireland – Adventures Beyond the Classroom
Weekends were for exploration. I saw the Cliffs of Moher, roamed through Galway’s artsy streets, and hiked trails I’d only ever seen in travel blogs. One weekend it was a solo train ride to Cork, the next a group trip to Northern Ireland.
Ireland is stunning. And studying there gave me the chance to soak up more than just academics—I got to experience the country through its people, its landscape, and its history.
Chapter 5: Cultural Experiences and Making Friends
One of the biggest joys? The people. I met international students from all over the world and locals who were eager to welcome me in. If you’re a university student, I highly recommend joining student clubs to meet people and feel part of the community.
Chapter 6: Overcoming Challenges
Not everything was smooth. I felt homesick at first. Time zones made calling home tough. I missed familiar food and routines. But those challenges forced me to grow. I learned to adapt, to sit with discomfort, and to find joy in the unexpected.
Chapter 7: The Lasting Impact
Studying abroad changed me. It taught me confidence, independence, and curiosity. I came back with a new appreciation for education, travel, and cultural connection.
It even shifted my career goals—now, I want to work with globally minded companies and maybe even live abroad again someday.
Final Thoughts
If you're thinking about studying abroad, take the leap. Ireland welcomed me with open arms and left me with memories that will last a lifetime. You don't need to have it all figured out, you just need to be open. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Resources for Future Study Abroad Students
Where to Apply: StudyAbroad.com
Student Visa Info: Ireland Study Visa Info
Cheap Flights & Travel Deals: Skyscanner | StudentUniverse
Student Discounts: UniDays | Student Beans
-Kevin
