My Exchange at Trinity College Dublin
I learned about the 360 International exchange program from older students when I was in Part II. A couple of them had gone on exchanges and had only good things to say. When it came to deciding where to go, I wasn’t sure, but my manager at work saw Trinity College Dublin on the list of places and insisted, “You have to go to Trinity!” Its prestigious reputation and central location in the vibrant city of Dublin, Ireland, caught my eye.
Arriving at Trinity College Dublin and the city was both exciting and scary at first. I stayed at student accommodation not arranged through the university, which was a great struggle to find. Despite the initial challenge, I ended up with a nice room and lovely flatmates (two of them were Irish!). I was pleasantly surprised by its quality and convenience. It was about a 35-minute walk to the university but had both bus and tram lines just outside the gates.
Orientation at Trinity was amazing. The first week was jam-packed with events for visiting students, and everyone I met in that first week was super eager to make new connections. The following week, it became a lot easier to make friends with other international students. The courses and teaching at Trinity College Dublin were of high quality, with engaging professors who were incredibly passionate about the content they taught. Trinity prides itself on its numerous societies. Although I can’t recall the exact number, by the end of the Society Fair, I had enjoyed free henna, a month-long 50% discount at Domino’s, Belgian waffles, AND crepes. The freebies were unmatched. I joined the dance society and tried various styles, including hip hop and waacking, but the highlight was the free Irish dancing classes. I wasn’t very skilled, but it was incredibly enjoyable, and the student teaching it was delightful. I joined multiple cultural societies like the indian society and south east asian societies. They ran events where I made origami for moon festival, painting lanterns and clay candle holders. My room was decorated with all the arts and craft workshops these societies provided. They were a great way to meet new people over a shared hobby.
Life in Dublin struck a good balance for me. It offered bustling city vibes without feeling too overcrowded. The cozy pubs and illuminated streets with someone singing along with a guitar were the best parts. Exploring different paths on the way back home was always exciting, revealing entirely new parts of the city. There was always something new to discover and experience. Compared to Auckland, the cost of living in Dublin was slightly higher, especially for accommodation and dining out. However, groceries were surprisingly cheap, which encouraged me to experiment with cooking different meals at home. Dublin is a diverse city and it’s because of the welcoming feeling you get when you arrive. I didn’t have much culture shock cause the people were friendly like Aoteoroa.
Challenges during my exchange included adjusting to the different academic system and workload. I underestimated how different university teaching could be and was quickly humbled. There were no lecture recordings, and many lectures were back-to-back. As someone who likes to revisit recordings multiple times to ensure understanding, this change was quite challenging. Additionally, I fell ill quite early on as the weather change didn’t agree with my body, making me miss home and the convenience of having my car to visit the doctor. Being away from familiar support networks presented its own set of difficulties. I also think the mindset of “I need to make the most of my time here” can get tiring. You should definitely take opportunities and enjoy yourself but you don’t need to go out, travel all the time to get the maximum value of exchange. I learnt from my days sitting in a cafe studying or cooking a new meal that there was a lot to enjoy in the day-to-day things. I did travel with friends and there are some great memories, but some of those memories walking along the Liffey River with a Butlers Chocolate Factory Hot Chocolates hold a special place.
By the end of my exchange, I tended to forget all the little bumps along the way as I made close friends and grew comfortable in my new city. Although the beginning was overwhelming with so much change all at once, when I weigh it all up, the administrative tasks and preparations were worth it. One shouldn’t take lightly the preparation required for such an experience, but it demonstrates its value that despite the initial difficulties, I would do it all over again. It’s an opportunity like no other. My advice to students considering the exchange program is to avoid having too many expectations about how they think the exchange will unfold or comparing your exchange to others. Each one is different and take things as they come.
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
I think some highlights were the courses that the University offered. I took a machine learning and AI course and it was so interesting and taught so well. I came out of not only understanding the fundamentals but also a project that would very similar to the type of work I want to do in the future. It was also interesting to adjust to the different teaching style. We had 6 courses worth of material however barely any assignments. The lectures were not recorded and exams were worth 70% or more. It was definitely a challenge however being able to adapt to it made me feel well rounded learner.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
Reflecting on my academic journey at the university, one of the standout experiences was the remarkable range of courses on offer. I was particularly drawn to a course on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. It wasn’t just the content that was captivating; the delivery of the course was exceptional. It provided me not only with a solid grasp of the fundamentals but also with a hands-on project that aligned closely with the type of work I aspire to pursue in the future. Another intriguing aspect was adapting to a different educational style. The curriculum was intense, equivalent to six courses’ worth of material, yet with minimal assignments. Lectures weren’t recorded, and the stakes were high with exams accounting for 70% or more of our grades. This approach posed a significant challenge, but overcoming it and adapting to such a rigorous system made me a better learner.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
1. Trinity College Module Enrolement only occurs when you arrive in Dublin. This can be scary. I would suggest compiling a long list with your course coordinator on courses you can cross credit back
2. Accommodation in Dublin is incredibly difficult. They are in a housing crisis, and I would not at all rely on Trinity to sort accommodation for you. If you see student accommodations that are full and you get put on the waitlist, email them! You can also join Facebook groups looking for accommodation, but just be very skeptical if it’s legit.
How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?
The budget of 15K was sufficient for my exchange program. However, it’s important to note that individual experiences may vary depending on factors such as lifestyle choices and unexpected expenses. Being frugal during my time in Dublin helped me manage my budget effectively and have more flexibility when I travelled. Accommodation was by far did take up the chunk of that, so if you’re able to save on that, then it will allow you to have more money for other things. I only had one room available and decided to take it as it was unlikely another room would open up.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
Going on exchange to Trinity College Dublin was an eye-opener for the opportunities outside of New Zealand and in personal development. It’s not just about the new places you’ll see; it’s about growing in ways you didn’t expect. You learn to adapt quickly, both in your day-to-day life and in your education. Meeting people from all around the world and getting to know the Irish culture was amazing. Dublin was such a welcoming city, and the campus at Trinity is beautiful and full of history. It was challenging, there’s no doubt about that, but you come out a stronger and more independent individual and learn a lot about yourself. Plus, the friends and connections you make – they’re for life. If you’re thinking about going on exchange, I really recommend it!