So good to be back in Europe! My point of view will be a little unique because I was actually just in the EU for five months studying abroad in Spain. I was only in the US for six days before coming back! I’m excited to know that after this program, I will have spent more than half of 2024 in Europe.
I’ve already noticed a lot of differences between Ireland, Spain, and the United States. I would say Ireland is more similar to the US in terms of speed (which I definitely appreciate). It was very welcome to be able to walk through the city as if I’m in the northeast again instead of southern Europe. It was a bit of a shock in terms of pricing since everything in Spain is so cheap, but I appreciate the modernness of the public transportation and grocery options that have made up for any increase in price.
As for Dublin itself, I have absolutely loved the city so far. We have been very lucky and have not seen much rain so far (knock on wood) so I have been able to enjoy walking through the streets and spending time in parks. I spent a while getting to know some people in the program in the quad of Trinity College, and someone heard us mention Bucknell and came up to talk to us about it which was really cool! I have also had a lot of fun being reminded of the lyrics to Galway Girl by Ed Sheeran as I walk down Grafton Street or think about our upcoming trip to Galway.
I started my internship today at Transparency International Ireland, and I was pleasantly surprised by how relaxed the office culture was. Although I showed up in business attire, I was promptly told that I could wear much more casual clothing to the office. Everyone was really welcoming as we went over policies and signed agreements. My internship is to work with Transparency International Ireland’s Speak Up Helpline which connects potential whistleblowers with legal advice to help them know their options for continuing on the path to expose corruption within their organization. I want to go to law school in the fall of 2025 so this is an incredible opportunity for me to have more legal research experience and dip my feet into the non-profit sector as I consider what I want to do after law school.
I am so excited to continue getting to know the other students here on UCDs campus, whether from Bucknell or not, as well as my co-workers and everyone who is helping to make this program the best possible. I’ll be a true Dubliner in no time! I can’t wait to look at my friends working in New York City through the Dublin Portal and brag about how much fun I’m having here.