If you are like me, studying abroad is a dream to do. However, there is a lot that goes into making sure you will get the most of your study abroad experience. It’s key to remember that although it may feel like you are on vacation, you are in this country to take classes.  

There are two things I recommend taking into account when picking your city to study abroad in. First, consider what country makes the most sense for your major. My major is Broadcasting and Mass Communication, so I was looking for a city that had arts at the heart of its culture. My classes in Dublin cover topics such as social media, global communications, and ethics, which are crucial to understand in my field of study. Dublin in recent years has become a hub of tech and creative arts so if your interests lie in those areas of study, it is a great city to gain insight into your future career.  

A picture of me walking into medieval ruins on one of the many excursions CEA CAPA does outside of Dublin! 

A mural I found while walking to class. 

It’s also important to find a country you can see yourself immersed in. Do you want a city full of hustle and bustle, or do you want some peace and quiet? What is your comfortability level with living in a country that does not speak the language of your home country? I knew I wanted to be in a busy city full of life, preferably in an English-speaking country as well. Ireland was the perfect place for me to feel both in and out of my comfort zone. 

Having classes that take place around the city allows me to have a greater comfortability exploring Dublin. This is a photo from Dublin Castle’s Garden. 

What Does a Week of Classes Look Like? 

Depending on what your home institution is and your major, your schedule will vary from mine, but here is a glimpse into a week studying with CEA CAPA. To start, each class meets once a week, for about three hours. Three hours may sound grueling, at least it did to me because at my home university my classes were an hour and a half max.  

A trip to a soccer game for my social media marketing class.  

A tour of Croke Park, which is a famous Gaelic sports stadium in Dublin, for my Analyzing the City of Dublin class. 

The content is heavy in each class but the courses I have taken value class time, which allows for very little homework. This balance helps maximize the enjoyment of studying in a new country and exploring new places.  

A trip to Trim Castle with my whole program. 

I have class four times a week, but some students have class only three times. The earliest classes in the CEA CAPA Dublin center start at around 9:30am and the latest classes end at 8:30pm. Your schedule depends on what types of classes you take. I have been lucky to have my Thursdays free and have classes on the earlier side of the day.  

My classes have been such a great way to make friends within the program! 

Benefits of Studying Abroad in Dublin 

I must highlight that the city becomes the classroom. My courses allow for students to learn from the city and develop a real understanding of Irish culture. I have been able to see Irish films, learn about different neighborhoods in the city throughout Dublin’s history, and make multiple visits to the many museums of Dublin. This has allowed for a quicker adjustment to the city and its complex culture.   

A selfie on my walk to class, which is right along the canal. 

It is so important to be aware of other cultures because you will gain a greater understanding of the world and yourself. The greatest benefit of studying abroad anywhere is the fact that you will learn about yourself and grow so much. I have found that Dublin has been a great fit for me, both academically and personally. It is a joy to experience all that the culture has to offer while completing my studies in college!