MEET JODI.
Jodi studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland during Spring semester of 2017.
IF NOTHING ELSE, DON’T FORGET TO PACK: Medicine to last the entire trip – Its hard to find specific medicine in a different country. If you get medicine sent to you it can be held up in customs and take a long time to arrive. Good walking shoes (preferably waterproof) – It rains a lot in Dublin and you will walk most places, so comfortable shoes that won’t get soaking wet are key!
ON SECOND THOUGHT, YOU CAN LEAVE AT HOME: Soap, shampoo, etc. – Unless you have a specific brand you have to use just purchase it when you’re there! They take up a lot of weight in the suitcase and Dublin has a lot of brands that we have like Dove, Herbal Essences, etc. If you’re staying off campus in an apartment don’t pack bedding! There is a store called “Penny’s” that sells home good for extremely cheap. That is where I purchased all of my bedding and pillows.
WHERE TO LIVE: I recommend living in an apartment close to the city center. The dorms on campus can be small and it’s best to be in the city commuting to school than on campus commuting to the city. You will take advantage of all of the fun things the city has to offer if you’re in walking distance.
BEST PLACES TO EAT: San Lorenzos (amazing Saturday/Sunday brunch). Sophies (Rooftop restaurant with great food and view of the city). Chopped (Salad for when you’re on the go). O’Shea’s Hotel (A good variety of food including typical Irish dishes). The Brazen Head (Oldest pub in Dublin).
FAVORITE CULTURAL ACTIVITY: Live pub music. You can find live music at most pubs on the weekend and in the Temple Bar area during the week!
BEST PERSONAL HIDEOUT: St. Stephens Green. Its the best place to wander around on a nice day and enjoy some greenery in a city.
FAVORITE PLACE TO STUDY: A small cafe on Dawson St. Close to shopping when you need a study break!
MUST TRY LOCAL DISH: Steak and Guiness Pie.
BEST PHOTO OP: Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland
BIGGEST FAIL: This was a mistake my friends made. To save money they booked an early flight and decided to sleep in the airport before traveling to their next location. In the end they were so tired when they arrived they had to take a nap and didn’t enjoy that day. Studying abroad is an opportunity that only comes once so budget early on so you know what trips you can afford to enjoy!
BEST PURCHASE: Getting a post card in every city I visited, it is a cheap and fun way to remember your trips.
MOST INTERESTING CLASS: Ireland Uncovered. Provided the history of Ireland and was able to learn about the country while I was living in it.
BEST PART OF THE PROGRAM: Spending 4 months traveling Europe and living in a new place!
MOST MEMORABLE TRIP: Trip to the Almafi Coast of Italy over Easter weekend.
BEST LOCAL EVENT/HOLIDAY: St. Patricks day, obviously!
FAVORITE LOCAL WORD: “Cheers” it’s a very versatile word there used instead of thank you, you’re welcome, etc.
IF I COULD DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN… I wouldn’t change a thing! Every day was a new experience and I enjoyed being able to learn what things to do differently as the weeks progressed.