Every time I recall my memory in Ireland, I would say it was a fantastic experience. During the four months stayed in Dublin, I met numerous challenges such as climate, food, and language. However, when I completely got used to the life there, I found myself become more independent. In other words, I grew up as a better girl through my incredible exchange experience in Ireland.
I benefited a lot from study, life and social activities. Having an insight into study, I experienced a different teaching style and learning atmosphere. Studying at DCU (Dublin City University), students commonly had lectures without textbooks but just kept up with professors by careful listening and the guiding of PowerPoint. In class, professors paid great attention in motivating students’ critical thinking abilities. With in-depth exploration of a topic, they raised a lot of questions in order to promote students to think further and deeper. Moreover, professors were knowledgeable and passionate. Their inspirational speeches caught all students’ attention and their vivid explanation and examples made complicated concepts easier to understand. In addition, professors would give us a lot of details when they task assignments so that students could meet their expectation and gain a lot from accomplishing assignments. With the contributive leading of professors, students responded to professors actively as well. They answered questions enthusiastically and asked lecturers numerous questions after classes. Besides, they had lectures and took notes attentively, and they always kept their digital devices in silent mode. As far as I was concerned, I completed various assignments by cooperating with my group mates and I learnt a lot of writing skills from composing essays. In general, studying at DCU broadened my horizon in terms of mode of education in Ireland and I gained a lot which will benefit my subsequent study.
In life aspect, I made a great progress in problem-solving skills. I cooked at home and figured out sorts of problems such as opening a bank account and negotiating with my landlord when we met troubles of the apartment. Besides, I joint several clubs such as badminton, hiking and fencing. In this way, I made a lot of friends by participating in clubs activities. At weekends, I went short tours to museums, zoos, and Guinness factory with my international friends, so as to know more about history and arts of Ireland.
All in all, the journey in Ireland was impressive and amazing that opened my mind to an international view.
Elaine (Yishi LIN)
