Ireland: RoseMary Greany
Program: University College Dublin Agricultural and Life Sciences, Spring
Majors: Global Health; Environmental Studies
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
At University College Dublin, I had a mix of lectures, tutorials (similar to discussions), and practicals (similar to labs). However, my classes met less frequently than what is typical at UW-Madison. Each course usually only had one lecture per week, typically lasting between one and two hours, which left me with more free time to study and review material independently. Exams and papers made up the majority of grades, rather than homework assignments and attendance.
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
University College Dublin offers numerous no-cost opportunities for international students, including the Big Zero Carbon Literacy program I participated in. The Big Zero program brings together international students who are passionate about environmentalism and climate action and guides them through a carbon literacy course. Beyond the coursework itself, the program also helped connect other students and me more deeply with Ireland through a weekend field trip where we volunteered with an Irish nature restoration charity. This experience allowed me to build meaningful connections with other international students while learning more about sustainability efforts in Ireland.
University College Dublin’s campus is located about 30 minutes south of Dublin’s city center, which feels very different from the “college town” atmosphere of UW-Madison, where campus is closely intertwined with the downtown area.
What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward?
One custom from Ireland that I hope to carry forward is the culture of friendliness and kindness. Everyone was so welcoming and eager to help, whether that meant providing directions, offering recommendations, or simply starting a conversation.
What is your advice for someone considering your program?
I would advise students to consider what type of campus environment they are looking for — do they want to be in the middle of the city, or in a quieter area outside the city center? University College Dublin’s campus is located about 30 minutes south of Dublin’s city center, which feels very different from the “college town” atmosphere of UW-Madison, where the campus is closely intertwined with the downtown area.