Ireland: Samantha Ayer
Program: UW Chemical & Biological Engineering Summer Lab in Ireland, Summer
Major: Chemical Engineering
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
The CBE summer lab in Ireland followed a different format than the session at UW–Madison. In Ireland, all of our experiments were predetermined and accompanied by detailed lab manuals, allowing us to focus on learning specific techniques and concepts. In contrast, the course at UW–Madison involves designing your own experiments, which requires more independent planning and problem-solving. Another major difference was that the study abroad program incorporated many planned activities outside of the classroom, including industry visits, cultural excursions, and group trips. These experiences complemented the academic portion of the program by providing insight into engineering in Ireland while also allowing us to explore the country’s culture and history.
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
The most memorable experience of my program was visiting the Cliffs of Moher. Seeing the cliffs had been on my bucket list for a long time, so finally experiencing them in person was incredibly exciting. Our group was especially lucky because we visited on a perfectly clear, sunny day, which made the views even more breathtaking.
All of our experiments were predetermined and accompanied by detailed lab manuals, allowing us to focus on learning specific techniques and concepts.
What is your advice for someone considering your program?
The biggest challenge I faced while preparing to go abroad was organizing my travel to and from the program. Booking international flights and coordinating my transportation to Ireland took some time, and I also had to plan additional travel after the program ended. There were a lot of details to consider, including flight schedules, transportation, accommodations, and making sure everything fit within my budget. I worked through these challenges by starting the planning process early, giving myself plenty of time to compare options, make reservations, and adjust my plans as needed. Breaking the process into smaller steps made it much more manageable, and having everything organized before I left allowed me to focus on enjoying the experience once I arrived.
What challenges or barriers did you face as you prepared to go abroad and/or during your time abroad? How did you work through them?
My biggest piece of advice is to apply if you are even slightly interested. Don’t let the idea of going abroad intimidate you, especially if it would be your first time. The program is very well organized, with most of the logistics planned for you, so it is much less stressful than planning an international trip on your own. I also recommend taking advantage of the support available throughout the program. Both UW–Madison and the University of Limerick provide plenty of resources. Finally, make the most of your time outside of class by exploring Ireland and getting to know the people. Everyone I met was incredibly welcoming and friendly, and those experiences were just as meaningful as the academic portion of the program.
