CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Dublin, Ireland

Studying abroad in Ireland was almost like witnessing the past and present combined. Everywhere you went to in Dublin revealed how deeply history is etched within the city. The history of Irish literature liters the streets through locations and monuments. The ever-changing business climate gives a sense of time traveling to those that take part in an internship.

While the past is always present, CAPA makes sure their students are living in the moment. Through immersive classes such as Darren Kelly's Global Cities class and excursions, CAPA makes sure all the students are aware of Ireland's history and culture through experiential learning. The experiential learning doesn't just stop after the exciting adventures either. Through internships, students gain hands-on experience applicable to their professional future.

Overall, CAPA offers a safe and exciting opportunity to study and intern while abroad!

I had a difficult decision deciding where I wanted to study abroad, but CAPA Dublin seemed to be the perfect fit for me. At Griffith College, I took a couple classes for my graphic design minor, learning about many Irish photographers and concepts with professors who were actively in the field. The CAPA advisors were some of the best people I have met, and were so helpful in settling in, learning the culture, and getting adjusted to our internship or classes. One last thing that CAPA was super beneficial for was the internship. I worked at the Screen Directors Guild of Ireland and had an experience that will last with me for the rest of my life, as well as add to my professional development.

Dublin had so many things to see and do, and Ireland was a great place to explore. Bus tickets were cheap to go to any major city in Ireland, and it only takes a few hours to go to Galway, Cork, or Belfast.

The living situation was convenient and right on campus, only a 20 minute walk from Dublin city center. The people I met at Griffith College were so friendly and helpful. I highly recommend CAPA - everyone I have met has been super helpful and welcoming!

What I mostly gained from my experience abroad was development of professional skills, such as time management because I had to balance my time between school work and traveling to make the most of my trip. It was also eye-opening to meet different people from different backgrounds. What I liked most about the program is that they provide you a public transportation card and individual free time, so I was able to travel around the city with my friends either shopping for souvenirs or sightseeing. With that being said, one piece of advise I would give to anyone thinking about traveling abroad in general is: bring more money (to either exchange currency or have a credit card that does not charge a fee for foreign transactions)! This has impacted my life post-program because now, I am more confident in traveling independently abroad!

The CAPA Dublin Internship Program was a breath of fresh air! It allowed me to go beyond my horizons and step outside my comfort zone by exploring a whole new world. The locals were so kind and friendly. Dublin was really easy to navigate through and CAPA even provided an unlimited bus pass! I made so many new friends within and outside of my program. I definite recommend on talking to the locals when you have the chance to understand the culture and lifestyle. Ireland is so gorgeous and green! I recommend checking out the coastal towns and markets. The CAPA advisors gave me a warm welcome and were super helpful when need be. The apartments had kitchens so we were able to buy groceries and eat in than going out. I was able to save money in order to travel around Ireland and outside of it.

My experience in Dublin was amazing! I was a little nervous to stay in a foreign country for a semester where I did not know anyone but once I got off the plane I was greeted my Griffith College students who made us feel welcomed. I am a communications major and Griffith had a ton of communication courses that I was able to choose from. I also was able to inter at a non-profit who's mission was to help promote education for people who are going back to school. One of my favorite parts about Dublin were the pretty hiking trails that they have to offer. One of my favorite memories was going to the Cliffs of Moher. After going abroad I really want to promote studying abroad. It is a great opportunity to travel and intern in a foreign country. It has made me more independent and given me insight to other countries around the world.

Studying abroad this past summer in Dublin with this CAPA program truly did give me the best three months of my life. I learned so much about Irish culture, intercultural competence, and especially myself during this experience that helped shape me into who I am today.

The on-site administration of the program in Dublin were fantastic! They were very personable and always willing to help us with whatever we needed. I was also very pleased with the housing, an "aparthotel" called Staycity. The location was perfect, the lobby was open 24/7 with receptionists, and the apartments were cleaned once a week. I really enjoyed living there!

I absolutely loved studying abroad in Dublin and would go back in a heartbeat. This program included everything needed to have a worry-free, fun, and safe experience abroad in a city that I love.

I loved studying abroad in Dublin! The courses were not as academically rigorous as my home university, but that was acceptable for me because I was more interested in exploring and becoming immersed in the culture than focusing on my academics. However, Griffith College had great student resources and there was a lot of support from professors if you needed assistance.

The on-site CAPA staff were absolutely amazing! They were incredibly helpful and cared so much about us having a great time abroad. I cannot thank them enough for all of the support they provided and how comfortable they made me feel.

Housing was more than adequate. I lived in a 2-bedroom suite with a separate kitchen and living room. Each bedroom had 2 people and its own separate bathroom, and it was all very comfortable. I cooked my own meals, but you could buy food at the university. It was more expensive than cooking for yourself, however, so I preferred to do that.

In terms of finances, I chose to spend less on groceries (i.e. ate a lot of rice and beans) so I could spend more money on going out and eating at restaurants. Dublin can be expensive if you choose to constantly go out every night, but if you are thrifty and figure out where to cut costs, it is manageable. I spent around $4,000 in total during my time abroad, which includes various trips around Europe.

Dublin is a very open and welcoming place. My internship also allowed me to gain greater cultural competence and interact with local Irish people. I would highly recommend taking advantage of the internship CAPA provides if you wish to become integrated with local culture. I never felt unsafe in Dublin. I walked most of the city at night at varying points and was never afraid for my personal safety. Common sense should be kept in mind at all times, however, and as a male I have a natural privilege in terms of safety.

I never had any health issues while abroad, so I cannot speak to this personally. CAPA provides you with health insurance, however, so I never felt stressed about the possibility of a health issue.

The program has a class that taught you Irish (Gaelic), but I didn't participate. That being said, some of my friends took the course and they were taken on field trips to practice their language skills.

I gained greater cultural competence and greater confidence in myself as an independent individual. I traveled Europe and lived abroad in another country for months, and this gave me an incredible sense of my identity and made me a better person. It was completely worthwhile.

I gained lifelong friendships with both Americans and other international students, studied business from an international perspective, and was able to network with people in my industry all over the world! The CAPA staff in Dublin were incredibly helpful with everything! They were always around if we needed anything from academics, travel recommendations, or even just someone to chat with.
It was incredibly worthwhile and I would go back in a heartbeat.