Alright, so, I had this wild idea to check out Georgia Tech’s program in Ireland. I’d heard they have something going on over there, and I was like, why not? So, I started digging around. It turns out they send a bunch of students to Ireland every year, and I figured it would be a cool way to get some studying done while seeing a new part of the world.
First thing I did was hit up their website to see what programs they offer. I found out they have this summer program in Dublin, where you can take regular engineering courses. Sounded pretty legit. I knew Georgia Tech is a big deal for engineering, so I figured their program in Ireland must be decent too.
I also discovered that Galway, another city in Ireland, is a hotspot for medical technology. Like, eight out of the top ten med-tech companies have a presence there. I thought, “Man, if I want to get into biomedical stuff, that’s the place to be.”
- Checked out the application process: I had to make sure I had good grades and all that jazz. They’re pretty selective, with an acceptance rate of around 16%. I spent a lot of time making sure my application was solid, with strong letters of recommendation.
- Looked into the courses: They offer a bunch of different engineering courses, so I picked out a few that interested me. I also made sure they would count towards my degree back home. They are looking for students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, so I did show that.
- Got the finances sorted: Studying abroad isn’t cheap, so I had to figure out how I was going to pay for it. I applied for some scholarships and grants to help cover the costs. Also, I tried to look into the living costs to make sure I could afford it.
- Sorted out the visa: As an international student, I needed to get a student visa to study in Ireland. That involved a lot of paperwork and a trip to the Irish embassy, but I got everything in order. I had to make sure all my documents were correct and up-to-date.
After a lot of back and forth, I finally got accepted into the program! I was stoked. I packed my bags, said goodbye to my friends and family, and hopped on a plane to Dublin.
When I got there, it was a bit of a culture shock at first. Everything was different – the food, the people, the way things were done. But I quickly adapted and started to enjoy my time there.
The classes were tough, but I learned a lot. And in my free time, I got to explore the city, meet new people, and experience the Irish culture. I even managed to travel around a bit and see some of the beautiful countryside.
Overall, it was an amazing experience. I got to study at a top-notch university, make new friends, and see a different part of the world. If you get the chance, I highly recommend checking out Georgia Tech’s program in Ireland. It’s definitely worth it!
All in all, going to Ireland with Georgia Tech was a great choice. Learned a ton, met some cool folks, and saw some awesome places. If you’re thinking about studying abroad, definitely give it a shot. You won’t regret it!
