Hala spent a term in Dublin, Ireland, studying at the University College Dublin.
Me on Campus in UCD!
UCD library a great place to study, it is very quiet!
The Galway Girl in Galway, Ireland!
Me in front of the Eiffel Tower!
Me and Big Ben in London, England!
Me in Brussels in the Grand Place Square!
Canal in Amsterdam!
Me in Dutch Clogs in Amsterdam!
Me in front of Casa Batlló in Barcelona, Spain!
Hala, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
Q: Why did you choose your host country and institution?
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I chose Ireland because I fell in love with its natural beauty and it has always been a dream destination of mine; as an English-speaking country with a rich culture, it offered a comfortable yet exciting environment for my exchange semester, and while researching schools, I found that University College Dublin was similar to Waterloo in its programs and architecture, which made the transition feel more familiar and seamless.
Q: What was an average day like in your program?
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An average day began with a cup of coffee by the lake in the center of campus, followed by attending classes and studying in the library. Afterward, I would meet up with friends to plan trips around Europe, before returning to my dorm for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Q: What was one of your favourite experiences from your time abroad?
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My favourite experience from my time abroad was travelling across Europe with all the new friends I had made. This experience was special because if it wasn't for the program, I would not have been able to do such amazing things.
Q: What was it like to live and learn in another language? (If applicable)
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N/A
Q: Were there any challenges? If so, how did you overcome or cope with them?
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When I first arrived, I struggled with things like transportation and grocery shopping, which were not challenges I had to consider in Canada. However, by taking the time to get familiar with the area and connect with the people around me, I was able to overcome both. My friends showed me the different ways to get around, and over time, I became more comfortable comparing prices between euros and Canadian dollars.
Q: Did any of your experiences challenge the assumptions you held about your host country or culture?
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I did not hold any assumptions before going but, as a Canadian I like to say that we are really friendly people but honestly the Irish are even nicer than us and they will always go out of their way to help you.
Q: If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
- If I could do everything over again, I would pan my trips better. I would make them more organized and specific to particular places and interests. Aside from this I would not change anything.
Q: Do you have any advice for Waterloo students thinking of studying abroad?
- I met a lot of people while I was abroad, even people in different countries doing exchanges and they all said it would have been a bit easier if their host country spoke English, or their native language.