Graduate Veterinary Student Erica Bonthrone explains why she decided to move from America to study in UCD
I’m often asked why I chose to move from the US to Ireland to pursue my degree in Veterinary Medicine. There were a few reasons that I decided to make the move.
First off I had been here on holiday several years ago and thought Ireland was the most beautiful place I’d ever been. Secondly, I fell in love with the city of Dublin itself and its rich history. Thirdly, it was important to me that I study in an English-speaking country; by the way, I’m often asked if I had to learn to speak Irish before coming here and the answer is no ☺ When I discovered that UCD had a program that is accredited by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) I leapt at the opportunity to apply. As soon as I found out that I’d been offered a place on the programme here in UCD I started planning for my big transition to Ireland.
For any of you who are trying to decide between studying in the US or Ireland, there are practical aspects to consider, such as the comparison of time and money (don’t forget to include the exchange rate) to complete the degree as well as whether your degree will be recognised in the country in which you plan to work. For me, I find that I’m not spending any more time or money on my degree than I would have at a private or out-of-state vet school in the US, and I will have flexibility in terms of where I want to move to and work once I’m a qualified vet.
I knew that no matter where I studied, I would be a plane trip away from my home state, and I’ve found surprisingly affordable flights to visit my family and friends in the US during breaks in the academic year. Not to mention, I’m able to travel to many European destinations relatively quickly and easily!
UCD did a great job of informing me from the start on how to secure financial aid and how to obtain a student visa. I worked around the time difference in terms of when I phoned or emailed the staff, who were always willing to help or point me in the right direction. It was encouraging to learn that I would be allowed to work part-time if I wanted to, and I am now working as a Senior Student Ambassador giving campus tours to prospective students and loving it.
When I arrived I felt warmly welcomed and knew that I had a plethora of support networks at my fingertips, from my program’s Student Advisor to the Health Center’s Counseling Service here on campus. Sure, there were moments when I experienced some culture shock that I most certainly wouldn’t have had if I’d remained in the US, but now I can look back and laugh and appreciate how lucky I am to be living and studying abroad and getting a firsthand glimpse into many different cultures.
I believe that the fact that I’m getting my degree outside my home country will be very impressive to future potential employers, especially given UCD’s stellar reputation. There is a substantial international student population here, and I have met people from literally all over the world, something that has improved my communication and teamwork skills.
Hosting visitors here from other countries has been a lot of fun for me, particularly as time goes on and I’ve developed the ability to give accurate directions, give recommendations for things to see and do from a local’s perspective, or suggest the best places to go for food and drink. Dubliners are very interested in speaking to ex-pats on many topics, ranging from music, film & TV, literature, politics, and religion.
While I have had some bouts of homesickness, Dublin truly feels like my home now, and it’s reassuring to know I am where I’m supposed to be, doing what I’m meant to be doing. I hope that I’m afforded with the option to stay here after I graduate.
Until next time,
Erica
P.S I find the weather is actually very delightful (and not as rainy as common belief!).
