Should I go to Ireland?

[LilAngel]

Wow, I need some serious advice from smart people! Please help, I am struggling with a serious decision.

 

I recently decided to change graduate programs and was accepted to quite a few schools. I narrowed my selection down to two schools - Trnity College in Dublin, Ireland and a small, private university here in the states.

 

Now, everyone I talk to seems to think I should obviously go to Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. But for some reason every time I seriously think of going there I feel so miserable that I just do not want to go there at all. I do not know why, but I keep thinking if I go there, I will be completely miserable, hate it, and it will all be a big mistake. So why am I still even bothering considering it? Because the same reasons everyone else thinks it is so great - it seems like a chance in a lifetime and I fear if I turn it down I may regret it someday. Also, I think that maybe I will actually love it over there once I get there and that maybe I am just worried for no reason. After all, the opportunities for travel and such are so great there.

 

Now, the school in the U.S. is a school no one really knows about except in certain circles, but I love the program and want to go there. Yet it is a small school, and I do not like small schools very much so there is the slight fear that I will hate it there and always wish I had gone to Ireland. But in my head I keep thinking "I wish I had never applied to Ireland because then I would have just peacefully gone off to school here in the U.S. and would have never had this confusion."

 

Can anyone give a very confused girl some advice? I would appreciate it so much! Thank you :-)

[quankanne]

one of the neatest things I've heard about are the campuses that offer study-abroad programs, where students can go to Rome or other parts of Europe as part of their college studies. maybe that could be a nice compromise, finding a school that has such a program: you'd be based at a school in your country but still have the opportunity to see other countries and get credit for it. I know I wish I'd have been clever enough back then to look into it!

[moimeme]

If you make up your mind to enjoy something, you'll enjoy it.

 

Going someplace new means you will have to make more effort to meet people and get used to everything strange, but the wonderful reward is all the new things you'll see and do.

 

So get yourself a can do attitude, go to Dublin, and decide to love it. I've never wanted to go to Ireland but everybody I've ever known who's gone there *loved* it so I will go someday because I figure there's something there that must be great. And when I go, I'll find reasons to enjoy it. Life is far too short to expect misery wherever you go. It really is all about your attitude.

[chaos70]

If it helps, I would give up a finger to go.

My best friend's family originated there...and he got a chance one summer to go and tour it for a month. He said it was the most rewarding experience he did...didn't know anyone...no more family there...but it was quite healing for him.

[runner]

well, i'm not really all that smart, but i did get a chance to visit TCD's campus last April, and from what i can tell you'll probably have a lot of fun. it really is a very attractive campus and is right in the heart city centre; close to temple bar, gafton st. etc. dublin itself seems to be very smart, vibrant and cosmopolitan city whilst retaining much of an old world charm. i had a load of fun in dublin; lots of cool pubs around every corner and you'll never have a pint Guinness anywhere in the world like you would in Dublin. most importantly, albeit just my own experience, the locals are real friendly and easy to get on with; lots of younger ppl (20s, early 30s) around there as well. i doubt you'll have too much trouble making new friends, most the locals i've met seemed very accomodating and helpful

 

best advice i'd give you is to do all the research you can about the place and imagine wether or not you can deal with the weather, foreign culture etc. and whatever you decide, i'd advise against having too many great expectations, not just with dublin but with anywhere. i've always had a favourable image of ireland but the experience of actually visiting just blew them all away - possitively, ie.

 

just my personal observations, and good luck with the decision ! cheers

[runner]

Originally posted by chaos70

...but it was quite healing for him.

 

thats how i would describe my own time in west ireland (country side). lovely place - i plan to return in the near future

[relention]

i live in ireland and its a lovely place, you will make friends easily enough if you decide to go. Do what you thinks right, but dont be afraid to try new things

[kara]

Hey LilAngel,

I've moved around quite a lot and can tell you that you need to think long and hard before you go to Ireland or anywhere else. True, you might make a lot of friends, have the time of your life etc., but if you leave the country afterwards get ready for the trauma of leaving not only your friends behind but a whole life you've built from scratch. You already seem more positive about the US school and that's definitely a warning sign for the Ireland move. Also, do consider what you want to do after you graduate- do you want to work in Ireland or the US? How does each school help your next move after graduation? If one of them gives you a clear advantage for the next step, I guess the choice is obvious... But why not visit the TCD for a week or two? If you absolutely love it, you'll know what to do... All the best my dear, I've been there and I know how hard it is...

[loony]

I'd do it in a blink of an eye if I were you.

 

I think what kara described was probably "forced" moving, when your parents decided to change homes without asking their children if they want to leave or not. In that case I understand why the children would find it awful. You're older though and it's a choice that you make. You will learn so much about yourself when you study abroad that I think it's absolutely worth it. It's also good for your CV.

 

I only spent two semesters in Spain, but it was worth it. Most exchange students I met only stayed for for a limited time not for their whole studies as you plan to do, but all seemed to enjoy their stay and considered it a very rewarding experience.

[Nur]

Ireland is my favorite place in the entire world. I've traveled to many countries and almost every state, but nowhere has it been as stunning as my Ireland trip. I am not guaranteeing that you would share my experience if you were to go, but I dream of spending a year or semester there in college.

 

If you are really set against it, though, just do whatever makes you comfortable. Ireland isn't going anywhere, if you ever change your mind and decide to go.