Samuel Cristóbal Díaz spent a semester in UCD and the School of Earth Sciences in 2020 on an exchange program from the University of Zaragoza in Spain
What was your experience of UCD and the School of Earth Sciences?
The experience was really interesting and beneficial for my self-development. I really enjoyed my time there. In particular, I really enjoyed the modules on metamorphic petrology, geosynthesis and applied palaeontology. We learned how to use Illustrator and other programs, which is really useful for my career. I was in UCD during part of the COVID-19 pandemic and I am grateful to everyone in UCD and the School of Earth Sciences, because they did a such good job at adapting lectures and practicals to COVID-19. I remembered that on the second day after the Easter break, I could access my computer and all the information that I had there remotely. I was also sent materials by post, so it was a really, really good experience. I wasn't expecting that!
What other things did you get up to while you were in Ireland?
I went to the Cliffs of Moher. I was hoping to go to Belfast and the Giants Causeway, but I couldn’t because of COVID-19. I did have the opportunity to travel around Dublin and visit the whole city. I really enjoyed that. It was really different compared to where I live in Zaragoza. I got to do a lot of activities in my spare time, including joining the UCD Rock Roc on the UCD Mountaineering Club.
Would you have any advice for someone considering visiting the UCD and the School of Earth Sciences?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, because all the people I contacted at UCD were always delighted to help. If you have any problem, they will always help, so it was a really, really good experience!
Why did you decide to come to Ireland?
Ireland was a country I really liked - I had never been there before but I had learned about Irish history. I also wanted to change the way I lived, and experience a different culture. I actually realised that Irish culture is more similar to Spanish culture than I first thought. This was one of the main purposes of the exchange, as well as to improve my language skills, and my knowledge of geology in general.