Testimonials from students who have availed of international study opportunities offered through the School.
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"I had an excellent time on my Erasmus year. The town of Grenoble itself is a hub for Students. There are several different colleges/ institutes surrounding the center so there is always a good atmosphere. I personally loved how compact the town is. Trams cross through town and whether its college, a bar or a friends apartment, it is never a struggle to get around,- even when the snow comes. A tram ticket for the year is essential but second hand bikes are easily sourced). Grenoble has great energy and proved to be a brilliant destination. I would strongly advise anybody to take the opportunity of studying there if offered." Freddie Mehigan, BA Arts student, Erasmus scheme (Grenoble, France) 2010 |
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“Going on Erasmus is something that most people over consider; out of the countless number of people I've talked to on, and after Erasmus, not a single person has told me they regret going abroad Everyone I've talked to says it's the best year they’ve had in college. You'll probably only really get one chance at going on Erasmus in your life and to pass up on the brilliant year abroad is a mistake you'll never fully comprehend. To take it, is a decision you'll forever be grateful for.” “Another country's Erasmus programme somehow officially stated that "1/10 students find their life long partner on Erasmus". This was an ongoing joke among us on Erasmus in Slovenia but by the end of the year we we're worried it could actually hold some truth.” Felim O'Connor, BA Arts Student, Erasmus scheme (Ljublajana, Slovenia) 2010 |
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“I went to Barcelona for my Erasmus year and I have to say it was the best year of my life so far. I made life long friends from all over the world and just had an unbelievable time. Looking back on it, it was such a surreal experience and it really helped my Spanish. Hopefully I’ll get the chance to do something like Erasmus again” Ciaran O'Sullivan, BA Arts Student, Erasmus Scheme (Barcelona, Spain) 2010 |
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"In my second year of the MRUP, the School organised a student exchange with the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs (CUPPA) at the University of Illinois at Chicago. This opportunity enabled me to study at one of the most highly regarded planning schools in the United States for a semester in 2009. I gained so much from the exchange and my time at CUPPA, not only in terms of travel and making new friends, but also in terms of professional development. My communicative and analytic skills were enhanced by the emphasis on presenting work to peers on a regular basis. My knowledge of the planning and development process has also been improved by studying the discipline in an unfamiliar city. For example, I am much more aware of the constraints and challenges faced by developers in the development process, particularly in terms of financing. In one assignment, we had to provide financing options, using a blend of private and public sources, for a not-for-profit housing developer in one of Chicago’s most disadvantaged areas. Much like in GPEP, the emphasis in CUPPA is on practical, real world learning....I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work at two high quality research centres. I have developed lifelong friendships in both, as well as the expertise and skills to enhance my professional career." Richard Waldron, PhD student, UIC Exchange (Chicago, USA) 2009 |