News and Events
- Stepping into the Field: Hayi's Canadian Internship Experience
- From Research to Road Trips
- Chasing Goals, Building Bridges, and Exploring New Horizons
- Congratulations to the Graduating Cohort 2022
- Dr. Caterina Villani Appointed Judge for RTPI Awards for Research Excellence
- Strengthening Ties: Welcoming Chang'an University Delegation to UCD
- Pandemic rural residential mobilities? Towards an understanding of who moved house and why in rural Ireland
- Dr Luke Kelleher co-leads a new EPA-funded project
- Exciting International Collaboration with Kazakhstani Exchange Students
- The Long Journey Across Cultures: My Intercultural Adventure from CDIC to Chang’an University by Zhao Ruixiang
- CDIC Team Secures ReClaim Funding to Enhance Inclusion for Migrant Researchers
- Dr Jufan Zhang is the finalist of 2024 UCD Research Impact Case Study Competition
- New Lecturer Joins Civil Engineering Infrastructure Programme
- 2nd China Joint Colleges Workshop
- Salt Medical and Dr Jufan Zhang Join Forces to Revolutionise Nano Manufacturing of Medical Devices
- 2024 News Archive
- 2023 News Archive
Stepping into the Field: Hayi's Canadian Internship Experience

A key part of my preparation is achieving a strong English proficiency score through the IELTS or TOEFL exams. Getting this score early is crucial. It will give me more time to focus on the other elements of my application. To improve, I plan to attend language talks, do additional research on test strategies, and possibly use platforms like Language Score to track my progress.
On the academic side, I’m diving into research that demands both time and dedication. My focus is on NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) specifically in vehicles. This is a traditional but vital area in automotive engineering. My goal is to find innovative methods to reduce noise and vibration during driving, ultimately enhancing vehicle performance. Thankfully, my professor is guiding me as I navigate this complex and fascinating topic.
This summer, I will be heading to Montreal, Canada, for a three-month internship. It will be a fresh and exciting experience for me. It will be my first time living and working in Canada. I’m especially looking forward to meeting a CDIC alumnus based in Montreal, which I hope will provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Outside of work, I hope to explore some of Canada’s beautiful natural landscapes. I enjoy short-distance hiking and would love to visit a few national parks during my stay. I am excited about exploring new places, culture and meeting new people.
To students in Stage 3, my biggest advice is to start early with your English language tests, such as the IELTS or TOEFL. Achieving an acceptable score early on will give you more time to focus on other important parts of your future applications, whether for internships, research opportunities, or graduate school.
If you're interested in a research path, start exploring as soon as you can. Research takes time, patience, and commitment, but early involvement can help you build both experience and confidence.
Finally, don’t forget to pause, reflect, and stay curious.