By Valerie Elizabeth Cruz (UC Irvine)
Like many first-generation college students, I started my journey at UC Irvine with a desperate need for a concrete plan. I had no idea what my undergraduate career would manifest, and as a first-generation student, that uncertainty genuinely frightened me.
The truth is, I didn’t understand that opportunities present themselves when you least expect them, and they work out in odd and perfect ways.
In fall 2023, I spent a semester studying abroad at University College Dublin (UCD) in Ireland. While I could start off by telling you how it was life-changing (which it was!), I should also tell you that studying abroad was an experience I had never considered.
For someone who craved certainty in my academic journey, it was already a big shift when, at the start of my second year, I decided to change my major to International Studies and add a minor in Political Science. It was this change that put me in class with Tara, another second-year student who was incidentally planning to study abroad in Singapore the following year. It wasn’t until I met Tara that I realized the opportunity to study abroad was even possible!
Finding my path
Tara and I became friends, and we continued to stay in contact throughout her semester in Singapore, where she followed up on the highs and lows of her experience abroad. She inspired me to research and inquire about studying abroad, and yet, the uncertainty threw me off. To be honest, as a first-generation student, I felt more than a little anxious about the idea.
The questions and worries were endless: “Is this financially possible?” “Am I capable of living and studying abroad?” “Will it be worth it?”
After a couple of trips to the study abroad office on campus and talking with advisors about their experiences, I slowly learned that there was amazing support and the experience of studying abroad is more than simply relocating to a new part of the world to study.
I heard stories of lasting connections and friendships. I learned about the adventurous experiences that come with living in a new country. I heard about individual growth and the confidence that is gained from it. As cliche as it sounds, I felt I could find a piece of myself that could only be uncovered by taking the leap and seizing this opportunity.
When I learned that my financial aid could be applied to a semester abroad, I was sold!
Making a dream real
Unlike some, I didn’t have a specific location in mind. I had never traveled abroad, much less imagined I could one day study and live abroad.
When I began seriously researching where to study abroad, I focused on Europe and found Ireland’s beautiful scenery and welcoming culture attracted me. The city of Dublin seemed to offer an exciting atmosphere for a student, and I felt I could thrive there. I submitted an application to study during the fall semester of my final year of college at the University College Dublin.
It was only when my application was accepted that it dawned on me that I was making a dream into reality. I was going to live in Dublin for four months–a time frame that initially felt quite long. As I attended various information sessions and calls, I took note of the many smaller details I would have to arrange before departure.
Thankfully, my home and host university were extremely helpful in answering my questions and making my predeparture experience mostly untroubled.
Embracing Irish life
Upon arriving in Ireland, I promised myself I would embrace the unpredictable. I would do my best to welcome meeting new people, experience Irish culture, go on adventures and, of course, do well academically.
During my first two weeks in Dublin, I became a bit more extroverted and sought out conversations and experiences with other students. By attending welcome events at school and befriending my on-campus roommates and neighbors, I met amazing locals as well as people from all over the world.
One night, a newfound friend invited me to an outing to the city, and a seemingly ordinary and exciting night led me to meet one of my best friends, Camille. Camille also found herself studying abroad in Ireland at UCD from Arizona. In simply initiating a conversation and saying, “Hi, I’m Valerie. What’s your name?” We began talking and immediately hit it off, realizing we had a lot in common.
Creating our own traditions
Through embracing the unpredictable, I continued to meet countless other lasting friendships—I met Olivia, Bayla, and Alyssa, who were all from the United States, Lisha from Australia, and Conor, a Dublin native.
Through all my friendships, I found a great sense of comfort and excitement.
We found ways to make Dublin feel like home even thousands of miles from home. We hosted dinners, explored Ireland, and celebrated birthdays together, forming special, long-lasting friendships. We threw charcuterie board and wine nights at our friends Maeve and Shannon’s apartment, where everyone brought different snacks, we arranged beautiful spreads, and we talked for hours.
When Thanksgiving came around, we organized a potluck-style dinner. Even while abroad and away from family, we wanted to spend the day together. We also became regulars at local spots, like Alma, our favorite brunch place in Dublin!
Adventures beyond the classroom
Though I am a California native, I had never been surfing. However, I had the opportunity to attend a surfing trip hosted by UCD for international students, and I went surfing for the first time on the northwest coast of Ireland in the Atlantic Ocean! I even visited the southwest of Ireland with Conor and was able to explore Killarney National Park and its stunning views.
My adventures weren’t limited to Ireland. I traveled to London and Barcelona during our semester with my new friend Camille. In London, we visited Big Ben, sampled delicious foods at Borough Market, explored the Tate Museum of Modern Art, and even attended “The Lion King” musical! These trips taught me how accessible European travel could be during study abroad.
In truth, my adventures abroad showcase how amazing and fulfilling study abroad can be!
Managing academic life
Managing my coursework with my social life was difficult—but with good time management, it was definitely possible. I enrolled in International Relations and History of Ireland courses and found that my interest in Ireland and major in International Studies and Political Science fit perfectly with my coursework.
One of my favorite classes was Discovering Ireland, an archaeology course in which we didn’t just learn about history—we lived it. Our class visited the Brownshill megalithic tomb in Carlow, Ireland, and a monastery in Castledermot, Ireland. These field trips brought our studies to life in a way no classroom could match.
What started as a lengthy semester abroad ended too quickly. Despite initially never picturing myself abroad, I left UCD and Ireland in December, envisioning a future where I would return. That dream is becoming reality—I’ve accepted an offer to pursue a master’s degree in International Relations at UCD starting later this year!
Coming full circle
It can be tricky to navigate your path in college at first. You will come across countless doors of opportunity you can’t fathom until they’re in front of you. I found studying abroad was one of the best decisions I could have made for myself. It was a wonderful experience that led to a future I could never imagine, which I’m extremely excited about.
Since returning to UC Irvine, I’ve found ways to stay connected to the international community. I took part in the UCI Winter Exchange Partner program, guiding and befriending an exchange student from Singapore who is attending UC Irvine. It has felt wonderful to help another student navigate the same uncertainties I once faced.
Remember that anxious first-year student who desperately needed a concrete plan? She’s now preparing to graduate and move back to Dublin to pursue a master’s degree in International Relations at University College Dublin! My love for exploring new places has only grown stronger—I’m already planning trips to Scotland and Greece in the near future.
To any student, especially a first-generation student like myself, wondering if studying abroad is worth it: Simply put, it is! That uncertainty that feels so overwhelming right now? It might just lead you to exactly where you’re meant to be.
Learn more about the personal growth that first-generation students achieve while studying abroad:
- Anna Nguyen (UCLA) re-evaluated what it means to be Asian American while studying abroad in Hong Kong.
- Natalie Glennon (UCSB) overcame imposter syndrome through the challenges study abroad presents.
- First-generation student Ricardo Martinez (UCD) shares how to embrace being a first-time traveler while spending the least amount of money as possible.
Leave A Comment