2/4/2022 Lexi Larson 4 min read
ME junior Lexi Larson begins her study abroad and blogs about it this semester in Ireland.
Written by Lexi Larson
Hello readers! Thanks for stopping by. My name is Lexi Larson, and I am a mechanical engineering junior studying abroad at the University College Dublin in Ireland. Wow, that is exciting to write!
I always knew I wanted to go abroad as I prepared to go to college, but with Covid I didn’t know if I would be able to do it or not. I feel so lucky that I get to be here—it is unreal!
I have officially been in Ireland for about three weeks, and I will proudly say that I have made some friends, seen a few places, talked to people in my classes, and joined a club or two. Be proud, Mom!
For those wishing to study abroad and wanting tips, those wanting to hear about the possibilities for a mechanical engineer abroad, or those who are just wishing to see how my experience is going, you will be able to learn this information (and more) on my blog! Now, I would like to take a minute to answer the questions I imagine must just be absolutely blowing up in your head.
Q: Lexi, why would you study abroad when you have so many classes to take? Are you planning on taking an extra year to graduate?
A: Great question! I can actually graduate in the typical four-year time frame going abroad. The International Programs in Engineering (IPENG) at the University of Illinois has loads of resources to check what courses are offered at which universities to make sure you can keep on track with your studies while you visit a new country.
Q: How do you afford it?
A: When you do the price break-down, it is less expensive to study abroad than to study at UIUC. However, I recommend talking to an IPENG counselor about any and all specific questions because travel is expensive, and they are a great resource to utilize.
Q: How will you manage your studies while you are traveling around Europe?
A: Managing my studies is critical while I am abroad. Like I said, I am still planning on graduating in four years. So, it is important for me to plan ahead. For one, I try to get work done early and stay on top of it. Additionally, I communicate with the professors if I am going to miss class to see how I can make up the work.
Q: Where do you plan to travel?
A: Right now, I have trips scheduled to go to Madrid, Copenhagen, and Edinburgh, and I plan to visit France, Iceland, Greece, and Portugal (hopefully)!
Q: How do you like Ireland?
A: I love Ireland! It is simply magic here - the people are so nice, and the country is gorgeous. I can’t wait to continue exploring more parts of the country.
Being in a new place with all new people, it reminds me a bit of freshman year of college. It is so exciting to get to make so many new relationships and memories over here. And it is hard, leaving your friends and family, to be somewhere totally new. But being here, I can’t help but be hit by the thought that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I feel so lucky to be here, despite Covid and everything else that is crazy in the world. Okay, I better stop, I am getting a little emotional, haha.
Life is short and if you want to do something, make it happen!
So yeah, this is my blog. :) Looking forward to writing more about my adventures throughout this semester.
Signing off,
Lexi