Trinity College, University of Dublin (Ireland)
Irena Timofeeva (Fall 2009)
E-mail: timofeeva.bm2010@edu.gsom.pu.ru
I took part in exchange program in autumn 2009. It was amazing time and I would like to share my impressions. I went to Ireland, to Trinity College Dublin and the whole trip has become a great discovery for me.
First of all, I have never known that Trinity College (TCD) is such a great and well-known university. It might be considered as a part of Irish history. This university is more than 400 years old and is famous for numerous notable alumni in the field of arts and science, such as Bram Stocker, Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett (Literature), Ernest Walton (Nobel Laureate in Physics), John Butler Yeats (artist) and hundreds of others. Its old buildings, paved paths and hundreds of bikes, left all around university’s territory create exclusive, unique atmosphere, which inspire for new great ideas.
Secondly, I was amazed by Irish economic success within two past decades. Before the recession it became one of the most develop economies in the EU, with high levels of welfare and constant GDP growth.
Finally, I have discovered diverse and vibrant country with open and friendly people, which are very curious and helpful. Many times, when I was walking around Dublin with map, I was asked, either I needed some help.
I have arrived to Trinity in the beginning of Fresher`s week, when all new students are welcomed. During this week I have chosen my courses and subscribed for activities, which are numerous in TCD. University possesses large number of various societies, which correspond to different student’s interest. It enriches student’s life and discovers new opportunities to learn and to communicate. For me, it also became a chance to meet Irish people and to explore their habits and interests. Complementary to International Student Society, where I have met other exchange students, I became a member of Philosophical and Surfing Societies. I met a lot of Irish students, learned a many interesting things about their way of living, Irish history and student’s life in TCD.
Every course implies many extra hours of work. Modern library (the biggest in Ireland) is perfectly equipped with latest technologies and obtains large collection of books for every topic (there is no need to bring any book from Russia, because there are a lot in Trinity library) and there is also a 24-hour study space. All in all, TCD have created perfect conditions for studying 24/7.
All the working staff was very helpful. International office is taking care of visiting students and it is possible to address them with every need. Want is more, there is such a body as Student Union. They work with students, represent their interest, and fight for their rights. Every student could address them with every problem.
Trinity College plays important role in cultural and scientific life of Dublin. It holds different scientific and artistic exhibitions during the year and participates and various cultural events and festivals.
Ireland is a very interesting country with reach political and cultural history. There are a lot of beautiful places, nice cities, picturesque sceneries and old castles around the country. It provides vast opportunities to do the sightseeing. One of the most amazing places is Cliffs of Moher. There are also many places to visit in Dublin. There are interesting lectures in Nationall Gallery every Sunday. What is more, big amount of theatres present many interesting modern plays, which correspond to the most sophisticated theater-lovers.
To sum up, I would like to say, that I already miss TCD and Ireland. I have discovered new culture, traditions and educations system. It was an unforgettable experience, which helped me to become more open-minded and I would recommend everyone to visit this amazing place.
Sergey Alekseev (fall 2008)
E-mail: alekseev_s.bm2010@edu.gsom.pu.ru
I have been studying in University of Dublin, Trinity College since October 2008 till December 2008 and spend an Erasmus term there. Trinity College is currently ranked at 53 in the Times Higher Education Supplement Global University Rankings and 13th in Europe.
I'm still much exited about this experience; Trinity College provides cutting-edge teaching standards and offers a friendly environment. I will for sure recommend everyone to study there.
The traditions of learning are quite different from ours, the distance between the teacher and a student is very short and celebration the end of the term with your teacher in a pub is a common thing in Ireland, teachers know student's names by heard and the duration of the lessons are 45 minutes, all of this contribute in very friendly environment of teaching. The University provides all necessary facilities for learning, students have 24 hours access to the Internet. Trinity has one of the biggest libraries in Europe and all students have access to numerous electronic resources.
Trinity College clubs and societies are the activity that might be really interesting for Russian students, the University of Dublin has about 200 different societies and everybody can join any of them for small fee. The societies meet regularly and provide an excellent opportunity to meet other students with similar interests. Among the societies are the Philosophical Society (the "Phil"), dating from 1684 and the Historical Society (the "Hist") dating from 1770.
All students have absolutely free access to the sport center with 25 metre, 6 lane swimming pool with a floating floor, a large fitness theatre with over 60 exercise stations, an 11 metre high climbing wall, a fitness studio and a spin studio, sauna and steam room and two large sports halls. There are 50 sports clubs in Trinity College so no matter what your sporting preference you will find a club in Trinity to suit you or you may like to try something new - rugby, soccer, hockey, swimming, tennis, Gaelic games, basketball, volleyball, cricket and martial arts.
The country itself is delightful, people are really helpful and friendly, and weather is very comfortable even in the winter. Dublin is very small but fascinating and very nice city, the popular joke about Dublin is that there is one bar per person. Ireland landscapes are very beautiful and you can go travel every weekend and it will be a perfect time spending.
