In summer 2016, Kaitlin Masar (鈥�18) studied abroad with the University College Dublin Internship Program in Ireland after receiving a from IAFS. She shared the following updates:
June 2016
My first week in Dublin consisted of six hours of class each day, and I started my Human Resources internship with the Irish branch of PricewaterhouseCoopers. In this role, I have been doing research and data tasks and hope to work with the recruitment department as well. Also, I have been attending hurling practice every Tuesday and Thursday. Hurling is an outdoor stick and ball game of ancient Gaelic and Irish origin,聽played by teams of 15 who score by driving the ball through聽goal areas.聽Although I'm still trying to get the hang of it, I'm enjoying the sport a lot so far. Recently, I visited Causey Farm, where I baked traditional Irish soda bread, learned Irish dancing, played hurling, and bog jumped! In case you're curious, bog jumping is literally jumping into a giant mud pit.聽In my first month, I鈥檝e explored quite a few historical sites in my first month: St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Trinity College, Merrion Square, Trim Castle, and several museums.
I have done so much this summer! Since my last update, my internship duties have evolved and most recently, I have been researching social media strategies for the Irish branch of PricewaterhouseCoopers. I鈥檝e really enjoyed spending time completing team-building exercises with my department, including a scavenger hunt throughout the city. My co-workers are very friendly and we often talk about cultural similarities and comparisons between the United States and Ireland. Outside of work and school, I鈥檝e been able to explore other areas of Ireland such as Galway, Connemara, Dingle, and Kerry. While in Dingle and Kerry, I was able to see places used in filming the recent Star Wars films!聽Reflecting on the overall summer semester, it has been an incredible learning experience, and I'm really grateful to have had an internship opportunity in Ireland.聽
