It is hard to believe that I have already been in Dublin for two weeks. Now that I have settled in a little more, I feel like I am finally finding my routine and becoming more comfortable with both my internship and life in Ireland. This past week gave me the opportunity to begin my internship, get to meet and know my coworkers, and spend more time exploring Dublin. One of the biggest adjustments has still been getting used to my work schedule. I work from 9AM to 5PM and my commute is about an hour each way. While the commute was difficult to get used to at first, it has started to feel much more manageable now that I have established a routine. Most mornings begin pretty early since many of us need to wake up around 5:30 or 6:00 a.m. to get ready and make it to work on time. Although the days can feel long, I have found that having a consistent schedule helps me stay organized and make the most of my time.
As I continue my internship, I have become more comfortable in the workplace and have enjoyed getting to know my coworkers better. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and friendly, and they have been very interested in learning about where I am from and what life is like in the United States. Throughout the week, I answered plenty of questions about my hometown, my university, and American culture.
One of the funnier conversations I had with my coworkers was my summer job while at home away from Pittsburgh. I mentioned that I work at HersheyPark as one of the characters found dancing all throughout the park, yes the chocolate bars. They did not even realize that this job truly existed, and I even showed them proof of me in my uniform.
Another thing I have noticed during my internship is that the office dress code is much more casual than I originally expected. Before arriving in Dublin, I pictured a very formal office environment. Instead, the workplace is professional but relatively relaxed. Everyone still dresses nicely and looks presentable, but it is not as formal as I imagined and it has been interesting to experience a workplace culture that is slightly different from what I expected.
One thing I have especially enjoyed is the area around my office. There are so many restaurants and cafés nearby, making it easy to grab breakfast, coffee, or lunch during the workday. One of my favorite places so far has been a small Italian café close to the office. Having so many options nearby has made lunch breaks a great opportunity to explore different spots and try new foods.
After work, most of us are pretty tired from the day. Between commuting and working full-time, evenings are usually pretty relaxed. One of my favorite parts of the experience has been spending time with the other students when we get home. We often cook dinner together, sit down as a group to eat, and talk about everything that happened during the day. It is a simple part of the routine, but it has become one of my favorite ways to unwind and connect with everyone. After dinner, most of us are ready to head to bed so we can be rested for another early morning.
The weekends have continued to be my favorite time to explore Dublin. This past weekend, we went on a Viking tour through the city, which was both fun and educational. I learned so much about the history of Ireland and how the Vikings influenced Dublin’s development. It was fascinating to hear stories about places that we now walk past regularly and to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s history. Experiences like this have made me appreciate being abroad because they allow me to learn about a culture in a way that goes far beyond reading about it in a classroom.
As I finish my second week in Dublin, I am realizing how important it is to balance work, rest, and exploration. During the week, I focus on my internship and maintaining a routine that helps me stay productive and well-rested. Then on the weekends, I make it a priority to explore the city, learn more about Irish culture, and spend time with friends. Finding that balance has helped me make the most of both my professional experience and my time abroad. While there is still so much more to see and learn, I already feel much more settled than I did when I first arrived, and I am excited to see what the next few weeks bring.
