UF in Ireland
10 weeks immersed in Irish culture and engineering practice
The Experience
In the summer of 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to spend 10 weeks in Dublin, Ireland as part of the UF in Ireland — Internships and Global Culture program. I was able to become fully immersed in Irish culture by participating in an engineering internship at nanobOx, where I led two independent technical projects.
During my time in Ireland, I immersed myself in the rich cultural tapestry of the country through various excursions and personal explorations. I gained an appreciation for the deep sense of community and hospitality that defines Irish culture, and developed a deeper understanding of Ireland's history through visits to historical sites and museums. The vibrant music scene, traditional Irish dancing, and the importance of storytelling also stood out as key elements of Irish culture.
Professional Growth
One of the most challenging aspects was adjusting to differences in workplace culture and academic expectations. At nanobOx, I had to adapt to a more agile, collaborative startup environment — learning to navigate different communication styles and deliver independent engineering projects within a 10-week window.
Professionally, I developed a stronger ability to work within diverse teams, understanding the importance of clear communication and the value of different perspectives. These skills will be directly applicable to a career in the space industry, where multicultural collaboration is the norm.
