By David Talpalar

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…what I could never have imagined was the relationships that I would make with the locals…”

My semester at University College Dublin (UCD) was unforgettable. I knew when I decided to come to Dublin that I would be in a bustling city with great character. But what I could never have imagined was the relationships that I would make with the locals, the welcoming environment that I would be a part of, and the life in Ireland beyond simply the Dublin city centre.  

I loved visiting Howth, Galway, and Kilkenny; and I am really excited to return to Ireland again soon. On top of all of that, the transition from Duke to UCD was very easy. The staff at UCD are amongst the most helpful people I have ever met, and I am incredibly grateful for their help. 

Studying abroad here has made me a better-rounded, educated young man—both inside and outside of the classroom.

David Talpalar
Mechanical Engineering

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