Erasmus and Study Abroad

I spent a semester of my Junior Sophister (3rd) year in the University of Groningen, in the Netherlands. Being able to experience different teaching methods and learning styles gave me new perspectives and helped me develop valuable academic skills.

Group work was a highlight of my learning experience. Working with classmates from different backgrounds exposed me to new ways of thinking and challenged me to adapt my communication and teamwork skills, which helps prepare me for future professional settings where teamwork is essential.

Beyond academics, I loved the lively and welcoming student city of Groningen. I met students from all over the world and made many close friends. I also joined the Groningen Gaels Gaelic football team, which allowed me to meet other Irish people and continue playing a sport I love. Living independently and adapting to life in a new country and a university system also helped me grow in both independence and confidence.

Róisín spent one semester in University of Groningen, Feb. - Jun. 2025

I spent the first semester of 3rd year on exchange at the University of Southern California (USC). Adapting to the US higher education system and studying abroad independently was eye-opening and pushed me to grow both academically and personally.

I had the opportunity to work in smaller lab groups, and I developed wet lab experience in CRISPR gene editing, glioblastoma cell culture, and genetic manipulation of SF9 insect cells. In addition, through my Statistical and Evolutionary Genetics module, I co-authored a paper on GWAS studies of colorectal cancer that will be published in the scientific journal "G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics” later this year!

Outside of academics, I had so much fun going on hikes and trips to San Francisco, Yosemite, and Joshua Tree Park. This experience allowed me to meet people from around the world, immerse myself in a new culture, and step out of my comfort zone.

Niamh spent one semester in University of Southern California, Sep.- Dec. 2025

Lisbon is a beautiful city and I had the best time on Erasmus at Técnico!

The students were really welcoming and I was able to take some really cool modules.

I had so much fun exploring Portugal, trying new hobbies (in particular surfing and hiking!) and making friends from around the globe.

It was a super enriching learning experience, one that I will cherish forever.

Sara spent one semester in University of Lisbon, Jan. - Jun. 2025

My Junior Sophister year was spent at The University of Western Australia (Perth). It was one of the best choices I’ve ever made. I got to live in a country on the other side of the world and be more than just a tourist. I met so many great people with whom I got to share the experience, and I hope we stay in touch for a long time.

It was an enriching experience to study in a new environment. I found it validating to be able to use what I had learned in Trinity and hold my own in a different context. On the other hand, seeing how similar ideas were approached differently was interesting and provided depth and nuance to what I was learning.

Besides academic life, living in Australia was fantastic; I was able to go to the beach after lectures with friends and make the most of the warmer climate. In the end, I was only able to scratch the surface of the things to do and see in Australia, even after an entire year there. It was a place that truly had it all, from sprawling cityscapes to pristine nature parks.

I was nervous when I moved, but being abroad opened up so many doors for me, not only through the new contacts I made, but also because the experience opened me up to considering opportunities like this again in the future. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is thinking of doing the same.

Noah spent one year in University of Western Australia, July 2025 - June 2026