Joseph Ha, Ireland: Week 1
Coming to Dublin, Ireland, I expected to adapt very quickly—something I’m usually good at, having traveled to many countries. However, I quickly realized that settling in might take about a week, which feels long for me. This time is different: I’m not just visiting as a tourist—I’m living a full adult life, working a 9-to-5 internship in a completely new country. Without my parents around, I’m responsible for everything from Monday to Friday, and that shift hit me hard.
The realization truly set in on Tuesday, our first day of the internship. I’m working as a finance intern at Credebt, and on day one, my supervisor assigned me a full-blown Excel modeling task. It took all eight hours of the workday—no slacking, no downtime—to complete it. That was the moment I understood just how challenging and growth-oriented this program is going to be.
It hasn’t even been a full week yet, but I already have some clear expectations based on the past five days. Here are the three expectations I’ve developed so far:
- A Laid-Back Internship? Not Quite—And I’m Grateful for It:
- Before arriving in Dublin, I expected my internship to be relatively easy. I had heard that Ireland’s work culture is famously relaxed and chill, so I anticipated a light workload and a laid-back pace. While the work culture here is indeed friendly and low-stress, I quickly discovered that it still demands focus, productivity, and a strong work ethic. On my very first day, I was assigned a comprehensive Excel modeling task that took me the full workday—without a single break—to complete. To my surprise, I was thankful for that challenge. As someone who considers themselves a bit of a workaholic, I genuinely enjoy being immersed in meaningful work. My expectation now is that I’ll continue to learn a lot, be actively involved in projects, and contribute meaningfully to my company. The work we’re doing is genuinely interesting, and I’m excited to dive deeper into it over the next several weeks. Also—bonus—I might gain some weight along the way, since lunch at the company is free every day!
- Before arriving in Dublin, I expected my internship to be relatively easy. I had heard that Ireland’s work culture is famously relaxed and chill, so I anticipated a light workload and a laid-back pace. While the work culture here is indeed friendly and low-stress, I quickly discovered that it still demands focus, productivity, and a strong work ethic. On my very first day, I was assigned a comprehensive Excel modeling task that took me the full workday—without a single break—to complete. To my surprise, I was thankful for that challenge. As someone who considers themselves a bit of a workaholic, I genuinely enjoy being immersed in meaningful work. My expectation now is that I’ll continue to learn a lot, be actively involved in projects, and contribute meaningfully to my company. The work we’re doing is genuinely interesting, and I’m excited to dive deeper into it over the next several weeks. Also—bonus—I might gain some weight along the way, since lunch at the company is free every day!
- Unexpected Friendships and Memorable Social Moments:
- Another expectation I’ve developed is that I’ll form lasting friendships—both within the program and beyond it. Over just the past five days, I’ve had some great conversations with people I didn’t know before, including locals and fellow interns. Irish people have been incredibly friendly and approachable, which has made social interactions feel natural and easy. Although I didn’t know many participants coming into this program, I’ve already started building strong connections with my peers. I even met some students from Michigan State after a night out—we shared an Uber, had great conversations, and genuinely clicked. Whether it’s through work, the program, bars, clubs, excursions, or even casual chats on public transport, I’m expecting this summer to be full of amazing social interactions. I wouldn’t be surprised if I leave Ireland with some lifelong friendships.
- Another expectation I’ve developed is that I’ll form lasting friendships—both within the program and beyond it. Over just the past five days, I’ve had some great conversations with people I didn’t know before, including locals and fellow interns. Irish people have been incredibly friendly and approachable, which has made social interactions feel natural and easy. Although I didn’t know many participants coming into this program, I’ve already started building strong connections with my peers. I even met some students from Michigan State after a night out—we shared an Uber, had great conversations, and genuinely clicked. Whether it’s through work, the program, bars, clubs, excursions, or even casual chats on public transport, I’m expecting this summer to be full of amazing social interactions. I wouldn’t be surprised if I leave Ireland with some lifelong friendships.
- A Lifestyle Reset Through Structure and Routine:
- One of the most unexpected but welcome changes I anticipate is gaining a more disciplined lifestyle. My internship requires me to wake up at 7 a.m. from Tuesday to Friday, and the program’s weekly excursions kick off early every Saturday. Add in a 9 a.m. class every Monday, and it’s clear—I’m going to be waking up early every single day of the week. This is a big shift for me. During college, my sleep schedule was all over the place—definitely not something I was proud of. Now, with this structured routine built into my week, I have no choice but to build healthier habits. I’m actually looking forward to this change; it’s exactly the kind of discipline I need to start making better use of my mornings and feel more balanced overall.
Here some cool photos/videos I took so far!:
- One of the most unexpected but welcome changes I anticipate is gaining a more disciplined lifestyle. My internship requires me to wake up at 7 a.m. from Tuesday to Friday, and the program’s weekly excursions kick off early every Saturday. Add in a 9 a.m. class every Monday, and it’s clear—I’m going to be waking up early every single day of the week. This is a big shift for me. During college, my sleep schedule was all over the place—definitely not something I was proud of. Now, with this structured routine built into my week, I have no choice but to build healthier habits. I’m actually looking forward to this change; it’s exactly the kind of discipline I need to start making better use of my mornings and feel more balanced overall.
On our way to Temple Bar!
Went to the mall for the first time and saw a guy play chess with like 10 people.
First Lunch covered from our finance company, Credebt!
A night out with friends!
First selfie in Dublin!
Overall, I’m incredibly excited to be a part of this program, and my expectations for enjoyment are through the roof. Even though I’m only five days in, I’m already having an amazing time here. Also, the apartment I’m living in is fantastic!