Pre-Dublin: Packing, Unpacking and Slacking

Hi guys, my name is Christina Hui and I am so excited to be a Photo and Writing IDEA correspondent for the Dublin Summer Internship Program through IES. It seems like just yesterday when I was sitting in my Global internship Preparation class and the word "Dublin" was just another word on my name tag. As the days get closer to my departure flight, it's quickly hitting me that I am about to devote two months of my life to embark on one of the most eye opening experiences in my young adult life. Dramatic? Maybe, but when else can I say that I will spend two months in Dublin doing a digital marketing internship? 

If you've been wondering how I have been preparing, it's simple: packing, unpacking and slacking. Does anyone ever get into this kind of cycle or is it just me? The cycle starts off as me doing all this research and asking around about what kinds of clothes and essentials to bring, which results in me getting motivated to start actually laying out clothes. With my neatly organized piles of clothes laid out on my bed, I start piling things into my luggage and any other bags I plan to bring. Then, cue my "Oh wait, do I actually need this? Will I actually wear it?" mentality, which comes up everytime I have to pack for a trip. I have a horrible habit of either completely overpacking or completely underpacking, so I always question whatever I choose to pack. With my uncertainty and inability to make decisions. I end up taking out my semi packed luggage and starting over. Finally, I get to the point where I feel like I've done enough for the day, I mean there's always tomorrow to finish, right? 

Although I haven't finalized my packing list, there are a few things (besides the typical laptop, documents, etc) that I know I will bring in my carry on bag:

1. Glasses and contacts - Nothing is worse than dried contacts or sleeping in them, so I make sure to have both options.

2. DSLR Camera - No, I am not turning into a super tourist, I was actually recommended to bring it from my employer for work related duties.

3. Earbuds/Headphones - I'm actually bringing three different types: wireless earbuds, regular earbuds and headphones. Cue my overpacking habits, but one of the worse feelings is going to listen to music and realizing you don't have earbuds.

4. Gum/Breathmints - I strongly dislike anything mint flavored, except oral care products, but I don't want stinky breath after napping/breathing in airplane fumes for 10+ hours.

5. Travel Sized Umbrella - I've been told that you can experience literally all four weathers in Ireland within a hour and it rains pretty often, so an umbrella will definitely come in handy,

I've had numerous friends and family ask me "How do you feel going abroad?" My default answer is "nervous", but let me expand on that a little more. You know the kind of nervous when you are about to give a speech in front of your class, but have severe public speaking fears? Well, increase that fear by a good 110%  but add in the adrenaline rush you get when you ride a rollercoaster. I get nervous alot, if I'm being honest. In this case, I'm nervous to be across the ocean for a long period of time, worried that I won't be able to contribute as much as I can towards my internship and the overarching, fear of rebuilding my social life and making friends. But on the other hand, I am so hyped to be able to live in a beautiful contry like Ireland. I'm looking forward to contributing and learning in the marketing industry, eating all the traditional Irish foods that I can fit in my stomach and visiting all the nature parks and trails. I made a bucket list for my global internship preparation class a few months ago and although it is a good base list, I don't want to limit myself to just focusing on completing those 10 things. 

See you in 12 days, Dublin.