Patricia’s story: from our university to the Spanish Embassy in Dublin!

Patricia Delás is in 4th year studying for a degree in Political Sciences and currently doing her training at the Spanish Embassy in Dublin, thanks to the internship agreement that University CEU Cardenal Herrera has with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

A view of Dublin's Fair City
A view of Dublin’s Fair City

Here’s her diary entry about her first few days in Dublin:

“My first day was already an adventure. Without giving me time to settle in, the consul took me to Cloverhill prison to visit various Spanish prisoners. Imagine my surprised face when they told me we were going to the prison! At the start I thought it was a joke, because I was new, but no. The Embassy has to make sure that the Spanish prisoners’ rights are not violated, that they have a lawyer, that they have been able to contact their relatives, etc.

The GPO is a major landmark in Dublin
The GPO is a major landmark in Dublin

My second day was almost just as intense. I had to organise the passports that come from Madrid for the Spanish residents in Ireland, helping in the civil registry. The most difficult thing here was learning each process, as they are very specific. As you can imagine, with an issue as important as this, there is no room for mistakes.

However, I didn’t really know how complicated it would be until I had to go to the reception. Assisting different people, each one with their particular case, each one more complicated. Here there are no models to follow. At this time I realized that in this first month I had learnt a lot more than I thought. You also realize how complicated and sensitive the task of serving the public is: not everybody is willing to wait, not everybody is friendly… but even so, you must be professional, patient and understandable. In the reception you need to mediate and solve each case in the best way possible.

I will confess to you that in the days before starting, I was very scared, but as the days have passed, I realize how much I am learning, and especially how much I like the work that they send me.

Patricia at the Spanish Embassy in Dublin
Patricia at the Spanish Embassy in Dublin

I could not be happier with this experience!

I must say that the help of my colleagues has been vital. Also, they made me feel like one of them from the beginning. I only hope that the time I have left is just as good.

I cannot deny that I have a lot of work but, without a doubt, it’s worth it!“.

Go raibh míle maith agat for sharing your experience with us, Patricia! Continue benefiting from this experience and enjoy life in Dublin!

Every year, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MAEC) offers students and recent graduates the opportunity to do an internship in one of our country’s Embassies and Consulates abroad. More than 15 students from University CEU Cardenal Herrera are currently living a unique experience through this programme, check our website regularly for updated information on current internship opportunities or contact our Mobility Office for further information!

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