DCU Study Abroad – A Year Abroad That Changed Everything: One Student’s Notre Dame Journey – Simon Madden

Four years ago, if you had asked me what success in education looked like, I would have said a straight path: Leaving Cert, CAO, university, degree. But what happens when that path breaks early? For me, it did — and that break is what ultimately led to one of the most transformative years of my life: studying MInT at DCU and getting the opportunity to study abroad at Notre Dame in the United States in my 3rd year.

I came through the CAO system using my Leaving Cert results and originally accepted a place at the University of Galway. But things didn’t go to plan. Accommodation fell through, systems failed during COVID disruption, and I found myself disconnected and overwhelmed. The question I had to face was simple but uncomfortable: stay stuck, or step away and reset? I chose to defer and take a gap year — a decision that felt risky at the time but proved defining.

That gap year took me to Berlin, working alongside my uncle and getting early exposure to real business environments — architecture meetings, property visits, investment discussions. It gave me perspective and confidence. When I returned to education, I chose DCU and enrolled in Marketing, Innovation and Technology (MInT), a course that better matched how I think and what motivates me. From early on, I asked: how can I make my degree as global and hands-on as possible?

I learned I could choose between an INTRA placement or a study abroad year. I didn’t hesitate — I wanted the international experience. My top choices were the US or Berlin. Having already lived in Berlin, I pushed for the US. I attended information sessions, contacted the international office, spoke with past students, and worked closely with my programme chair. Study abroad placements were competitive and based on first-year results, which made performance even more important.

I was offered Notre Dame. I didn’t even realise at first that it was in the US. That twist of fate turned out to be the right one.

At Notre Dame, I built a custom set of business and innovation-focused modules — from Generative AI and Digital Prototyping to Applied Impact Consulting and New Product Development. Learning wasn’t just theoretical; it was practical, collaborative, and challenge-driven. One project even brought me to Uganda for an innovation and design thinking immersion.

What makes a year abroad truly matter — the classes or the people? For me, it was both, but especially the community. I travelled alone, which made it a true fresh start. My dorm neighbour’s family welcomed me for Thanksgiving. Students lived on campus, friendships formed quickly, and everything felt connected. The culture pushed high standards and big thinking.

The opportunities extended beyond class. I visited global innovation firms, met political leaders, heard from industry speakers, and saw how impact-driven work is built. The strong Irish identity on campus also helped me settle — hearing “Go Irish” never got old.

Now in my final year at DCU, I’m applying for the ESTEEM programme at Notre Dame. The journey feels full circle. The next step is hearing about interview selection soon. Whatever happens, the bigger lesson is already clear: sometimes the path that looks broken is actually the one that leads you exactly where you’re meant to be.

Author: Simon Madden, BSc Marketing Innovation & Technology