Day 1 - Maynooth

Touched down to a cool but sunny Dublin this morning.  Customs consisted of a simple information card with no baggage check or even presentation of baggage claim ticket.  Then, it was a long walk in the ample terminal, and then a long walk outside to the hopper bus area.  And, me with the retracting handle on my luggage stuck in the retracted mode. 

Now I know what parking disks are, as I had seen them mentioned on a website.  They are round printed parking passes that are displayed in a plastic sleeve on the windshield (or should I write windscreen?).

Prices for food and clothes seem reasonable, even somewhat lower for some items than those at home.  Books and housing seem significantly more to me than back home.  I do see why they say the U.S. lags behind other European countries, as there are entire leveled books on various subjects devoted to the Irish standardized exams, and these look quite rigorous.  Additionally, they have review booklets of formulas and kits of math tools for sale as well.

Our contact, Elaine, at Maynooth University said that they partner with over 150 institutions in Europe and possibly 60 or so in the U.S. to host students studying at Maynooth for study aboard programs coordinated through their original school.  She said they do not send many of their students abroad, however, mostly due to cost.  Additionally, Maynooth University has about 35% faculty and staff from other countries, making them quite diverse and international.  In fact, they were just ranked above their peers in diversity, Elaine said.