October 9th, 2024 english

Sebastian Monge Rios, a 22-year-old from Costa Rica, is on an exciting path toward fulfilling his dream of becoming a pilot. Sebastian’s passion for aviation took root in his childhood sparked by visits to the airport with his mother. 

Determined to pursue his dream, Sebastian made the decision to move to Europe two years ago to explore new opportunities in aviation. He chose Dublin City University  to pursue his education in Aviation Management, opting for the Business Stream of the International Foundation Year (IFY) programme to prepare himself for the challenges ahead.

The IFY programme at DCU is designed for students like Sebastian who need additional support before entering university. It offers course modules that develop academic skills, language proficiency, and subject-specific knowledge.
 

Reflecting on his experience, he described the IFY as “a good bridge” that helped him transition smoothly into his studies. The programme, became essential in building the academic and language proficiency required for the more technical subjects in his degree. “It was not the thing I wanted, but it was the thing I needed,” he shared, acknowledging the importance of preparation before diving into a more demanding course.

Despite some initial concerns about moving from a small city in Costa Rica to Dublin, Sebastian appreciates the support he received, particularly from his business teacher. The course materials, especially for business, were helpful in navigating the complexities of technical English. This preparation has boosted his confidence as he looks forward to joining the full undergraduate programme at DCU.

For students considering this route, Sebastian encourages them to view the IFY as an essential step toward achieving their academic and professional aspirations. “My general advice for everyone who is going to do the course is that in your mind, it seems better if you go straight down to the course. But believe me, even if you speak English fluently, you are going to struggle with something. So it’s better to struggle in safe place that prepares you your future challenges”

We sincerely thank Sebastian for sharing his experiences with us and look forward to following his journey as he takes the next steps toward achieving his aviation goals.

If you would like to know more about our International Foundation Year programme we are here to help, please get in touch.

___________