From the United States to Dublin: How Maeve Breathnach Prepped for a Career in U.S. Immigration Law at DCU

Maeve Breathnach, a graduate of DCU’s MA in Forced Displacement, recently shared how her time in Dublin helped her bridge migration policy and advocacy to prepare for a career in Immigration Law. Read her full testimonial below: 

What made you choose Ireland as the place to pursue your Master’s degree?

As the daughter of a Dubliner and bearer of the name Maeve Breathnach, I have always had a personal connection to Ireland. As someone training to be an immigration attorney, I realized Ireland provided a unique environment to prepare me for my professional goals. In recent times, Ireland has transitioned from a net sending-country to a net receiving-country, giving it first hand experience with both emigration and immigration. This history offers a distinct perspective not often found in other developed nations. Ireland also offers valuable insights as an EU member state, providing an interesting comparison to the U.S. in how migration policy operates across levels of government. Just as U.S. states operate within a federal system, Ireland operates within the broader framework of the European Union, creating an opportunity to examine how migration policy is shaped by different levels of authority.

Why did you choose to study at DCU? What course did you do?

DCU intrigued me as a place to study how institutions can create and foster welcoming spaces, given its distinction as Ireland’s first University of Sanctuary. Volunteering with teaching English classes, I had a taste of DCU’s commitment to working with refugees and asylum seekers when I volunteered with DCU’s Irish Refugee Integration Network in the summer of 2022. 

I was drawn to the Master’s in Refugee Integration, now called MA in Forced Displacement,  as a unique interdisciplinary opportunity to explore effective advocacy and policy analysis in forced displacement. Knowing I would attend law school in the U.S. to pursue a career in immigration law, I wanted to complement my legal training with a broader understanding of the forces that drive displacement and the policies that shape responses to it.

What was your favourite part of the course?

My favorite part of the course was co-administering DCU’s Migrant English Language, Literacy, and Intercultural Education (MELLIE) Project, led by Dr. Julie Daniel. This arts-based language and cultural integration project joined together the DCU community and forcibly displaced persons in Dublin. This project allowed me to form friendships with people from all over the world and better communicate across cultures.

What was your experience with the campus offerings and resources? Did you participate in clubs or other extracurricular activities? 

I participated in the Badminton Club, which was a fun way to get some exercise and play a sport that’s less common in the U.S. I also took Irish courses to improve my cúpla focal during my time at DCU. 

What is your best piece of advice for international students who want to study at DCU and work in Ireland?

Connect with Irish culture, history, and areas beyond Dublin. Time flies during the academic year, so be intentional about making time to visit museums, explore other cities, and experience Ireland outside of campus. Student and young adult discounts along with the OPW Heritage card make it easy!