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Zoom Meeting with colleagues from Dublin City University 

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Zoom Meeting with colleagues from Dublin City University 

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During our recent collaboration, my classmate Luis Pascual and I, both native Spanish speakers from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, met with two native English speakers from Dublin City University, Mathew and Leon. The goal was to exchange cultural perspectives while practicing each other’s languages, as they are learning Spanish and we are currently taking English for Professional and Academic Communication course.

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The first conversation took place in English, and we discussed various topics related to sustainability. We explored the Sustainable Development Goals, sustainability in the workplace, and sustainable agriculture and food production. We discussed each topic and shared ideas between the two groups, highlighting both the challenges and initiatives in Spain and Ireland.

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We discussed the Sustainable Development Goals, and everyone in the meeting was familiar with them. We all knew about or had heard of at least one of these goals. These goals are part of an initiative from the United Nations for the 2030 Agenda.

Some of the main SDGs we mentioned were:

No Poverty

Zero Hunger

Good Health and Well-being

Quality Education

Gender Equality

Clean Water and Sanitation

Affordable and Clean Energy

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Climate Action

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Discussion on the Effectiveness of the SDGs

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Discussion on the Effectiveness of the SDGs

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The discussion mainly focused on whether these goals are efficient and realistic. We all agreed that, while the SDGs serve as a valuable basis, certain goals such as completely eradicating poverty or hunger, might be unrealistic. We recognized that these goals encourage efforts to reduce current issues, but at the end of the day the responsibility falls on individual governments.

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Afterwards, we discussed how remote and hybrid work models are growing in Spain. Luis and I both agreed that we’ve noticed a sudden increase in teleworkers around Madrid, particularly in coffee shops and libraries. This trend isn't just limited to Spanish people; we’ve observed many foreigners as well, all working remotely in the city.

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Sustainable agriculture and food production

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Sustainable agriculture and food production

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Subsequently, the conversation shifted to sustainable agriculture and food production. As I am currently studying a Bachelor's degree in Food Engineering, I contributed by highlighting how the food industry is increasingly adopting new technologies and methods to achieve “zero waste” production, aiming to minimize losses and significantly reduce food waste. My colleague also pointed out that many companies are increasingly seeking certifications that prove their commitment to environmentally friendly practices. These certifications demonstrate that they follow sustainable processes, maintain low emissions, minimize waste, and operate in an eco-friendly way.

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Our Irish peers added that supermarkets in Ireland have introduced initiatives such as offering discounts on products close to their expiration dates. We commented that is a strategy that is also common in Spain. It was also mentioned that companies are increasingly adopting biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging materials. At the same time, they are working to reduce the thickness of plastic used in food packaging, aiming to optimize material use without compromising the quality and safety of the products.

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After finishing our conversation in English, we switched to Spanish for the second part of the exchange, which was a more relaxed and casual conversation, focused on cultural aspects of each country. We shared curiosities about our traditions, student lives, and common idiomatic expressions.

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During the conversation, I was asked if I knew the phrase “In for a penny, in for a pound.” I thought it referred to someone who is always up for any plan or idea, no matter how crazy it might be. Our Irish peers said that my interpretation was more or less correct. The phrase actually means that once you’re committed to something, you might as well go all the way, regardless of the risks or efforts involved. They told me it was a good guess and appreciated the attempt. It was a fun and memorable moment from the exchange.

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Phrases in Spanish without literal meaning in English

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Phrases in Spanish without literal meaning in English

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We also shared the Spanish expression “De perdidos al río” with our Irish peers and asked if they could understand its meaning. However, they didn’t get it right! We explained that it’s very similar to “In for a penny, in for a pound”, with both expressions conveying the idea of fully committing to something once you’ve already started. They agreed that it was a good equivalent, but still we won on this one.

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Both of our Irish peers had visited Spain before and shared their surprise about certain aspects of Spanish culture. They were particularly shocked by the party life in Spain, where it’s common for people to stay out until 6-7 AM, while in Ireland, the parties typically end by 3-4 AM. Another difference they mentioned was the late dinner hours in Spain, where it’s usual to eat at 10 PM, while in Ireland, dinner time is way earlier. They were also surprised by the siesta, which is not practiced in Ireland. They also said they enjoyed the food and the sunny weather while visiting Spain. On the other hand, Luis and I have never been to Ireland, so we haven't experienced their culture in the same way they have experienced ours.

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In our last discussion, we shared aspects of university life in Spain and Ireland. We concluded that, in many ways, the structure of university life is quite similar in both countries. Universities are divided into public and private institutions, with private ones being more expensive. Both in Spain and Ireland, the academic year is split into two semesters, with exams taking place in January and May in Ireland, and in January and June in Spain. We also agreed that, in general, we don't travel much as part of university programs.

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This virtual exchange turned out to be both entertaining and enriching. It gave us the chance to practice each others language, compare traditions, and discover some unexpected cultural habits like how partying until 6 AM in Spain sounds wild to the Irish, and how “de perdidos al río” leaves them a bit confused, even though they have a pretty similar phrase. Beyond the laughs, it showed us how valuable these kinds of experiences are for understanding not just the language, but the people behind it. It was a dynamic and memorable experience I would gladly repeat.