Student Stories

• What were some of your biggest takeaways from your international experience?

One major takeaway I have from my experience is that you should never take the freedoms you have for granted. In the United States, we are blessed to be able to speak any language we like. In Ireland, that has not always been the case. The Irish language is in danger of dying out because in the past, it was suppressed by the English government. Children were not allowed to speak it in school and Irish speaking parents often only taught their children English to give them better job opportunities. As a consequence, the Irish today hardly use the language outside of the school system. In the Gaeltacht, the language is able to survive because the people there are committed to using it in their daily lives. Because of their hard work and perseverance, Irish is able to thrive. Because of what I learned, I will make an extra effort to respect and support the cultures of others.

• What advice would you pass along to other interested students considering studying abroad?

I would tell others to make sure they enjoy each moment in their host country. Totally immerse yourself in the culture. Try not to use any social media during your trip. Go outside. If you are learning a language, try to use as much of the language as you can, even when talking to other English speakers in your program. Do not be afraid to try speaking with locals either. They will be helpful, and most likely flattered that you are making an effort to learn. Totally immersing yourself will just make your experience that much better and you will leave with no regrets.

• Is there anything you would do or plan differently based on your experience?

If I could do it again, I would plan to stay longer in my host country. My program was four weeks long, and although I got to do and see a lot, it would have been nice to travel around the country a little more. I bought my plane ticket for just a day before and after the program dates. If I was a little more flexible, I could have probably saved money with my plane ticket. Traveling by your self is actually not that scary. Once you get to know a city, it begins to feel like home. People are usually polite, friendly, and willing to help.

• Have you considered going abroad again or researching international internships and careers?

Yes, I would definitely like to go abroad to Ireland again to work on my Irish language skills. I do not know if I will do it as a study abroad again though because I do not need the credits. However, there were many people in my program that were doing the course out of personal interest and not as a study abroad. I would like to go back and do the same program, and take the Intermediate Level class.

• How do you plan to “Pay it forward” to the greater local community?

Now that I’m back in my community, I plan to send lots of thank you letters and emails to everyone who helped make this trip possible. I will also make myself available if anyone has questions about study abroad or about learning the Irish language. I would love to help make Irish Gaelic better known. I can do this by sharing my experience as I talk to others.

• In reflection of your experience before, during, and after your program, can you put into words what this experience has meant to you.

Going to the Connemara Gaeltacht to learn Irish was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I met lots of wonderful people who are committed to promoting this beautiful and historic language. I improved my language skills to a point where I can get by in most daily conversation. This has connected me to a unique group of people who I never would have known if I stayed in the United States. The world seems a lot smaller to me now. I learned that I can form friendships and find community anywhere I go.