By: Fiona Rowlands
My semester at the University of Limerick in Ireland was a life changing experience. I grew in so many ways as I became more independent. I have been lucky enough to travel before, but I have never traveled solo. While my cousins were there to help me, I was mostly on my own as I had to figure out how to navigate a new city.
I had support from the AIFS (American Institute of Foreign Study), but there were some difficult and lonely days. By receiving enough support, I managed to move to a new country successfully and independently for a semester. I traveled with my AIFS group, but I also took many solo trips around Ireland and the United Kingdom. I became much more comfortable with traveling solo. This gave me a new sense of confidence and freedom.
I also had the opportunity to explore things I could not do at home. For example, I connected more to nature. I have always enjoyed nature, but it was very different and intense because everywhere I went, I was surrounded by nature. The Cliffs of Moher were stunning and around the country there are beautiful gorse and heather. The university campus also allowed me to see the Living Bridge and River Shannon. Since I am pursuing a minor in Medieval and Renaissance studies, it was wonderful to see old ruins including a Dominican Priory in Athenry.
I wanted to make the most of my time, so I did activities I would not normally do. I took a cave tour, stayed up past midnight at a Galway bar with friends, and signed up for a singing class. I am not the most musically talented person, but music is a huge aspect of Irish culture, so I did it. The song tutorial I did included a group performance of traditional Irish songs. I would have never imagined myself doing this, but I absolutely loved every bit of it!
I interviewed senior English major, Saul Milla-Muñoz who also went abroad with me. On reflection, he explained that he was a very shy person before coming to Ireland. “I was reluctant. Ireland sort of forced me to not be an introvert,” said Milla-Muñoz. “If I didn’t talk to people, I was going to be lonely for a whole semester.” For those who studied abroad, I think many of us can feel this way like Saul. It really forces you into trying things you might not do at home.
One of the other ways I grew was by connecting more to my Irish heritage. My great-grandfather left Ireland and eventually came to America. I have many family members living in Ireland, but I had never met them before. Meeting my family and listening to all these stories allowed me to learn more about them. My parents also came to visit me, and we went on a family history tour from our relatives to Achill Island. It was incredibly meaningful to see my great-grandfather’s old home and discover why he left the country.
I was also much closer to Wales, so I was able to see my paternal family members whom I have not seen in a long time. Visiting both sides of my family was the most meaningful part of my trip.
While I was in Ireland, I made some good friends. Studying abroad is a unique experience that creates a closer kind of social bond than you would normally have at home. You go through this intense, but wonderful experience together and you end up creating some amazing friendships. I can still relate to my friends at home, but they do not completely understand what it was like to study abroad.
I also learned that I do not always have to be stressed. There is a much slower pace of life in Ireland, which I really appreciated. The students managed to get their work done but also have a more balanced life than most students do in American universities. The classes were a bit challenging, but I learned much from them. When I came back to the States, I wanted to maintain that balance of stress. Study abroad can be difficult to include a college schedule, but I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who can make it work.
When asked about whether study abroad is worth it, Milla-Muñoz said, “Do it at all costs, look into it and do it because it will reward your soul. Overcome the fear, know that it will be hard at first, but it will be so deeply rewarding. I think out of everything you can do at Dominican this is the number one priority.” I wholeheartedly agree with him. Committing to this experience was one of the best decisions I have ever made in college.
frowlands@my.dom.edu
