Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

Living in Ireland has been such a beautiful dream and I have loved every minute! The Irish people are extremely friendly, easy going, laid back, and just so easy to have fun with.

My school week consists of two hour lectures along with the traditional Irish set dance class I am taking which has been so much fun. During the evenings there are so many clubs and events to go to on campus. Downtown Cork is so lively every night and day, it has been a treat to see everyone enjoying themselves in the city. Especially the Jazz Fest which has taken over Cork this weekend, everywhere is filled with life. 

On the weekends I have been able to take trips around Ireland and out of the country. I have been to Kinsale, Blarney, Cobh, Killarney, Waterford, Galway, Dingle, and Dublin. I have loved each place so much for its rich history and individuality. In Dingle I got to hold a baby lamb which made my day! The Blarney Castle is so beautiful and kissing the Blarney Stone is really fun, it is supposed to give you eloquent speech if you kiss it! In December I have a trip planned to Belfast! Out of Ireland, I have made it to Paris and Venice for a long weekend. 

One of my most intriguing classes has been the Irish language. Before visiting Ireland, I never knew that all the signs on the streets and in the buildings are in Irish first, and then English. Since getting to know the language myself, I can now read the signs around me and speak it with a few people. It is a very interesting language; it has a very peculiar structure. Getting to learn it has been challenging and eye opening to the possibilities of language. 

Thank you so much to the Smith Scholarship Fund for International Study Abroad Programs for helping me make this experience possible. Travel is immensely rewarding in so many ways, I am so grateful to receive this support!

Visiting Blarney Castle: