Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

My time abroad in Cork, Ireland has been a dream. For the past four months I have been living in an apartment with four other girls and attending classes at University College Cork. I went into the experience with very little expectations because I wanted everything to feel like a sort of surprise to me. I am set to leave Ireland in just a couple of weeks and am honestly wishing that I could stay longer. The best part about Ireland are the musicians. Traditional music is very big here, and on most nights of the week all you have to do is wander the city center and you will easily find an open pub with live music playing. My favorite is attending the smaller gigs, because everyone will be huddled around the musicians and even if you don't know most of the people there, there is always a sort of feeling of together-ness. Often, others will join in or start to dance. The people are so kind here.

Aside from Cork, I have explored Dublin, Belfast, Derry, Galway, Killarney, Doolin, Cobh, Kinsale, and many other areas in Ireland. I have even gotten to travel with friends to France, Scotland, and England! Being here has really made me more confident in my ability to learn in new environments and make connections with people who have had such different experiences than me. I have made such beautiful friends here and I do not want to say goodbye. It has been special seeing how I have been able to make a home out of a place in such short a time, along with seeing how well I have learned to take care of myself.

I want to thank G. Dale Smith and Ruth Peterson Smith for supporting me in the opportunity to study abroad this semester. I am incredibly grateful to have spent this time here.

Ring of Kerry: