My experience studying abroad has been such an amazing experience and has given me the opportunity to create wonderful memories and life long friendships. As a junior in college I studied abroad twice in Dingle, Ireland. The first time I went to Ireland, I was a freshman studying with a small group of people through a Pre-Fall program and the second time was last May for two weeks with some of my best friends.
I had first heard of the Pre-Fall program through my roommate and I just knew I had to apply for it. This program consisted of moving into my dorm a week earlier than most freshman and the next day getting on a plane and flying to Europe. I was 17 and this was the first time I was traveling without the assistance of my parents. As an added stress, I was about to start my freshman year of college. Although I was very nervous to leave my family, this was the best experience of my life. I traveled all along the Dingle Peninsula, met some sheep, drank some cider, kayaked and ate some of the best ice cream of my life. This experience really changed me, I became more independent and adventurous, the moment the plane landed back in the United States I knew I would visit Dingle again.
Before I knew it I was a sophomore and reapplying to go back to Dingle for two weeks. Even though I traveled to the same destination, my experiences were completely different. This time I was studying with a much bigger group of people and I got to go with seven of my best friends. For my second trip, I took a Criminal Justice class and loved every moment of it. I had three amazing professors and three amazing girls studying alongside me. I went on a tour of the Dingle and Trille Police Department and the Cork Prison. I even got my finger slammed into the door of a taxi and almost had to go to the hospital to get my ring removed! Don’t worry finger and ring are doing great! Everyone that I met that worked at these facilities were the kindest and most hard working people. Halfway through the tours they brought out tea and scones for us and were very curious about the American lifestyle.
Dingle is an amazing experience and I hope I get the chance to visit again and be reunited with the Irish’s beautiful culture.