How has this experience impacted your future?
Abigail:This experience has impacted my future in many ways. I have always wanted to travel and have loved the Irish culture. While in Galway, I got to experience Ireland and see how the daily lives of the Irish people differs from Americans. Professionally, I want to work internationally and after being in Ireland, I discovered where I would like to live and work after college.
Tell us about an experience you had that you could not have had at home.
Abigail: As a part of the ISA program, we were taken to the Cliffs of Moher one Saturday and it was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Growing up at the beach, I was used to pretty scenery but I was blown away at the Cliffs. My friends and I got to explore the Cliffs of Moher and take pictures with one of the world's best backgrounds. I was also excited to learn that they had filmed a scene from a Harry Potter movie at the Cliffs.
What did ISA do for you and what did you need to do on your own?
Abigail: ISA was great because my resident advisors were always willing to help and explain differences in our cultures. The students did not have to deal with a lot of culture shock because our advisors answered all of our questions. We, the students, had to face being responsible for ourselves and one of the most shocking experiences we had was going grocery shopping the first time and seeing the different products that were not available at home. Our ISA advisors had to take us to Dunnes' for the first time to help us out.
Did you run into a culture barrier?
Abigail: We did not really have a language barrier as most people spoke English. We got to hear alot of Irish though on the Aran Islands. We also picked up on some Irish slang that we had never heard before. Us students had to explain some slang we used to the Irish people and they did the same for us.
Do you think your program changed you as a person?
Abigail: The program definitely changed me as a person. I learned to open up to people and talk to people that I would have never talked to before. I got to experience a whole new culture and be comfortable enough in it to be more outgoing. I had the amazing opportunity to meet new people and make friends that I will keep forever. I hope to go back to Dublin for the fall semester of my junior year. I cannot wait to go back!