Why did you decide to study abroad with ISA in Galway, Ireland?
Elizabeth: I decided to study abroad with ISA in Galway for two major reasons. First of all, the ISA was the best program that I looked at. They were very informative, reasonably priced, and they offered many different places to go. Honestly, choosing to go with ISA was not the hard part. The hard part was choosing where to go with ISA! They had so many options, all of theme equally fantastic. In the end, however, I looked at the program in Galway. Something inside just clicked and I knew that Ireland was calling my name. It's really hard to describe, but I felt a connection with Ireland. I think that's the best way to choose where you go, because you will not be sorry. I wasn't!
What made this study abroad experience unique and special?
Elizabeth: My study abroad experience was unique and special for many reasons. One of those reasons is that I was in the west of Ireland, where the Irish traditions have livedon the most. One of the things that our program director kept telling us was that Galway, our of all the places in Ireland that ISA goes, is the most Irish. I really got that vibe when I was there too. It was not uncommon for me to hear Irish being spoken in the streets. In fact, it was so common that NUIG offers an Irish Language course for foreign students, where I got to not only learn Irish but also Irish traditions. The people were friendly, the streets were filled with musicians, the food was great. It truly was Ireland. Also, I had fantastic roommates, all of them Irish, which is something that was unique to my experience. All of the other ISAers had American roommates. The fact that I had girls who could introduce me to the culture and bring me into their circle of friends was great.
Describe your most meaningful souvenir and why you love it?
Elizabeth: There are two souvenirs that I think hold the most meaning for me. One is a gorgeous Waterford Crystal Vase that I purchased when my family came over to visit me. The design I got was unique to Waterford, it's made no where else in the world, which is really cool. But the reason that it's very special is because my mother got the same vase as me. It's something that we share now that not only reminds us of our time in Ireland, but also of our bond as mother and daughter. The other souvenir that has meaning to me is a print of Galway that I found my last weekend in the city. I found it at the weekend market place for 12 euro, and it has my favorite pub and my favorite bakery on it. It's a great way for me to remember Galway, and every time I look at it, I'm reminded of all the fun I had and all the memories I made.
Did you feel as if you were missing something?
Elizabeth: I didn't forget to pack anything important, however I did find that I over packed. All of the rain gear I brought with me (umbrella, poncho, rain coat) I ended up not using. My umbrella broke within the first month, and I never replaced it. My poncho and raincoat gave me away as an American, and when I bought rain boots, they too gave me away as an American. The Irish are used to the rain, especially in Galway which is the city that gets the most precipitation. If you can't handle your rain and you're walking outside all protected from the rain, they know you're American. Eventually you get used to the rain and you don't need anything. Just don't bother bringing rain gear at all, it's not going to last you and it's going to signal to people that you're foreign.
Do you think your program changed you as a person?
Elizabeth: My program most definitely changed me as a person. You can't go overseas and not be changed. I learned so much about myself, I made new friends, and most importantly I gained a new view of the world. The things that I'm used to in America were blown apart. My view of America changed as I learned the views of Irish people. My view of American History changed when I took a class that was basically all about debunking the myths of the victorious America. I gained an independence that I never knew I could have, and now I know that I will be able to move out from my parent's house for good one day and that, while I will talk to them, I won't need their approval for every little thing. I grew up so much in Ireland, and I learned things I never knew possible. I am most definitely a different person than when I left.