Semester in Dublin, Ireland
Evie Wright (DC, '27) spent her spring semester studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland. Evie says:
What is your favorite memory from your time abroad?
A group of friends and I did a weekend surfing trip that was unforgettable. In comparison to the other amazing things I did abroad, it almost feels silly to say this was my favorite, but it absolutely was. We stayed the weekend in this small coastal town and surfed Rossnowlagh beach, and I had the time of my life. There was a little "fairy bridge" and a small carnival nearby that we found while exploring the town, and it was such a charming, tiny corner of Ireland.
How has living in a different culture challenged or expanded your perspective on the world?
Before studying abroad, I was quite introverted. Being in a place with no one I knew forced me to learn how to make friends, but it also changed my perspective on social anxiety. I went from overthinking every social interaction with strangers to realizing I had to make the most of the five months away, and that perspective has persisted. No one would remember me, and I probably wouldn't remember them, so why stress so much?
What were some unexpected challenges you faced while abroad, and what strategies did you use to overcome them?
I would say taking initiative to do the things that I wanted to do, and being okay with doing them alone. I didn't have classes on Fridays in Ireland, and at the beginning of the semester, I would sit around and wait until all of my friends got out of classes to go explore around Dublin. I started feeling like I was running out of time to experience all of the things that I wanted to do. And at a certain point, I challenged myself to stop waiting for other people and just go, because otherwise they might never happen. I have so many stories of things that I did during the day, by myself, that I would have never done if I had waited for everyone else to be free. If I can go to a new country alone, I can learn how to use the bus system or train by myself.
What personal growth have your experienced during your time abroad and how has it impacted your future goals and aspirations?
It is honestly hard to put into words the amount of growth that I experienced. Not to be sappy, but my whole perspective on life changed seeing how Irish people work to live, not live to work like we do here. I believe I came back from Ireland an entirely different version of myself. I am more outgoing, more independent, more adventurous, more reflective, and more grateful, too.
Any advice for other students thinking of studying abroad?
Before I left, everyone told me to take pictures. But, take more pictures. Take videos. Bring a digital camera. Once you come home, those pictures will probably be your most treasured souvenir. Oh, and if your study abroad friends convince you to get a lip tattoo, I promise it should fade in a few years.