Blog- Week 12

Kelli Monheiser

Blog- Week 12

Ireland Study Abroad 2015 is quickly coming to an end. As I reflect back on it, there are some good things and some bad things. There are some things that I wouldn’t change for the world, but some that seem to have been a waist of time. Things that I am very thankful for, and some things that have been less than necessary, however, the trip as a whole was something that I will continue to look back on at every stage of my life and both be thankful, and changed by. I have said it several times before, but the three months that you spend in Ireland offer more than simply education and adventure. They give you an opportunity to grow as an individual and learn on your own. They teach you how to handle situations without the constant help from others and that to me was what I found to be the most rewarding. But there are stipulations. If you are one that can’t go weeks without talking to your parents, then studying abroad may not be for you. If you are one that needs WIFI to function in everyday life, then Ireland Study Abroad is not for you. If you constantly need a friend or family member to help you make decisions, then Ireland Study Abroad is not for you. If a hot shower is a deal-breaker, then well, Ireland Study Abroad is definitalyyyyy not for you. If you are a very routine person, well then there may be better choices than Ireland Study abroad. If you are a family person, and leaving your family is a scary thought to you, then leaving them behind for three months will be hard and Ireland Study Abroad may not be for you.

With that being said, if you feel like you are able to leave those things behind then Ireland Study Abroad will be the most rewarding thing that you have ever done. It is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever seen- especially as it gets warm toward the beginning of summer. It has a great deal of history and there is never enough to talk about. It is a country with great nightlife, and I can tell you now, you’ll never be thirsty. It is fairly cheap compared to other places in Europe. It is definitely worth it if you decide it is something you could do.

Since I have been here, there are a few things that I wish that I had done differently. So I share them with you in hopes that you may not make the same mistakes. First off, it is cold. Plan for a Nebraska winter and then a little colder. It is wet and a lot of the tours that you are on will be outside so it gets pretty chilly. Also, bring several different coats because you wear them all the time and then pretty soon, people will begin to wonder if you even change clothes from your pictures. Secondly, don’t plan to dress so nice because you will dress up rarely. In fact, for most classes, we wore our sweats and t-shirts. Next, do your research. Try and plan the things that you want to see before coming here because time flies when you’re here and tickets may be more expensive. Try and bring something that you do for yourself. If painting is your hobby, bring something to do for yourself to keep you sane during all your free time, because there is pleantyyyyy of that and lets be honest, you will need to get away from people. Bring a bottle of ranch because it is nowhere to be found in this country. Try to get your student advising and classes figured before you come in February if possible, because if not, it is a lot of work on your part. Don’t eat out a lot because that is where the trip begins to get expensive. If you do have to, get the soup and bread. They love their soup over here, but don’t forget to treat yourself sometimes. Those are just a few of the tips that I have for someone planning to do the study abroad experience. Just remember it will be one of the best things that you will ever do. Simply life changing, but there is a lot more to take into consideration than just seeing the world. You have to give up your car, endless electricity, showers on demand, family, cell phones, friends, work, WIFI, boyfriends, Qdobas, Walmart, TV, and about a million other things. It is a decision that takes big commitment and you should know what you’re getting yourself into.