Hello! Lauren here, with a reflection back on my 2 weeks spent in Ireland during the month of May. My program, Cultural Immersion in Ireland, consisted of largely outside the classroom experiences that allowed us to engage with the Irish land, culture, and people. In both Dublin and Galway, we experienced walking tours through the city, allowing us to not only get our bearings but also to understand the history of the things surrounding us. Highlights from the Dublin tour included Christ Church Cathedral and Trinity College, while highlights from Galway included the main street and the Spanish Arch. 

While in Dublin, I spent a lot of time at museums. As a group we visited the 14 Henrietta Street Tenement building, the Kilmainham Gaol prison where many leaders of the 1916 rebellion were kept, and the GPO, a key site of rebellion in 1916. In my own time with some friends, I also visited the Book of Kells at Trinity College and the Chester Beatty library. All of the time spent in these museums helped me not only gain a deeper understanding of Irish history but also served as a reminder for the importance and value of museums themselves. Seeing all of these museums was unquestionably one of my favorite aspects of the trip, and I hope to bring my experiences there back with me to propel me to consistently visit more museums and continue to follow my passion for learning and intercultural experiences. 

In Galway, the biggest thing we encountered was nature, as we spent time exploring the Irish countryside, visiting the Aran islands, seeing the Cliffs of Moher, and even feeding some sheep! The vital connection to the land in Galway was incredible, and reminded me to appreciate the land where my feet are planted more often. Additionally, this time spent in nature encouraged me to place emphasis on engaging with nature and beyond this Summer and throughout my life! 

I am so thankful for my time studying abroad, for the ways in which it reminded me of so many of my passions and has encouraged me to grow and embrace every space I occupy and learn more about the people and places surrounding me wherever I may be.