Reflection on the Time in Ireland

The three months plus some in Dublin have come to a close. Looking back, the time seemed to go slow at first, perhaps because of all the new experiences. Then after the mid term it all went quickly. Still, a lot was packed into the short time and I definitely feel the most was made of my time abroad. 

I highly recommend going on the Dublin Writers Program for your time studying abroad. This may be obvious, but if you like to write, even if you are not a creative writing major, this is a great program for you. I took the Short Story and Playwriting Workshops. Both were wonderful classes and the instructors are eager to help you with your craft. Though I did not take the Poetry workshop, all my friends who did raved about it. 

One of the greatest parts of the Dublin Writers Program is getting to meet Stephen, one of the teachers and organizers of much of the program. If ever anyone has the Irish gift of the gab it is Stephen. He can tell stories for hours and is delighted to share any wisdom to richen your experience. He is so invested in every student having a wonderful time in Ireland and making it a home away from home. Stephen organizes the Writers Retreat and keeps the destination a surprise until we arrive there. The Writers Retreat, also a unique feature of the Writers Program, was amazing. The destinations vary but I have no doubt that each place is as amazing as Ballycastle where we went! 

A great draw of the program was that it was focused on studying in a place rather than a university and it did not disappoint. The way the program is set up, classes are only three days a week. So that leaves four days to travel. There is so much to go and see. Because Ireland is so small (the island could fit with the state of New York) it is very easy to get around the island. You are encouraged to travel extensively, whether that is just around the island or to the European continent. I stayed in Ireland because I don’t like to go on a plane any more than I need to but there were plenty of places to explore in Ireland from north to south, east to west. 

Probably the best part of studying abroad is getting to meet new people! From the beginning, it was so much fun to be with fellow writers, exchanging ideas and creative works. The way the program was set up, I would say I got to know more Americans than Irish, but we were all in the same boat and we bonded pretty fast. As an added bonus, it will be easier to keep in touch when we're back in the US. It is always going to be a toss up when you are put into a living situation with people you haven’t met, but I got to say it was the most enjoyable living arrangement I’ve had in college. We did a lot together, everyone open to trying new things and stepping out of our comfort zones together. One of my suitemates had the terrific idea to keep a quote book, which I highly recommend. On one of the last nights, she surprised us with it and we spent almost two hours guessing who said what. It was hilarious and a great way to recall all the good times we had on the trip!