When I first arrived at MSU for the first-year seminar orientation, I didn’t know what to expect. I was getting ready to leave the country with 29 strangers, and I hadn’t even started college. What was I thinking? I knew this would be a great experience, but I was nervous. Would I be homesick? Would I make friends? It didn’t take long for the nerves to end, and the activities began.

Because we were all new to MSU, our orientation director arranged for us to do scavenger hunts on campus. Riddled clues told us where we needed to run and take a group picture (usually important landmarks). We traveled around campus to get a feel for the process and learn about MSU; we continued the scavenger hunts in both Dublin and Galway. We completed the scavenger hunt in small groups, which allowed us to become friends and explore the new cities. By the first night in Dublin, I had already made friends and connected with people who will be my friends long after college. 

As part of the Globalization vs. Nationalism track, we toured Google Headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. This building was one of the tallest in the city, and we were able to go to the roof overlooking all of Dublin. Google also served as an example of Foreign Direct Investment- a topic we covered quite a bit in class. And yes, it was exactly like the movie The Internship (we even saw the pool).

Later in the first week, we took a field trip to the Wicklow Mountains. They were home to beautiful lakes and long hiking paths. We went through a famous cemetery and sanctuary to reach the lakes (see attached picture). It was one of the coolest trips. We took a huge charter bus up this mountain and then to the hiking path. We saw so many beautiful things on our trip, but this was one of my absolute favorite days. 

One of the most unique places I was able to visit was the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher. Here we were able to walk along the edge of the cliffs and explore abandoned castles while speaking to the people who lived there (pictured are me and some of the friends that I made on this program). We had lunch on the island where I ate homemade scones at picnic tables while chickens walked around us. 

The first-year seminar experience was truly one of a kind. I was able to explore a new country while learning about something I found interesting in class and making new friends along the way. The program the right balance of free-time and scheduled activities. We took in a Riverdance show and went on a day trip to Northern Ireland, along with tours and visits to famous places. We also were able to explore and manage our own time and fun where I visited St. Peters Cathedral, sang karaoke, and perused antique stores.

I had a fantastic time on this program, and I’m excited to see the friends I made when I officially move to campus to start my college journey as a Spartan. Go Green!

Name: Valerie McNamara
Status: Freshman
Major: James Madison
Hometown: Middleville, Michigan
Program: First-Year Seminar Abroad in Ireland (Globalization vs. Nationalism: The Changing Face of International Trade Relations)