After returning from Ireland, I can say I am very happy with my decision to go. I had so much fun and gained so much from the experience. Going to Ireland enhanced my academic pursuits because it gave me a new way of learning. It put me in an environment with people I did not know from all across the country and had worked closely in groups in tutorials and lab. It enhanced my academic mind and made me better in class.

On the personal side, I met many new people who I talked to, and bonded closely from 3 different schools, and made a really good friend that I still talk to still. It put me in an environment where I was forced to come out of my shell and be more outgoing, which I needed.

I learned many things about Ireland, how their money compares to the United States, their public transportation, all of their history and how the country came to be, the food, the people and life in Ireland.

A myth that I personally can bust was the fact that I would not meet many people and would feel lost and lonely. I had so much fun with lots of people. I traveled alone with no friends before the program. You quickly find out how to travel, use the busses to go try new restaurants, and participate in events held by the UCD team. You are with people from all over in the same field of classes which helps everyone fit in. I believe others in study abroad could also feel this way, which hopefully this will encourage people to give it a try. Right when I got there, everyone was meeting up in the airport, meeting new people, right there is when I realized how fun it would be, because almost everyone was trying to be friendly and meet new people and allow everyone to fit in. Right away is where I met someone, I consider a close friend.

I really enjoyed the time in Ireland while trying new things and visiting totally new places. One specific moment was meeting people from Italy, Spain, and Ukraine while playing basketball on campus. It was so cool to meet totally new people all of us away from home and talk and ask about each other.

I have attached 3 photos that hopefully encapsulate the fun and experiences I had. One is with friends from Iowa, Michigan, and Minnesota I met and mentioned previously. Then me in front of the lake while hiking in Glendalough, and finally me at the Dublin Castle. Thank you for the experience!

Name: Andrew Wright
Status: Junior
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Southgate, Michigan
Program: University College Dublin Summer Physics