Look at the
week in retrospect, I truly can’t even begin to describe the experience that
I’ve had. It’s impossible for me to even believe that I’ve been here such a
short time because I feel like I’ve settled into the new life I’ve made so
well.
Carlow is
an amazingly quaint village with the feel of a cozy, small, hometown with
enough shops and the nightlife to parallel a larger city. It’s the perfect
combination for someone like myself who struggles to find a medium for the two.
My first
impressions were all very positive. It’s hard when you’re coming to a new
country to avoid making overall generalizations after a small amount of time
here, and having only met a few people. However, a lot of the observations I
have made are about the way people interact here versus the way we do in
America.
Here in
Ireland, the people live a lot quieter, laid back lifestyle. It’s actually
quite refreshing when you’re culture is all about the rush. For example, all of
my classes run for about two hours. However, in each of them, my teachers told
us that they wouldn’t be starting classes until at least ten after throughout
the term, so don’t worry about hurrying to get through the door.
When you’re
walking down the streets and make eye contact with another passer-by, you
better be prepared for a brief exchange. At home, if you catch the eye of a
stranger, you may smile if you’re feeling polite that day and move along about
your day. Not a single person I have passed in Ireland has failed to ask me how
I was. Of course, it’s a polite exchange, they probably really don’t want to
hear every detail of your day, but the fact that they are sweet enough to ask
just goes to show the cultural difference.
It’s fun
being American in a place like Carlow. Everyone is super friendly and very keen
on finding out where in America you’re from, even though not many know where
Pittsburgh is. It’s fun to hear their experiences they’ve had State side, or
people that they know that have been there. And of course—they’re going to ask
if they have an accent.
Overall,
the people here are probably some of the most warm and welcoming I’ve met in my
previous travels and my experiences at home. They have made this trip
worthwhile thus far. They make the town so warm and inviting.
Orientation
was a bit intimidating for me. The day started at 9:00 and we didn’t head back
to our accommodation until about 4:30. We were in a mass group with the first
year students, which was actually a lot more comforting because they were
starting just as fresh as we were at this school.
The
schooling, however, is very different here than in the United States. I think
that’s apparent to anyone who studies abroad. However, there were three large
things that stood out most to me.
1.
Everyone is separated into courses of study.
Unlike the majors and minors that we have here, people tend to be separated
into larger groups and follow a seemingly strict guideline of courses with a
few electives thrown in occasionally. Quite a few friendly people would ask,
“What course are you doing?” upon meeting us and it was a bit of a struggle
explaining how I had no idea what that meant. As they move on through their
schooling, they stay together in these groups, getting to know people who are
in the same major course of study with them. I think that has its advantages,
as you form a bond with a person that lasts, unlike the semester-long
friendship you may make with some other students back home. However, it was a
little struggle for the American students the first day as we were stepping
into upper-level classes of people who had been together for two and three
years’ time.
2.
The studying is very independent here. The
expectations are a little higher than it is at home. At least for someone like
myself who does better in a more structured learning environment. They base a
lot of their learning on your own academic discovery over the term than
specific assignments throughout to evaluate what you know. The term ends with
an essay and an exam and until that point, there aren’t many assignments in
between. This is something that will take a good getting used to for the
students who are coming from institutions that operate differently. However, I
think the challenge to gain this independence is amazing preparation for our
futures.
3.
The college is set up a lot differently than it
is at home. Everything is located in one building, which is really convenient
for the student. There is a main part of the building that has a few classrooms
and two larger wings that have three stories of them. I feel that it’s much
easier than struggling to move from one building to another and find your
correct room each term like we do at home. Here, each room has a hall name,
usually after someone significant in history or to the college.
Overall, the experience was something that I truly enjoyed.
Of course, every new experience provokes a bit of anxiety but I’ve learned that
you learn who you are as a person by the way you deal with it. That anxiety can
be a motivation to create familiarity within your surroundings to ease the
nervousness. I’m proud to say I have pushed myself outside of my comfort zone
to create new experiences that I may not have at home and I am so happy to report that I don’t regret a single one.
Happy Travels!
Megan
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