My experience abroad enhanced my academic pursuits and career goals by giving me greater insight into life beyond America. Immersing myself in the life and culture of a foreign country across the Atlantic Ocean allowed me to broaden my outlook on how others experience life. Academically, I have returned with many new ideas for stories I could write about which are inspired by the Irish literature I read in my classes abroad.

On a personal level, I have never been out of the country for longer than a week. Spending an entire month in another country allowed me to completely envelop myself in what life is like in Ireland, which was an experience I will never forget.

Being abroad for such a long duration has given me experience living in an area where English is not exclusively spoken or written on signs, billboards, foods, etc. In Ireland, Irish is their official language, and, consequently, is the language shown first on every sign and billboard. When I spent a week in Mexico, Spanish was the main language shown and typically the only language depicted on signs. However, I have some experience with Spanish and a simple understanding of the language; on the other hand, I do not understand any Irish. Getting myself used to a country wherein English is not exclusively spoken, or even the first language, has been a transformative experience for me.

An explicit memory I have from my time in Ireland was visiting a certain fish & chips restaurant, a small business with no seating inside, and the food they give you they wrapped up in a bag altogether. This establishment provided me with the best fish & chips I ever had, the distinct smell of hot fish and steaming chips all placed together in a bag permeated my nose and heated my body as I carried it back to where I’d eat. The meals I had from that restaurant (because I went there more than once after the first experience) were some of the best eating experiences I’ve had. Coming back to America after this study abroad experience was already difficult to become accustomed to, but the realization that I could no longer take a 30-minute bus ride to get the best fish & chips I’ve ever had was crippling.

In summation, my time abroad in Ireland was a life-changing experience in many areas of my life. Academically, I have many new ideas and inspiration for stories and content to create for classwork and professional ideas. Being abroad for an entire month has allowed me to envelop myself in what life is like across the globe. Which, as previously stated, is an experience that I will always appreciate and never forget.

Name: Roberto Garcia
Status: Sophomore
Major: English
Hometown: Lansing, Michigan
Program: Irish Literature and Culture