Last week I realized that some of the best study abroad experiences I will encounter during the semester can be the day excursions I create for myself. I attended the Sunday morning service at the local Unitarian Church, which is less than ten minutes away from the Champlain academic center, and was able to make connections with locals. One of my worries prior to coming to Ireland was thinking it would be difficult to get out of the “Champlain Bubble” and develop relationships with the people here, because I live and go to school with the same students I have gone to school with for the past two years in Vermont. After only 20 days of being here, this has proven not to be the case.
At the end of the church service, I had a conversation with Patrick, the man I was sitting next to and he invited me out to lunch across the street at O’Callaghan’s Hotel, along with eight other members of the congregation. After we got to know each other, I found out that he is going back to school to teach English at a high school level, and he is helping transition freshman into his university. I asked him if he had any suggestions for places to go where I could experience Irish culture that were away from the more touristy spots and he said he would be more than happy to send along information about events that occur at his college where I can meet more students my age.
I am looking forward to many more Sundays with leisurely lunches beside other members of this new community that already feels like home. During coffee hour, I have met some really cool people with interesting stories and backgrounds. It will be exciting to see where my adventures may lead and what opportunities arise in the coming months with nine new connections I have made through my new church.
In addition to attending church on Sundays, I joined the Lassus Scholars choir, which meets twice a week for an hour. At the end of the semester, there will be a ‘Great’ Christmas Concert where we will perform in the National Concert Hall with pieces sung by the adult vocalists, children’s choir and accompaniment by the Orlando Chamber Orchestra.
My advice to future study abroad students is to make this trip your own, doing what you want to do. There should be a balance between memories of adventures with Champlain-based friends, and trips that are done on your own as you explore the new world around you. Dare to be bold!
Cheers!
Rebecca S. Reid
Champlain Abroad Dublin, Fall 2013
Champlain College, Early Childhood/Elementary Education ’15