Aside from the smell of a new city and of course the Irish accents, I would say one of the biggest differences I’ve experienced here is in the way classes are set up. Back in Burlington we are thrown into a monotonous routine, very rarely adventuring outside of the classroom. While it is understandable that Burlington does not necessarily have the resources to allow for students to partake in classes around the city, it is nice to get a change of scenery every once in a while. Champlain College Dublin does a great job of doing just this; intertwining outside activities with the everyday lesson schedule.
Here on Dublin’s campus, most of us are lucky enough to have back to back classes only once a week. Now some might not enjoy having the same class for two and a half hours with a fifteen minute break in between, but I’m prone to believe that this is very beneficial. First of all, by having back to back classes, we still have the material we just learned fresh in our brains. We have a way better chance of remembering our class discussions and lectures by only waiting fifteen minutes between sessions, rather than waiting two or three days like we would in Burlington. The block scheduling of Champlain College Dublin also makes it easier to get work done. Instead of stressing over writing a paper or studying for an exam that is in two days, we know that we have exactly one week to complete our assignments. By having the same class only once week, it allows for us to focus on other classes and to enjoy our time around the city.
The best part about classes here is that we are constantly doing things outside of the academic center. Last week, for example, my music professor took us céilí dancing in Monkstown. We spent a class discussing the history of céilí dancing and where it is still done today and then a week later we were able to go about a half hour outside the city to experience it for ourselves. So far, three out of my five classes here have taken us outside of the classroom to actually be a part of the Irish lifestyle. I have gone to samba classes, a concert, an international forum, Irish Parliament, céilí dancing, and so much more. In Burlington we don’t really have these kinds of opportunities. It would be nice to take a trip to a computer forensics lab, or a police station, or a game developing company, but it’s not very practical for our Burlington campus to have classes of 20 or more students adventuring into the city. Since Champlain College Dublin is so small and is located in a major European city, we have more opportunities to explore during class time. What is being taught here can be directly related to something in Dublin, so visiting Parliament for history class or going to the beach for science class gives us an even greater learning experience.
Since Dublin’s campus is smaller than Burlington’s, I knew I would not be offered the same classes as I would be offered back home. I am used to having classes dedicated to my major, but by being here I am learning a significant amount about life itself. Dublin’s classes have allowed for me to become interested in other countries, politics, social interactions, culture, and so much more. These are things I never would have taken a liking to had I not come abroad. There really is no better way to learn about the Irish than to actually take classes about Irish history, music or art. It’s my opinion that learning about myself, the people around me, the new culture, and the different atmosphere is far more beneficial and more important than just learning about a specific major. Even if I may not be doing much related to computer forensics, I am still acquiring way more than I ever would in Burlington. The qualities and knowledge I now have because of this trip are things Burlington never could have given me.
While the learning styles here in Dublin are different than what I am used to, I have learned to appreciate my education. I always understood that I had to go to school whether I liked it or not, but it wasn’t until I came to Dublin that I realized how lucky I am to receive such an education. Most people aren’t fortunate enough to experience this great country, but I have and it was through my teachings here that I was able to realize that. I will be going home with more than I could ever imagine. I will return to America more confident, more articulate, and completely culturally enlightened. These aspects are not things you can learn in only a classroom setting, but by immersing yourself in a totally different cultural and learning environment; in short, studying abroad.
Cat Stamm
Champlain College Dublin Student Blogger
Champlain College Class of 2013