What inspired you to travel abroad?
While growing up, I always heard stories about my parents' trips abroad and wanted to make some memories of my own.
Why did you choose Stint Ireland?
Stint Ireland had a partnership with the university I attend.
Hiking in the Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland
What was your favorite part about Ireland?
My favorite part about Ireland and Dublin was that there was somewhere new to go, something new to see, and something different to try every day!
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
It’s extraordinary that the friends I made on this trip are truly going to last me a lifetime! Without them, I would have never done most, or even half, of the things I did.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The Stint Team was always there if we needed any advice, had any issues, and were also there to talk as friends and mentors!
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
Taking photos of the beautiful views on top of Bray's Head, Ireland
I honestly wouldn't have done anything differently—besides spend more time there!
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day in Ireland included putting in an 8-hour work day and spending the rest of the evening hanging out with friends and planning our adventure for the upcoming weekend!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
Most of the free time I had while abroad was spent exploring. Every weekend we went to a new town, city, or country. During the week, my friends and I would either try out a restaurant, new park, or stay in and relax and enjoy each other's company. Either way, I was always creating a stronger and stronger relationship with my friends I met abroad and I wouldn't have had it any other way.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
My accommodation was a 6-bedroom house that was close to many things, and a lot of bus stops that would take me to all corners of Dublin.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Future participants should know that this program is what you make of it. You can have as much fun as you want, interact with other people in the program as much as you want, travel as much as you want...But know that there will probably be someone like you with your same goals and interests, so you will most likely have a partner in crime!
Would you recommend Stint Ireland to others? Why?
I would 100% recommend this program to anyone who is willing to listen, because this experience truly changed my life. I am now hungry for more adventure, and the internship experience made me more passionate about the potential work I could be doing and information I could be learning.
Touring the Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Traveling abroad is a great opportunity to learn new things, meet people from different backgrounds, and do things you never would have done in the comfort of your own home.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My thirst for adventure is still a driving factor in my day-to-day activities. Even though I've been living in the area I’m in now for years, I am doing everything I can to find new places to explore, food to eat, and people to meet.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel, to me, is going somewhere and getting something out of it; it doesn't matter where you go, how far away it is from home, or even how many times you've been there.
