What inspired you to go abroad?
My grandparents are from Galway, Ireland and I've grown up around and been interested in the Irish culture my entire life. I went to Ireland for the first two years ago for a week and I went again the year after. I knew immediately that I loved it and wanted to live there. I wanted to spend more than just a week there and figured that studying abroad with be a good chance to actually live there and see if I'd really want to find a job and live there for life. I also have wanted to learn the Irish language my entire life because it's my grandparents first language and it's hard to come by classes for it in America.
Why did you choose API?
API provided the most within their program with the best prices. It included so much more than other companies offered and it just seemed perfect.
What was your favorite part about Ireland?
My favorite part was definitely the people. Not only the amazing friends I made from the API group, but the people in the city and how much they shaped it and gave it the vibes that it has. Irish people are so funny, good natured, and talkative. It was easy to fall in love with the city because of its people. It made even the day-to-day little things incredible.
What made your experience abroad unique?
My abroad experience was unique because I had family in Galway. I was able to find out more about where I came from not only from being in Galway but from connecting with my family. I went over my grandmother's sister's house for Sunday night dinners and I was able to be the connection between my grandmother and her and that meant alot to my grandmother. It was such a great experience.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The resident directors that API provided could not have been better. Finn and Kevin made sure we always felt at home and where there to help with anything from school to being sick. There was never a moment that I didn't feel safe and supported but I was still given great independence and space and that was really important to me. They allow you to create the experience the way you want it to be.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I wish I could've stayed longer.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
I would get up, have breakfast, go for a run, then shower. From there I'd go to class then either meet a friend on campus or meet them back at our apartment. We'd go into town, get a coffee and talk or study or even go and walk the Salthill Prom. We'd go somewhere for dinner or back to our apartment to make it and depending on the night we'd watch a movie or head in town and go out. It was so fun.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
I really enjoyed working out while I was over there, specifically running, because the air was so fresh and the weather was perfect. I'd love to walk the Salthill Prom because I love the water and it was so beautiful. I also enjoyed walking around because you can go from walking through a busy city centre to walking a little closer to campus and seeing farmland with horses. It had everything.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
Our apartments had everything that we needed. We were roomed with another American student and housed within an apartment with local students. We had a living room with couches, a table, and a TV. A kitchen with a stove, oven, toaster, microwaves, plates, and silverware. Our bathrooms had a shower and a toilet and our bedrooms had a bed, plenty of storage, and a desk. It was everything that you need. My favorite part was that we were housed with local students because it provided us with an opportunity to get to know people from there and see what their college experience is like.
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
Getting sick/colds is just a part of getting used to living in Galway, don't let it get you down. At the beginning almost everyone got a cold and some people got really frustrated by it but you still need to get out and explore especially when you first arrive!
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
I think about Galway every single day. I miss it so much. Spending time abroad has made me really put my values into perspective. I am more confident when I travel and it has inspired me to travel more. It helped me realize that job opportunity doesn't end within the borders of my country. I can incorporate travel into my career and even feel more confident in living in new places.
Would you recommend API to others? Why?
I would recommend this program and API as a provider in general because they will give you the most bang for your buck and absolutely provide the most life changing experiences. They are so helpful and make you feel prepared before you even leave. They really care about the experiences that they provide for students.
