IES Abroad Dublin – Writers Program

In the Spring of 2024, I had the opportunity to study in Dublin, Ireland with IES Abroad's Dublin Writers Program. Not a day goes by that I don't wish I was back. Those four months were incredibly impactful academically, creatively, and personally. Studying abroad taught me independence, to trust myself. It gave me the freedom to explore and encounter the world on my own terms. When I boarded the plane in January, I had no idea what to expect. I'd never traveled alone, never hailed a taxi, never lived in a big city. But the Irish are so incredibly kind and welcoming. Strangely, I never once felt out of place. Ireland was always home to me even before I touched the ground. I will always remember the shock I felt when I saw daffodils decorating the city. Somehow, those flowers symbolized the life and beauty I would experience in Dublin. As for my professors, they were some of the kindest individuals I have met. All were clearly invested in our learning but equally as invested in our time abroad. Rather than simply being a course of study or the sole focus being placed on our time abroad, the two were equally married. Academic standards were high but the materials were meant to immerse us further in Irish history, culture, and literature. Through these classes, I gained a further sense of place. I will forever think fondly of discussing literature over tea, delving into Celtic mythology, and connecting the buildings I walked past every day to the history they stood through. I will forever cherish memories of riding the DART to the seaside, exploring markets, bookstore hopping, going to services in St. Patrick's Cathedral, walking the streets, and simply taking Dublin in. Walking the city, it became mine. I've never felt so intimately connected to a place.

My four months abroad had such a strong impact on me academically and personally in ways that I had never expected. I owe all of the wonderful experiences that I had in Ireland to IES Abroad and all of the Dublin staff that supported my journey. When I arrived at the Dublin airport, I was unsure how the semester would go but it was the taxi driver that soothed all my concerns and confirmed my choice in coming to Ireland. It was easy to see just how special Ireland was from the way the taxi driver spoke of it and I later would learn just how incredible the people were too. IES made it possible for me to really get to know and experience my life abroad with the people in my program from scheduled program trips to living in the same building. The friendships I made with my peers are ones I will cherish forever from grabbing snacks at the convenience store in-between classes to going on DART rides to coastal towns on the weekend. Then, there are the professors and all I can say is these are some of the most genuine and encouraging instructors I have ever had. In the writer's program, I did take a fiction writing class which was new for me but throughout the process, I felt so empowered as a writer because I was believed in. It isn't only the support in your academics, but the little things that go beyond that, for example, in my short stories class our professor made us tea every class period with a new Irish treat. I think about my experience all of the time and I couldn't be more thankful for all that IES Abroad has done for me, it was truly an experience of a lifetime.

I had the best time abroad last semester! Not only was it full of wonderful experiences, but it was one of the best decisions I have ever made as a college student. From the friends that I made to the relationships with my professors, as well as, being immersed into the culture of Ireland every day, my experience was more than what I thought it would be. The process of getting to Ireland was very easy, thanks to the best program advisors and professors. I always felt safe wherever I went and was given plenty of contacts in case of an emergency. My living situation was great and there never was a problem in that part of being abroad. Though there were a few times I felt a little homesick, due to the culture shock and being so far away, Ireland became my second home very fast which of course made the whole experience ten times better! I would highly recommend studying with IES Abroad. Being a part of the Writer's Program, though my program was particularly small in size, especially due to Covid-19, I still made other friends outside my program and was given many opportunities to explore more places each week. This experience not only changed me as a traveler and student but also as a person. I made so many amazing memories and gained confidence in myself while being abroad. I cannot thank IES Abroad enough for giving me this opportunity to study at the Writer's Program in Dublin, Ireland. This will never be forgotten and I cannot wait to share my experience with other students!