It is important to keep in mind that you are most likely going to study abroad once. Living in another country for a semester is a privilege and you should always take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to you during your time away.
If you have been reading my blog thus far then I’m sure you have realized that I am a person who likes to plan out their whole day, week, and even month in advance. This was easy to do at SU because there were fewer distractions (I mean who are we kidding, Selinsgrove doesn’t have all that much to offer😉). When I first arrived in Galway there was a little part of me that said “Don’t go out tonight, you have class in the morning” or “Read that article for class before you go out.” For a while I let that part of myself hold me back from really embracing the culture of Galway. Studying abroad is about continuing your education and furthering your knowledge, but it is more about getting out of your comfort zone and pushing yourself to embrace a new and foreign culture. I noticed that I was holding myself back when I turned down opportunities to see the city because I was worried about an assignment. Reading every article that is assigned to you is unrealistic and the professors are aware of this. Most professors discuss all readings in class so if you miss one or two it is no big deal; in fact, it is expected. Professors at NUIG are very accommodating and understanding when it comes to having visiting students in class. Once I came to this realization I told myself to relax and enjoy being in my host city. It is normal to cling to your old routines, but you will feel so much better once you break them and embrace a new routine. I have seen so many more things and places since I started saying yes to any opportunity that presented itself. So far I have visited Salthill, Tuam, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Dunguaire Castle, and have taken countless trips around Galway city with friends. These are all places that I would not have seen had I not taken advantage of the opportunities that the university and Galway presented me with. In the near future I plan on visiting Dublin, Belfast, the Aran Islands and Limerick! The university offers many day trips to the surrounding counties of Galway. I highly recommend keeping an eye out for tickets for trips like these. Often times the university will get a special deal for bringing a large group on a tour and as a result you will get a highly discounted ticket. I have visited the Cliffs of Moher on a trip planned by the university and I will visit the Aran Islands soon through the university as well. Take advantage of every opportunity that your program and host city hand you because at the end of your trip you will be happy that you went out those few nights instead of worrying about course work. Below are a few pictures of places that I wouldn’t have seen if I didn’t leave my routine behind!
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