Program and Location:
Spring, University College Cork; Cork, Ireland
Major/Minor:
B. Social Work, B.S. Applied Education Studies, Entomology Minor
Why did you choose to study abroad?
I chose to study abroad in the hopes of meeting the most authentic version of myself possible. I am from a very small town in central North Carolina- where everybody knows everybody. Coming to NC State, I got a taste of what it means to have some individualism (some might say, how to be a small fish in a big pond). I was able to exist in a place COMPLETELY new to me, which undoubtedly led me to an immeasurable amount of self-growth.
What did you learn about yourself?
One of the biggest things I learned about myself while studying abroad is that building time into my schedule for introspection is vital to my mental health. As a student who is extremely involved with commitments both on and off campus, I don’t pencil in a lot of time for myself. During my time in Cork, Ireland I was not a part of as many organizations as I am at NCSU. This led to long solo coffee dates, walks around the city, and time alone in my apartment. I picked up journaling more than I ever have in my entire life. This led to me doing an extensive amount of introspection- Who am I? Who do I want to be? What do I do poorly back home? What are the things I like about myself? I am so grateful for the privilege to have had a hiatus in another country, meet so many parts of myself, and reflect on them.
What was one of your favorite parts of your program?
One of my favorite parts of my study abroad program is that the length is close to the academic calendar at NC State. Being away from home for the first time is difficult for anyone, but having it in line with NC State made it feel a lot less isolating. I was very thankful to have a full Winter break with my friends and family- as well as a full summer.
What advice do you have to future study abroad students?
My biggest piece of advice is to say YES. Normally when we are at home, we tend to stay within our comfort zones. Moving to another country is INHERENTLY outside of your comfort zone. It is the perfect time to go to events, meetings, and social outings that you would normally say no to. This is the best time for you to grow and evolve as a student, friend, and person.
How did your study abroad experience prepare you for your future career?
I am a double major in social work and education, and studying abroad undoubtedly worked to prepare me for social work. As a social worker, I will be working with clients of all backgrounds. My study abroad was one of my first exposures to true cultural barriers. For example, I have not been in many situations where the majority of the people around me did not speak English. While traveling Europe, I had the ability to travel to many parts of Eastern Europe where many people were not fluent in English. Studying abroad in Ireland may seem like it would not be much of a culture shock, but it was. The ability to be thrown into another country and learn to adjust allowed me to understand how difficult that must be for people in America. Thankfully they speak English in Ireland, but I now recognize how difficult it must be for immigrants moving into the US (a population I will most likely work with in the future).
In what ways did your identity have an impact on your experience abroad?
Ireland is an extremely queer-friendly country. I had no negative encounters in regard to my identity. I made many friends through the UCC LGBTQ Society that stayed close to me all semester.
Is there any advice you would give to other students who share your identity?
I would strongly advise students to come to Ireland to study abroad! You will have no issue dressing, acting, presenting, and openly identifying as an LGBTQIA+ individual. I would advise these students to use their identity as a way to make friends. I would also advise these students that studying abroad is a great time to experiment with your identity. The stakes are very low when you are with a whole new set of people, so introducing yourself as a lesbian rather than bisexual, or bisexual rather than straight, etc. is okay if you want to find your footing. It is a great opportunity to find what feels the most comfortable to you and your identity!
Where did you find support to navigate any challenges you faced abroad?
My one piece of advice is related to travel. If you plan to travel at all PLEASE make sure that you research how the country you are traveling to feels about certain styles of dress and expression (especially as a queer person). Gay marriage was not legal in Greece when I bought my flight to go there! Polish culture is also fairly conservative- Gay marriage is not widely accepted and neither are outfits that show much skin. When I had challenges I relied on myself and my friends for support and research. Thankfully I had wonderful friends who were also queer and very accepting.
Would you do it again?
Yes. 100%.
