Learning In and Out of the Classroom

 

Before embarking on my study abroad experience in Ireland, I couldn’t wait to encounter the wonderful things in store for me: the new people, the new culture, the new food, the new WORLD. However, I have to admit, there was one thing I didn’t think a lot about. And that one thing is school. I was always excited to start classes at Trinity College Dublin; however, I didn’t expect it to be much different than my home university, University of Michigan.

 

I was wrong. Not only is the organization of Trinity very different than what I am used to, but the classes are structured very differently. Though it was hard to adjust  at first, I have successively adapted to my surroundings and have come to really appreciate the school. My favorite class I’m currently enrolled in is Irish History in the 20^th Century. Though this is no doubt my hardest class (as I have absolutely no background in Irish history), it has proven to be the most fruitful. I have learned about a history that I likely would not have had access to had I not traveled to Ireland to study. Not only has it enriched my knowledge of a different country’s history, it has helped me to see my own country’s past and history from a much different perspective.

 

The class is no doubt intimidating but my classmates and professors have really helped me along the way and made it a positive experience. We feed off of each other’s own knowledge and help one another understand more than just one perspective.

 

I am thankful to be able to truthfully say that I have succeeded in learning both inside and outside of the classroom. Plus, what’s a better place to learn Irish history than on the streets of history-rich Dublin and inside the famous classrooms of Trinity College?