By Studying abroad is an opportunity for students to explore a unique style of learning that is different from traditional education. It can be a daunting endeavor, but has potential to reap great rewards for students.
Every semester, Carroll College sends students to numerous different countries such as Chile, England, France, and Japan for their study abroad programs.
Mila Duncan, a junior biochemistry molecular biology major from Seattle, is currently studying abroad in Galway, Ireland, at the University of Galway.
“Coming to Carroll, I had a clear idea of how my four years would look,” Duncan said. “Studying abroad was not included in that idea, but last fall, I decided to set up a meeting with the study abroad coordinator after a friend of mine came back from visiting her friend studying abroad. I met with Shannon, talked with some friends and when I learned that studying abroad was a real possibility for me I decided to commit.”
While students are studying abroad, they are offered a wide range of different classes to take.
Duncan is currently taking five courses at University of Galway. Her course list includes: Popular Culture in Pre-Industrial Europe, Making Ireland English: 1580-1665, Imagining Modern Ireland: An Introduction to Irish Culture Studies, Marketing Principles, and Early and Medieval History of the Celts. Of this list, Duncan reported that her favorite class is Popular Culture in Pre-Industrial Europe.
Studying abroad not only offers unique opportunities for education, but it also exposes students to different cultures. Traveling to an unfamiliar country can be the source of many exciting memories for students.
“Environment-wise it’s rainy and gray which I love,” said Duncan. “This is my favorite weather so it’s nice to have it all the time. It’s also very green here and Galway specifically is super windy. The Irish love Ireland; there is a distinct Irish pride you don’t really hear about outside of Ireland. The architecture is a real mix of new and old. The campus I’m studying at is relatively modern and new, while the city itself feels older, with sudden spots of newness scattered through. Other parts of Ireland that I have visited, such as Cork, have felt older than Galway. The culture is very friendly but very individual at the same time. A lot of people from all over Ireland go home on the weekends so you bond with international students because they are the people who are mainly around campus on the weekends.”
“My favorite memory is going into town and showing some friends around, then randomly a parade came through the city,” Duncan said. “Followed by some really good fish and chips at a local place.”
Many reasons may lead a student to decide to study abroad, but it is most helpful to hear from peers who have their own experiences with the study abroad programs.
“I totally recommend studying abroad,” Duncan said. “You will grow so much and your life experiences and connections will open up tremendously.”
