By Whether in South America, Asia, or Europe, studying abroad can be a life-changing and eye-opening experience.
For Delaney Boyle, returning to Ireland was a chance to dive into a new culture and step out of her comfort zone.
“I came to Ireland seven years ago and fell in love,” said Boyle. “I wanted to come back and immerse myself.”
Delaney Boyle is a junior business and international relations major from Yakima, Washington. This fall, Boyle is spending a semester in Galway, Ireland, at the University of Galway.
Typically, studying abroad throws students, alone, into a new world thousands of miles away from home. Boyle’s experience in Ireland was quite the opposite.
Three other Carroll students are also studying at the University of Galway and have become a new set of friends for Boyle. The group is even housing together on campus for the semester.
“With a lot of hard work and pestering emails, we got to live on campus together,” said Boyle.
With non-stop rain and lush greenery growing in all directions, the city of Galway is reminiscent of Boyle’s pacific northwest roots.
“I have a raincoat on me at all times,” said Boyle. “There are sunny skies, but it rains almost every day.”
Galway, Ireland, is also located on the west coast of Ireland, sitting right next to the Atlantic Ocean.
“We went for a swim when we first got here,” said Boyle. “The cold water took the breath out of me.”
With a lighter class load and the experience of a lifetime, Boyle is seizing the moment and exploring Europe while she has the chance.
“I’ve been traveling on the weekends,” said Boyle. “I’ve been to London, Dublin, Madrid, and Barcelona.”
Back at Carroll, Boyle is a student ambassador for the Gold Team who works alongside admissions and gives tours for our future students.
“I was in a similar program in high school,” said Boyle. “I love meeting all the people who are interested in Carroll.”
As her semester-long trip starts nearing its halfway point, Boyle wishes she could spend more time in Ireland. However, she is making the most of her time and soaking in the spectacular experience of studying abroad.
“If I could stay a whole year in Ireland, I would,” said Boyle.
