When I first found out that I was accepted to study abroad I was ecstatic and screaming with joy, but then the nerves hit me. I was nervous about who else was going on the program, what I would bring, the costs, would I even like it, etc. As soon as I touched down into Ireland and met with my group all of those nerves went away. I couldn’t believe that I, someone who hasn’t ever traveled out of the country before, was in Ireland, studying the horse industry.

The first day in Ireland we started right from the airport traveling to a beautiful horse farm. I immediately fell in love with the horses there and the country itself, everything was so green and beaming with energy.

We traveled to many places in Ireland and on every farm, house, hostel, or town we went to I felt so welcomed by the Irish people. I learned the love they have for music and the known acceptance when they offer you tea and biscuits. The accents ranged from the parts of Ireland that we were in but overall, it was so fun to hear the differences in words that they use to describe places, people, or even just the different adjectives like calling all trucks “jeeps,” or instead of saying okay/cool, they say “sound.”

One thing that I was insanely worried about when I committed to this study abroad was if I were going to be able to afford it, I would say a huge myth about studying abroad would be that it is expensive. There are so many resources that I used to help fund my costs and scholarships that made the program super affordable, although I was careful when abroad about buying things, partially because I definitely didn’t have enough luggage space to come home either.

If I had the opportunity to travel abroad again, I would jump at it in a heartbeat. I not only was able to learn things about Ireland when I was abroad, but also, I learned a lot about myself which was a huge growing opportunity for me. I learned to always accept others, to be appreciative, always be outgoing, ask questions, not be afraid to meet new people and connect with them, and not let other people around you influence your experience.

Name: Cora Howe
Status: Senior
Major: Animal Science
Hometown: Richland, Michigan
Program: Exploring Irish Horse Industries