By: Maggie Finkelstein

National University of Ireland at Galway, Ireland

“Remind me again why I signed up for this?” Those were the last few words I said to my dad while I packed my suitcases and set off for Logan airport.

Jan 4, 2015 was one of the most nerve-racking days I’ve ever experienced.

Saying goodbye to my family, friends and all that was familiar was harder than I could have imagined.

I was about to embark into all new territory, unfamiliar with everything ahead of me in this country with endless green fields, sheep, castles and Guinness; this little island called Ireland.

I set out on this journey without any familiar people or knowledge about where I was living.

It was a huge adjustment, but everyday got easier as I became acquainted more with the people and with the city.

It wasn’t realistic to ignore the first few uncomfortable days – I realized I needed to learn to take it one day at a time, and soon enough I would see this new place as my home.

Galway is the most lively, vibrant and beautiful city in Ireland. Colorful shop buildings attached to one another,

Maggie Finkelstein / contributed photo

the narrow cobblestone streets full of children’s laughter, musical street performers and continuous chattering from those enjoying the company of friends at pubs are all staples in town.

Now, as winter dies down and spring begins, the Corrib River that runs through Galway City becomes the main spot for people, young and old, to gather to have picnics, relax and simply enjoy the sunshine (which I’ve learned to never take for granted!).

I attended the National University of Ireland at Galway [NUIG]. One may think that studying abroad entails going to school and doing homework, similar to life at Keene, but that wasn’t so much the case.

Yes, I did have classes, but classes in Europe are much different than anyone would believe.

Here, professors don’t take attendance or make sure you hand your work in on time.

In fact, it’s not even mandatory to attend class since all professors put their notes online.

What better situation could a college student dream of?

It was like being on vacation for five months with people who have become your closest friends.

I was also lucky enough to get accepted into a Service Learning class for the semester.

As a student in this class, I took the time to go to a primary school once a week to help kids with their homework and literacy skills. This was one of the most rewarding things I got to do while studying at NUIG.

Not only was I able to hang out with kids a few hours a week, but I was also able to better understand Ireland’s education system and how much the country as a whole struggles with literacy skills.

I also took two Irish-oriented classes, Irish literature and Irish history, both of which introduced me to the rich history and culture of Ireland.

Learning about Ireland’s past, its literature and its traditions from native professors, while looking out at buildings and courtyards that are thousands of years old was a truly remarkable opportunity.

I’ve been able to spend a lot of time traveling around Ireland: sightseeing, hiking and, of course, exploring the hundreds of pubs.

Ireland never fails to surprise me with its culture and beauty.

The unique stone walls in every field separating one farmer’s property from another’s, and the countless castles are both hidden treasures that become the greatest rewards when stumbled upon.

After careful planning and preparation with friends, I was able to spend time traveling around Europe.

I was lucky enough to go to Barcelona, Germany, Austria, Scotland, Amsterdam, Paris and Rome, all of which have provided outstanding visits.

However, it is always a relief to come back home to Ireland where there are no worries about language barriers and, better yet, no fear of [people who] pickpocket.

With my time here coming to an end, I am left with a bittersweet feeling.

I look forward to going home to my family, friends and returning to the familiarity of my life at Keene, but I feel the significant sadness of leaving this place that I have fallen in love with and the friends that will never be forgotten.

Studying abroad in Ireland has provided me with an experience more enriching than I could have possibly dreamt of.

It has not only offered me the opportunity of a lifetime to learn by being immersed in another culture, but it has also connected me with new friends, people whom I now call my family.

It has provided me with personal growth and deeper insight about myself, realizing that I can do and achieve anything I set my mind to.

Ireland was always a place I imagined traveling to and, after these five months, I was able to achieve something much more than simply traveling in this incredible country.

I am able to walk away calling Ireland a home. I have full intentions of returning, maybe to visit or maybe forever.