For years even before coming to MSU, I knew I wanted study abroad to be part of my college experience, but I wasn't sure if I would ever have the finances to make it happen. Luckily, I was blessed by various grants and scholarships that finally helped me get to my dream destination: Ireland!

For my spring 2025 semester, I studied at University College Dublin (UCD) and lived in the beautiful residential area of Dublin 4. Just a bus ride away was the big city, full of more people and shops than I had ever seen before. It was always a good day when the sun was shining, and you were enjoying the buskers on Grafton street and then catching lunch with a friend. There were new places to explore at every turn!

My favorite part about Ireland was having the chance to explore outside of Dublin. My favorite places to go were Sligo and Cobh, and while rather different, both places had different things to love. I also adored my time in Galway, where I got to see the Cliffs of Moher and buy myself a Claddagh ring! But in Sligo, I got to do something that I considered to be the coolest part of my program. During my time in Sligo, I visited Drumcliffe Churchyard, which is home to the grave of famous Irish poet W.B. Yeats. I explored the churchyard, learned more about the history of the grounds, and even left a letter at the grave. It was such an amazing experience to be able to not only travel all over the country in my free time, but to visit one of the most famous graves in Ireland, and to have that memory and many more for years to come.

This program was not just about studying and learning for me, but about exploring a new country, culture, and all the small things that came with it. I made new friends, formed new interests, explored old ruins, and walked around museums and exhibits for things I never thought would interest me.

If anybody ever asked me if I suggest studying abroad in Ireland, my answer would always be a resounding YES! It was well worth the time, money, and even anxiety to get to see such a beautiful country, meet new people, try new food, and even learn a little bit of a new language. I will always remember my time in Dublin and Ireland, and I await the day I get to go back again!

Name: Faith Andrews
Status: Junior
Major: Criminal Justice
Hometown: Portage, Michigan
Program: University College Dublin - Social Sci, Hum and Bus