Forensic Science Major Reflects on Experiences Living and Learning in Ireland

Alexandria Ross '21 spent part of her summer, as she says, getting out of her comfort zone exploring Irish culture, and she encourages her fellow students to experience everything that studying abroad has to offer.

October 22, 2019

By Alexandria Ross '21

Applying to the forensic science summer trip to Ireland was spontaneous decision for me. I am not generally a very adventurous or outgoing person, but I hoped this trip would change my outlook and give me a chance to open up to a new place and new people.

As part of the trip, we travelled to four different cities and each offered its own display of Ireland's culture. For the first week, we were in Wexford, where we stayed with Irish families and worked on an archaeological dig site. This was one of the highlights of the trip, as we got to see what it was like on a day-to-day basis in their household. I became very close with my homestay mom, and I still talk to her and give her updates about school and my life.

"To anyone considering studying abroad, I encourage you to do it! You'll make new friends, and they may become your best friends, and you will have an experience that you will remember for a lifetime."Alexandria Ross '21

At the dig site, everyone looked forward to teatime. This was a break in between the start of the workday and lunch. We all sat and chatted with each other while eating delicious biscuits.

Everything we did in Wexford made it feel like a home away from home, and when it came time to say goodbye to our homestay families and the archaeologists at the site, we were all very sad. But we were excited to see another part of the country.

Galway was my favorite city to visit because it was so full of life and truly displayed Irish culture. On Saturdays, there was a market where vendors set up to sell their beautiful handmade goods.

As we walked down the streets, we saw an intersection that had a different performer each time we walked by. They were playing music or dancing. After spending time going in and out of the shops, my friends and I decided to take a walk down the down the promenade where it is customary to kick the wall at the end!

There were so many adventures and stories from this trip with my great new friends that it would take me forever to tell them all. To anyone considering studying abroad, I encourage you to do it! You'll make new friends, and they may become your best friends, and you will have an experience that you will remember for a lifetime.