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Ready to explore what an AIFS Abroad program in Ireland is like? We recently connected with Hayley from Mount St. Joseph University, who studied abroad in Maynooth during the spring semester.
Discover how Hayley’s study abroad experience in Maynooth helped her grow as a person and travel throughout Europe!
Choosing a Study Abroad Destination
There are a million ways to choose a study abroad destination—you can decide based on a specific program, a city or culture you’re interested in, a language you want to learn, or, if you’re like Hayley, because you want to study abroad with your best friend:
“I actually chose Maynooth, Ireland because of my best friend. [We] go to separate universities and wanted to find a school abroad that both of our programs connected at so we could go to school together again. Maynooth ended up being one of the only schools both of our programs were offering. We also chose Maynooth out of all of our options because it was the perfect mix between countryside and city, and it wasn’t too big or too small. I would recommend Maynooth to students that don’t love a big city but still want to have the option to visit the city if they wanted. I would also recommend it to people that don’t want a huge university.”
Academics Abroad
When you study abroad, you get to experience a completely new academic environment, including a unique academic culture and a totally different college campus. One of Hayley’s favorite aspects of Maynooth University was its smaller size:
“I attended Maynooth University in Ireland which was located roughly 45 minutes from Dublin. Maynooth was the perfect size and the perfect distance from everything. I have never been one to love the city and Maynooth was more of a large countryside town that held a university that wasn’t giant but also wasn’t too small. I really enjoyed the courses I took inside and outside my major. Being taught outside of the perspective I have always known was a really interesting experience!”
Below, Hayley describes her classes at Maynooth University (MU):
“The classroom setting at MU ranged from a small class of only 20 students to large lecture hall classes that held over 100 students. I only had one other AIFS student in my program [whom I had] class with throughout the semester! Maynooth’s student enrollment consisted of almost 40% international students. I took one course called Irish Language 1 (to further [immerse] myself in the culture) that was 100% international students from all over the world!
One class that stood out to me the most was my English class and my climate change class. My English class stood out because we [learned about the] history that was happening [when our assigned books were written]. Learning [another] perspective on history… was so interesting since it was different from… what I grew up being taught. My course on climate change also stands out because I often hear in the US how climate change is always up for debate, but in Ireland it was no question about the fact it was happening. Hearing these different sides were super fascinating in comparison to what I already knew!”
Personal Growth
AIFS Abroad on-site staff are always there to help study abroad students, but being in a completely new cultural environment encourages you to learn more about yourself, become more independent, and grow as a person, as Hayley explains:
“I think being alone in another country and having to navigate and walk around by myself everywhere was something that really helped me grow. Before leaving home, I always felt like I was somewhat dependent on those around me, but being abroad helped me gain my independence back. Overall, having to budget/shop for myself, make tough decisions, and think quick in unplanned situations really helped me grow as a person and gain a lot of responsibility and emotional intelligence.”
Housing
Housing is included in all AIFS Abroad programs, which can really take the stress out of planning! Hear Hayley describe her experience in her shared apartment:
“I was in an apartment with four other people, and we all had our own rooms and bathrooms, but shared common spaces like a kitchen and living room. I got placed with four other international students from America, and I am still very good friends with two of them to this day! It was some of the nicest campus accommodations I have lived in during my college years.”
Cultural Appreciation
When you study or intern abroad, you get the chance to really immerse yourself in the culture as you live like a local. Hear Hayley explain one of her favorite aspects of Irish culture:
“I really enjoyed this universal concept of ‘Irish time.’ Basically, it’s this unspoken idea to not rush through what you’re doing and that it’s ok to not be fully on time. Every single Irish person I interacted with would mention it depending on conversation. I really enjoyed this idea because it is starkly different from the fast American lifestyle we [learn].”
Making Friends Abroad
As Hayley explains, studying abroad is a great opportunity to make lifelong friends, regardless of whether you go abroad alone or with a friend:
“Upon arrival, I was involved in an international student orientation for Maynooth University. While I was here, we did many ice breakers that led me to meet a ton of international students and befriend them! I feel like I met most of my friends whilst out in the town and within my classes. My advice to those wanting to go abroad is to not be scared to put yourself out there! Especially when it comes to fellow study abroad students because you are all going through the same worries of not finding friends in a brand-new country.”
Weekend Trips
When you study abroad, you can travel to your heart’s delight whenever you have time on the weekends. If you’re like Hayley, this means taking plenty of trips inside and outside your host country:
“I took MANY weekend trips during the semester. Some of the big ones I took were to London, Paris, Venice, Edinburgh, Bari, and then small areas all around Ireland like Howth, Galway, Cork, etc. My all-time favorite places I visited were Edinburgh and London. The architecture, vibe, and memories I made with my friends were extremely fun. I think the most memorable small trip I took was with my three friends that I met while abroad (still some of my closest friends to this day) to Howth, Ireland! We woke up at 3:00 AM to travel to Howth to watch the sunrise on this little hidden beach. 10/10 recommend.”
Hayley’s Study Abroad Advice
For any future study abroad students, Hayley offers the following advice:
“I think one of the most important things when it comes to studying abroad is to pick the country that draws you in the most. Whether this is because of the culture, your family heritage, or simply because you have always wanted to go, finding the perfect place for you to study in is essential. And when you do pick your country, don’t be scared to ask questions and do your research to see what’s in store! I remember staying up super late just to research the university I was staying at and how the transportation systems worked so I could better prepare myself.
Also remember that you will ALWAYS have a support system in AIFS. Feeling alone in a new place is scary and AIFS understands this, which is why you always have a contact within AIFS to answer any of the questions you have for them. Overall, while you may be hesitant and nervous, just know that those feelings will be outweighed by the people you meet, the stories you get to tell, and the unforgettable memories you will make.”
Are you ready to take the leap and study abroad like Hayley did in Maynooth? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students study abroad. Our programs are incredibly inclusive, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to providing things like cultural and social activities, excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and more, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.