"Our"Land - A true sense of Nationalism Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Most of the trip had an academic focus. Kelly Dunne, our faculty member, would lead discussion in each of the destinations on the trip to give us a feel for the history that happened right under our feet. There were some days that included actual "classroom" lecture, this was good to describe history over long periods of time. There was one exam on the trip, a journal entry required each day, and an analytical paper to be handed in after your return to the U.S. Professor Dunne was very knowledgeable about Irish history, her lectures were well organized. If you pay attention to conversations on-site and in the classroom, and put a few extra hours in to study for the exam, you should do fine. Journal entries are fun, and the analytical paper can be done on the topic of your choice. Get a feel for the things that excite and interest you while traveling and pick a topic.

On-site administration of your program

If there were any problems, our faculty member, Kelly Dunne, was easily accessible. She gave us a great balance of organized activity and time for exploring on our own.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

In Galway, we stayed at the Jury's hotel, and in Dublin, we stayed at a very pleasant hotel right in the middle of downtown (I cannot remember the name). You are partnered with one other student on your trip in the hotel. You spend very little time in your room, so roommate preference is not really an issue. The hotels all included free breakfast which was awesome! Rooms provided adequate space.

Irish food is basic - burgers, stews, chips (fries). There is usually a vegetarian option at restaurants; maybe a veggie burger. Most of us were on a "students" budget so we found less expensive places for dining.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I absolutely adored ireland and the people of the irish republic. You set up camp in your hotels in Galway for one week, and Dublin for the next. You travel to: Birr, Clonmacnois, the Cliffs of Moher & Burren, Connemara and more. On site, learning about the history, you get a true feel for the struggle of the Irish during their fight for independence from British rule. Make sure you go out and meet the Irish. We made some friends along the way and were able to integrate into their social activities. Get them to tell you stories that their parents taught them when they were growing up. The irish learn lessons through stories, make sure to get a good feel for this. The irish like to say they pronounce their country name by saying "Our"land. They have a true sense of nationalism, which is something I feel America doesn't really have. It was eye opening to meet a group that is territorial about their country and will do anything to protect it.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I don't actually think there were any health issues on our trip. I always felt safe. There are young kids that hang out in Dublin who have been known to be pick-pocketers, so keep an eye out for them.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Hotel

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• Americans

• Understanding Irish culture through knowledge of history

• Nothing.