If there is one thing I have learned since I started my semester abroad in Ireland at University College Dublin, it is that nothing will go as planned. It’s a frightening idea, not having much control over your surroundings, such as the weather, the people you interact with, or a sudden essay ruining your upcoming weekend plans. For me, this level of uncertainty has been both incredibly rewarding and beautiful. Every day has become a surprising adventure that has taught me to embrace every opportunity and adapt to every situation I encounter. It has led to a more positive mindset to every setback, challenge, or experience. Delays on public transportation give me more opportunities to take another bus line and explore a new neighborhood or town in Co. Dublin, and bad weather pushed me to explore one of the dozens of museums in my area.
Learning to adapt has also helped me manage my initial expectations of what my study abroad experience would be like. I left the United States with countless goals that would take me all across Ireland, including the very ambitious idea of visiting most of Ireland’s counties. While I’ve explored some incredible places in Ireland, such as Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, and Galway, I’ve also mastered the art of exploring Dublin Town through food excursions, pub quizzes, and market stalls with my friends. These opportunities have become some of my favorite memories during my time in Ireland, and I wouldn’t give them up for anything.
Additionally, embracing these changes in expectations and adapting to new situations has helped me grow significantly as a person. I’ve learned so much about myself and what I’m capable of, including becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable. When my friends weren’t able to join me to a pub quiz with UCD’s History Society, I forced myself to go alone with the goal of meeting new people. It was an ambitious goal, but the beautiful thing about studying abroad is that no one knows who you are, and you can enter a situation with a clean slate and truly embrace being yourself. This mindset helped me tremendously, and, to my luck, I made some friends almost immediately. If I hadn’t pushed myself to try a new experience, I wouldn’t have met one of my closest friends and pub quiz partner in crime. It’s still challenging at times to go to an event or place alone when my friends aren’t around, but I know that I can meet new people and experience new things as long as I am willing to adapt.
Although I have accepted that it is unlikely I will visit every corner of Ireland and its major cities, I know the remainder of my semester will only bring more wonderful memories and adventures. Learning to say yes to every opportunity has truly been a rewarding experience for me, and I have grown so much in such a short span of time. While I’m looking forward to spending my final semester at GW with my friends, my unexpected adventures in Dublin helped me realize Ireland has become a second home to me, and I can’t wait to see where the next two months take me.
Abigail Cain
Fall 2024
GW Exchange - University College Dublin
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs Major