Well, here we are. It’s our last night in Dublin, and between trying to pack and get everything together for our early departure tomorrow, I’m reflecting on these past two weeks and everything that I have learned. Even though it didn’t start off the way we thought, the experiences I’ve had on this trip are unparalleled and I am so sad to be saying goodbye to this beautiful country.

There were a lot of memorable things that happened on this trip, but one thing that I think will stick with me when I look back in five years is the astounding beauty of the Irish countryside. Dublin was cool, and the site visits were interesting, but what really sets Ireland apart from the US is its lush countryside, small farms, and breathtaking views.

I would really like to return to Ireland in the future. Although I really enjoyed studying here, our days were packed and we were on fairly strict schedule. I would love to come back and spend more time relaxing and exploring the country. I would especially want to go back to Galway and Kilkenny. Those were two towns that I wish we had more time in.

I will be forever grateful for this opportunity to study abroad and experience Ireland. As my first time out of the country, I had certain expectations for this trip, but Plus3 Ireland exceeded them all. From the academics to the culture to the people, this sure is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thanks for the mems, Ireland!