When I decided to study abroad my sophomore in college, there was only place I wanted to go. My familial roots, particular interest in the color green, and obsession with U2 led me to Ireland, a place that has always mystified me with its beauty, famous literature and thousands of other stereotypes that makes it the number one destination for any young, college student looking to have a good time. If you’re like me and Ireland is where you want to be, there are a few things you should know.
1) Know What Type of Experience You Want
The first city that is associated with Ireland is almost always Dublin and understandably so. It’s the country’s capitol and center of all major commerce and
modernity. The experience you’ll have in Dublin will be much different than the one you’ll have in Limerick, Cork, or Galway. Each city serves as a great paradigm for each specific region. Dublin is the hub for great intellectual conduct, museums, and city life. Galway, on the other hand, though growing in population is still much smaller and more rural than Dublin. Historically, the difference between the east and west in Ireland has been a pretty big deal. Basically the West has come to represent the essence of Irish tradition, whereas the East has become a place of advancement and modernity. The other cities have relevance of their own as well. Understand what type of experience you want before you choose a school or a program. Do you want a bustling city life? A quaint, country experience? Do you want the small, intimate experience of an artist colony in the rocky terrain of Burren (Butler University offers this)? Do your research and decide what’s a best fit for you.
2) Most Irish Students Go Home on the Weekends.
Which is an unbelievably strange thing for us Americans. If you are used to going to class all day and doing your homework late into the night, so you can have a guilt free, fun weekend, be prepared for a change in scheduling. I noticed that many Irish students choose to spend a lot time in the library during the day and then go out Monday through Thursday nights. Then, on the weekend, they take the bus home to their respective towns. Not everyone does this. But it’s a big trend and you’ll notice the difference between a night out on the town during the week and on the weekends, especially in cities like Galway.
3) They do not say “Top of the Mornin to ya.”
At least I’ve never heard anyone say this. You’ll probably be laughed at if you said this to anyone in Ireland. Even in the rural parts. Though they do
have a lot of slang words that you won’t be used to and are welcome to use. My favorite is Craic, which means good fun in Irish Gaelic.
4) Be Prepared for Potatoes.
During my first breakfast in Ireland, I got three types of potatoes. Really. And I had buckets full by the time I left the country. Know that between the carbohydrates you’ll be offered in the potatoes and beer alone, you might gain a few pounds. Prepare mentally if you don’t want this to happen.
5) Learn to Budget
The dollar isn’t very good right now. But you can still have the time of you life and travel like crazy when you’re living in Ireland. Look into all the student deals they have at the local tourists offices. If you’ve never had to budget before, living in a foreign country will almost definitely help you start. My friend spent 50 euros alone on his first night out in Ireland. You can still have a really good time without being this extravagant.
6) Buy an Irish Phone. 
Otherwise, you’ll be like me: one month in with a $1000 dollar cell phone bill. There are four major cell phone companies in Ireland and all work by pay as you go. (O2, Meteor, Vodaphone and 3 Mobile) It’s really convenient, you’ll spend much less, and you’ll be able to maintain the relationships you’ve created much more easily.
7) Drink Responsibly.
The Irish have a reputation for drinking. And even they’ll admit that a lot of it is true. My Irish friend Liam had thirteen beers and a shoulder of vodka on Paddy’s day, and certainly paid for it later. The student population created an event called “rag week”, where they drink 24-7 for an entire seven days. And all the towns, strangely enough, take it pretty seriously. Local pubs sponsor events and even some professor’s cancel class. Don’t feel like you need to keep up though. You are there to have fun. Not to get sick. Besides, you want to feel good enough the next day to get some work done. So drink responsibly. Watch out for friends. And never leave your drink alone.
8) Learn the Culture and the History.
Ireland is comprised of a sad, yet inspiring history as well as a revival in art and literature that surpasses any other. If you get a chance, visit Belfast and
take a black cab tour to better understand the civil war in Ireland. It will fill you with a compassion that’s indescribable.
9) Choose a Program Carefully.
When choosing a program consider these things in particular. Do your homework. Make sure the recommendations listed on their website are from reliable resources? Call and talk personally to a representative from that school/organization. Find out the name of the person you are talking to, their position and how long have they been affiliated with the program. How long has the program been in existence? Can they know the answers to all of your questions?
Important things to think about when narrowing down your options for studying abroad: Will your credits transfer? Is insurance, room and board, included in the tuition and fees? What will your living situation be? Will all the students you live with be in the same program?
10) Take it all in.
Studying abroad is nerve wracking and strange. Often it goes by in a whirlwind. Try to soak it all in and do everything you can. Even I mourn missed opportunities. But during my time in Ireland, I did manage to going mountaineering, kayaking, learn a little Irish step dance, and visit multiple regions. I wish the same for you!
-Barbara Ford
