On Thursday evening, the Saint Mary’s Study Abroad office and global studies department hosted their first-ever Ireland celebration. The second floor of the Student Center hosted staff, Saint Mary’s alumnae and current students for a celebration of Irish culture to promote the Maynooth study abroad program.
Saint Mary's has offered a study abroad program in collaboration with Maynooth University since 1977. It is one of the College’s most popular study abroad destinations.
The celebration featured local Irish band Kennedy’s Kitchen as well as a special dining hall menu featuring traditional Irish cuisine.
Jennifer Zachman, department chair for global studies and modern languages and cultures explained the purpose of the event to The Observer.
“We just wanted to celebrate the connection between Saint Mary’s and Ireland,” Zachman said.
The global studies department staff emphasized Ireland’s role as a gateway to Europe, and the many travel opportunities abroad for program participants.
Suzanne Dolembo, assistant director of global education expressed her appreciation for the community in Maynooth.
“We've been sending students to Maynooth for over 40 years. It is a very welcoming, warm town,” Dolembo said.
Sarah Gallagher Dvorak '99, dean of enrollment management and marketing attended the program during her time at Saint Mary’s.
“I went back in 1996 … it changed my life,” she said. “I always say I learned more in that one year abroad than I think I learned in 18 years of a traditional education.”
Dvorak described the program’s long lasting impact on her life.
“It expanded my mind in so many ways, and it was the greatest thing I ever did.” Dvorak said.
They then opened the floor for alumnae and current students to share their experiences with the program.
Admission counselor Emma Beaudoin '20 attended the Maynooth program during her sophomore year.
“I love Ireland, and I had never been out of the country before studying abroad, so I was so excited to just go and experience everything,” Beaudoin said.
“I had a wonderful time in Maynooth. I made my best friends on that trip,” she continued.
Senior Mary McKenna expressed her love for her time in Ireland.
“Going to Ireland was the best experience ever; I wish I could go back,” McKenna said.
McKenna elaborated on how her experience has had a lasting impact on her.
”It taught me so much about myself and so much confidence and independence,” she said. ”I met so many great people, and it's so easy to really immerse yourself in the culture, because everyone is so kind and welcoming.”
In Maynooth, students study alongside Saint Mary’s students as well as Irish and other international students. They are given the opportunity to form lifelong friendships with students from all over the world.
Nancy Turner, an education professor and Kennedy’s Kitchen bodhran player, acted as a founding leader for the spring break Maynooth study abroad program for many years.
“I was lucky enough to take advantage of the relationship between Saint Mary’s and the University of Maynooth. We did a week-long trip for education students to look at schools over there, to experience a different culture,” Turner said. “I loved every second of my time leading those groups.”
Dolembo concluded the event by urging students to take part in study abroad programs during their time at Saint Mary’s.
“It's really a great place to study, and a great place to make friends and learn about other cultures,” she said. “We really encourage you to consider it.”
