This semester, students from the tri-campus community returned from study abroad programs. Notre Dame offers many study abroad opportunities, including semester and summer programs. Upon returning from their study abroad experiences, students were excited to share their stories.
Junior Olivia Murrin traveled to Berlin during the fall semester and appreciated that she was able to build on her language skills from classes at Notre Dame.
“I have been studying [German] for my language requirement and wanted to apply my skills to real-world situations,” Murrin said. “I wanted to be immersed in the country rather than just read about it.”
Junior Mary Nem also had the opportunity to travel to Berlin through the summer program and spent the semester in Seoul, South Korea as part of the Younsei program.
“As for Younsei, I always wanted to visit South Korea and I thought it might be my only opportunity, so I took my chance,” Nem said.
She explained that this program particularly sparked her interest because of its proximity to Myanmar, the country where she was born and raised.
“Some of my favorite parts are going to different cities and meeting my old friends and neighbors from Myanmar who are currently studying in South Korea,” Nem said.
Another popular study abroad destination is Ireland. Junior Kate Drab traveled to Dublin, Ireland, for her study abroad program. Some highlights of the program were walking in the footsteps of St. Patrick and exploring the Shankill and Fall Roads in Belfast.
“I was in Ireland with 45 other Notre Dame students, so it was really easy to meet people since we had class together once or twice a week in addition to other events,” Drab said.
Overall, most students said they enjoyed their study abroad experience, although they faced some challenges. One challenge Murrin encountered was a lack of freedom during the trip.
“Our excursion itinerary was too strict compared to other study abroad programs,” she said.
During Nem’s study abroad program in Yonsei, the president declared martial law.
“It was extra stressful and nerve-wracking for a person coming from Myanmar, where the country is still under the military coup,” Nem said.
Returning students recommended study abroad programs to their fellow classmates and shared their advice for future students looking to study through one of these programs.
Students planning to study abroad should be “open-minded and take initiative,” Nem said.
Other students recommend that those looking to study abroad be emotionally intelligent during the trip and connect with peers to learn about their experiences with the program.
“Enjoy every moment and do your best to make the most of every day because the time passes so much faster than you want it to,” Drab said.
