Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

by Faith Freake (she/her)

In this Personal blog Non-EU Exchange student Faith reflects on her ‘semester of memories’ spent at UL:

As most Newfoundlanders have always dreamed of, I had the opportunity to attend a university semester
in Ireland! For our Canadian province, historically known for Irish and English descent, Ireland has been
a dream exploration destination. Experiencing a new country and culture firsthand is simply amazing,
especially with the possibility of discovering some heritage roots. Educational, personal, and cultural
growth developed from an abroad semester. Since this experience, I have had feelings of empowerment
and greater relation to the larger world with a more defined sense of self.

UL had been welcoming from the day I received an acceptance letter! The university has many programs
to integrate new students, even only for a semester. From the buddy program, the ambassador’s program, and clubs & societies, there is a community just waiting for everyone! I was fortunate to attend and represent my province and country at the Muintir Global Festival by engaging in a photo exhibition of diversity and cultural elements. This event was special, as I was able to relate to and learn from other
students, their journey to UL, and their cultural lifestyle.

Alongside studies, the relationships I gained from the exchange program are unexplainable. Some of my
semester friendships were formed from a single introductory coffee session hosted by the global office!
The staff and team at the global office were always an email away (god knows they received lots from
me!) and were all very encouraging and supportive throughout my time at UL. Ireland entails such beauty,
composed of many preserved areas and landmarks to visit! Outside of the Limerick St. Patrick’s Day
parade, some of my favorite memories were exploring the cities of Galway and Cork, the Wicklow mountains, and the Giants Causeway. Did I mention castles? Ireland has many amazing castles, especially
Blarney Castle, Cahir Castle, Rock of Cashel, and Dunluce Castle. As an islander myself, I appreciate the
greenery of Ireland, with its rugged cliffs and shores alongside the generosity of its people. The memories
to be made are endless! If you are considering a semester (or more!) at UL, I would say go for it, the
world awaits!