Maggie Canning
Veterinarian
Study Abroad in Galway, Ireland
Perhaps the single most life-changing event of my entire life was my semester abroad in Galway, Ireland. My parents always raised my four sisters and myself to be strong, independent, culture-seeking individuals, so studying abroad was an absolute necessity for me. I spent five of the most thrilling, challenging, inspiring, and fun months of my life in Galway, Ireland.
I left Ireland with a heavy, heart, a stamp-filled passport, a huge group of lifelong friends, and a desire to always seek experiences which challenge me to be more, do more, see more, and live more. It was there that I truly learned that life can't and won't ever fit inside a suitcase. Not when you have memories, experiences, and friends like what I had in that Emerald Isle.
This was one of the many trips we planned while living in Ireland. I taught myself how to organize travel plans, including to places like Norway, Malta, France, and Sicily where language barriers made it more difficult.
Living in Galway taught me how to assimilate into a new home, develop new friendships, practice a new language (Irish) with native speakers, and establish a fulfilling life over 3,000 miles from home.
A group of friends all took a weekend trip up to Northern Ireland. Some of the most valuable skills from studying abroad are the ability to organize a group of people toward a common goal and the ability to travel peacefully with a group despite stressful circumstances.
This was one of the many trips we planned while living in Ireland. I taught myself how to organize travel plans, including to places like Norway, Malta, France, and Sicily where language barriers made it more difficult.