Hey everyone! My name is Matt Anderson, and I am a junior studying at the University of Limerick, here in Ireland. The last couple of weeks have been an absolute whirlwind for me — but a total blast, as well! From arriving in Dublin and touring the Guinness Storehouse, to pub crawls with new friends from Australia, South Africa and Holland, then moving into an apartment with four other Irish kids and a new American friend, and finally starting classes this week (vacation time is over, I guess), I’ve already met some amazing people from all over the world. And I can’t wait to continue seeing and learning new things every day. Even the local lingo is already growing on me. It’s been a bit of an adjustment to not look surprised when someone asks “What’s the craic?” even though all they want to know is where the fun is at. I’ll be sure to be careful with that one when I return home in May
When I was told back at home that classes here wouldn’t really consist of any work until the end of the semester came around, I thought that sounded great. Obviously, it still sounds great, but now that I’m here and there is so much to do and see all the time, it makes me a little nervous. I’m used to having endless hours of work all the time at Bucknell, but with so much free time and so many opportunities to travel now that I’m in Limerick, it’s going to be quite a test of my ability to keep up with the work on my own. With that said, I’m off to Galway for the weekend!
The Old Jameson Distillery
First Irish breakfast! Best bacon I’ve ever had.
The Old Jameson Distillery
Dublin from the Guinness Gravity Bar
Dublin from the Guinness Gravity Bar
Castle in Limerick City Centre
Sorry I haven’t responded sooner, I only just now saw your comment! Galway is a ton of fun, you’ll love it there. I only spent a weekend there, but loved every minute of it. As obvious as it may sound to you, my advice is to get out and travel around the island as much as you can. Ireland may seem like a small country, but I know for a fact I won’t get to see everything that I want to see or should see in just one semester. Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions, I could go on and on!
Hey I am applying to study abroad in Glaway next year. Do you have any tips or things to warn me about?