I've always known that I wanted to study abroad. From the time I started college, I started collecting information on where I could go. And while I considered many places all over Europe, my mind always came back to Ireland. Within Ireland there were three cities with schools available to study in: Dublin, Galway and Limerick. Something about Galway just drew me in. Maybe its the simplicity. Maybe its the uniqueness. Maybe its the ocean. Many things considered, Galway was the city I knew I had to study in. 

Just look at that view!

all photos from https://nuiginternational.wordpress.com

1. The Ocean. Ireland really isn't that big at all. To give you an idea, from Killarney to Dublin, it's four hours, and that's one of the longer distances between major cities. So something about being on the coast just seemed really cool. Being able to visit the Atlantic Ocean while also being able to see the major cities throughout Ireland is really unique about Galway. 
2. The Simplicity. I'm so use to living in such a fast paced country. Galway just seems like the perfect place to stop, relax and take in the scenery. I read this on the ISA website (the company that I am traveling through) and just knew it sounded perfect. "Framed by colorfully painted buildings, street musicians serenade onlookers with a combination of traditional Irish music and contemporary songs." If that doesn't sound great, just look at the pictures above and you'll be sold too. 
3. The Classes. I will be studying at National University of Ireland, Galway in the Irish Studies program. I will be taking two courses worth 6 U.S. credit hours while I'm abroad. In Irish Society I will be learning about the people, culture and community of Ireland. I will also be taking Representing Ireland: Literature and Film where we will be seeing how Ireland is represented through American Literature and Film. I don't think it can get much better than being able to study the people and culture of Ireland. That was a great benefit of choosing NUI. 
4. The Weather. My ideal weather is 60 degrees. And what is the weather like in Galway during June and July?? 50s and 60s. PERFECT!
5. A Dream. I'm not really sure why but I have always thought Ireland would be amazing to travel to. I think of Irish music, green fields and sheep and that sounds perfect to me. While I know that I will take every opportunity to travel, I wanted to plan this trip as if I could never go anywhere else. And if I could only go one place in the rest of my life...it would be Ireland.

Life can be crazy. It can be stressful. It's difficult understanding why things happen the way they do and understanding what we are meant to do in our lives. The past two years, I've had a lot of worries thinking about what I want to do in my life, understanding my purpose and even just deciding what career path to go into. But sometimes you just have to let go. Let go of those worries. Let go of the unknown. And trust your journey. Trust that each point in your life is meaningful. Trust that all the hard times will be worth it. Trust that all of those struggles will add up to successes. You have to trust your journey.

I know that Ireland is just another part of my journey and I can't wait to see it unfold. 

Five months. That's how long until I leave on a plane alone to go to Ireland where I know no one. Is it scary? Heck yes. I'm so scared to be in a place where everything is so new and so different. Where I can't drive an hour home to see my mom and dad. Where I won't be able to see my dogs for over five weeks. Where I will be immersed in something I have never experienced before. I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared to pick up my life and go to Ireland for the summer. While there are so many unknowns and so much to be worried about, I have to let that go. 

I am going to be spending my summer studying in a country half way across the world. How many people can say that? There is SO much to look forward to! The people, the friendships, the experiences, the culture, the newness. This adventure is going to be absolutely incredible and I can't wait for it. 

This is what is going to be my normal for the summer. That's incredible! 

(all photos from studiesabroad.com - the ISA website)

Hi! I'm Hanna. I'm a 20 year old college student studying at the University of Central Missouri. While I study Economics,  I am also involved with The Honors College and Delta Zeta Sorority. I'm originally from Shawnee, KS where I was born and raised. 

I've always had a passion for traveling. My family typically tries to go somewhere new every year. And the past few years I have been blessed to take trips both with my family and friends throughout the United States and Caribbean. I love experiencing anything new and different from what I am so use to. So far, I have been to 5 countries and 13 states and would love to travel all around the world in my lifetime. 

And this summer I'll be traveling halfway across the globe to live and study in Galway, Ireland for a month. It's going to be a crazy new adventure but I am so ready and excited to see what Ireland has in store for me. Thanks for following my adventure!