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.