Study Abroad Spring 2016: Dublin Ireland
The team enjoyed exploring the city of Dublin
Each year, students in the program are invited to travel abroad over the course of spring break, introducing them to new cultures, customs and experiences.
This year, 29 members of the Leadership Development Honors Program embarked on a ten day journey to Dublin, Ireland for a study abroad experience they would never forget.
The trip began with a number of cultural experiences, giving the team a taste of what Ireland had to offer. Upon arrival, the team set off to explore the city on a walking tour of Dublin. There was so much to take in, and the students really got a taste of the city. The next day, the team visited Causey Farm in Navan. Here, they learned to make traditional Irish soda bread, learned an Irish Dance, and were taught to play the bodrhan (a traditional Irish drum). The next morning, the team got to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Book of Kells at Trinity College which are two of Ireland’s most renowned cultural sights. Finally, the team set off on a long drive to see the Cliffs of Moher. Though it was too foggy to get a good view of the Cliffs, the team still had a great experience visiting the area and travelling to Galway.
The last four days of the trip were spent visiting various businesses and colleges in Dublin. The first business visit was with 100 Minds, a program that combines charity and fundraising with unique mentorship opportunities for students. Students were left with the advice to “expose [themselves] to as much stuff as possible” including information and people to make themselves the most successful. Later that day, the team had the chance to meet with the Ireland Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME). ISME works to provide support and to small and medium sized businesses in Ireland.
The seniors pose with program director, Mike Reuter, on their last study abroad trip
At the University College Dublin, the team participated in the Innovation Academy, learning about the design process and then proceeding to empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test their own umbrella designs. This allowed the team to go out and speak to students and faculty at the school while putting their own innovative skills to the test. The next day, the team travelled to Alpha, the Innovation Campus at Dublin City University, to learn about start-ups, business development and different types of leadership.
The students that travelled to Ireland will remember their experience for the rest of their lives. From experiencing culture, creating memories with their leadership family, and learning a great deal from the business visits, the trip is one that will not be forgotten.
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