Author: Macie Delgado | Major: Elementary Education | Semester: Summer 2025

Trying on armor at King John’s Castle in Limerick

During the Summer 2025 semester, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Ireland as part of the University of Arkansas Faculty-Led: Education in Ireland – The Art of Teaching Program. Over the course of twenty days, we traveled to three cities, Limerick, Galway, and Dublin. Each offered a unique learning experience and cultural immersion. I chose this program because I wanted a study abroad experience that would directly benefit my future career as an elementary education teacher. I hoped to gain first-hand experience in international classrooms, observe different teaching methods, and take home practices and perspectives that would enrich my future students’ learning.

In Limerick, we visited Mary Immaculate College and two primary schools. At Mary I, we attended a presentation on the structure of the Irish education system, which helped frame our upcoming classroom visits. At Scoil Íde, I was able to browse standardized assessments in subjects like Maths, English, and Irish, and learn about their new hot lunch initiative, since Irish schools do not have cafeterias. At Our Lady Queen of Peace, an officially designated disadvantaged school, I was blown away by the systems and resources in place to support their students. From an outdoor sensory garden walk and indoor sensory treehouse to family classes and a student-maintained garden, the school was a model of inclusive and holistic education. In Galway, we visited three more schools, including a non-denominational primary school. Up to that point, all the schools had been Catholic, so it was refreshing to see a different approach to education. I was especially inspired by how STEM and the arts were woven into every grade level, even the youngest, known as “junior infants.” I got to see their circuit-building projects, help with a sea animal art assignment, and even join in on their after-school LEGO club. Throughout the trip, my teaching partner Kendall and I led a lesson comparing and contrasting American and Irish music, highlighting how both cultures have influenced each other. But what stayed with me most were the conversations with teachers, principals, students, and professors. Their insights into education, opportunity, and community left a deep impression on me.

Beyond the classroom, I also had the chance to experience the beauty and culture of Ireland. As a group, we visited the Cliffs of Moher, enjoyed a welcome dinner at a traditional Irish pub in Limerick, and ended the program with a farewell dinner at Celtic Nights in Dublin, complete with live music and Irish dancing (which I even got to try!). We also chose individual excursions and connected each one back to our teaching practice. Some of my favorites included the Milk Market in Limerick, Kylemore Abbey in Galway, and the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, which felt like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but for Guinness! My absolute favorite part of the trip, though, was being in Galway during their Folk Festival. Every street was filled with live music, Irish, American, and everything in between. Nearly every night featured performers singing songs like “Country Roads, Take Me Home” and “Rattlin’ Bog.” One of our classes even performed “Rattlin’ Bog” for Kendall and me. As someone who deeply loves music, especially live music, this cultural exchange through song was magical. It felt like a beautiful blending of Irish and American traditions.

This study abroad experience was not only a rich opportunity for professional growth, but also a deeply meaningful cultural immersion. I’m so grateful to the Honors College for supporting this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.