Author: Paola Gutierrez | Major: Social Work | Semester: Summer 2024
At the Cliffs of Moher
My name is Paola Gutierrez, and during the Summer of 2024 I had the privilege of studying abroad with the Health Care and Social Services program in Ireland! As a sophomore Social Work major in the Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, I had an incredible three weeks learning about the differences in health care and social services between the U.S. and Ireland.
From the start of my search for a study abroad program, I knew that I wanted to get the most out of the program I ended up selecting. The Health Care and Social Services program had everything that I was searching for: hands-on learning opportunities, an emphasis on diverse populations, a collaborative academic environment, and a completely different cultural landscape that would all contribute to my professional development as a future social worker.
My study abroad program included stays in the cities of Limerick, Galway, and Dublin. In each city, we visited multiple organizations dedicated to providing services to various populations. Before each site visit, our group had discussions regarding our research about that day’s organization(s), which also gave us the opportunity to share our questions with the group to prepare for the site visit.
Two experiences that stood out to me were the site visits to the University of Galway food pantry and Carebright, a living community for individuals with dementia. I was able to see how the University of Galway’s food pantry focused on implementing sustainability into all of their practices and how that focus helped destigmatize using the pantry’s services. At Carebright, we saw the value that community inclusion, personalized care, and an active social life bring to quality of life. Every site visit opened my eyes to a different aspect of how public health and social services in Ireland differ from those in the U.S. Additionally, conversations with the pantry’s founder and with Carebright’s staff and residents broadened my perspective of the challenges that come with accessing services. That knowledge was extremely relevant to my future profession and added to my understanding of the struggles that different populations face.
Outside of academic activities, we had some days and evenings to explore the cities. We were able to discover incredible restaurants, quaint cafes, and gorgeous scenery. I was very grateful for accessible public transportation! One of my favorite moments was the night we had dinner at a castle; there was great entertainment, and the other visitors added to the liveliness of the evening. Another highlight was having the opportunity to visit cathedrals around the three cities; my personal favorite was the Galway Cathedral because of its stunning architecture. I even got to watch my first rugby game at Thomond Park in Limerick, and how could I not mention the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher?
For other students studying abroad, I would recommend talking to students who have done the same or a similar program. Previous years’ students provided valuable insight into what the program entailed, and they also recommended sites to visit and a number of activities they had enjoyed. On a practical note, I would recommend asking all questions you may have about the program to previous students and professors to be better prepared for all excursions. The Cliffs of Moher offer striking views, but the hike does require a comfortable pair of shoes!
I can easily say that every part of this program either contributed to my academic experience or brought insight into life in a different part of the world. With its scenic views and rich heritage, visiting Ireland is a must!