Having been overseas for sometime now, I feel as though I have gained a lot of experience in multiple areas. Since I came to Dublin without knowing anyone else, I knew I would be out of my comfort zone. I knew I would have to push myself to not only meet new people but get by on my own. Thus far, I feel like I've been successful on both fronts. I haven't had any trouble meeting people and I've learned to adjust accordingly when by myself. There was a period of about a week where I didn't have internet access in my room and that was challenging to pass the time and still keep in touch with everyone back home.

Academically, I have also gained quite a bit. The four classes I am enrolled in are challenging. There has certainly been some adjustment to the European academic way but I've gotten through it. All of my classes are at least 2 hours long and just meet once each week. Also, I'm used to classes at home being graded often- with attendance, quizzes, homework assignments, etc- but here almost all of the classes are graded solely on a final exam or paper of some sort.

Socially and culturally I have already taken a lot from the experience. Socially speaking, I've really enjoyed the time so far. I've gotten the opportunity to meet not only students from America, but also Irish, and other students from all over the world. Interactions with the international students has been something I've particularly enjoyed. First, I've been very impressed that many of them don't speak English in their home country but can seamlessly hold a conversation. I almost feel embarrassed that the second language I speak (Spanish) cannot really be used in full conversation. Secondly, each of us has such different perspectives on everything. I've liked hearing what norms exist in their home country and how they differ to that of America. There is definitely a connection between what I've learned socially and culturally. As a result of most of my classmates being from all over the world, I've picked up a lot of what each culture is like. 

In terms of my goals for the rest of the semester, there are a number of things I would like to accomplish. I would like to travel as often as I can. I want to see as much of Europe as possible. I want to be open minded and try everything I get a chance to. I would also like to do the best I can in my classes. Finally, I want to enjoy this experience and try my best to savour every moment of it.