After an exciting first seven weeks, we finally arrived at our last week here in Dublin. From the very beginning of this trip, I didn’t know what to expect, but now, as I look back on my final week, I find myself wondering what I was ever worried about. Here in Dublin, I made an abundance of friends, whether it be my classmates, coworkers, and even my professors. I think my initial worry sprouted from the idea of stepping out of my comfort zone, immersing myself in a new country, and trying to integrate into an unfamiliar environment.The initial stages of the trip were filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety. I quickly found myself forming bonds with my classmates during our study sessions and social outings. My coworkers at the internship I was part of were equally welcoming. They were always eager to share their knowledge and help me adapt to the work culture in Ireland. The collaborative environment and the emphasis on teamwork were refreshing and made the workplace enjoyable.
As the weeks passed, I found myself growing more confident and comfortable in this new setting. I started to appreciate the subtler aspects of Irish culture, like the tradition of tea breaks and the love for storytelling. My initial worries about stepping out of my comfort zone and integrating into an unfamiliar environment seemed distant and insignificant compared to the rich experiences I was gaining.
In our final weekend, we were granted the freedom to do as we wished. A group of my fellow Bucknell students and I decided to travel to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. This was a unique experience for me, as I had ever been outside of the country, so being able to see two new places in one journey was extraordinary. The excitement of boarding a plane to a new destination, the anticipation of exploring a different culture, and being with my new friends made the trip unforgettable.
Amsterdam was a city like no other. It was full of people walking around or riding bikes, as it is known to be the bike capital of the world. The city’s famous canal system gave it a unique charm, making it feel as if the entire city was floating. The canals were lined with picturesque houses and dotted with stylish boats, creating a scene straight out of a postcard.Sleeping in a hostel with three other Bucknell students was unfamiliar territory for me. We had done so during our trip to Galway, but each experience was different. This really highlighted for me how different the hotel versus hostel culture is in America and Europe. In the hostel, we met travelers from all over the world, each with their own stories and adventures. It was a melting pot of cultures and experiences, something I hadn’t encountered as much back home.My favorite part of the trip to Amsterdam had to be seeing all the various and stylish boats traveling through the canals. In Amsterdam, they do not rely as much on automobiles. Instead, boats and bicycles are the primary modes of transport, which added to the city’s unique and laid-back vibe.
As I look back on these experiences, I realize how much I have grown and learned over these past eight weeks. This journey has been about more than just academic learning; it has been a journey of personal growth, of stepping out of my comfort zone, and of embracing new cultures and experiences. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this opportunity and look forward to carrying these memories and lessons with me as I continue my studies and future adventures.
