Emerald Isle Offers Unique Study AbroadExperience for WCCCD Students

Trip to Dublin, Ireland is an “eye-opener” for students.BY DAVID C. BUTTY

Easter break is the time when most studentsembark on their journeys of leisure to places thattake them away from the homework and otherassignments. But for 18 diverse students from the Wayne County Community College District(WCCCD), this Easter break was time to shutdown their laptops, switch off their iPhones, andkick in the old school habit of using a pen andnotebook to jot down whatever they wanted toremember. It was a week to experience newthings, enjoying new meals or making newfriends. One of their ultimate experiences

was to study abroad in Dublin, Ireland. The weekof intensive programs were in partnership withArcadia University. While in Dublin, the studentsexperienced the country’s renowned literary,artistic, and musical heritage.

They embarked on educational and culturalexcursion tours of Dublin, the capital of theRepublic of Ireland. They received instruction on the rich Irish cultural heritage and its owndistinctive language (Gaelic), and experiencedfirst-hand the hospitality of the people of theEmerald Isle. Perhaps, one of the memorable

experiences that will remain with students for avery long time will be the travel through the Irishcountryside to the Celtic Boyne Valley and theCliffs of Moher. Here, the landscape is intriguingand has a mythic resonance. The soft rainfallmakes the Isle green all the time.

Here in this article, we let the students telltheir own stories and relate their experiences. As the saying goes, Ireland, once visited, is never forgotten.

Dublin Castle

John Green / Belleville “It was an exceptional experience to travel to Irelandas part of the Study Abroad Program at WCCCD.On our trip I visited several pubs/breweries andtasted many Craft Beer products, which encouragesme to continue with the WCCCD Craft BrewingProgram.”

Tiphanie Hardacre / Taylor“One of the most memorable things about the StudyAbroad trip to Ireland was that it was my first timeflying on an airplane; and my first time ever beingin another country. Even though the trip was only aweek long, I felt as though I was there for an entiremonth if not longer. The trip will always besomething I will look back on, and be grateful that I could go.”

Sonia Hernandez / Allen Park“This trip gave me a little sneak peek of what is outthere. We have to be adventurous and willing tohave open minds. The world around us has so muchdiversity and so many adventures waiting for us toenjoy. Thanks to WCCCD for this remarkableexperience that I will never forget.”

Rita Nichols / Taylor“The Study Abroad Program allows students to goand see other places and walking through the streetsin Dublin wants me to learn more of the historyand culture of this country. I want to say go raibhmaith agat which (in Gaelic) means thank you.”

Patrick D. McNally / Garden City“I can easily say that this was the opportunity of alifetime and I am so glad that I was given thechance to go. I experienced so much and changedmy outlook on life more than I have yet tocomprehend. My family moved to America fromthat country almost one hundred years ago andbeing there made me feel like I belonged, like wenever left.”

Natalie Taylor / Detroit“While in Dublin, Ireland during our Study Abroadtrip, and while taking classes at Arcadia University,I learned a cupla focal (a few words) such asNatalie is ainm dom is as Meirica, taim 25.”Translation: “My name is Natalie and I am fromAmerica, I am 25. I am proud to say I participatedin this once in a life time opportunity. I wanted toshare my favorite experiences.”

Karen Danceya / Allen Park“Our lecturer did a fabulous job of educating us on the history of Ireland. He was knowledgeable,funny and patient. The lectures were by far myfavorite part of the trip. I feel honored andprivileged to have been given this opportunity and representing my school. It has been a once -in-a-lifetime experience.”

Emily Gorkiewicz / Brownstown“I learned so much about this country within aweek’s stay! Everything about this trip was awesome,and inspiring. What I found most fascinating isthat instead of mowing the lawn, a farmer wouldjust put his cattle in the front yard and have themmow it for them.”

Amanda Mychenberg / Detroit“The study abroad trip to Ireland provides me awindow to the world as I experienced the richCeltic history and culture. I met people from allwalks of life, and learned about the country and itsculture from the new friends I made during thetrip. This helped me to gain a different perspectiveon life.”

John Holmquist / Detroit“I love traveling and learning about other culturesand history. This experience has instilled in me adesire to travel more in my future. I just can’t waitto explore more of the world. My advice when youare planning to visit Ireland: Learn the rules ofhurling and rugby. And appreciate the game! The Irish love to make jokes, so laugh!”

Crystal Carr / Clinton Township“I didn’t really have a bucket list of things I wantedto see or do while I was in Ireland like some people.My whole plan was to go experience the culture andtake in all the sites I could in a weeks’ time. All inall; Ireland was a lovely place to visit and I hope tosomeday return…cheers!”

Alvera Smith / Detroit“One of the greatest things I learned and stillremembered from this trip is that people are peopleno matter where you go in this world. There was a lot of positive energy, sharing and comradery.Strangers were quick to answer questions and assistwhenever needed. I am very grateful for theopportunity to have made this visit to Ireland.”

Jason Lorenz / Taylor“Before going on this trip, all I knew about Irelandwas from Irish-Americans’ stories of Saint Patrick,leprechauns, and corned beef and cabbage. Butbeing a part of the brewing program, I also knewthey were rich in Beer culture. This trip to Irelandfor the Study Abroad program taught me a coupleof interesting things about Ireland.”

Bobbie Hardacre / Taylor“Because of the study abroad trip to Ireland, my lifewill never be the same as it was. This trip changedmy views, and my perspective on life. It opened myeyes to the world, and it made it seem infinitelylarger. I could never give thanks enough for that.”

Jabed Khan / Fraser“The trip to Dublin, Ireland, is very special to mebecause of the opportunity and the adventures. I got to make friends with the diverse students fromWCCCD. The trip made me to gain confidence inmyself, and I did not only gain friends for life, butalso amazing stories about Dublin.”

Betty Robinson / Detroit“From the Study Aboard trip to Ireland, I amcommitted to making this experience a central partof my education and everyday life by sharing withother students, friends, and families that exposingone’s self to other cultures and history is aphenomenal experience and gift.”

Helen Starks / Detroit“This study abroad trip to Dublin, Ireland was agreat opportunity for me as a college student. It gaveme the chance to gain new cultural insight andpersonal development. I will always remember thisquote from one of my lecturers because it summedup my experiences ‘You do not get to pick where youcome from but you always have control of whereyou are going.”

Charles Paddock / Allen Park“This trip meant a few things to me. It was a way to celebrate doing well enough in my classes that I could be considered to go. And because of that, I was able to experience something amazing.”