“It was important for me to do something that I knew would be a little scary, but would be really good for my personal growth. I needed to know that I could accomplish this dream of mine, and in the process, meet new people and have new experiences that would birth new dreams,” reflected psychology major Charlie Brazwell, who is currently in Dublin, Ireland participating in the Arcadia Abroad - University College Dublin program.
Brazwell, who is also a women’s gender and sexuality studies minor, is taking courses related to social justice and history while getting to explore the surrounding cities and countries. She noted that studying abroad has always been a dream of hers, and after navigating the pandemic and a new school, she was finally able to do it.
“I have learned that I am much more capable and adventurous than I thought! I have been able to travel to several different countries, problem solve in stressful situations, and even have been encouraged to participate in things I normally would not have had the courage to,” said Brazwell.
Through experiencing new cultures and meeting new people both inside the classroom and out, Brazwell notes how this experience will build her global network and help her once she returns to campus in December.
“The connections that I have built in my short time here have been truly invaluable. I am not only meeting people from all over the world, I am under the tutelage of professors whose entire life and career is dedicated to teaching students about what it truly is like to teach and work within their field. When I come home in December, I will have so much more relevant knowledge about different cultures and traditions, inner workings of different societal and patriarchal systems in various parts of the world which is incredibly important for me to understand with my studies and future career goals.”
Along with visiting historical sites such as the Inishmore Wormhole, Loch Mór, and The Seven Churches, Brazwell said her favorite experience has been volunteering at a local dog shelter.
“A friend and I traveled to a local shelter where abandoned dogs are rescued, cared for and loved on by their caretakers. They accept visitors and volunteers from all over the world to help walk the dogs, clean the living spaces and mostly love all of the furry babies there. It was so incredibly grounding, and reminded me to slow down and be in the moment, that is what those dogs (and myself) needed.”