Ireland: Natalie Chakar

Program: IFSA University of Galway, Spring

Natalie’s Major: Journalism

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

My most memorable experience from the program was going on trips with the IFSA program. We went as a group to the Aran Islands and Kilkenny. It was a great way to immerse ourselves in authentic Irish culture and ways of living. It has been the best experience of my life and I met so many amazing and ambitious friends from different schools all over the country that are now my best friends for life.

What is the moment you are most proud of?

I am most proud of my work ethic abroad. I really got out of my comfort zone with the classes that I was taking, being all of them were a variation of Irish studies courses, so I made it a goal of mine to stay dedicated and make learning about the Irish a once in a lifetime opportunity.

What challenges or barriers did you face as you prepared to go abroad and/or during your time abroad? How did you work through them?

Before arriving to Ireland, I had bittersweet emotions of excitement and nervousness. Being the oldest child in my family and none of my family members studying abroad before, I felt that my nervousness was overpowering. I worked through them by contacting students who had gone to my program before and discussing what I was worried about. They helped me prepare so much more than I ever could have by myself. During my time abroad, it is no lie that you will feel homesick at times. I worked through them by not letting it overpower me, but embracing the homesickness. It is like a wave and it comes and goes. Whenever I was feeling homesick, I would try and do something active or call a family member.

What is your advice for someone considering your program?

My advice is that if you are interested in The University of Galway program, GO! It has been the best experience of my life and I met so many amazing and ambitious friends from different schools all over the country that are now my best friends for life.