Ireland: Mauro Barrera
Program: University College Dublin Nursing, Summer
Major: Nursing
What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?
One thing I learned from this experience is the importance of being open-minded and a good listener. Throughout my time in Ireland, I met many locals and enjoyed simply listening to them talk about their lives, experiences, and perspectives. Those conversations taught me that no matter where you are in the world, people want to feel heard and valued. Taking the time to listen to people I’ve barely met helped me learn more about the culture and connect with others in a meaningful way. It reminded me that sometimes you can learn the most by listening rather than speaking.
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
The program academics were similar to my experience at UW–Madison because the course I took focused on evidence-based practice in nursing, which is a class that I took at UW–Madison. Many of the concepts and skills we discussed were familiar to me, which helped me connect to what I have previously learned. One difference I noticed was that different lecturers often taught each class session every week, rather than having one professor teach the entire course. This allowed me to learn the material from a variety of perspectives and teaching styles. Even though the content was similar, hearing it explained by different lecturers made the learning experience unique.
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that the best way to grow is by stepping outside of your comfort zone.
How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?
My experience abroad will benefit me in the future by helping me become more independent and confident in new situations. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that the best way to grow is by stepping outside of your comfort zone. By spending time on my own and navigating a new country, I learned more about myself and how to trust my own judgment. At the same time, I realized that being independent does not mean doing everything alone; there are always people around you who are willing to help if you ask. This balance of self-confidence, communication, and knowing when to seek support will be valuable in my future nursing career.
How did your identities impact your experience? What advice would you give to students with similar identities who are considering a similar experience?
As a Mexican American student, my identity shaped some of my experiences while studying abroad. There were moments when I encountered stereotypes about Americans. However, stereotypes do not define individuals, and it is important not to judge people based on assumptions.
At the same time, I felt a strong connection to my Mexican identity, especially when the World Cup began and I met people in Ireland wearing Mexico jerseys. My advice to students with similar identities is to embrace who you are, be proud of your background, and remember that neither your country nor other people’s stereotypes define your values or character.
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
My most memorable experience from the program was meeting new people. I came into the program not knowing anyone, so having the opportunity to meet students from different universities and backgrounds has made a huge impact on my experience. Some of my favorite memories were exploring different parts of Ireland together, including Dublin, Howth, the Wicklow Mountains, and Galway. Sharing these experiences with new friends made every trip more meaningful and helped me appreciate both the places we visited and the connections we built along the way.
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?
One of the main challenges I faced was adjusting to small differences in daily life. Before arriving in Ireland, I had to make sure I had the correct power adapter for my electronics since the outlets are different from those in the United States. Once I arrived, I also had to learn how to use a Leap Card for public transportation and understand local customs, such as signaling to bus drivers by extending your arm when you want them to stop. I worked through these challenges by talking to people I knew who had previously visited Ireland and learning from their experiences. I also looked online for advice from other travelers, which helped me navigate the country more confidently and make the most of my time abroad.