Colleen Murphy

Colleen discovered a love for Ireland and international education during her semester abroad.

Home University: Rowan University

Host University: University of Limerick

Major: Broadcast Journalism

When I was in high school, my Mom had promised me if I chose to go to Rowan University that I would be able to study abroad. Immediately I knew that I wanted to study in Ireland. My father’s family is from Ireland and I always wanted to visit the country. Every picture, movie and book I read on Ireland just made me want to go even more. After meeting with my study abroad advisor, I realized I had to choose between Trinity College in Dublin and University of Limerick in Limerick. My friend and co-traveler, Amanda, and I did our research and, after careful consideration, we chose UL. We can both honestly say that we don’t regret our decision one bit.

Before studying abroad, I knew that once I graduated I would go into the field of Broadcast Journalism. However, after coming home from studying abroad I started to think about a different career path. I absolutely loved my time abroad and I wouldn’t have had such an awesome experience if it weren’t for the help of some of the coordinators from the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad team. Their encouragement, support, and guidance made me want to do the same for others. After I finish college, I plan on pursuing a master’s degree in International Education and furthering my career in the study abroad field. I hope that one day I can give students the guidance and support that my coordinators gave me.

Every adventure that my friends and I took was absolutely incredible. One of the best was the time we went to see the Cliffs of Moher. We had only been in Ireland for a few weeks and this was our first sight seeing trip. We booked our tour the night before with Barrat Bus Tours, a small company operated by a man and his wife, both extremely lovely people. The tour started at Leamenagh Castle that was so cool. We didn’t go in it but it was still really awesome to see and a great place for photos. Afterwards we headed to Caherconnel Stone Fort, which was very historic and really cool to see. We made our way to Poulnabrone Portal Tomb, which is one of the more popular ancient monuments in Ireland that dates back to 3,800 BC! As we drove through the countryside we were taken back by the beautiful rolling mountains and the seaside. We stopped in a town called Doolin for lunch at O’Connor’s pub. It was probably the best pub food I had the entire time I was in Ireland. After lunch and patiently waiting, we were off to the Cliffs of Moher.

After climbing for what seemed like eternity, we finally made it to the top. We couldn’t believe our eyes. It was hands down, one of the most beautiful things any of us had ever seen. We all just stood there in awe as we peered down to the ocean and towards the Cliffs. We took a ton of pictures and just basked in the glory that we were actually there, seeing something that not many people had the opportunity to see in their lifetime. All we kept saying was “what did we do to deserve this?” It was absolutely unreal. Being the rebellious girls that we were, we walked passed the “Don’t Go Beyond This Point” sign and explored the Cliffs some more. We sat on the edge of the Cliffs and took in everything around us. I knew I wanted to take something away from this trip so I could always remember it, so I leaned down and plucked a piece of stone from the Cliff. I still have it today and it sits on my dresser, reminding me of my awesome time. This trip really meant a lot to me because it was our first adventure as new friends. It was such a great bonding experience for all of us and definitely brought us closer. We were so happy to share the experience with one another and couldn’t wait for more trips to come.

My advice for students who are thinking about study abroad is, just do it! I can, in all honesty, sit here today and tell every single person I talk to that studying abroad was by far the best decision that I have ever made. I had never been out of the country; so going to Ireland was a great first time experience. Getting the chance to culturally submerse myself was an eye-opening experience. I was able to travel all around Ireland, to England, Germany and Italy. Each country was so unique and diverse with culture, that I appreciated them each in a different way. It was so nice to break away from my little bubble in South Jersey and explore what different parts of the world had to offer. I was able to live and learn in a totally different environment and that was the best thing I could have ever done with my life. Being away taught me so much I had not known about myself and helped me to respect and value those who are different from me. I met so many people and made extremely close friendships with people from all various places. I’ve spoken to many people who have studied abroad and received only positive feedback. One of my favorite quotes is “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”, and it is extremely true, it enriches your mind and your soul. I would love for others to have a similar experience to my own.