Joyce Howard

Joyce discovered that she loved her time in Carlow, Ireland so much she decided to stay for a full academic year.

Home University: Colorado State University

Host University: IT-Carlow

Major: Biology

Why did you choose to study abroad at IT Carlow?

When I contacted GlobaLinks about studying in Ireland my advisor suggested I apply to IT Carlow because they offered the courses that I needed for my area of study. I didn’t know very much about Carlow before I was accepted to the IT but I am so glad I went there!

Did anything about the school or town surprise you/was it different than you expected?

So much about Ireland in general surprised me. I tried to keep an open mind and I soon found that the people in Carlow were incredibly kind so I felt welcome from the beginning.

Why did you decide to add on another semester? Would you recommend this to other students?

After I had been living in Ireland for a few weeks I began to realize that I was not ready to go back to America so when I found out that it was an option to stay for another semester I just decided to go for it to see if it would work out.

I am so glad that I made the decision to stay for the full year because I learned so much and was able to experience more than I ever thought possible. I traveled to London, Edinburgh, and Paris as well as all around Ireland and made amazing friends from all over the world (thanks to the International Office at IT Carlow).

What advice do you have for a student thinking about studying abroad in Carlow?

I would suggest participating in the activities that the International Office at IT Carlow puts together. Everyone in that office is so incredibly helpful and these events helped me to meet people from all over Europe which is just really cool. I would also suggest getting involved in as many clubs and societies as you possibly can because this really helped me to feel connected with other students who have similar interests.

Anything else you’d like to add?

My experience at IT Carlow was absolutely amazing! All of my instructors were extremely helpful and I felt very comfortable talking to them when I needed help or clarification about some aspect of the structure of the class. I also found the students very friendly and helpful as well. I am so glad that I was able to study at IT Carlow for a full year and in fact I loved it there so much that I am returning to Ireland to pursue my masters after I graduate in December 2012.

I can promise you that if you have the desire to study in Ireland, want to feel welcome in a college which is slightly smaller than the average American university, like the idea of spending time out with good friends while listening to Traditional Irish Music, and have an adventurous spirit, you will not regret choosing IT Carlow! Just remember to keep an open mind, smile often, and enjoy every single moment!