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Alexandrea Milan
Alexandrea Milan is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Cork, Ireland.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
Something i decided to participate in at UCC (University of College Cork) was the dance team. I am on the dance team here at St. Ben's and thought I would try it out. This was one of the greatest decisions that I could have made abroad. I met about twenty Irish people who were my age that had similar interests to my own and got to see them on a weekly basis. I became close friends with some of these people and learned a lot about what Cork was really like. They took me in as one of their friends and provided great hospitality. I also got the chance to compete and a dance competition with them for the College. I am still in contact with many of these people and consider them some of my best friends!
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I wanted to study abroad to gain experience in a different culture and to meet and network with those around the world. Studying abroad has been a goal for me since I began studying at the College of St. Benedict. I chose to study in Cork for many reasons. The program is very unique to the other programs offered. For example, there is no program director. It is a very independent program and I wanted to challenge myself within my experience. Another unique aspect is that I got the chance to directly enroll into the University of Cork and pick from a large list of classes. Also, I wanted to go to a country where English was one of the main languages spoken. I had heard that Irish people were some of the nicest people in the world and wanted to experience this for myself. I also got the opportunity within the Cork program to travel throughout Europe, since there is a one month break within the program. These are just some of the reasons I chose the Cork program.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
It has been so challenging to describe my experience since it was more than amazing or incredible. I would have to say it was one of the BEST experiences in my life. Within the experience though there were some rough times, but I learned more than I have ever learned in my life within these last five months and would not take a anything back.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
I learned a lot about myself while being abroad. I did experience some culture shock while I was in Ireland. My life is so very hectic and busy at home and while in Cork, I didn't have much going on at all. This was a challenge for me, but it made me realize how cultures are truly polar opposites and it is okay to adapt to them. Since being back, I have found myself acting more relaxed within my life, trying not to get as stressed out about things in life that may occur. While in Ireland I sometimes felt like a complete stranger to the world. Since I have been back, I have been able to take a step back and really look around me more from a "stranger standpoint" and see what our culture is really like.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
Some suggestions I would make for those who go abroad would be: 1. Embrace everything! 2. Spend your money wisely but do EVERYTHING you can, you may never get that opportunity again. 3. Go out of your comfort zone to meet those people of the culture you are in. 4. Remember it is not a vacation. You are LIVING in a different culture for an extended period of time. And 5. Take time for yourself as this time is for you to grow and learn as an individual
Do you have questions about studying abroad in Cork, Ireland? Email Alexandrea at armilan@csbsju.edu.