Emergency NumbersPhone Book (Must be on-campus or have a valid network account)
Amanda Staebler
Amanda Staebler is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Galway, Ireland.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
While we were up in Derry, we went on a guided tour. Our tour guide was from the Bog Side, which was a poor part of Derry that is all Catholic. While we were walking, everyone knew him. It was great. He was explaining to us the different murals painted on the walls in Derry that symbolize the troubles between the Catholics and the Protestants. There has been a lot of bombing and murdering of the years because of these troubles. Hearing his personal stories while we were in this area really affected me. It makes you think about how much some people have to go through. It also made me think about how our perception of a country can be so wrong at times.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I studied abroad because I really wanted to experience a new culture and get out of my comfort zone. I chose Ireland because I had heard great things about the program and I had always wanted to go there. I also have family roots back there that I thought would be great to go and revisit.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
I would honestly describe it as the best experience of my life so far. I loved just about every minute of it. Anything that wasn't perfect over there just made me a stronger person and more aware of things. I would tell them it's life changing and amazing.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
I feel that I am a much more independent person than I was before going on this trip. I did a lot of self evaluation over in Ireland and I know a lot more about myself now, which is a great thing to have done. I feel that I can relate to other cultures on a better level than I was able to before this trip as well.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
I would tell them to get ready to have the time of their lives. They will be experiencing so many new and great things. I would also add in some practical things, about clothes and food and budgeting money out. But really, just be open to all of the experiences and you will have such a wonderful time!