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Jessica Schmoll
Jessica Schmoll is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Galway.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
One of my favorite memories was when our group traveled to Northern Ireland. In our seminar class we had read the Belfast Diary by John Conroy. This book was great in explaining the height of the Troubles there in the 1970s. What absolutely made my trip was being able to travel to the places where it happened and actually talk to locals about it. We had so many chances to talk to people our own age about what they thought of the Troubles and the situation now in Northern Ireland. This is when we got the complete honest and first-person viewpoint on the situation. It was as if we were actually a part of their culture and not just a bunch of tourists. We talked to people on all sides of the issue and were able to get the overall picture. I will always cherish and remember this memory.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
None of the other programs really jumped out at me. I was very curious about the Irish culture and was eager to learn more about it. I was also very attracted to the idea of excursions being built into the program. This seemed like a great choice for the kind of experience I wanted. I also liked the idea of living in cottages in close proximities with my fellow classmates. This allowed us to form a very close bond that we have retained back here on campus.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
Over the three and a half months I got to meet and understand a wide variety of people. I bonded not only with those people, but also with the culture itself.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
Not only did my attitude towards the world in general evolve, but also my understanding of myself. In dealing with new challenges and opportunities, I was able to better understand who I am and what I want of the future. While abroad a person is introduced to new perspectives on life and this is what helps expand your understanding. I will now be more ready to conquer new challenges in my life.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
One thing that I would highly recommend is to research any activities that you would like to participate in or any places that you would like to travel to. Going to a Gaelic soccer game for example is a great experience. Also, planning a little ahead of time about places to go can help while you’re abroad. It is easier to coordinate with people to go with you as well as give you an idea of what you want to see. For example, I wish I could have made it to Cork while I was in Ireland.
Do you have questions about studying abroad in Galway? You can email Jessica at jlschmoll@csbsju.edu