Maria Larson

Maria Larson 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.

A cultural experience that I will never forget is when I went to a pub session. A pub session is when people from around the city gather to play traditional Irish jigs and reels. Everyone knows the same songs and if they don't they teach one another. One night we went to a small, hole in the wall pub called Sine. We were listening to the music when all of a sudden a man across the pub began singing acapella to the music. The musicians stopped and everyone intently listened to him sing. It felt so real and it amazed me at how quiet the pub became. I learned how important their culture and past is in Ireland and they will do anything to protect their identity. It is something I will never forget.

Why did you choose the program in which you participated?

I wanted to study abroad to gain a new perspective on school, life and culture in a different country. I chose Cork because it was an independent program that opened up a lot of different opportunities. I lived with people from different states and became friends with people from around the world. The experience of living in a new country is indescribable, everything is new and exciting!

Describe your overall study abroad experience.

This is a hard question to answer because of how much I want to say. Going abroad to study is truly like nothing else. You learn how to live with people you've never met, you discover how to travel alone and most importantly you create memories with people whom you will never forget! It is a shared experience that can forever be reflected upon.

How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?

After being abroad I have learned a lot about who I am and what I want to do after graduation. At school I am constantly busy with work, teaching, class and extracurricular activities. In Cork, I learned how to relax, take time for myself and reflect on my past. Every day I had to remind myself, you are in Ireland right now, go explore! Being abroad also made me realize how important my family, friends and school is in my life and how much they have made an impact on who I am.

What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?

My advice for future study abroad students is to try everything! Go out and meet new people, volunteer, join clubs and explore!