Category: Ireland

Introducing Nico Clapp

Published on by DU AbroadLeave a comment

What is/are your major(s)?

Psychology

What is/are your minor(s)?

Studio Art & Business Administration

What is the name of your study abroad program?

University College Cork

In what city & country is your study abroad program located?

Cork, Ireland

What is something you would like the blog readers to know about you that they wouldn’t know by just looking at you?

I’m an introverted person, so if you’re looking for what the social life is here, that’s probably the area that will be most lacking in information. That being said, I’m very academically rigorous, and enjoy exploring nature and historical/culture sites, so I’ll have a lot to say about that.

What is one thing that you are most anticipating about your study abroad experience?

I’m very excited to be able to learn about Ireland while inside it, it’s a beautiful country with a rich history and culture.

Why did you decide to study abroad? or What inspired you to study abroad?

I’m a massive homebody who likes everything to stay the same as possible, and I could tell how much that was robbing me of new experiences I would enjoy. Studying abroad is a good way to push myself out of my comfort zone with the structure of school and systems to support me stopping it from being too much of a push.

NICO’s Blog Posts

Finding Your Rhythm While Studying Abroad

Published on by mayamccrumLeave a comment

Finding your rhythm while studying abroad can be very difficult. At least it has been for me. I have been in Ireland for a month now and I still have not been able to fully find my rhythm.

I believe this has something to do with being the farthest from home that I have ever been and I am supposed to be doing school at the same time.

On one hand I am here and it seems like a vacation because I am exploring a new country and I am far from home. On the other hand, I have lectures, meetings, and assignments to go to and to complete. This duality makes it difficult to get things done.

Slowly, I am figuring out that getting out of my dorm room helps with finding my rhythm for the day. Going to the store to get groceries I need, going somewhere like the library to study, going to spend time with new friends.

Changing the scenery to study is a nice way to help with this, such as going to the library. This helps put your mind in an academic mindset since you are surrounded by other people studying quietly.

Another way to help with this is to get up around the same time every day. I have noticed that when I sleep in, it is much more difficult to find my rhythm for the day. Getting up earlier has helped me start to feel like I have enough time to do everything I need to.

Finding a schedule that works for me with my classes and shopping has helped a little bit with keeping some things consistent, so I am able to get more things done in a day. Keeping a to do list has also helped.

Even though it has been difficult to find my rhythm while abroad, it has slowly gotten easier. Just being patient with yourself and giving yourself some time to adjust is a good way to get accustomed to your schedule as well as being consistent with things that have to be done.

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