I'm really glad that I took the time to figure out activities I wanted to do in advance so that I was able to make the most of my time abroad. The outings to natural and cultural spaces particularly stand out in my memory; you can read a book anywhere, but walking through the Slish Wood, going out to pubs, or jumping into the Atlantic are just incomparable experiences.

The drinks are strong. 

It was my first time going abroad and I absolutely wish I could go back and travel some more. There are endless possibilities so take advantage of any opportunities that present themselves on your trip. You'll never know where they'll take you. 

I would say embrace spontaneity. I think some of my favorite moments abroad were a result of last minute plans, like stumbling upon a jazz festival or going to pubs with new friends. Ireland is so rich with art and poetry and music and new things to discover, so try to explore as much as possible and talk to everyone you can. 

Try everything! Don't overthink and soak in the moment!

Embrace everything: the atmosphere, the lectures, the stories, the food, and the memories. 

Say yes. Find moments for yourself. Go on walks along the Garavogue river in the early morning. People watch. Visit the local art museum. Take a tour of Sligo's Abbey. Go on every nature walk. Drink plenty at the pubs and indulge in the music that fills the streets at night. Sleep well, and know that there will always be more to do tomorrow.

Talk to the locals, and you will have the time of your life.

Slowing down and taking in the cultural, environment, writing down what I see. 

I learned that the academic and arts community exists and extends beyond any superficial borders or boundaries. I really love that camaraderie. One tip: download the map of Ireland to your google maps app so that you can use it while not on wifi - I learned this a couple of weeks into the trip, and it made getting around so much easier! 

Make sure to visit the MoLI (Museum of Literature Ireland) while you’re in Dublin!

Keep up on hand washing - I caught COVID just a couple days before I was supposed to leave. 

I had a blog at the request of some family members and I dutifully wrote every day. I wish I had written more, taken more pictures and gotten the contact information of my new friends. I miss Ireland and I miss them.

It was so incredible to meet people from across the world! I would definitely recommend to future scholars to get involved. Go to as many lectures and events as you can muster because the more you do with the program, the more fulfilling it will be. One thing that I wish I could have done was take a bus to the nearby beaches. This was definitely a day excursion that I did not have time to do, but it would have been so fun! 

I think studying in Sligo made me reflect on what I currently appreciate about academia, as well as what progress needs to be made. Speaking with faculty and graduate students made me want to slow down and earn a MLIS before pursuing a PhD program. I want to bring in new technologies and an interdisciplinary view into my medieval studies. 

My tip would be: go to everything! I was so happy to attend every lecture at YISS, and I learned so much doing it.