(Oh, did you think it was all about the student?)
Halfway through his college career, my son Will began the quest for a semester of study abroad. He was in the business program at University of Montana, in Missoula, and while he wasn’t exactly tired of the campus scene, it seemed like a good time to try something new. Not surprisingly, both his travel-junkie parents were on board with the idea. What we didn’t expect was how it would change our own travel experience.
I’ve always had some regret that I never jumped on the chance to study abroad, even though St. Olaf College offered dozens of programs. I did take advantage of off-campus internships and field classes, but nothing that required a passport. It just never seemed like a real possibility at the time–maybe I’m still making up for the missed opportunities, by grabbing every chance to go exploring today! Jeff spent a semester in Norway, which was a natural connection from St. Olaf. Between the two of us, we were eager to help Will make it happen–and eager to start planning our own travels to join him at some point during his semester.
The first lesson we learned we to step out of the process. Even though I absolutely LOVE travel planning, Will just needed a sounding board, not directions. While I would have aimed straight at the semester in Florence, for the art and culture and (let’s be honest) the food, he narrowed his options to English-speaking countries, because he wanted to make friends he could really talk to. Soon he honed in on University of Cork in Ireland, which never would have made my list, but was perfect for him. As a sister school to U of MT, the tuition remained the same–another bonus.
Will had to negotiate his class schedule and credit exchange to stay on track for graduation, and ended up with a doable academic load. Yes, he learned an incredible amount while studying abroad…but I’m pretty sure most of those lessons happened outside of the classroom. Figuring out how to navigate a new culture, how to create your tribe from scratch, how to get yourself home when you’ve run out of money, how to not take yourself too seriously. The things learned outside a classroom can be the most valuable lessons of all, don’t you think?
We joined Will in Cork at the end of his semester. Late May simply worked best for us, but I’m so glad we didn’t go earlier in the semester, while he was still learning his way around. After four months in Cork, he had so much to show us. Will took us to his favorite pubs, to meet up with the lads from his ultimate frisbee team. We were on his turf, and he was the tour guide.
From Cork we drove west to Dingle, where Will took us to the unforgettable Foxy Johns hardware store. Then up the Atlantic Way, to places new for all of us, including our splurge stay at Ballynahinch Castle. Finally out of the lush green hills and into the urban scene in Dublin. With Will as the seasoned local every day involved a pub with live music and a Guinness, which is a pretty good way to wrap up a day.
Before his semester, exploring Ireland was on my destinations list but it was nowhere near the top of the list. I’m not sure when we would have actually made it to that lovely green island. When I think back on our most memorable, fun, and surprising family travels,I’d put our week-long Ireland tour near the top of the list. Will’s study abroad turned out to be a treat for all of us.