After a jam packed first two weeks with MUISS the international students were settled in and ready for the second half of their stay. New friendships had formed and the atmosphere was amazing around campus as the students enjoyed even more trips and activities as part of their study abroad experience here in Maynooth.
The second weekend of the programme was a busy one as our students travelled up to the northern coast of Ireland to view the famous Giants Causeway in County Antrim on Saturday. The students were in awe at the beauty of the landscape as well as the enchanting myth attached to the basalt columns. I think I speak on behalf of all of our students when I say this trip was unforgettable. On the Sunday our students eagerly piled into buses as we travelled to Glendalough in County Wicklow. A sing along broke out on the bus as we travelled to view the early medieval monastic settlement and glacial V shaped valley. The landscape at Glendalough stunned our students as they viewed the lakes and mountains of Wicklow and some lucky students caught a glimpse of the wildlife at Glendalough which included several friendly deer. After learning the history of Glendalough in the visitor’s centre we drove to the coastal town of Dún Laoghaire in county Dublin. The students enjoyed walking along the pier, some went for a quick swim and others enjoyed some ice cream by the sea.
The busy weekend brought us into our third week in Maynooth. Our students enjoyed more classes and trips all around the country and local activities. Some of the field trips included; Our international marketing class travelled to Microsoft headquarters in Dublin. Here the students received a private tour of the modern offices and learned a lot about business and marketing. Our public speaking students received a tour of Glasnevin cemetery to view the graves and learn about some of Ireland’s most influential politicians and public speakers such as Michael Collins and Eamon De Valera. Our climate change students got to take part in the fun and interactive experience of the ‘Cool Planet’ exhibition in Powerscourt estate. Our Ireland and the famine students attended the EPIC museum in Dublin where they learned all about Ireland’s long history of immigration through the interactive experience.
Our students from University of North Texas went on two trips throughout the week, one to Dublin castle and one to the historical and lively town of Kilkenny where they viewed the famous castle and enjoyed the atmosphere of the area. The MUISS computer science class received a private tour of the national stud and Japanese gardens where they learned about horse breeding and walked through the garden of life. Our business and social media students travelled to Galway to the EA headquarters where they learned all about social media and how it is used in the modern business world.
Our final trip was our overnight trip to Galway, Ireland’s city of culture. Our students travelled to the west coast where they had a free day to explore the city, soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the streets performers and shop. Many students enjoyed the famous nightlife of the area that night before going to bed for an early start the next day. On the second day of the trip MUISS travelled to the famous and breath-taking Cliffs of Moher. The students snapped pictures and relaxed by the stunning views before we headed back to Maynooth for our final week of the programme.
The Students took part in several activities over the last two weeks including a karaoke night in the local pub where the students demonstrated their vocal skills. The students also took part in several GAA matches with many students displaying a real natural talent for the sport. The students busted out some moves during a traditional Irish céilí and many students attended our departures night which included food and a Maynooth trivia competition where we put the student’s knowledge of the last month to the test. The departures event was followed by an optional night out in Dublin where the students enjoyed the nightlife in the capital for one last time as part of the programme.
The inevitable departures day arrived and it was time to say goodbye to the students as they returned to their hometowns all over the world. The buses arrived in Maynooth to transfer the students to Dublin airport and it was time to say “goodbye” to our new friends. Tears were shed as the students either travelled back home or went on to explore more of Europe. Although the goodbye was an upsetting time for many students that just showed what a life changing experience this last month was and no matter where they have moved on to they know they will always have a second home here in Maynooth.
Article written by MUISS Coordinator Ann-Marie Browne