Final Moments in Galway – Journals from Abroad

Sadly, the time has finally come for me to head back to the U.S. I am so sad to be leaving Galway, my friends, and overall this amazing experience. Once I finish my finals, my family will be joining me here in Ireland for the holidays, and then I will be going back home.

Throughout these last few weeks here, I have spent my time being so thankful for all of the wonderful memories I have made. I have loved meeting so many new friends, living with strangers who have become some of my favorite people, and exploring Europe. I know that I will be happy to be home and settled back into a routine, but I am going to miss Galway so much. There truly is nothing comparable to the time I have had studying abroad here, and am so grateful I got to do it.

Two boys and a girl standing and smiling — Me and two of my Irish roommates

Two girls wearing party hats smiling — My friend Fran from Boston!

Three girls smiling, holding drinks — Liza and Ciara from Australia

2 weeks later…

Finally, I am back at home in Oregon. Just as predicted, so sad to be done with my study abroad, but still reminiscing on all of the good times. I finished up my finals and said my good byes to all of my new friends. It was so hard to leave all of them, especially those who live all the way across the world. Two of my best friends that I have made are from Australia, and I don’t know when the next time I will see them will be. Even though it might be a while until I see all of my friends again, I know we will keep in touch and keep each other updated about our lives.

After we finished finals, my family came to Ireland and we explored the country before heading home. We visited King Johns Castle in Limerick, as well as spent Christmas in Killarney. We did the Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle, visited the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, and stayed in Northern Ireland.

6 people stand in the wind smiling — My family and I at the Cliffs of Moher on an especially windy day

6 people stand in front of a Guinness sign smiling — Me, my sisters and brother in laws!

Two girls smile holding drinks — My sister Lindsay and me.

5 people stand in front of an old building — My family and I at the University of Galway

Someone takes a picture of a man taking a picture of a couple — At the top of King John’s Castle

A family sitting at a table at lunch — My family and I on our first day back together

Two people smiling and hugging on a bus — My boyfriend and I on the way home from the Cliffs

And now, I am back home, waiting to start my final semester at Linfield. It’s so bitter sweet to be done with this experience, and I can only be thankful that I had the opportunity to do so. I am thankful for all of the help from IPO, and their constant support and availability. They made me feel safe and supported, even from across the world. If anyone is thinking about doing a study abroad, I highly encourage it. Like I’ve said, it was one of the best experiences of my life, and you won’t regret the memories you will make.

I hope to visit Ireland again soon, because I will forever be connected to Ireland and Galway.

Thanks for following along!

Best,
Annie