Well I have now been in Ireland for almost one week. This has been an amazing experience thus far. It has been better than I could have ever imagined or asked for. We have been so busy seeing different attractions and landmarks. This week we also began at our placements.

Ireland is very different from the states. They drive on the opposite side of the road and the controls and steering wheel is on the right side (which would be the passenger side of the car back home). I get confused everytime we get into a vehicle. The people have been very friendly. They have been offering suggestions of places to go and things to do. Not to mention that they have been interested in having conversations with us and learning about our American ways.

Another observation would be that they take tea breaks frequently throughout the day. If one prefers they can have coffee, but tea is very popular. I have also observed that the work days are shorter, stores and restaurants close down earlier, and they are environmentally conscience (examples: there appears to not be hot water available in the afternoons due to it being conserved and in stores they have paper bags or reusable bags for sale).

My placement site is a day program, which has 23 adult women currently. The clients are referred to as service users. They are more independent than I expected, however they do have some form of an intellectual disability.  Most of the service users at my placement live in an independent living community setting. Others live at home with their parents. Some of the service users are able to walk to the center daily while a few others ride the bus. Some of the ladies are able to come and go as they please.

Their day usually consists of working on a craft activity such as knitting, latch hook, making collages, needle point, jewelry making, sewing, etc...  The crafts that they make are sold at different craft shows/ markets to raise money for the center. The women also participate in activities weekly such as cookery and fitness classes. I did learn that the service users are offered other classes, but many have come to an end. At the center the year is slowly winding down and the women will be breaking for '' holidays'', which is vacation.

I spent my first few days at my placement getting to know the ladies. I sat and talked with them about where they are from and the kinds of hobbies they enjoy.  I also assisted with a few art activities. I had some problems understanding some of their accents and some service users language capabilities. When I had troubled comprehending the staff were there to help intrepret or other service users assisted me. It's strange not have to demonstrate productivity by proving what I did for the day. Particulary at my job site back at home every minute of the day must be productive and what I did must be documented. I do not feel that same pressure here. The environment is more laid back and stress free. Thus far I have felt supported and I am enjoying my site.

Here it is the night before my big life altering experience. Tomorrow at this time I will be flying high in the sky and on my way to Ireland. I cannot believe that this day has arrived. The idea of me traveling to Ireland is still surreal.

 The moment I learned about the opportunity to travel abroad to study in Ireland I knew I wanted to go. The reason I want to study abroad is because I believe that while working in the counseling field I should be culturally diverse.

 I believe that my time in Ireland will allow me the opportunity to get to know another culture. I will get to learn another way of life outside of our western lifestyles. Another reason I want to study abroad is because I am looking for personal growth inside myself. By taking advantage of this opportunity I am stepping completely outside of my comfort zone and taking risks, which will reap great reward in due time.

My last reason I chose to study abroad is because the course includes 90 hours hands on experience. I believe these hands on experiences are very fundamental in learning, and will enhance the material presented in class and through textbook readings.

While abroad my main goal is professional enrichment and gaining cultural competency. I would like to learn about healthcare in Ireland. I am interested in how their healthcare system works in comparison to the healthcare system in the United States. I am also interested in learning about the health concerns and how they addressing those problems, more specifically I am interested in mental health issues.

 Outside of that I am interested in seeing the beauty that the country known as the Emerald Isle has to offer. I have heard so much about the beautiful landscape, the rolling green hills and fields that seem to go on forever. Then there are the ancient castles that sit along the coastlines.  I’d like to look beyond the stereotypical leprechauns and shamrocks and see what Ireland really has to offer including the heritage, people, and rich culture.

I expect to achieve my goals by spending time learning about the culture and taking part in the customs. I plan to travel and sightsee as much as possible and take in different aspects of living in Ireland. I also plan to fully commit myself to learning while at the work sites through my experiences and by talking with the locals.

While I am excited about traveling to Ireland I also have some fears. I am apprehensive about the long plane ride. This will be the longest flight I’ve been on to date. I hope that I don’t get too restless. I can also say that I am a little worried about being home sick. I think it will be hardest for me on May 26^th, which is my birthday. I am use to being surrounded by friends and family at that time, who celebrate with me.

When thinking about what I am looking to most; I honesty cannot say. I do not think that I am more excited about one experience over another. I think the entire trip will yield something memorable. That is including the good and bad. It all will lead to some type of change and growth.

Well goodnight I’m tired big day tomorrow.

Oh and may I say that I am Blessed and Highly Favored!!!!!!!