Meeting Peter
I finally got the opportunity to meet most of the people I will be traveling with this May at an information session hosted by our teacher, Melissa, and our Ireland tour guide, Peter Clarke. At the session, we enjoyed delicious cookies and great conversation. I can't wait for the trip after meeting my fellow travelers. Everyone seems so kind and as excited as me! Meeting Peter was definitely the highlight of my day. He will be picking us up when we arrive at the airport in Dublin and continue to be our tour guide for the remainder of our trip. He is the most knowledgable person of all things Irish. He explained the current financial situation in Ireland and gave us a brief history of the country. We also learned some key expressions and terms we'll need to know in Ireland like hookers and craic. In Ireland, craic (pronounced like crack) is just having a good time with people, and hookers are sail boats. We also learned that ordering bacon will only result in receiving ham. If we need to get anywhere, it is imperative to ask for a "lift" not a "ride". I loved hearing the sayings that are common in Ireland and comparing them to our American sayings. Peter's best advice for the trip is to meet as many people as possible. To meet as many people as possible, Peter suggests hanging out at the pubs and asking people for directions. I plan on following his advice to the "t"!
I've been accepted... now what?
Here on this "Prior to Takeoff" page I'd like to include some great information for traveling, meetings I've had thus far about the trip, and other tidbits that occur before I actually step foot on foreign soils. First off, I'd like to announce that the application process was a breeze. Luckily, the Fisher College of Business made the study abroad application painless and simple to fill out. I can't stress how important having a passport is though! (Yes, I did wait until November to get mine, but at least I got one.) After being accepted into the program, there is a long period of waiting. The trip isn't until May, but applications were due in February. Unfortunately for procrastinators, applications were accepted in December and all the spots for the trip were full by January. If you want to participate in the Freshman Global Lab, YOU MUST APPLY ASAP. That's my best advice to you. Beginning the end of January we'll meet the others who are going on the trip and begin making travel arrangements. Booking a flight is done completely on your own, which is daunting, but easily managed if you schedule ahead of time. Until the trip, I will continue to post fun travel updates and packing tips. Until next time, arrivederci!