Preparing to Take Flight

Hi, fellow Gamecocks! Today is the day I take flight to Ireland to study at the University of Limerick. This Autumn 2025 semester will be the first time I will be flying alone, let alone being in a foreign country. Preparation for this journey has been a complex blend of many ingredients, including a main course of excitement and hints of nerves and stress. Studying abroad has been a lifelong dream of mine, from the application to housing placements, it has all become a reality. Within reality, though, come nerves. With departure day creeping closer, the what-ifs begin to appear, making you question everything. Although behind the curtain of nerves were all the things I planned to do while on the Emerald Isle. I read countless blogs and watched videos to prepare myself for what’s ahead. Although I may be prepared, no matter how much, I have made it a priority to embrace the unknown. A delayed flight or random changes in schedules are not within my control, so this experience is a real test of my ability to adapt and overcome the unplanned. A way to overcome these nerves is to ground yourself in the reason you chose to come. Studying abroad allows me to study in a foreign place, learn new culture, and live my life to the fullest while I can. No matter what challenges come my way, I plan to adapt and make the most of my time in Ireland.

Flight from EWR to SNN!

Here are a few tips I told myself when it came to pre-departure!

1) Research your location

I know this may be obvious, but look up places to go and eat. Although beyond that, look up other people’s experiences abroad as well. I watched other people's study abroad experiences and learned more about what to expect. Social media such as Instagram can be a good tool to help find fun things to do, as people tag the locations, making it easier to find. The steps you take in this journey are ones people have done before. You're not alone in how you feel, and it can be nice to see other people experiencing the same things. Also, it can help you pack, especially since Ireland is rainy and cold, so make sure you bring layers, waterproof boots, and a rain jacket.

2) Breathe!!!

You got this! If you're as nervous as I was when applying and then stressed about housing, you will figure it out. Just breathe. Everything will work out as it should, and most of the time it’s the outcome we want. The education abroad office at UofSC, as well as UL, is there to help you. Throughout the months leading up to departure, I called the office a cumulative of 20 times with little questions that would be stressing me out, and they were always there! So don't be afraid to ask questions and put everything you’ve got into what you do, and you're sure to succeed.

3) Live in the moment

As I prepare to leave, I have made sure to soak in as much of home as I can. I sat at every sunset, walked along all the coast, and lived in the moment as much as I could. These moments are something I will look back on while abroad and cherish while I am out making a new place home. While homesickness is real and sucks, living as much as you can in those last moments cushions the fall, as you know you will be able to experience that all again when you're back. The month up until today, I have cried too many times to count, although sitting here in the airport, I feel at peace. I feel ready to take on this journey and soak in every moment of it while I can, before I go home again.

Being dropped off at the airport!