Putting the "Study" in Study Abroad

(Scene from Giants Causeway)




Greetings, all. Big adventures afoot, before me and behind me. 2 countries, same coastline. Trying to solve social policy inadequacies. Having fun and living life to the fullest. If none of those interest you, you probably wouldn't care for this post.

For starters, the academic realm. Classes here are much different than at Mizzou. I have no tests, save for one take-home exam near the end of term. There are no quizzes, no steady flow of grading. Instead, I have essays. Six or so, to be somewhat precise. My days are filled with research, currently on social security and pensions in the United States. I have a 5000 word project to do on that subject. In addition, I have a 4000 word essay on prison systems/policy, a 3000 word essay taking a comparative look at the US welfare state, two 2500 word essays about different areas of EU policymaking, a 2000ish word essay about European Societies, and a presentation and speech this week to boot. I have no idea how I will have enough time for all of these. I may need to cut back on sleep, eat/exercise for shorter durations, or (my preference) get a Timeturner, Hermione Granger-style. However, I am really enjoying what I'm learning. Lots of great material, lots of new ideas and perspectives. I have access to wonderful academic opportunities, and I'm trying to take full advantage of them.

Thankfully there have been "abroad" experiences as well. I got to go to Northern Ireland with my study abroad group (about 32 of us) this past weekend. It was simply stunning. We only stayed in Belfast for a couple hours to do a black cab tour of noteworthy sites of the Troubles. Great tour, very informative. I got to leave a message on the "peace wall" separating a Catholic and Protestant neighborhood. Unity is a very good thing - we need more of it.




This is the peace wall in Belfast.












After Belfast we took a coach (bus) north to Portrush, a smaller town directly on the northern coast of the island. Our hotel was opposite a beach, and we visited some breathtaking touristy places around the area. Saturday we visited a rope bridge connecting an island to the mainland; the Bushmills whiskey distillery, oldest one in Ireland (1608); and Giants Causeway, a curious arrangement of naturally hexagonal-shaped rocks, cliffs, and some of the best views of my life.



Scenes from the rope bridge. It was a rainy, windy day, which added to the experience. People were shocked when I bounced on the bridge. Crazy kids...

I strongly encourage you to look at my pictures on Facebook. Much easier for me to upload and comment.

Incredible weekend, great people, great food, and scenery that I have locked into my memory for its immeasurable beauty. Please. Look at the pictures. Adjectives cannot properly convey what I'm getting to see and experience.

On the future "abroad" front, I will finally put my Italian education to use - I'm going to Italy for Reading Week, a week of no lectures and tutorials in which students are meant to catch up on reading and start essays. There's a reason I've already started most of this...I don't anticipate a great deal of actual reading during reading week. I am going to Venice and Bologna, and everything else is pretty up in the air. Furthermore, a friend from the other study abroad program and I are going to Malta for a couple days afterward. I know nothing about Malta. There is no way this won't be great...

Life is hectic. Life is good. I'm busy, but I'm getting the most out of this experience. I've made friends from Ireland, India, France, Italy, Malta, England and more, and they are wonderful. I am exceptionally grateful for the opportunities I have. Thanks to everyone who made it possible, especially my parents and grandparents. You are wonderful.

Much love,
Michael

Is the past tense of Irish "Irash?"

Just a musing. And amusing. You be the judge.

Returned yesterday from a short trip to London, primarily for business. And by business, I mean a standardized test. The testing itself was a great experience, believe it or not. It took place in a picturesque, Hogwartsian building for Ironmongers, which I believe means "those who mong iron." My testing room had an ornate vaulted ceiling adorned with plaster cherub faces, wood-paneled walls covered with coats of arms, and a delightful elderly British lady proctoring the exam.

Note for the world: Every standardized test should be proctored by an elderly British woman with a sense of humour. Makes for a wonderful testing experience.

Though the test was my primary purpose for my London trip, it was not the highlight. That honour (like the European spellings?) goes to the French/English/American family I stayed with. They were great - loads of fun, grand conversation (though I couldn't understand some of it), and warmhearted hospitality. Great adventure.

On Friday evening I got to see Winter's Bone, a movie set in southwest Missouri of all places. I hadn't heard of it, but those who were familiar with it assured me it was good, and were shocked that I was unaware of this movie, what with its Missouri focus. It was quite good. It depicted a scene of poverty that seems very possible in the Ozarks. Broken families, meth labs, a search for a father who missed his court date, a 17 year old girl responsible for her two younger siblings and her mentally sick mother, and even a (hardly) veiled reference to Truman State.

The movie was great, but here's what was on my mind following it. I watched this movie in London, presumably surrounded by Londoners. How many of them do you think were familiar with Missouri? This may be the only depiction they get. Insert one Missouri resident into this audience, familiar with some of Missouri but now presented with an untraditional look at poverty and familial duty. It wasn't the Missouri with which I'm familiar, but it was no less authentic. Except for the part with the chainsaw...but I won't ruin that part for you. Good broadening of horizons, funny scenario. Who would've thunk?

Now that my test is complete, I have large chunks of free time scattered throughout my week. Things that may fill this time:
-Busking practice; some lads and I have high hopes for music-ing on the streets of Dublin.
-Traveling; my frugality threatens to hold me back from visiting continental Europe. This will change.
-More debating! Last week's speech on Turkey joining the EU went well, loads of fun. This week's speech has me arguing in favor of legalising prostitution. Subtle shift, it is not.
-Furthering my goal of becoming a Scandinavian techno sensation. This one is still in the works.

Be sure to check out my pictures on Facebook. Beautiful scenes from the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, and more.

Oh yeah, my Elementary Irish classes are going well. Hopefully I'll be able to write a song in Irish by the end of the semester...

Slan,
Michael