EIL Intercultural Learning

"I finally felt like an insider during my stay. I was in a home with a family and I enjoyed the feeling of security that comes with being with a family. I also learned about Irish culture by talking to the family and their friends and neighbours. They clued you in on the ins and outs of life here and it was refreshing. I also felt better knowing I could ask as many questions about life here and know I wouldn't be judged or viewed as an annoying visitor but as a friend."

"I gained a deeper understanding of Irish community My host mom and I would sit around the dinner table after we ate and talk about her children's education, taxes, their financial situation, love and marriage, grocery shopping and many more random subjects as they came up. Also, I picked up on a lot more Irish sayings from my family, which is awesomely helpful for meeting more Irish people and actually understanding what they mean."

"I really don't think you can understand the complexity of the situation, past & present, in Northern Ireland until you come and talk to people on all sides & perspectives. This trip has really helped me to see the conflict more from a perspective of what it must have been like to experience it instead of seeing it more abstractly as a series of political interactions."

"Every talk, lecture and tour was fantastic! Each lecturer brought a different aspect and perspective to the discussion on conflict in Northern Ireland. In particular I loved the tour of Stormont  - meeting the politicians was a unique and memorable experience."