(Written on 10/4 sorry for internet issues)
I’ve been at Maynooth University in Ireland for about three weeks now and a lot has happened. Orientation was interesting, but from the very beginning I noticed that there is a clear difference in communication style between Rollins and Maynooth. Everything has been “they’ll tell you later” or “they should’ve already told you that” and I can’t help but feel like I am missing some crucial information somewhere.
The first two weeks of classes were also a mess. I am having so many connection issues (sorry if this post is late because of that!) and figuring out which classes I was taking was impossible. A few of the classes I got approved were no longer being offered and as I am here for major credits this was a daunting obstacle. Luckily, I was able to get it sorted but I am still feeling frustrated with the communication from Maynooth.
Once I figured out my options for “modules”, I went to the introductory classes for a few interesting anthropology and early Irish heritage classes. Because of clashing times and strange field trip dates, I didn’t end up getting to attend two of my courses until this past week. This brings me to another major difference between Maynooth and Rollins; attendance. None of my professors take note of who is in class, and many post their lectures to their online academic service, Moodle. It has been strange, attending larger, non-interactive lectures and just being a face in the crowd. I miss the accountability of round table discussions at Rollins. And as much as I loved to hate the amount of busy work I was once assigned, I actually hate the lack of feedback and grades I am receiving here as I only have two or three essay assignments per class and no exams. Despite the frustration around classes, I am enjoying my time at Maynooth and its gorgeous campus.
When I had first arrived on campus, it was very late at night, quiet, and colder than home so naturally, I freaked out and cried… like a lot. It was weird being in a foreign place, alone and in a cold, undecorated dorm room. Luckily, I called up a fellow Rollins student doing the same program, we grabbed pizza and gushed about all the crazy emotions for the upcoming semester. I am so grateful for her help that night! I also met some really awesome friends at orientation who are mostly American, which I do feel somewhat guilty for, and one who is Dutch, and we have walked every crevice of the large, pretty campus by now. We’ve had an amazing time talking and debating about strange differences we’ve noticed or misconceptions we’ve had. We also took a very interesting trip to Galway where I stayed in my first hostel (I didn’t think it was bad at all but was informed it was really nice for a hostel so we’ll see) and took a ferry to the majestic Aran Islands. On our adventures, we’ve also become well acquainted with the public transport system and I actually really love taking the train. Most often, we take it to and from Dublin. I have quickly fallen in love with Dublin, it reminds me so much of Boston.
There’s so much more to say and I’m sure I’ll get a chance, but my mother is coming to visit tomorrow for a couple of days so I need to finish cleaning my dorm. She is a saviour and thankfully will be bringing me some essentials not available in Ireland, Portuguese spices! I haven’t been able to cook and I missed her so it’s a win-win for me!