Study Abroad Experiences

Wouldn’t it be cool to spend St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin or dive off cliffs on a Mediterranean island?

When junior communication major Matt Kopina “got out of his Midwest bubble” to study at the University of Limerick in Ireland for a semester, he changed his perspective on the world. Now, he encourages others who are adventurous and curious to consider studying abroad.

Matt, a native of Wooster, Ohio, who plans to work for Sherwin Williams after graduation, said he’d always wanted to go to visit the lush green island. In addition to seeing all the tourist highlights – castles, moors, cliffs and hillsides, Matt also became immersed in Irish culture. He took classes in Irish folklore and Irish music, song and dance. After a couple of weeks, he became more comfortable with the speed and rhythm of the English language in Ireland.

While studying abroad, Matt also took advantage of opportunities to travel. Over his “spring break,” he went with other American students to Ibiza, Spain, an island in the Mediterranean. The highlights of the excursion included a moped tour of the island and cliff diving.

“If you have the option to go anywhere and get college credit through the program – definitely go,” Matt said. “You’ll see so many things and meet so many people. It’s really too bad more people don’t take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad.”

For more information about study abroad opportunities, contact Haseeb Kazi, Ph.D., director of study abroad, at 260.665.4248 or kazih@trine.edu.