Psychology majors studying abroad this semester share their experiences (Part 2 of a 3 part series)
Baelyn Duffy: Semester Abroad in Ireland
My name is Baelyn Duffy and I am a junior psychology major at Saint Anselm College and currently a “third-year” student at the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), where I am studying for the semester! I was initially hesitant to look into studying abroad. I was unsure if I could make a semester abroad fit into my already tight schedule. However, once I began researching schools and asking around the psychology department, I realized that studying abroad as a psychology major is not only doable but is an incredible opportunity to learn more about psychology, possibly from a whole new perspective! Going abroad also allowed me
to study at a much larger school in Ireland, which means there are different resources available here including more course options, faculty members, and an entire building on campus dedicated solely to the psychology department! As for the psychology classes I am taking here, I originally had three pre-approved through Saint A’s registration. Unfortunately, all three of those classes had a session on Friday, and with traveling being a top priority of mine while abroad, I decided to not take any Friday classes so that I would have more flexibility to trav
el on the weekends. So, instead I decided to take a social psychology course here because it meets on Thursdays and I can receive course credit for it back home. I am currently halfway through the semester and I am loving this course! Not only is social psych my favorite area within the field, but this course is one that is taught by multiple professors, so I have been able to learn from three different teachers so far – and I have loved them all! In terms of course work, I just handed in my midterm assignment which had to do with analyzing experimental studies and writing a report on the findings. We also have to participate in several psychology studies throughout the semester, which is helpful because it has got me thinking more about my thesis which is right around the corner! :) Overall, I am having an incredible time enjoying the beautiful landscape, rich culture, and friendly people that make up Ireland. In a short two months’ time, this place has really become a home away from home, filled with great memories, places traveled, and friendships made. I am learning so much here about Ireland, history, and of course, psychology, all while learning more about myself in the process! Studying abroad was definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made. So, if you are a psychology major thinking about studying abroad, I highly encourage you to head into the psych department, ask some questions, and figure out how to make it work with your own schedule, because if I can promise you one thing, it’s that you definitely won’t regret it!