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Alumni Testimonials

Kathleen Garvin Temple Dublin Summer 2008; Major: Magazine Journalism

Describe your best travel experience.

That would have to be my trip to Northern Ireland. It was a place I had to experience while over there! I took an all-day bus tour on July 4, and visited Carrick-a-Rede Island, Giant’s Causewaåy and County Derry. I took the trip by myself, and it was a wonderful experience. It was somewhat emotional since everyone back home was celebrating Independence Day - a holiday that had no meaning here. Nonetheless, I met a nice group of tourists and just had a great time exploring on my own, separate from my Temple study abroad group. The best moment was early in the day, driving through Belfast and reaching the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge and Island. At first it was kind of cold and cloudy, but as soon as I made my way down the trail to the rope bridge, the sun came out and the weather became balmy. I crossed the bridge, then sat on a grassy rock atop the island. I looked ahead of me and saw a small, winding dirt path leading to the edge of the cliff and out into the ocean. That was very symbolic for me because my path in life has had a lot of twists and turns, and I’m often unsure what my next step will be. In that moment, I reflected a lot on my life, and just felt very content and at peace.

How has this experience changed you?

This journey encompassed my first plane ride, first time out of the country and first time traveling with relative strangers. It was a great experience, and has only made me want to travel more and try new things.

What is one piece of advice you would pass along to someone who wants to study abroad?

Studying abroad can be expensive, and that hindered me initially, too. However, I think it’s worthy for college students to experience it, and a great investment. Money comes and goes, but time is something you can never get back!

Rachael Ferver Temple Dublin Summer 2007; Major: Advertising

"I have always wanted to study abroad, but it wasn’t until I saw Temple’s Dublin Program that I knew where. Ireland’s tone was so vastly different from that of the United States. The opportunity to be exposed to another culture in a learning environment ensured that I took as much as possible away with me when I left. During the summer month I spent there, studying media, I fell in love with their way of life. Studying abroad is something I recommend everyone do, and Temple Dublin was an experience I will never forget and often miss."