Saige Hengeveld

Overall Experience

My four‑week summer program at University College Cork in Ireland was an engaging and memorable academic experience. The first two weeks focused on Irish history, offering rich lectures that connected political, social, and cultural developments across centuries. The following two weeks explored Irish identity, allowing us to examine language, tradition, and contemporary perspectives. During the middle portion of the program, I participated in a voluntary Gaeilge language class, which added depth and authenticity to the curriculum. The lecturers were consistently great! They were all knowledgeable, engaging, and genuinely passionate about their fields. Cork itself was a lovely city to study in, with welcoming people and a vibrant atmosphere. UCC organized several field trips that complemented our coursework, and we also arranged additional excursions on our own. My classmates came from many different places, creating a diverse and supportive learning environment that made the experience even more meaningful.

Learning experience

The most valuable learning experience I had during my time in Cork came from being fully immersed in a culture different from my own. Sitting in lectures about Irish history and identity was meaningful, but the real learning happened in the everyday moments, listening to classmates from all over the world, hearing how their backgrounds shaped their perspectives, and realizing how much identity influences the way people communicate, connect, and cope. Taking the voluntary Gaeilge class pushed me outside my comfort zone and reminded me what it feels like to be the learner instead of the expert, which is a feeling I want to stay connected to as a future counselor. This experience taught me to slow down, ask better questions, and never assume I understand someone’s story without truly listening. It strengthened my belief that cultural awareness isn’t optional in counseling; it’s foundational to doing the work well.

Memorable experience

The most memorable experience from my time in Ireland was the field trip the university organized to Ardmore and Lismore. In Ardmore, we walked through a quiet cemetery where the remains of an old church still stood. The graves were beautiful each one unique and carefully kept. After exploring the site, we took a short walk down to the beach. It was stunning, and it became even more unforgettable when I realized the shoreline was covered in jellyfish. I had never seen a jellyfish in person before, so standing there watching them drift in the water felt surreal. Later that day, we traveled to Lismore to see the castle and its gardens. The castle looked like something out of a storybook, and the gardens surrounding it were peaceful and full of color. Experiencing both places in one day made it the moment that stayed with me the most.

What did you not expect?

One thing that genuinely surprised me in Ireland was how common it is to live without air conditioning and how differently people approach tipping. At first, both things felt unusual because they’re such normal parts of daily life in the United States. But experiencing them firsthand made me realize how quickly our expectations are shaped by our own culture. It reminded me that what feels “standard” or “polite” in one place can be completely different somewhere else. This has already influenced how I think about my future work as a marriage and family counselor. It taught me to pause before assuming that someone’s habits, reactions, or choices come from the same cultural framework as mine. Instead, I want to approach people with more curiosity and less judgment. In my life overall, it encouraged me to be more flexible and open to new ways of living, even when they challenge my comfort zone.

What advice would you give?

My biggest advice for students who want to study abroad is to go in with an open mind and a willingness to be uncomfortable in the best way. Some of the most meaningful parts of my experience came from things I didn’t expect like adjusting to no air conditioning, learning new social norms, or navigating a different pace of life. Those moments taught me flexibility and helped me appreciate cultural differences instead of resisting them. I’d also encourage students to take advantage of every opportunity their program offers. The field trips, the lectures, and even the optional classes ended up being some of the most memorable parts of my time abroad. Say yes to exploring, even when you’re tired. Talk to people in your program, especially those from different backgrounds. And most importantly, let yourself be present. Studying abroad isn’t just about learning it’s about letting the experience change you in ways you don’t expect

How has this experience impacted your life?

My experience at University College Cork has had a meaningful impact on my personal growth, academic development, and long‑term career goals. Spending four weeks immersed in Irish history, identity, and language broadened my understanding of how culture shapes people’s experiences, values, and relationships. As someone pursuing a career in marriage and family counseling, this exposure strengthened my commitment to becoming an open‑minded and culturally responsive practitioner. Learning alongside classmates from diverse backgrounds helped me appreciate the importance of listening without assumptions and recognizing the complexity of identity. The program also reinforced my educational goals by deepening my interest in human development and cross‑cultural communication. In the long term, this experience will influence how I approach clients, encouraging me to consider cultural context, honor individual stories, and create a therapeutic environment where people feel understood. It reminded me that effective counseling begins with curiosity, empathy, and respect for difference.

How did you learn about this experience?

I learned about this program through the Iowa State Study Abroad website. I knew I wanted to go somewhere, and Cork seemed like a good fit for me.

International Connections