This is a guest blog post from our student social media ambassador, Iz. Currently studying abroad on the semester program, “Conflict, Peace, and Transition in Northern Ireland” at our program in Derry-Londonderry.

Reflections from My First Month in Northern Ireland: A Journey of Learning, Connection, and New Beginnings

As I reflect on my first month in Northern Ireland, I am struck by the profound sense of growth, both personal and academic, that I’ve experienced so far. The opportunity to be part of the Augsburg CGEE Peace, Conflict, and Transition program has been truly transformative, and I’ve found myself developing deep connections not only with my fellow group members but also with this beautiful, yet complex, place.

One of the highlights of the month was our retreat to Corrymeela in Ballycastle, a serene and reflective space that allowed us to open up and talk through our thoughts on social activism, our interests, and how these fit into the larger scope of the program. At Corrymeela, we were encouraged to take time to reflect, build meaningful relationships with one another, and start understanding the impact of our work here in Northern Ireland and back home in the U.S. Continue reading “Reflections from My First Month in Northern Ireland” →

This is a guest blog post from our student social media ambassador, Garrett. Currently studying abroad on the semester program, “Conflict, Peace, and Transition in Northern Ireland” at our program in Derry-Londonderry.

And we’re back, coming to you from Northern Ireland!

Everything seems to be moving so quickly these last couple weeks here in Derry. As we near the end of our semester, we bring our internships to a close, saying goodbye to coworkers and friends, and saying hello to the semi-annual thrill all students anticipate: final papers!

That aside, we’ve had a very pleasant November (almost too pleasant, I miss the Minnesotan chill). A couple weeks ago, Nigel took our seminar to Roe Valley, where we took a turn along the River Roe after brunch. The autumn colors have turned so beautifully out there, and us four Americans were glad for the time to relax, chat, and take it in.

My internship moved along quickly. This month featured a number of music artists performing in our space: Ruá, Frankie Archer, Súil, and Elephant Sessions. Mostly modernized trad, setting up for the events and then either working or attending them was a lot of fun, and it was great to see these both local and national talents work their craft. The Elephant Sessions performance (think almost Scottish trad music rave) even worked out for everyone’s schedules, and I brought some of the American flatmates for a night out! That said, I was sad to be wrapping up my internship. I was able to finish up the report I’d been working on about previous intern experience and hand that in. I also got a chance to sit in on one last flute workshop at the local primary school, helping my coworker Andrew with quizzes and focus games. On my last day, the office came together for a little send-off over tea. It was so cute, and I’m so grateful for the time and welcome they shared with me. I hope to keep checking in on them from time to time. Continue reading “Final Weeks in Northern Ireland” →

This is a guest blog post from our student social media ambassador, Garrett. Currently studying abroad on the semester program, “Conflict, Peace, and Transition in Northern Ireland” at our program in Derry-Londonderry.

Halloween at New Gate (my internship) went off without a hitch, and I am now the happy owner of a DeLorean photo op! For my part in the performance, I threw on a Hawaiian shirt and rattled away on a prop piano (pronounced: broken, out of tune piano) with strobe lighting above and highland dancers below. Over the 3 nights we had probably thousands of people watch, grooving along to Johnny B. Goode and The Power of Love, and I was even able to swap out with a coworker’s daughter to watch the performance myself. It was incredible! I’m so proud to work with these incredible artists, and I hope events like this can continue to enrich the arts here in the Fountain neighborhood.

October also featured our group’s week away to the southern border counties of Tyrone, Fermanagh, and Armagh. With a stop to the Ulster American Folk Park, Nigel (our program director) released us back to the wilds of the States, treading out the journey of migrants from the Emerald Isle to the New World. So many cute era shops, but more importantly a great sense of the history binding these Ulstermen to the proud Scotch-Irish we know back home. We got a pretty incredible tour, and heard some great stories from local period actors. We even got to burn some peat! Incredible earthy smell, but all it could make me think of was how much I missed the smell of firewood back home! They don’t burn much wood here… Continue reading “Update from Derry~Londonderry!” →

This is a guest blog post from our student social media ambassador, Garrett. Currently studying abroad on the semester program, “Conflict, Peace, and Transition in Northern Ireland” at our program in Derry-Londonderry.

Since touching down in Northern Ireland at the end of August, it feels as if it’s been nothing but go-go-go! Our wee group of four have been so welcomed by the university, city, and country that is hosting us. Of course, what those welcomers are called is part of what we’re studying here. Just recently our Ulster University campus has been renamed from the Magee Campus to the Derry ~ Londonderry Campus. The city to some is known as Derry. To others as Londonderry. The country is sometimes called Northern Ireland, other times simply the North. We as students have spent the last four weeks learning why. Continue reading “A Warm Welcome to Derry-Londonderry” →

This is a guest blog post from our student social media ambassador, Kathryn. Currently studying abroad on the semester program, “Conflict, Peace, and Transition in Northern Ireland” at our newest location in Derry-Londonderry.

Hello everyone! My name is Kathryn, it is my third week here in Northern Ireland and I am having such an amazing and fulfilling experience. We spent the first week exploring the coast and getting familiar with the culture. The scenery is so breathtaking and the locals are so friendly! Continue reading “Student Ambassador Post: First Weeks in Northern Ireland” →