Another reading break has come and gone signifying the beginning of the end…of semester. Professors are beginning their final preparations, for some classes this means reviewing exam structure and practice questions, for others it is the assignment of final essay topics, regardless, the feeling of time flying by is shared by most students (especially for those of us who will be returning home). I swear only last week it was the middle of October and it feels like there is no time at all till I’ll be writing my final exams, boarding a plane, and leaving this beautiful country. I hope that as the semester comes to a close I am able to balance studying with exploring, as there is still much I’d like to see around Ireland. For now though, I hope you enjoy these photos of the unique and beautiful street art I found around the streets of Waterford.

• Ralie G.
  

  

  

  

  

Here’s a fun fact about me: October is my favourite month. Back home it usually marks the wonderful changing of seasons, and an inexplicable feeling of comfort as the weather grows colder, the leaves change colour, and Halloween draws closer; bringing with it spooktacular spooktacular fun. October in Waterford was markedly different. The weather remarkably stayed quite mild, with the only hint of seasons changing being the slight decrease in nighttime temperature and a more frequent occurrence of rain (no complaints here). There were hardly any decorations to suggest that Halloween approached, a sight that usually begins rather early back home and was sorely missed by me this year. Though I kept my eyes peeled there did not seem to be any events to mark Halloween, or perhaps more appropriately, Samhain, aside from pub centred events which although a time honoured tradition, did not peek my interest (a very non-Irish statement to be sure). Do not take this as a negative experience though, as my Autumn wishes came to fruition through the kindness of one of my volleyball teammates, Daniela. Due to her generosity I spent a weekend with her family in Dunmore. I was treated to a community tradition called “Apple Day” which involved the making of apple sauce and apple juice from fallen orchard apples, and eating fresh, homemade, donuts that I helped roll and cutout. As if that wasn’t enough, I was also able to get some more exploring (and exercise) in by walking the Dunmore cliffs- the photos don’t even begin to do them justice, but I had to share the beauty that I witnessed.

• Ralie G.
  

  

  

  

  

I have been in Ireland only a month so far, but in that time I have met some amazing people from Belgium, Brazil, Australia, Canada, and of course Ireland. Together we have been exploring what Waterford and other parts of Ireland has to offer. On September 27^th, my friends and I rented a car for the weekend and drove up to Galway and discovered around that area. Then we drove south to a couple castles and eventually to see the Cliffs of Moher. That was the highlight of the weekend trip as the view along the cliff’s edge was incredible. I watched people sit on the edge of the cliffs, dangling their feet over the 700ft drop. We also drove to Dunmore Cave and to Kilkenny Castle.

The building I take my classes in at Waterford Institute of Technology is a neat building because of its history. It is comprised of 19^th century and early 20^th century buildings, which include a chapel. Being able to take courses in this building makes for an interesting experience as I am surrounded by history and learning.

I am looking forward to the next 3 months here and what other adventures I will have the privilege of going on.

Ben G.

I have wanted to travel to Ireland for 10 years, admittedly the plan had always been to go with family, in particular my Irish brother. It had never occurred to me that I would be given the opportunity to go on a student exchange for 4 months in my college career, yet here I am, living in the country of my dreams while pursuing my academic and career goals among some of the most beautiful scenery and kind people I have had the privilege of experiencing in my young life. 1 Month in and routines are starting to settle while some have yet to established *cough* Gym *cough*, although I am happy to report that I managed to find a volleyball team, one that has only just returned to WIT after 14 years! My classes have been finalized which means the madness of uncertain, and constantly changing timetables has been left in September, along with the whirlwind of emotions that comes with flying 10 hours across seas by ones self to a completely new country, and timezone *yawn*. Thus far any exploring has been predominantly limited to the distances I can cover on foot, however, a trip to Cork was made possible by an adventurous new friend and the experience did not disappoint; nor did the scenery.

• Ralie G.

March 29^th – April 30^th

This blog entry will account for my most recent months experience as an international student in Ireland. April marked the end of most students stay in Ireland. Exams took place mid-month and the majority of students have since returned to their respective countries. The two courses that have officially been completed were ‘Gender Crime & Criminal Justice’ as well as ‘Policing & the Police’. Both modules had an essay worth 50% in place of a midterm. After countless hours of studying I wrote both in class exams worth 50% to complete each module. I feel quite confident with how the modules went and thoroughly enjoyed the content. This leaves me with my formal 100% exam in early May to complete my final semester. Due to the fact my ‘Social Ethics’ exam is weighted entirely on one exam, I have been studying the greater portion of April in order to finish on a strong note. I currently am writing from Murcia, Spain. I planned this week in order to visit my distant family who lives here and it has been a great opportunity to meet them.

During this semester abroad, I’ve observed that if course work and extra-curricular activities are prioritized efficiently, students have the chance to visit countries elsewhere in Europe because they are close in proximity. During this month I’ve also taken the initiative to visit more sites throughout the city. With Waterford being the oldest city in Ireland, there is plenty of beautiful cites and historical buildings to be seen. Additionally, with only a week left of exam preparation, I have started planning my trips following the completion of my semester. Being able to tour Europe this summer is filling me with anticipation. While examinations are nearly complete, lectures over, and Erasmus students leaving, I’ve begun to reflect on just how fast the experience has gone by. With the close bonds I have made with my roommate Ian, I am starting to come to the realization that in 2 week’s we will be parting ways. Throughout the entirety of this journey we have been experiencing things side by side and we both have a sense of “home” in Ireland. It is saddening to think fairly soon the apartment in which many memories have been made will be bare and empty. However, all good things must come to an end and a part of me will forever be in Ireland. For any student thinking of applying for this scholarship, I advise you to not hesitate. It has been the greatest experience of my life to date and the only downside is just how fast it goes by. Studying abroad has given me a whole new perspective on the world and an appreciation for traveling. In just 2 weeks’ time, my friend from Canada will be flying into Dublin so that we can explore the entirety of Europe with just a backpack. I am eager to begin that adventure but am forever thankful for being a part of this once in a lifetime experience. A final blog post will be made following the completion of my exam.

Liam

I’d like to dedicate this post to outline my progress as student at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT), the opportunities and programs offered, and finally the comradery of all Erasmus students. At this point in the semester, there are three weeks left of lectures. All students have received their exam time table. Needless to say, studying is quite the priority for many as of now. Following the end of lectures, there is a 3 week break that includes Easter break and reading week. Many of my courses are completed before this break because they are continuous assessment (CA); without final. Therefore, I only have one exam. I decided to utilize one week in order to visit my family in Murcia, Spain. Many students are using the break to either visit family, travel Eastern Europe, or take a break from school. Lectures and tutorials have remained intriguing and have proven successful in broadening my views on not only the criminal justice system (CJS) but society as a whole. Having the ability to contrast the differences and similarities between Canada and Ireland’s CJS has been fascinating. In regards to WIT’s programs offered, there are a vast amount of sport’s teams, clubs, and groups available. Many in which meet within their respective department of study. While living in Riverwalk, I have noticed it is heavily populated by international students. This have given me the opportunity to connect with the vast majority of cultures around the world. The international student group in Riverwalk have a connection with each other. Socializing and being immersed within a cultural diverse community has been one of my favorite aspects of this exchange so far. There are many social outings held by either WIT, the international exchange committee, or the students themselves. As a group, we enjoyed all of what Saint Patrick’s Day in Ireland had to offer. Whether that be the parades, miniature carnivals, or renowned pubs. I quite enjoyed the energy that traditional Irish music brought to the city and people. In early April all international students have been invited to a ‘learn to surf’ activity held by WIT. This will take place in the city of Tramore which is not too far from Waterford. Activities and meetings are constantly being arranged and it is always a pleasure to attend them. As of this week up until the completion of lectures and classes, many of the activities and events will be on hold as the priority is to study. Having 100% exams are quite daunting as I have never experienced such a heavily weighted test. However, I am excited to test my educational capabilities while enjoying the benefits of studying abroad. The experience to date has been nothing short of life changing and am surprised with how fast time is progressing. I am looking forward to what WIT and Ireland has to offer in my last portion of schooling here.

I’d like to dedicate this post account to my accommodations, Erasmus orientations, and student life here at the Waterford Institute of Technology. I began my journey to Ireland a few weeks early in order to gain an understanding for the culture and mannerisms. I spent my time in the city of Cork as well as Belfast (Northern Ireland) with my family and took part of all the customary tourist activities such as visiting Blarney Stone, Ring of Kerry, and many more. By trying their food, adjusting to the eight hour time change, and seeing the country itself, I quickly began to immerse myself in all of what Ireland has to offer.

After the time spent with my family, I packed my things once again and began my next chapter in Waterford City. My decision to reside in Riverwalk was based upon the recommendations of the Justice Institute, and I could not be happier. The apartment blocks are located between College Street and the Main Campus. Both being a 15 minute walk. The apartment blocks are divided into six separate buildings with four floors and roughly five rooms per floor. My roommates and I are located in the second block on the second floor. The room consists of 2 single occupancy beds and a double occupancy room. The occupants are international students and Irish locals and they are delight to share an accommodation with.

To elaborate further on the location of Riverwalk, I would say it is the most convenient of student apartments in Waterford. With the City Center being approximately 10 minutes away and either campus a 15 minute, nothing is too strenuous or time consuming to walk.

Over the next couple days, I gained my bearings and got a feel for the city by joining a gym, meeting other international students from France, Netherlands, and Spain, as well as becoming familiar with grocery stores, bus routes, and other landmarks.

On January 10^th, all international students from Erasmus and different study abroad programs were required to attend an orientation day. This is where we received a comprehensive tour of both campuses, staff, and even an on-campus bar called “The Dome”, where students typically meet to socialize and have a few drinks. Additionally, we received our WIT cards that allow us to access the library, printers and photocopiers, and other useful features. When concluding the orientation, our group of international students took a picture and were invited to “The Dome Bar” to meet other students from various countries.

I proceeded to meet a lot of my current friends at this gathering and enjoyed all of what WIT offered to us on orientation day. It was a very welcoming and enjoyable experience. Over the past two weeks, I have been attending all the lectures and tutorials that I can in order to select modules that suit me best. I quickly learned that the classroom sizes were just as small as Justice Institute’s and this was a pleasant surprise as it is an environment in which I have come quite accustom to and enjoy. I am looking forward to upcoming months to fully embrace this amazing opportunity.

Liam

I returned to Canada after spending two weeks celebrating Christmas in France and New Years in Spain.  It was the perfect ending to my trip, spending it with close friends. I met their families, tried their food (alioli is amazing), and experienced their culture. This has been an experience that I’ll never forget and the journey was everything I wanted it to be and more. The trip home was pretty exhausting, I spent the night in an airport and then had a 24 hour journey home with two connecting flights, but it was worth it.

One of the things that sold me on attending the Justice Institute of British Columbia, was when I first met with a councillor to inquire about the LESD program, she told me about the opportunity to go to Ireland. It took a lot of hard work and determination to earn the scholarship and opportunity to go but it was something that I wanted to experience. I still can’t believe I earned it. It wasn’t easy to complete the application package for the scholarship, and I almost decided not to, but decided I would rather take the opportunity than have the opportunity pass me by.  In the end it worked out perfectly.  If there is one thing future students can learn from this is that even if you think you can’t achieve something, try anyways.  You might just surprise yourself in the end as to what you’re able to achieve when you put your mind to it.

Taking part in the exchange to Waterford Institute of Technology was one of the best experiences of my life, and I would do it again in a second if I could.  I have traveled quite a bit so adjusting to life in Ireland wasn’t hard for me.  I didn’t really miss being away from home at all but to be honest, I have found it a lot more difficult being back home.  It’s been a tough week for me.

I can’t really say I was a huge fan of the school experience in that I didn’t like the 100% exam at the end, and I find the Justice Institute to be a more professional atmosphere, which I prefer. However, I did learn a lot about the Irish justice system and what life is like over there.  It has really opened my eyes and makes me more grateful for what I have in Canada.

For future students who are thinking about applying, I can guarantee that the experience will be life changing.  You will see sites that are breathtaking, go on adventures that you will never forget, and will meet people who might just change your life.

I have noticed that a great many students who first start out in the LESD program are very young, many fresh out of high school, and with little life experience.  If it’s one thing I know, it is that traveling is a great life experience.  I hope future students take advantage of this opportunity and apply for the two scholarships available.  It is something that will help you mature in ways that you never imagined and looks fantastic on your resume.

Kyle

It’s hard to believe that my exchange experience has come to an end. When I look back, it feels like it was just a couple of weeks. The international exchange scholarship was one that shaped my view of life and enlightened aspects of the real world. I am glad that I was able to experience this journey at a young age as I strongly believe it will impact my future decision making. I highly recommend this exchange to future LESD students as your view of the role of law enforcement will become stronger.

My last few weeks in Waterford involved lots of studying and Starbucks. My friend, Seena, and I spent countless hours studying for our exams. The exam dates came around much quicker than we had anticipated. The exam structure is much different than at home as the exam included five essay style questions where you had to pick three. My two final exams were Victimology, and Incarceration and the Law. I found both exams to be fairly easy as luckily all of the questions I spent many hours studying were on the exam. It must have been the luck of the Irish. After walking out of my last exam it didn’t hit me that I was all done my semester in Ireland as I felt like I had more studying to do. I believe that Seena and I think of Locus Standi and Habeas Corpus before we sleep at night.

It was strange when December 21st rolled around and I finally got to start packing my room up. The whole trip I was looking forward to that day, but when I had everything packed and the walls were bare again it was somewhat sad. There were a lot of goodbyes that week to friends and teachers, but I’m hoping there will be a reunion in the near future because I miss them already.

The night before I came home I decided to splurge and stay in a hotel the night before my flight. It was almost necessary to stay in Dublin before leaving as Waterford is over a 2 hour journey. My flight was scheduled to leave at 12:25pm, however fog decided to delay the flight by 2 hours. This delay slightly altered my itinerary. It was a tiring and frustrating journey home, but I had forgotten all about it when I finally arrived home. Life is getting back to normal and classes are up and running at the JI now, as if I had never left.

Although I had a rough start, I wouldn’t change this experience for the world. I made many forever friends and have experiences that will assist me in my future. Many people say 2016 was the worst year of their life, but for me, I think it was my best. I have the best job and school, and I got the chance to live in Ireland for four months. I don’t think many people can say that. I highly recommend this experience to future students as it will change your life for the positive, I promise.

Emma