Going to a new country with nothing but my passport and the somewhat familiar faces of other students was daunting. I can now say that there was nothing to be afraid of. I gained so much knowledge and an entire new friend group out of this experience. This trip was transformative for me. I have never been so immersed in what I was learning, and can now understand why studying abroad is so life changing. I am now a graduate of Chapman University with a degree in Health Sciences, which is a completely different discipline than what this course focused on. That said, I learned so much during this travel course, and many of the lessons can be applied to my future career in healthcare.

Before this trip I knew very little about Northern Ireland aside from the fact that there was a conflict between the Catholics and the Protestants. I had never learned about The Troubles and did not understand how fresh the wound was or how much the conflict still influences every day life. When walking through Belfast we saw the peace walls, the murals, and the neighborhoods that are still divided; all making the history feel so real. I realized that the conflict is not just something of the past but it is what continues to shape identities, politics, education and relationships today. Being physically in Northern Ireland while learning about it allowed me to see how a society can move towards peace whilst carrying the weight of its history on its back.

Northern Ireland is a place where violent conflict occurred for decades, and today its communities continue working towards peace and a united society. Hearing first hand accounts from those who lived through The Troubles gave me a deeper understanding of how communication can either divide people or rebuild relationships. One of the biggest lessons that I gained from this experience is that listening with empathy and trying to understand the other’s perspective is essential for creating a trusting relationship. The stories we were told, especially those that were centered around forgiveness, showed me that healing begins with difficult conversations and respect for one another.

One conversation that resonated with me was with Kate Turner and Brendan at Ulster University. The conversation completely changed the way that I thought about peace building as it shifted the focus from political agreements to the importance of storytelling and memory. Kate talked about the “duty of care”. How artists and public figures must live up to this duty when telling stories about the conflict. Before our conversation at Ulster University I never considered how much power people have to shape the public’s memory through deciding whose voices are included and whose are left out. I also found the conversation about a “new Ireland” very interesting as it highlighted how younger generations are more concerned with issues like gender equality and social justice than the divide between Catholics and Protestants, however, the political identities still continue to influence society. It reminded me that peace is not just ending the violence but it is creating a shared vision for the future, something that is still difficult for many in Northern Ireland. Another important takeaway was the idea of narrative repair through museums and storytelling. We talked about how there are no museums dedicated to just the nonviolent voices throughout The Troubles, even though countless ordinary individuals contributed to peace through communication, compromise and coexistence. That idea challenged my assumption that peace can only be created by political leaders; it is built by individuals making small decisions every day. I also loved the conversation about gender, particularly how women have been portrayed in simplistic ways despite their complex roles throughout the conflict. How civilian masculinity is frequently overlooked in favor of the military narratives. Lastly, we learned about Healing Through Remembering, which reinforced that reconciliation is an ongoing process rather than something that ends with a peace agreement. The speakers emphasized that healing comes through dialogue, acknowledging multiple perspectives, and creating safe spaces where difficult conversations can happen instead of avoiding them.

I also loved going to Lagan College and talking with the students. Hearing about what they want to do in life and understanding that within the integrated school their religion does not define them. One of the boys, Matthew, wants to be an engineer and work on cars. He talked about his project he is working on which is a lap table train set for kids to play with when in the car. These children are so brilliant and bright and have so much going for them. Their curriculum is determined by them with some required courses. I think it is amazing how well their school runs and I wish there were more integrated schools throughout Northern Ireland as right now there are only 8% of schools that are integrated.

Although my degree is in Health Sciences, I found myself constantly tying back what I learned in this course to healthcare. Communication is one of the most important skills in healthcare. Every patient has a unique background, set of beliefs, life experiences and fears that influence how they understand the world. Just like the people we met in Northern Ireland wanted their stories to be heard without judgement, patients also want their providers to listen with empathy and respect. This trip re-enstilled in me that listening is just as important as speaking. Sometimes the best thing you can do for someone is make them feel heard and valued.

I also noticed that trust is something that is earned. Throughout Northern Ireland, communities are still rebuilding trust after decades of violence and division. In healthcare, trust is just as essential. Patients are their most vulnerable, and they depend on healthcare professionals to communicate honestly and respectfully. I want to be someone who helps patients feel comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns. The lessons I learned about empathy, active listening and relationship building will stay with me throughout my career.

Beyond the academic lessons, this trip allowed me to grow personally. Traveling internationally for the first time pushed me outside of my comfort zone and made me more independent. I became more confident in navigating unfamiliar places, meeting new people, and adapting to situations I cannot control. I also formed meaningful friendships with classmates that would not have formed if we had remained on campus. The long bus rides, meals, tours and conversations created memories that I will have long after graduation from Chapman.

Looking back, this study abroad course was one of the most valuable parts of my college education. It taught me lessons that could never have been fully understood inside a classroom. Northern Ireland showed me that communication has the power to divide people, but it also has the power to heal and create long lasting peace. As I begin my career in healthcare, I will take these lessons with me. This trip not only changed my understanding of Northern Ireland but also changed the way I think about relationships, communication and the kind of person I hope to become.

It was my goal to travel to Northern Ireland this summer to study the Troubles and learn how the region is healing from and remembering the conflict. Joining Chapman’s Peace Communication class helped realize this goal, and I couldn’t wait for the trip to begin. I hoped it would transform my understanding of the world and of conflict, but I didn’t expect it to change my outlook on my own future. For a long time, I’ve had my sights set on being a professional theatre performer once I graduate from college, but on this trip I saw a potential future for myself in conflict resolution work. With each passing day, I grew more eager to engage with our speakers, hear new stories, and see new murals and memorials to explore the ways the conflict is remembered.

I declared my Peace and Justice Studies major after my Theatre major, and I wasn’t sure if I was going to stick with it. As I’ve learned more, I have absolutely fallen in love with it. The theory and case studies have fascinated me, and I wanted to go to Northern Ireland to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom. It was one thing to write theoretical analyses of fictional or historical conflicts, but it was another thing entirely to be in a post-conflict area, speaking with people who were directly involved or impacted by it, and observing the ripple effects in real time as anti-immigration riots broke out during our stay. It really made me think about my place in the world and what I eventually want to do with my degree and my knowledge. Before joining this class, like most Americans, I knew nothing about the Troubles. Now, after the trip, I am even more motivated to learn about other international conflicts and expand my worldview (which is still quite narrow). Next semester, I will be taking a class on intercultural conflict and communication, and I feel well-equipped now after learning about how intercultural dialogue is one of the most important methods for peace-building and healing from trauma. My experiences from this trip will help me contextualize what I learn about in this class and hopefully help me start to figure out what I want to study and write about for my thesis.

One of the most fascinating parts of the trip was something I realized right away in Belfast: the conflict is everywhere you look. It is reflected in the memorials, murals, artwork, graffiti, and tourism. I was not expecting it to be so present today, but it immediately gave me a little more context as to why learning about the Troubles is so important. Northern Ireland is still healing and working toward being a fully integrated society, another aspect of the trip that gave me many questions. Coming from an American perspective, hearing about segregation still being so prevalent in Northern Ireland was shocking to me, making the visit to Lagan College so impactful. It was inspiring to see an initiative taken during the conflict flourishing and providing an accepting, integrated space for Northern Ireland’s next generation to learn and eventually help to change the culture in a positive way.

Every single day of this trip was memorable, but my favorite experiences were the Ballycastle Traditional Music Trail, Corrymeela, our conversation with Derry community members Glen and Aiveen, and our talk with members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC). Music is my life, and I’ve always loved traditional Irish music when I’ve had the pleasure of listening to it. When I saw the traditional music trail on our itinerary, I knew it would be one of my favorite experiences, and I was right; getting to learn about how people resisted oppression through playing their traditional instruments and tunes was so inspiring. Staying at Corrymeela was magical. In Ballycastle’s countryside, surrounded by sheep pastures and a gorgeous coastline, we communed with people we’d never met before and will likely never see again- volunteers and folks from other universities- sharing meals and participating in trust activities. I wanted to stay so much longer, but the one day and night we spent in the Corrymeela community will stay with me. We didn’t spend a long time in Derry, but Glen and Aiveen were two of the most engaging speakers we got to have a conversation with. Their perspectives were so unique, and they gave us a glimpse into the lives of younger people raising children in Northern Ireland and how they are trying to improve their community.

The most surprisingly impactful experience for me was the talk at the RUC museum. In my activism, I tend to have a very critical view of the police, so I did not go into this talk expecting to be so moved. However, I was ready with an open mind, and I am so glad I was. The presentation they gave impressed me so much, particularly in the ways the government enacted systemic change in the aftermath of the Troubles in order to better serve Northern Irish communities. It gave me hope for a less corrupt policing system in America in the future. I left the presentation feeling humbled, having reexamined my own biases and assumptions. I was pleased to learn about the demilitarization of the police in Northern Ireland, and spent a long time thinking about and comparing it to the U.S. So often, I feel the appeal of the police in America is sold on the basis of militarization, and it gave me hope to learn that other countries have been able to move past that.

Academically, one of the most exciting things for me on this trip was seeing what I had previously learned in person. Before leaving for the trip, I did a lot of research in preparation, even writing my final paper for my mediation and conflict resolution class on the Good Friday Agreement and the Northern Ireland peace process. There was a lot I learned about that I saw reflected in museums and conversations with people on the trip. One example of this was learning more about the back-channel negotiations between the IRA and British government. I had hoped to hear more about Brendan Duddy and his involvement, but it was nice to add to my foundation from my own research. Another fascinating thing that came out of this particular experience was the lack of information on Bloody Friday that I found throughout most of the trip. In my research, I learned about Bloody Sunday, when the British Army killed 14 innocent Catholic civilians at a civil rights march in 1972. I also learned about Bloody Friday, an event where, later that same year, 9 innocent Protestant civilians were killed and 130 were injured by 26 IRA bombs. While Bloody Sunday was rightfully heavily memorialized, Bloody Friday seemed to be almost completely absent from the memorialization I saw. That was until our visit to the Ulster Museum, which presented what I found to be one of the most balanced stories of the Troubles we saw on our trip. Being able to recognize things from my prior research helped my understanding of those events and expand upon them in new ways, which made my previous research feel more legitimate.

One of my challenges on this trip was trying to be aware of my own biases and assumptions, a side-effect of this previous research. I have my own personal political beliefs and opinions that naturally formed while learning about the Troubles, and I knew I had to try my best to set them aside and have as open of a mind as I possibly could in all of our encounters. Reading articles, watching documentaries, and writing papers from across an ocean about a conflict I was not involved in or affected by is completely different from interacting with people who were directly involved in and impacted by the conflict in the very place it happened, and I knew I had to be sensitive to everyone’s experience. I was worried about knowing the right words to say to the right people, but quickly found that everyone was highly approachable and understanding, and I adapted to the language and culture in a way that allowed me to be comfortably sensitive.

Having been home now for a few weeks and writing my assignments reflecting on the trip, I almost can’t believe it happened. It was my first time in Europe, with a group of people I did not know well, and that made me worry a bit in the days leading up to our departure. I had no reason to worry, though, because I was with the kindest group of open and intelligent people who gave me new perspectives and insights. I learned so much on this trip that I have already started sharing with my family and friends, engaging in interesting conversations with my new knowledge and learning even more through them. I won’t be forgetting my time in Northern Ireland any time soon, and I hope to continue using what I learned there for the rest of my years at Chapman and beyond.

Over the course of the 12 days we spent together in Northern Ireland, there were multiple highlights and days that stuck out to me the most. The day we spent learning about traditional Irish music and walking to the pubs was probably my favorite part. I really enjoyed when they had us close our eyes and listen to the uilleann pipes. It was so amazing how when you closed your eyes and just listened to the music that you were transposted to a whole different world. So many of us said that when we closed our eyes it almost felt like we were transported to hundreds of years ago and could feel the land. I absolutely loved getting to also hear them share about the Irish language and how even in all the efforts to kill it, Gaelic has survived and so many people are making efforts to learn it and know more about their history.

That takes me into the next part of the trip I enjoyed the most and that was speaking to Linda Ervine. Linda is both a teacher and someone who has advocated for the teaching of the Irish language. She started her own group where she taught both Catholics and Protestants the language, and through this also helped create community among members as well. In 2021 she started her own primary school to teach integrated children Irish. However, she was faced with a lot of backlash and hate from people online. Threats were made to her which halted the process of opening the school. However, she did not want to let the ignorance and hate of others stop her from teaching and bringing communities together. One quote I took down from her said, “some people will never be able to change, but that shouldn’t hold the rest of us back.” Linda had a passion for teaching and wanted the people of Northern Ireland to learn their native language. I loved hearing her speak as she had the most positive and optimistic outlook on life. You could just tell by her presence that she was genuine and cared a lot about what she did. 

The biggest challenges I faced during this trip were adjusting to the culture and experiencing homesickness. Spending time in any new place can be challenging and as someone who is really close with their family, I struggled a lot with being away from them in a whole new environment and a different country. However, meeting everyone on the trip helped me feel so much more comfortable. I loved getting to know everyone and creating connections that will last way beyond just our travel course. Another thing I struggled with on our trip was the adjustment to the culture and environment in Ireland. This was my first time being in a different country and it was definitely a challenge to adjust to the food, weather, transportation, accents and environment as a whole. That being said, having the experience of traveling to a new country, learning about their history and culture, and getting the opportunity to create new relationships with other Chapman students is something I will always cherish. 

Looking back on the days through our blog has made me nostalgic of it all, and just grateful for everything I got to experience within this two-week course. I am a Health Science Major, and Nutrition minor, so coming into this course I only knew from the pre assignments for what to expect, and I learned so much more than I thought I would. In the health industry, you will come across so many hardships and choices that will need to be made on a daily. These choices will affect our lives for the better or worse. Coming out of this course, I understand so much more when it comes to why decisions are made from the communications aspect but also looking into a person more deeply rather than their outside “appearance” coming from the peace and justice side. I want to be an occupational therapist and help people learn to walk again coming out of a traumatic event. From this course, I realize how much depth there is to the word trauma, and how over generations, trauma can still be going on. It is imperative to be able to work together with each other well and learn about one another to be able to come together and strive forward in this evolving world. 

From the day-to-day perspective, it has been so rewarding being able to see new sights like Shank hill and the Falls roads, the peace walls, Corry Meela, and Giants Causeway. Looking at murals and realizing how their reality is different from ours in the United States and just knowing that their conflict is still going on in some ways, just not violent. One moment that changed my mind set a lot on war was the game we played in Corry Meela. I have never been so invested in a game, and how my colleagues were talking about it after, it made them think differently as well. It made my colleagues, and I realize that war is never the answer, and it does not solve anything. Communication is a huge factor that can cause so many slip ups, and quick decision making from a lack of knowledge, that causes wars like the troubles to happen. The game showed me that communication is incredibly hard to do, and in the middle of a war, trying to call a ceasefire must be on another level of difficulty. 

While there were so many highlights to this trip, there were also some challenges that I came across during it. Our days were long, and our brains were on constantly, making it difficult sometimes to be able to focus on the minute details that may have missed during important conversations with the people of Ireland. Coming from a completely different major, it was hard to switch my mindset of anatomy, physiology, and nutrition, to the mindset of war and communication. Once we had a few conversations with some of the people, and specifically the panel with Lee Lavis in it, I was hooked on learning about his story, and the many hardships he came across in his life of being a British soldier. These conversations of learning, and talking made the tiredness, and overfilled brain information worth it because of all the lessons I was able to take away from it. 

Coming into college, I knew I wanted to be a health science major, but I had to work incredibly hard to be able to stay within the major because science does not come easy to me, so I was surprised that I could not switch my brain as easily as I thought to a subject different from the past years. The first couple of days, like I mentioned, were difficult, but after getting some much-needed background information, and lots of repetition of the history of Ireland, it became a lot easier to learn more. 

In conclusion, I loved taking this course because it opened my eyes to a world outside of the United States and showed me that a post conflict world is achievable. Ireland is a beautiful country that I loved exploring with my many new friends that helped push me learn even more. I truly enjoyed my experience during the 2 weeks that this course took place, and I am grateful for everything that I was able to take away from it! 

Picture taken by Claire Santo: Corry Meela

Looking back on our time in Northern Ireland, I can confidently say that this experience changed the way I think about psychology, mental health, and the communities I hope to serve in the future. While I expected to learn about the Troubles and the peace process, I did not expect to leave with such a deep understanding of how conflict and cultural turmoil shape a person’s sense of self, identity, and well-being for generations.

As a Native woman, I found myself constantly drawing connections between the stories we heard in Northern Ireland and the experiences of Indigenous communities back home in the United States. Although our histories are different in many ways, there were moments throughout this trip that felt deeply familiar and reminded me of stories I have heard before. I spent a lot of time thinking about the ways historical trauma continues to impact both Native and Irish communities, especially how loss, displacement, and cultural oppression can affect identity and healing. As someone who hopes to work with Native mothers and families, I feel as though this trip has strengthened my commitment to providing care that is culturally grounded and rooted in mutual respect. 

One of the most meaningful moments of this trip came from our conversations with Avy and Glenn, which I know will stay with me for a very long time. Hearing them speak so honestly about grief and the challenges of navigating relationships within communities that are still recovering from conflict was incredibly powerful. I was especially struck by the way conflict can create emotional distance in everyday relationships, especially within our own families and friends. Listening to their experiences reminded me that trauma is extremely complicated, personal, and often carried in quiet ways. It also reminded me that one of the most meaningful things we can do for one another is simply listen and extend empathy whenever possible. As a future counselor, I felt deeply touched by that lesson and hope to carry it into my own practice.

Another highlight of this trip was the people I experienced it with. Some of my favorite memories were the conversations that happened after our days had ended. Whether we were processing a difficult story together, staying up late talking about the day, or listening to my classmates share perspectives that were entirely different from my own, I found myself constantly learning from the people around me. I am truly grateful for our group and for the close friendships I made on this trip.

Our trip to Derry was also incredibly impactful, and I loved the way their community was so honest in the way it remembered its history. I loved seeing the murals, talking with the community, and gaining a deeper understanding of what it means to live in a post-conflict society. Derry felt like a place that did not try to hide its history, but invited people to remember and move forward. It was one of the places where I felt the weight of the past most clearly, while also seeing the strength and beauty of the community progressively.

Another one of my favorite experiences was the Traditional Music Trail. I cannot fully explain how much I loved getting to experience the music, stories, and rich history along the coast. The trail showed me that music absolutely acts as a form of storytelling and cultural preservation. It was an experience I truly will never forget.

One of my biggest challenges during this trip was that I always wanted more time. I wanted to see more, ask more questions, and understand more of Ireland as a whole, both in relation to the conflict and in terms of everyday life and culture. At times, it was also challenging to sit with such difficult stories and realize that healing takes so much time and effort, and that not many people are willing to extend such time to heal. I left Northern Ireland wanting to know more about people’s stories and how communities continue to move forward, especially when they are still so polarized and politically charged. This just means that I will have to go back someday.

What I loved the absolute most was the gratitude for life that seemed to exist everywhere and in everyone. There was such a strong sense of appreciation and presence that felt incredibly grounding. In many ways, it felt like a deep breath of fresh air that I needed. It made me realize how often we move quickly through life in the United States without slowing down to appreciate the people and experiences right in front of us. More than anything, this trip grounded me. I leave Northern Ireland with immense gratitude for the people and experiences that made these two weeks so meaningful, and for the amazing people waiting for us at home. I know this trip and the lessons I learned will stay with me long after this course has ended.

Lots of love, Kaite Clark <3

The journey through Northern Ireland was one of the most remarkable learning experiences I have ever had. As an individual who is neither a communications or peace studies major, it offered a particularly unique opportunity to immerse myself in a topic that is not available in my normal line of study.

 One of the most interesting points of this trip for me was realizing how most of the incredible peace movements and organizations in Northern Ireland were put together by ordinary people that simply wanted to see change. I feel as if I often see large social or political change as something that can only be spearheaded by a handful of exceptional people. But this trip taught me that there is nothing particularly different about the people who intact such lasting change, except that they have the faith that their actions and work will reap benefits. I noticed this continuous motif of “ordinary resistance,” in the stories of many of the individuals we interacted with. It was “ordinary resistance” for a former British soldier and RUC cops to denounce the violence of the past despite being so deeply entrenched in it. It was also commonplace resistance for so many individuals to set aside decades of strife and hatred and instead choose to treat long standing enemies with respect. But without these seemingly ordinary acts of resistance against societal norms or even our own human nature, peace would be impossible. 

This is a line of thinking I can take with me to my own field of study. As I hope to work in healthcare and also work on the legislative side of healthcare inequity, the consistent systemic inequity and the never ending conveyor belt of the sick and dying can begin to feel like the insurmountable burdens of Northern Ireland. But as I have learned from this course, it is only by the consistent efforts of individuals, who initially seem too insignificant to make a difference, that true systematic change can be felt. 

 Additionally, this course has taught me the importance of listening to people and their stories. Particularly in healthcare where it can be so easy to begin to see patients as bodies to patch up and push along, or it can be even easier to judge them for seemingly poor health choices, it is of eminent importance that you truly listen to people. Hearing people and their stories can not only be healing to the patients themselves, but it may also serve as inspiration for programs and initiatives to be created to help aid individuals in similar situations. 

One of the highlights of this trip was having the opportunity to hear the story of Irish resistance being told through the medium of music. Our day of traditional music bar hopping was by far my favorite experience. Being able to simply sit and listen to the beautiful music and hear how its prominence today is a testament to those who refused to have their culture silenced was incredibly inspiring. In addition, it was a reminder to pursue methods or artistic expression in my own life. As a busy college student pursuing a field in no way related to the arts, I often forget to remember the joy music and the arts bring. But while we were listening to the traditional music, particularly the harp, I remembered how calming and healing it is to hear music, and I hope to seek out more opportunities to feel the joy of music in my life. 

One of the most difficult parts of this course was the feeling of Northern Ireland being so close to true peace but yet so far at the same time. In our meeting with the director of the Commission for Victims and Survivors, we were told that true peace is not simply the absence of violence, but also the presence of justice and truth. And it is particularly the point of  “truth” that felt heavily contested throughout our trip. Almost everywhere we went we saw murals or memorials that seemed to present wholly juxtaposing opinions on the conflict. Aside from the official Ulster museum, we did not view many other exhibits that seemed aimed at presenting a holistic view of the troubles. Additionally, despite how we saw communities actively mingling and peace walls even having perpetually open gates in some areas, less than 10% of schools in Northern Ireland are integrated to this day despite there being a growing demand for them. At times it was frustrating to view how certain fields are progressing at such a slow rate. But at the same time, this was a very poignant lesson in the reality of peace building. When reading a list of dates in a textbook it is easy to feel like peace happened overnight in many societies, but by stepping into a society that is still actively working towards peace I was able to understand how lengthy and tedious of a process peace truly is.

From the last-minute decision to apply for this program on the day it was due, to experiencing the rich culture, people, and history of Northern Ireland, sometimes it’s those risky choices that we’re scared to fully commit to that end up being the most rewarding. I’ve always loved history, and yet I never knew much about the events of the Troubles. With this intensive 2-week course, I feel as if I’ve learned so much and have a thirst to know more. Oftentimes, when studying conflict, peace, or communication, we’re given textbook examples that may talk about tragic, traumatic, or violent means that can hit you to your core; however, it’s a rare experience in itself to be able to physically see, feel, hear, taste, touch, and speak with the people who lived what’s in the books we read. 

As I’ve only recently gotten into studying Communication, I’ve heard the common spiel that Communication classes are easy and that it’s useless to study something so “soft” compared to more “difficult” fields. However, anyone who invests themselves in political peace processes, policy-making, or creating posters and murals is engaging in a form of communication; all of which are methods still used in Northern Ireland today. Communication is essential for bridging historical divides among communities toward peace and for spreading messages, such as encouraging people to vote in the upcoming elections or to join clubs or social groups. Communication is what keeps people together, and not just for advertising purposes. From having the privilege of listening to the stories of so many individuals from all sides of the conflict, I have come to see that communication can be a form of healing, power, and immense difficulty. With a culture of silence being religiously bred and followed for many years, putting trauma into words, especially for the digestion of an audience, is no easy feat. 

Further, witnessing so many individuals put so much effort into revitalizing the Irish language through programs like Turas, playing lively traditional Irish music with the Ballycastle Trad Trail, and working tirelessly to give victims a voice and access to mental health services is so inspiring. It reminds me that even small changes can be instrumental in a person’s life, and makes me want to work in diplomacy, study international affairs, or become a lawyer to be the voice and change for those who feel powerless. 

While this trip was filled with excitement and learning, the intense schedule definitely challenged my attention span, especially since so much information was crammed into our brains. While I expected the academic workload, I was surprised by how much the emotional weight of the stories lingered with me. I spent a lot of time later thinking about the stories that were told and what certain facts meant, and I still think about how to piece the puzzle together for the bigger picture weeks afterward. Homesickness, amid being tired and in a place so new to me, did affect me at times. Especially traveling back home alone on international flights was something that I had never done before, and I was nervous that I might end up stuck somewhere. I did make it back home safely and smoothly, but the challenges definitely helped me to grow as an independent individual. 

Some of my favorite highlights included the stunning ocean-view landscape at Corrymeela, learning to Irish dance, singing with the Ballycastle Trad Trail, and visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway. Corrymeela provided that warm, fuzzy sense of being home away from home, with the nostalgic feeling of being at summer camp. The competitive and strategic game we played of picking either “Blue, Red, or Green” stuck with us all, as it gave us an in-time lesson on how complicated communication, trust, and peace negotiations can truly be. Going on an Irish music trail hit me in the feels with how beautiful Irish music is and how it can transport you to beautiful places upon simply closing your eyes. Learning how to Irish dance with everyone was so much fun, I didn’t want to stop. Giant’s Causeway’s beauty (and our luck of having a beautiful, clear day with no rain) made me so happy to soak up the coast’s liveliness, and learn about the legends of Giant’s walking between Scotland and Ireland. 

Everyone has something to say, no matter what side they may be on. I’ve learned that conflict is always complicated and never just black-and-white, good-versus-bad guys, but full of shades of gray. While listening to personal narratives can help paint a vivid picture of the Troubles era, bias is still an important element embedded in these stories that should be noted when analyzing them. History is also written with bias, often by the winner, so the real truths and the gathering of memories can be flawed due to human nature. Peace is also precarious, as I’ve learned that even when conflict is deemed over, tensions may still linger, and grudges are still held. Overall, I’m eager to see how Northern Ireland develops culturally, socially, and economically, potentially creating that “New Ireland.” 

Being able to connect with my ancestral culture, developing new friendships, and life experiences through this trip have been invaluable. Ireland has stolen a piece of my heart, and I aim to return to it.  

Northern Ireland drove home the importance of integrated education and desegregation as an essential component of peacebuilding. During my undergraduate studies, I majored in History and Integrated Education Studies, where I learned the mechanisms for providing equity, inclusion, and access to education. Oftentimes, when I discuss my education, people ask what Integrated Education means, perhaps because segregation and integration are not always seen as coupled. Sometimes I wonder how to drive home the significance of integration, equity, diversity, and inclusion. My trip to Northern Ireland reignited my passion for Integrated Education Studies, reminding me that protecting equity and access to education is an ongoing battle that requires consistent commitment and initiative.

Decades after the end of Jim Crow, segregation is treated as a thing of the past, but it was not that long ago. Today, amid the current Trump administration, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are held suspect because they do not cater to the status quo of white, male, Christian nationalism. The administration opposes efforts to help marginalized communities receive equal access to education and protection from discrimination, attacking anyone who does not support further elevating white, Christian, male ideals. While certain political parties may not see a reason to protect education and DEI, the need is most apparent in communities in Northern Ireland.  

Northern Ireland communities still experience segregation in public education and sectarian division imposed by “peace walls.” Religious institutions play a role in segregation in education, filing Catholics and Protestants into their respective silos. In United States history, segregation is racialized, but in Northern Ireland, segregation is more dependent on religion, as well as ethnic and economic status. Additionally, cultural segregation exists between communities, for example, through language divisions. 

While visiting Turas, an integrated Irish-language school, Linda Ervine faced considerable hostility for promoting the Irish language in East Belfast, a Loyalist community. For example, Loyalists in the community went door to door asking residents if they wanted Irish to be spoken in their neighborhood, as one banner proclaimed: “Relocate Irish school to where it is needed. Relocate Irish school to where it is wanted.” Significantly, the school suffered multiple arson threats that resulted in children being pulled out of school for fear of their safety. Hearing about this experience touched me and even made me teary-eyed. 

The Irish language survived after brutal oppression in the confines of private conversations inside Irish homes, but the loss of culture is still omnipresent. When walking through Catholic or Nationalist communities, everything is written in both Irish and English because of the degradation of Irish culture by England. Hostility towards Irish Gaelic only increased during the conflict from 1968 to 1998, due to its association with the IRA. Amid paramilitary warfare, the Irish language became linked to the Irish Republican Army and “terrorism.” I believe Loyalists and Unionists in Northern Ireland began associating the Irish language with terrorism because that was the language of their enemy. For Unionist and Loyalist communities, Irish Gaelic still provokes fear, but in the aftermath of “the Troubles,” the Irish language must be separated from narratives of violence and “terrorism.” Far from terrorism, many people are still trying to reclaim a culture lost. 

Depoliticizing Irish identity and creating integrated, shared spaces is essential to meaningful peacebuilding and reconciliation. Facilitating contact between communities can help destigmatize Irish Gaelic, improve attitudes across different groups, and decrease sectarian violence. Additionally, identity can be shared and formed outside of political institutions and parties. My experience visiting Giant’s Causeway, for example, highlighted how identity can be formed through nature. The rolling green hills and the unique geographical features, such as the hexagonal rocks, evoke awe and spiritual connection to the land. The natural landscape can serve as a bridge across political divisions, where many can agree that the environment is precious to national identity.

While the goal may be to depoliticize Irish identity, being Irish was not always accepted. When I visited Ballycastle, I learned about Irish culture through a music trail tour, which demonstrated how peaceful acts of resistance challenge the status quo. Historically, Irish culture was suppressed by the Statutes of Kilkenny in 1366, which cut Irish people off from their ancestral practices, like singing and playing instruments. Reinvigorating Irish culture and practicing the Gaelic language and traditions is a necessary part of reconciliation, because reconnecting with one’s ancestral homeland is a necessary step towards healing.

Video: Uilleann pipes

Second Video: Harp

Diffusing cultural practices in shared spaces like bars, schools, and parks helps depoliticize Irish identity and cultivate appreciation for cultural differences across sectarian boundaries. Communities should not fear the reclamation of Irish culture but rather celebrate it.

In the future of my career, I will carry the lessons from Northern Ireland and Integrated Education Studies as I endeavor to improve my community and country. Although the state of education in the United States is dire, it is imperative to maintain a commitment to hope and fighting for what is right. I feel renewed motivation to fight for ethical, equitable, and inclusive educational practices, and I hope to become an advocate or work for a non-profit in the future.

Before this trip, I viewed communication primarily through the lens of my major. As a Strategic and Corporate Communication student, I often think about communication in terms of campaigns, branding, public relations, and organizational messaging. While those areas are still what I hope to pursue professionally, this experience completely expanded my understanding of what communication can accomplish. I came to realize that communication is much more than a professional skill—it can be a tool for reconciliation, trust-building, and lasting peace.

One of the biggest lessons I learned was that peace is not something that simply exists because an agreement has been signed. At Corrymeela, the “Red, Blue, Green” activity challenged my assumptions about competition and cooperation, showing me how easily trust can be broken when communication is limited. Listening to traditional Irish music demonstrated that culture itself is a form of communication, preserving history and identity while bringing people together. Visiting Stormont reinforced that dialogue and compromise are ongoing responsibilities rather than one-time achievements. These experiences helped me understand that communication takes many forms and can shape relationships at the individual, community, and governmental levels.

Looking back at the trip as a whole, my favorite moments were often the ones outside of formal lectures. Climbing Giant’s Causeway with my classmates, hearing traditional music in local pubs, and having conversations throughout the trip helped me appreciate Northern Ireland not only as a place with a complex history but also as a vibrant culture. Those shared experiences strengthened our own class community while helping me better understand the concepts we had discussed in class.

One of my biggest challenges was realizing how much more complicated the Troubles were than I had expected. Before the course, I tended to think about conflicts in terms of clear endings and resolutions. Throughout the trip, I learned that reconciliation is much more complex. The effects of conflict continue long after violence ends, and maintaining peace requires constant communication, trust, and a willingness to listen to different perspectives. That realization surprised me because it challenged assumptions I did not even realize I had.

This experience also influenced the way I think about my future career. I still hope to work in public relations and strategic communication, particularly within the entertainment industry, but I now recognize that the skills I am developing extend far beyond marketing and media. Whether helping an organization navigate a crisis, building relationships with different audiences, or encouraging dialogue across differing perspectives, communication has the power to influence people in meaningful ways. Northern Ireland reminded me that the most effective communicators are not simply persuasive speakers—they are also thoughtful listeners. That is a lesson I will carry with me throughout my academic career and into my professional life.

This trip heavily impacted my perspective on peace building efforts and individual actions. To be immersed in the communities that were impacted by the Troubles and see the work different organizations and people are doing to improve the lives of others was fascinating. Talking to former combatants and others who lost a loved one or friend because of the fighting was really transformational in my learning, as well. It is very different learning about the conflict from readings or class lessons and hearing it directly from the people who were there and witnessed it themselves. It also added to my deep understanding of a conflict with so much nuance because I was able to ask the speakers questions after different points and information were presented. While this comes with biases, it was still vital to my engagement and understanding. It was also important to recognize the different biases people may have brought into discussions based on their backgrounds and experiences. At times it was interesting to engage with people who had quite opposite views from what was expected of them based on their background and upbringing. This really demonstrated to me that access to education, spaces of open dialogue, and active listening practices were extremely transformative for a lot of people in the post-conflict world. Without the opportunity to engage with people different from themselves, there would be no way for them to challenge stereotypes and narratives from the past. Since these spaces and lessons have been promoted, Northern Ireland can move forward into a more holistically inclusive environment and region. 

With that being said, one of the hardest parts for me during this trip was how heavily Northern Ireland is presented as a successful peace process. I mean this in the sense that there is still division and segregation throughout the communities and incredible divisions across many social sectors. In learning about the histories of the area and possible reasons for the conflict, it is interesting to hear that the present situation was agreed upon. I understand after 30 years of conflict, peace and an end to fighting is most desirable, but it still makes me question the system and decisions. A lot of the peace-building mechanisms have not been implemented until recently, because there was no outline of how to do so. This makes me feel that a lot of the work has been overlooked and deprioritized. There are issues that need to be addressed and have been long brushed under the rug. At the end of the day, it is nice to see the ways the peace process has helped the younger generations live without constant conflict and in greater harmony with each other. But there is always room to grow. There are so much hope and joy for the future of the region, and I felt that in our interactions in Northern Ireland. The next step is implementing this change and peace for that better future. 

As for myself, I took away a new motivation for peace work and community building. I have always had a desire and passion to help others and aspire to be a lawyer someday. Yet, at times I have felt there are no resources or places I can effectively help make change in my communities. Throughout our conversations and time in Northern Ireland, I learned that there is always an opportunity to make change. Either you have to search more intentionally for this information, or you can make the resource yourself. There is no stopping one’s desire for change making, and I should not let the lack of accessible resources stop me from working in my communities. I am excited to take this motivation with me into areas of passion and continue making change. This is just the beginning for me, and I am ecstatic to see what the future holds. I am thankful for this perspective and all of my time learning and growing in Northern Ireland. Being able to explore a new place with people who became very close friends was unforgettably fun. I truly feel that this experience is like none other and will always be grateful for this opportunity. I have inserted a few groups pictures below from throughout our trip. These pictures are from some of my favorite places and experiences. Thank you to everyone that made this trip so special!