Journal entry: Franklin College Ireland group:
January 4, 2009



Kate Hufford

January, 4 2010

      I expect to learn a lot about the history of Dublin and Ireland in general from my time in class.  I’m hoping that a lot of the information from “A Guide to Dublin: 1916” will be expounded upon during the first two weeks.  I’d like to learn a lot more about the literature and poetry written during the time of the rebellion.

      In Ireland, I want to immerse myself in the culture and avoid the typical “ugly American” label that many US tourists procure.  I expect to enhance my abilities to navigate a new city without the group as well.  I’ve never been out of the country and am looking forward to finding myself in a new environment.



Katie Stephens: Franklin College, Class of 2010

January 4, 2010

Since I have never been outside of the United States, I’m looking forward to seeing the differences in our culture versus that of the Irish. During our time in Ireland, I hope to meet and socialize with the locals, so that I understand what they think of Americans and how they live their lives facing the controversial issues they do.  I’m excited to see some of the popular “tourist” places in Ireland, such as the Blarney Stone, the Waterford crystal factory, and some of the Irish pubs and theaters that have had a significant impact in the Irish culture. I’m hoping the weather will cooperate enough to really enjoy the beautiful scenery of Ireland. I’ve been looking at books for a while now, and find the country absolutely breathtaking. Really though, I’m extremely excited to get out of the United States, and really experience another country for myself. For a year now I’ve been calling this “my big adventure”, and I’m excited to finally be in the last days leading up to the trip.

Ryan Austerman
Expectations/Preconceptions

I've been to Europe several times and feel as though I have a pretty good understanding of the basic things to expect. European history and culture have always been one of my primary interests and as of right now I am looking at the trip as a excellent way to experience a European state that I have never previously visited.
I'm most excited for the attempt to get as much of an understanding of how Ireland actually works, and what daily life is actually like. Americans seem to strongly stereoype the Irish, and I'm most excited to see what the culture is actually like.


Hank Nuwer, Instructor

I guess I go back to what my coach informed our team back when I started playing frosh baseball for Buffalo State College and was so proud to wear the Buff State blazer and letter sweater. When you are on a trip you represent your college, yourself and your state. "Act like you belong." In this case, it is not only our college and state of Indiana, but our country, the United States of America. One WT to Brazil went very badly, and this winter's trips to Ireland, Japan, Italy and Turkey are a chance to redeem ourselves and show ourselves and our host nation of Ireland what
the character of Franklin College students and professionals is all about. Aside from that, I want this to be THE trip
of my students' lives. I am trying in the class to have a fun atmosphere but to absorb knowledge about the people, literature and culture of Ireland. With films such as "The Dead," I want to challenge their sophistication.

Amanda McIntosh
Journal 1

After seven months of preparation, my first visit to Ireland is just around the corner. Though I have traveled to Europe in the past four years, I believe my tour or Europe would not be complete without Ireland. I have family roots that trace back to Scotland and Ireland, when the name was Mackintosh, and I would be thrilled to visit a place that my ancestors would call home. On a lighter note, I am thrilled to see the social life of Ireland, other than the drinking.  I have studied Irish step dancing and traditional clogging during my years of dance, and I would love to participate in that aspect of Irish culture in some sort of way.
Molly Martin
 
 
      I love to travel but have never been out of the country before so I am extremely excited for the opportunity to go to Ireland.  I have always wanted to go to Europe because I am fascinated by its rich history.  I cannot wait to see all of the modern and historical sites in the country from the city of Dublin to the ancient castles.  I am very anxious to take in all that Ireland and its people have to offer and experience the culture firsthand.

J.R. Fowler

I am going on the winter term travel trip to Ireland because this is one opportunity that should not be passed up.  This is a once in a lifetime experience and will be my first European trip.  I look forward to meeting new people and learning about a new culture with a rich history.  The history in the United States cannot compare to that of Europe and I cannot wait to visit.

Lex Roach

Here we go.

Rachel Friedman

      For the class, before leaving for Ireland, I’m not really sure what I expect.  I know that we will be reading a lot of literature and I’m excited about that but as far as the workload and what I will be learning I’m not really sure.  I guess I do want the class to prepare me for trip and I assume that we will be learning about Irish history as well.
      As for actually being in Ireland, I expect a great cultural experience.  I also expect to have a great trip with my peers while just having fun and learning.  I’m also excited to be part of the social life and to experience a different part of Europe.  I’m really excited about this trip and I’m so glad that I have this opportunity.

Amanda Wray
Expectations
 
I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland ever since I saw the green hills on TV when I was a kid. I’ve always wanted to learn more about Irish culture, too, because it’s not something that I’ve studied much in my history or literature classes.  
By taking this class, I expect to be finally able to fulfill my desires of learning about Ireland.
After listening to Professor Hank Nuwer outline the course material, I definitely expect to leave this class with a better knowledge of the culture, specifically about the history of the subjugation of the Irish people. I expect to learn more than just a typical tourist would learn because in this class, we will delve into the country and its rich background.

Aaron Hommell
I cannot wait to go to Dublin. Ireland is and has always been a revered land in my family. Just my grandmother giving me the nod as I asked her about this trip’s funding, gave me chills that to this moment light my inner fires and stoke them with vigor.  I have always wanted to see all 50 states before traveling abroad. I have seen 46 states, and with our stop over in Newark, I can make it 47. I guess South Dakota, North Dakota and Hawaii are going to have to wait.
I want to see the Cliffs of Moher because it is pretty magical to see these cliffs rising out of the swirling Irish Sea. Majestic yet brooding, the Cliffs of Moher are breathtaking.
Overall, the trip is much more than just this landmark, however, the entire experience should be enjoyable. If I come back with a twinge of an Irish brogue, that’s just how it is.

Evan Hutchens

 My excitement level for this trip is high.   I have many expectations for this class and trip.  I’m taking this trip because I want to see the world.  I want to experience another culture and see a part of the world I’ve never seen.  I hope to learn from this class and trip about Ireland’s history and people.  I hope this trip will further educate me and make me change as person for the better.  I think it is going to be an experience of a lifetime.

Sarah Hawes

This class seemed interesting to me because my family is of Irish and Scottish descent.  I want to learn more about the history of Ireland and I am excited to see all of the historical sites when we are there. I hope that we might be able to look in the archives to see if I could find my family name. I have two family names and my mom would love if I could find those for her.
I have never traveled overseas to Europe so I do not know what to expect when we travel. I hope this trip is fun and exciting.

Robin Connelly

Ireland has long been my dream country to visit. I love the mythologies, the idea of seeing the wee folk, their literature and culture. I’ve been learning about Ireland since I was 13—even attempting to learn the language and have made a long list of things I would like to see and do. I took this class in the hopes of crossing some of those things off my list. I also want to actually see what I’ve read about and seen in movies. I want to experience the culture. I realize I won’t be able to cross everything off my list, but I know that I can’t let this opportunity pass without me taking advantage of it, because it may be my last chance to go to Ireland and learn even more about the culture. One never knows what the future holds.

Amanda Wray

Expectations
I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland ever since I saw the green hills on TV when I was a kid. I’ve always wanted to learn more about Irish culture, too, because it’s not something that I’ve studied much in my history or literature classes.
By taking this class, I expect to be finally able to fulfill my desires of learning about Ireland.



Comments  from others:

Lester McNeely

"Keep me posted as to where the Franklin College Traveller's will be going.  Maybe I could hook up with you guys for a trip.  Happy New Year"