Week 2: End of Isolation

Today marks the final day of our restricted movement period, meaning tomorrow we are FREE! (to operate within the national limits of Level 5 lockdown, of course). The last week's weather has been remarkably nice, with several consecutive days of mild temperatures and scattered sunshine. We have been able to meet up with other international students outdoors for walks around campus and along the river. It is nice to finally start forming friendships in person, rather than solely via virtual contact. 

The Living Bridge (a common meeting point)

Most of our friends so far are from France; many of them are students from IPSA, an aerospace engineering university. They have been teaching Emily and I new French phrases every day; I would not have anticipated learning French by traveling to Ireland, but I am grateful and excited for the opportunity. At this point, we have a better chance of coming home with a French accent than an Irish one!

Climbing Thomond Tower with friends

Some highlights from the week:

• Emily's soccer ball finally arrived in the mail!

• Playing "football" and frisbee with other international students.

• French food with French friends. :)

• Climbing some stone ruins for a beautiful aerial view of campus (see video below!)

View from Thomond Tower (YouTube link)

Sunset over the Shannon River

The "studying" part of studying abroad is about to begin, as classes here start on Monday. They will be delivered primarily online, with each class of students (year 1, year 2, year 3, year 4) getting one week on campus every fourth week. Emily and I are both taking Exercise Psychology, Clinical Applications of Exercise, and Psychology of Movement Development (all Sports Science classes). Her fourth class is Public Health Nutrition, and mine is Introduction to Physics. 

The self-directed learning format at UL requires more responsibility, but also offers more flexibility. We are excited to start new classes, continue meeting new people, join some clubs and societies, and explore Ireland once the lockdown level lifts. Ready for the adventure to *really* begin!