Greetings from Dublin! Sorry it's been so long since an update, but I wanted to get here and start classes before I added another entry. I certainly have a lot to share with all of you! I'm going to try to elaborate on some of the points I brought up in my last post, and answer any questions you asked me in your comments.
Maybe I should start by saying Dublin is fantastic. The first few days were pretty rough, but I absolutely adore the city (DCU is in the more residential area on the outskirts of the city, unfortunately), and the more people I meet the more I love this country.
Some big differences I noticed right away when I arrived: they really care about the environment and energy efficiency here. All the lightbulbs, even in our little apartment, are the energy-saving kind, and they recycle everywhere. Also, there are trashcans everywhere in the city, at least 10 per street, that say "Litter is Disgusting; So Are the People Responsible" which make me smile. I can't imagine them having something like that in America--we'd be too worried about offending someone. The Irish joke a lot, and certainly aren't concerned about being politically correct all the time. They also have a far more relaxed idea of time than Americans. Check this in your one leadership text and see what it says! I had my first two classes today and the professors were late for both of them! Also, the bus system is not like any bus system we have in the states, at least that I've seen. Americans would be mad if they had to wait an extra few minutes for the bus, but in Dublin the bus times are more like guidelines; they just sort of show up whenever. The first time my roommate and I tried to take a bus anywhere we waited 40 minutes past when the time indicated, and then when it finally showed up it didn't take us where we wanted! While I'm on the topic of the busses, they definitely have a lot of them here, but they're not cheap. I have to take a bus if I want to get into the city, but it's a 1.60E trip each way, which makes a roundtrip cost about $4 without me buying anything else. Yikes! We definitely do a lot of walking here!
There are tons of American stores and restaurants here. Lots of McDonalds, Burger Kings, and even a KFC! I had to laugh when I saw that. There's also a TGIFridays and Starbucks in the city center. Of course, there are plenty of Irish businesses and restaurants (and pubs!) as well. The most visible "business" in the city center is alcohol--there are signs for Guinness everywhere, and so many pubs I couldn't go to them all even if I tried. Even though they recently had a financial crisis, there are plenty of banks around as well. I haven't seen very many other big businesses, but I haven't seen all of Dublin yet. It's hard to tell too because there aren't as many skyscapers as you'd think a capital city would have; oftentimes offices are in the top stories of buildings above pubs, restaurants or little shops.
As for technology, I don't think they've quite caught up with America yet, but they're working on it. We passed by plenty of cell phone shops on our walk downtown yesterday, and you'll always see someone walking on campus with earphones, listening to their ipods (although they could all be international students, I dont' know). Both of the professors I've had told us to friend them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. DCU also has something like Marietta's Web CT, called a Moodle (don't ask me why it's called that, I have no clue), and teachers here seem better overall at using it than profs at MC--nothing against those at MC!
A few more things I'd like to mention...during orientation, the priest at the school's Interfaith Center came and talked to us and told us to visit, but stressed the center was for all students, of any faiths and no faith. He seemed to think it was really important to reach out to those who believe and make them feel welcome. So, they have an Interfaith Centre on campus, which seems like they recognize faith is an important part of Irish life, but the priest was stressing how the center was really even for those who didn't have any beliefs as well. Also, in my English class today the professor said the revelation of the Magdalene Asylums "brought about the downfall of religion in Ireland today." I haven't had much time or opportunity to feel out the religious climate here, but these two incidences I think point to Ireland becoming more secular, or at least more accepting of other religions than Catholicism and the Church of Ireland.
I wish all of you could meet my U.S. Foreign Policy professor, he's a riot. He sort of reminds me of Dr. Schaefer from back home, which is always a good thing. The first thing he asked us in class was "Okay, are there any Americans in here? Well, you're sort of at a disadvantge, because most Americans don't know anything about American foreign policy," which is unfortunately true. Most Americans don't really know much at all about our foreign policy. He made fun of the Americans for the last eight years, but really seemed to like Obama (saying "Of course, everyone loves President Obama!"). We had to pick groups for our presentations, and he made all the Americans stand in front and had the rest of the class (probably close to 40 people) run to an American in order to be in their group. It was pretty funny, being swarmed by all these people of different backgrounds speaking in different accents, asking if they can be in your group. I'm working with two Irish girls, a girl from Sweden and a girl from Hungary. It's great being able to meet people from so many different cultures.
I have so much more I could tell you, but I think I should probably save it for another post, this is getting pretty lengthy. Plus, my roomie and I are going to grab some free pizza at the bar on campus tonight (yes, they have a BAR on CAMPUS! Crazy!). I can't wait to hear back from you guys, I hope all is going well in Marietta!
Peace 'n love!
Oh...if you'd like to see some of my pictures, here's a link to my Picasa album with pictures of the city center: http://picasaweb.google.com/GreenEyedLiberal/Dublin?authkey=huDdMZFg-hQ&feat=directlink
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Oh the endless pubs! We have them everywhere too! And I still cant get over the campus bar! : ) It sounds like you are having a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteMelissa,
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you're having a good time in Ireland.
I think its interesting to hear about how "green" it is in Ireland compared to the U.S. I looked up the signs you were talking about, and it reminds me of the required warnings on British-sold cigarettes that included graphics photos of black lung (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6967160.stm). It seems like Europe is more willing to face issues and shock people into doing or not doing things.
It does not surprise me that your U.S. Foreign Policy Professor feels as he does. However it is nice to see that people are warming up to Obama around the world. Hopefully other countries sentiments towards us will improve, if only slightly (better than no improvement at all).
One thing that I wanted to ask you about was how the students at your college are with Alcohol. While Americans push slowly towards trying to adopt a lowered drinking age, Ireland is already at 18. Do you see a difference between American college students and Irish college students regarding their drinking habits? Do they seem more responsible, or less? How do you think America itself would do with a lowered drinking age from what you know so far from your trip to the Emerald Isle?
Enjoy your classes, enjoy your stay, I'm sure we'll hear from you another day.
~ Patrick Hahe
Thanks for the comment, Patrick.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, Ireland just implemented a smoking ban in pubs within the past few years, which some people credit with hurting the pub business quite a bit. Of course I think one of the best ways to get people to stop smoking is to jack up the prices...they pay 7E for a pack of cigarettes here, nearly $10!! Insane!
Haha, oh the Irish and their alcohol. This is pretty interesting also. The Irish are obviously known for their love of a few (dozen) pints now and then. Judging from the fact that I can hear people outside my window partying at 2-3 in the morning nearly any night of the week, students definitely appreciate being able to drink at 18. A lot of the Americans who come here went out all the time when they first got here, since they couldn't legally buy alcohol in the states. They probably made fools out of themselves in front of the locals.
I think Irish students in general feel the need to get drunk less than American students, or at least the American students who are here (who are probably a pretty good representation of a typical American college student who does drink, legally or illegally). The Irish are fine just sitting around talking with friends without having to fall over drunk. I think a lot of the reason why there is such an emphasis for American students on being drunk instead of just having a drink is because you can't drink until you're 21 in the US and getting drunk is an act of rebellion. I absolutely think America should lower the drinking age, but that's a personal belief. My time in Ireland really hasn't altered this belief too much, or given me significant evidence to back it up either way. People from both cultures abstain, drink, and get drunk. Some Irish may be more responsible when they drink, and it may be related to being used to a lower drinking age, but it doesn't mean America should or will just change their culture because of it.
Another interesting point is the government knows that a large majority of the Irish binge drink, and they know this is bad for a lot of reasons, so they started this whole "Drink Aware" campaign. There are signs at nearly every bus stop, on a lot of the buses, in any place you could put an advertisement really. Check it out if you're interested: www.drinkaware.ie
Sorry my comments tend to be lengthy, sheesh. Have a good one!
Hi Melissa,
ReplyDeleteHope all is going well. In your post you said that there are tons of American stores there. Have you visited any of them yet? If you have I was wondering how are they similiar to the ones here in the U.S. and how are they different. I know my partner MaLin for the DEL program here on campus says that she loves some American restaurants in China but hates them here because they are different.
Also, I was wondering if you have had the opportunity to work in a group setting in Ireland yet? If you have, did you experience any trouble with communication styles or way of wanting to complete a task? In class yesterday we did a simulation dealing with a leader having to deal with three followers who were all from different countries. Each follower had a very different way of communicating and a very different idea of how to complete the task. This activity really made me think of just what it is you are actually having to deal with being in another country and trying to communicate with people there.
Tabitha
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteNo worries about the length of your responses. It makes for a good read.
I know there is a time difference, but at some point this semester I'd like to interview you for my blog (http://www.writingonthemall.net) about your experiences over there. I'll send you an e-mail to discuss it more if you'd like (assuming you still check your marietta e-mail).
Regards,
Patrick
Tabitha,
ReplyDeleteThere's a Claire's at the nearest shopping mall that I've been to. It was exactly like all the other ones I'd seen back home, even had similar items to the one I'd been to at the Vienna mall a few weeks before I left. I haven't gone to any "American" fast food places or restaurants though, although my roommate keeps trying to drag me to Burger King. Also, the Little Caesar's "Hot and Ready for 5 bucks" deal in the US? The equivalent is "Hot and Ready for 10E" = about 13 USD. Yikes!
I haven't worked with my group yet for my American Foreign Policy class, but I'll let you know when I have.
Patrick,
Sure, I check my Marietta e-mail all the time, just let me know.
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteSo I never thought I would see the day when Ireland becomes religiously tolerant to any faith other than Catholicism, haha. Seriously, though, Ireland has had a decent amount of religious persecution within the country, especially up north in the Protestant areas. Are you going to a liberal institution, or are people starting to not care about religion as much.
Also I found it interesting that the Irish have no sense of time, no wonder I get things done late. But do people get annoyed when people show up late, or is it just a fact of life.
Tom
Tom,
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't think Ireland is in danger of "losing" its Catholicism, it is interesting that as a whole the Irish are becoming more accepting. I think two of the main reasons for this are the influx of immigrants in the past 10-15 years, as well as the peace and cooperation that now exists between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. As for DCU being a "liberal" institution, I think most colleges and universities are more liberal than the population as a whole, but I don't think that DCU is more progressive when it comes to secularism vs religion necessarily.
For the most part, it seems that being late is a fact of life in Ireland. None of my professors say anything when people come to class 5, 10, or even 15 minutes late. It certainly bothers me though--the Americans are always on time!
Peace!
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned how your professor responded to you as an American, but how have other people responded? Do they seem to look at knowing you as an adventure or do you feel kind of excluded at times? I was just thinking about the way people here sometimes have a tendency to avoid the international students. Also, have you noticed any differences in communication which may make things difficult, either with your professors or other students? Hope you continue to have a great time!
Hi Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI was so happy to hear about the "green" tactics in Dublin! I'd like to see more Americans move further in that direction. I'm also really interested to hear what communication is like between you and your other group members and was also wondering if you noticed any distinct differences in communication norms just in every day socializing or in your classes?
p.s. thanks for putting up the amazing pictures =)
Aislynn
Amelia and Aislynn--
ReplyDeleteThe only time I've really been pointed out for being an American is in my US foreign policy class. I've been talking to some Irish students and occasionally they joke around with the Americans for saying things "incorrectly" or things like that--which is apparently a good thing, because once the Irish start slagging (teasing, making fun of) you, they've accepted you.
I do feel a little bit like an outsider sometimes, but I think that's normal when you're going to a new school--I don't think it's necessarily because I'm an American. There are lots of Americans and people from other countries and cultures here, and everyone seems pretty accepting, once you make an effort to get to know them.
A difference in communication I've noticed is that the Irish love to debate. Some Americans may say they like to debate, but the Irish really are more aggressive about it. They're not afraid to say what they mean and aren't so worried about being politically correct or hurting someone's feelings as Americans are. But once the debate is over, everyone is friends again! This hasn't been a problem in dealing with fellow students or professors, however, it's just something I've noticed in classes and when I've been out. Also, Irish sarcasm is different than American sarcasm (the Irish don't "get" our sarcasm because they don't think we do sarcasm in the right way, isn't that funny?).
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the technology update! It is crazy how something like Facebook has sprung and is being used across the globe. For part of our midterm, we watched a short clip on globalization. Can you believe that we have 1,000,000,000 internet devices today compared to the 1,000 internet devices we had in 1984? That being said, have the Irish exhibited any issues in separating lies from truth on the Internet in regards to America? I'm not sure if something like this would be common in one of your research classes, but here I have noticed that international students have difficulties understanding that not everything on the Internet is true.
Also, it is great to hear that Ireland is so "green"! Perhaps the bus fare is so costly because they are trying to encourage WALKING! If that is the case, kudos to the Irish!
Finally, and I apologize for being long-winded, but I am extremely interested in your comment that the Irish are so laid back compared to Americans. On the Lewis Model, they are not yet halfway toward being multi-active, but nonetheless, that is wonderful! I wish Americans could slow down from such busy lifestyles. Have any of the Irish expressed to you their opinions on the fast-paced American way of life? And do you find yourself struggling to relax?
Until next time! :)
Lauren