study abroad in ireland

i’m so very excited.
i’ve been fascinated by irish history and culture for ever. yes, the accent is awesome, but it’s the history that has me hooked. and the landscape. it’s not fair that there’s a place that beautiful and it’s so far away. then there’s steve. my amazing friend who i’m convinced is perfect for me in every way who lives in ireland! so i decided long ago that i was going to go to ireland and i was going to travel all over and i was going to learn as much as i could and hopefully, maybe someday.. live there (???)
i’ve just decided that i absolutely have to study in ireland in the spring of 2011. the reason it has to be 2011 is because i need that time to get my GPA up a few points to where it needs to be, my financial thing needs to be in order. and so on.. so here’s my complete to do list (as of now) of things that i have to do before i go to ireland to study for THREE FREAKING MONTHS!!
1. Finish my second year at school.
2. Get my GPA up to a good 3.5 or higher.
3. Make sure my school will work with CEA Global Campus
4. Secure financial aid
5. Check with work about temporary leave of absence
6. Save several thousand bucks for spending while i’m there
7. ...other stuff i’m sure i haven’t thought of yet!!

I’m strongly considering Semester at Sea instead. Check out the itinerary.

http://www.semesteratsea.org/voyages/fall-2009/fall-2009-itinerary/calendar.php

My dad was actually born in Ireland and I have never been there. He emigrated to America when he was nine. I have always wanted to go but always figured that I would just go on vacation at some point. When my girlfriend told me that I MUST study abroad I thought about where I would go and Ireland seemed to me like the perfect place. I was iffy about going because I would be leaving New York City and missing out on all the things that happen here on a daily basis but as I was looking at pictures of Ireland the other day I knew that I was meant to go. I am determined that on Monday I will go apply to study abroad in Ireland for next semester.