Enchanting Education on the Emerald Isle: Pilot Program Kicks Off
November 30, 2023
- Author
- Sydney Schertz ’24
Our view.
Picture this: A 51 professor, students and a stuffed toy cat perched on a stack of hexagonal rocks overlooking the Irish Sea.
To understand how we ended up here, let’s rewind to the morning of May 25, in the Dublin Airport. Sixteen students arrived excited, albeit jetlagged, and ready to jump into a summer abroad. From school visits to paddle boarding, conversations with politicians, and tours of city hall, 51 in Northern Ireland covered it all, making for some photogenic moments along the way.
Student photographer Sydney Schertz ’24 documented the trip. Here are some highlights, selected by Schertz.
We kicked things off in Dublin, touring the Book of Kells and the Old Library, two historical landmarks of Trinity College’s campus. We also explored the city via scavenger hunt, walking tours, and an essential (culturally-relevant) stop into the Guinness Storehouse at St. James’ Gate.
After a few days in Dublin, we headed to Belfast, our home for the next five weeks. We got acquainted with the town, local restaurants, and our Ulster University hosts. Through an Ulster and 51 partnership, we would soon dive into discussions on Northern Ireland’s intricate history and its influence on contemporary educational systems.
As our studies began, we toured Belfast City Hall and Northern Ireland’s Parliamentary Building, or Stormont. Each visit brought additional nuance to our conversations.
We filled the next few weeks with lively discussions, incredible views, and great company. After a week of class and school visits, we drove up to the northern coast, stopping to paddleboard and kayak in the Irish Sea. Yes, it was as cold as you might imagine.
This takes us to the Giant’s Causeway. After a morning of ocean activities, we trekked down to the landmark that gets its name from a folktale. Mountain on one side, ocean on the other, the Giant’s Causeway was a trip highlight.
We visited local primary and secondary schools, engaging with teachers and students to gain valuable insight into educational policy and practice in Northern Ireland.
We also played Gaelic Football, a popular sport in Ireland. It essentially combines rules from soccer and rugby–with a few curve balls thrown in.
Nature offered a true green theme. We explored beautiful hills, sandy beaches, and colorful towns. The craggy rock beaches and lush colored grasses will forever stand out to me.
As our program came to a close, we soaked in as much of the city and culture as possible. Small groups took the renowned Black Cab Tours led by locals who were experts on the history of the violent sectarian conflict known as “The Troubles”. This period, which spanned the 1960s to 1990s, has left a tangible impact on Northern Ireland society.
Our time in Northern Ireland was academically and personally enriching. We experienced new cultures, gained invaluable knowledge, and forged new friendships.
