Hey 2014 ILE’ers!
My name is Kate Lanagan from Chicago, Illinois and I went on the Irish Life Experience last summer. I just wanted to give you a few recommendations, before you leave in a few weeks.
I think the most important thing is to keep an open mind and to not be too nervous! Traveling to a different country with a bunch of strangers is an intimidating idea at first, but keep in mind that everyone else is going through the same thing, too. You’ll all be walking away with some of the best experiences of your life and 30 (Or however many) new best friends. So don’t be nervous—be excited! Always jump on opportunities to try new things. Sleep when you get back to your room at night; try to keep your eyes open on bus rides to take it all in regardless of how tired you may be. Take a ton of pictures. You’ll be so thankful that you have them later on! Be sure to pack a rain jacket and rain boots—you will need them more often than you think! I was thankful that I packed a watch, too, to keep track of time when I didn’t feel like carrying my phone on me. Being punctual helps everything run more smoothly.
Have fun on the greatest trip of your life!! I can’t wait to see photos when you guys come back:).
