Throughout this experience, I was able to deepen my knowledge on US history (specifically the city of Wilmington), engage in educational excursions, interact with local residents and explore the surrounding town and beaches. All of these significantly contributed to my own personal and intellectual growth. 

Academically, the summer programme provided a diverse and intellectually stimulating schedule of lectures. Covering topics ranging from the American Civil War, Southern Americana, sustainability and tourism, and the impact of World War II on modern day Wilmington. The lectures were complemented by field visits to the USS battleship, the Cameron Art Museum and a downtown walking tour. These trips brought the information discussed in lectures to life and provided a more engaging learning experience.   

On a personal level, living and learning alongside students from both Queen’s University Belfast and the University of North Carolina Wilmington was undoubtably the most rewarding aspect of the programme. The shared experiences of exploring campus, spending time at the beach, taking part in organised excursions, playing sports and relaxing by the pool helped cultivate a strong sense of community. These moments helped me to form meaningful connections and lasting friendships that greatly enriched my experience and will be cherished upon returning to Belfast.  

The city of Wilmington significantly challenged my preexisting assumptions on the US. despite being located in the U.S (so closely attached to a fast-paced consumer culture), Wilmington stood out as a small, picturesque and almost insular city with a distinct character of its own. What surprised me most was the depth of local history and cultural heritage that is so easily overlooked in a country associated with mass modernity and commercialization. The historical walking tour of downtown Wilmington in particular was a key example of this. The tour encouraged me to look beyond surface level impressions and stereotypes of America and instead appreciate the layered narratives and local identities that define smaller communities like Wilmington.  

As a history student I was surprised to have never encountered the city of Wilmington – despite its relatively small size it holds a rich and complex historical narrative, key to the development of America. The visit to the grounds of the ‘Boundless’ sculpture was extremely impactful. Standing on the same site the United States Coloured Troops would have marched during the civil war not only brought a personal dimension to the local history but also inspired me to research further into the underrepresented African American soldiers of the American Civil War. Likewise, the visit to the USS North Carolina Battleship sparked a new interest into U.S military history offering a powerful, hands-on understanding of life aboard a wartime vessel.  

I believe this programme has added significant value to my degree by allowing me to develop my understanding of American history through real-world experiences beyond the confines of the classroom. Engaging directly with historical sites and local communities provided greater context that will enrich my academic work going forward. In terms of career development, the programme helped me broaden my horizons by exposing me to different cultural perspectives. Interacting with locals and navigating a new environment strengthened my adaptability, cross-cultural communication and global awareness. All these skills will be essential and widely applicable in any career I wish to pursue following my university education.  

My time spent in Wilmington on the summer programme was not just an academic endeavour but a journey of personal growth. It has left a lasting impression on both my educational and personal experiences, inspiring me to seek out further opportunities that combine education and culture and also to approach my studies and future career with a more open and global perspective.