From new friendships to culture shocks, this programme taught me things I will carry with me forever.

At 21, I still live at home, mainly because my parents let me live rent-free while at university, and we live close to Queen’s, so it made sense. But this trip made me realise I am actually ready to move out. I really enjoyed living with the other girls and experiencing independence. I shared an apartment with three girls I had never met before, and we were down the hall from eight others. We all came from totally different backgrounds, Protestant, Catholic, Irish, English and probably would never have crossed paths if not for this programme.

Spending every day together, starting with a brutal 4am travel day, meant we bonded quickly. I would describe myself as observant, I pick up on changes in people’s moods and behaviour easily. Through our conversations, it was clear who came from more privileged backgrounds, just from the way they spoke about their lives, families, and experiences, even without realising it. At the same time, it was just as clear who had faced more challenges but still approached life with optimism. We grew close very quickly, opening up to each other about personal experiences and struggles. While I would not say I have had the easiest life, hearing what others have been through really made me appreciate my own home life more and look at my past experiences through a new lens.

What Inspired Me the Most

What inspired me most were the people. Americans are so open and confident, they will start chatting to you like they have known you for years. Multiple times, strangers would strike up conversations with us just because of our accents. At the Myrtle Beach outlets, a man working in Coach asked for where to explore in Ireland for his honeymoon after hearing we were from Ireland. At first I was like, “Why are you talking to me?” But then I realised it is just the culture, and it actually helped me become more confident. I started speaking up more and putting myself out there like never before.

I was really inspired by how proud Americans are of their culture. Almost every home had a flag outside, and everyone we met told us how amazing July 4th was. Back home, flags are usually tied to politics, but in the U.S., it is more like community pride. I even found myself becoming more vocal about being Irish whenever people would say things like “I’m Irish too, my great-great-great-grandfather was from there!”

What Challenged My Assumptions

I had certain ideas about America from movies and social media, big cities, fast food, and driving everywhere. Some of that’s true (the portion sizes are insane), but there was so much more depth to the culture than I expected. Tipping culture is insane. Why am I tipping before someone even gives me a service? Who am I even tipping when I have placed my order at a kiosk? We left tips on Uber Eats before the food arrived because we had heard horror stories of drivers ruining the food if they got no tip.

Another surprise was how diverse American culture is. The accents, values, and lifestyles vary so much by state. Wilmington has a really interesting and heavy history, we learned about the only successful coup in U.S. history during a walking tour downtown. I noticed how different everyday safety feels. On July 4th, people were setting off fireworks in the street, and some of the girls, and locals, panicked. It wasn’t the fireworks, but the way they can sound like gunshots. Back home, fireworks being thrown in the street is common around Halloween, but guns aren’t part of our lives, so I was more neutral. That really made me reflect on how different our realities are.

What I Learned

My communication skills improved massively. Being surrounded by people who are so direct and outgoing helped me stop second-guessing myself. I had to adapt fast, whether it was understanding pop culture references, tipping rules, or figuring out how to deal with the heat and sudden storms, like the night we got caught in a storm just after our sunset cruise! I gained a new level of independence, too. Being away from home and solving problems on my own, even the small things, made me feel more capable and grown up.

In terms of values, I learned to really listen to people with different views. Conversations about Northern Irish politics or social issues weren’t always easy, but I learned how to stay respectful and open-minded. That is a skill I will carry into both personal and professional spaces.

How It Helped My Degree + Career

I got to take classes I would not take at home, but more importantly, I grew as a person. Employers are always looking for people who are adaptable, culturally aware, and good at working in diverse teams, and I have now got real experience doing all of that. It is something I can confidently talk about in interviews, and it shows I am not afraid to take on new challenges. Having an international exchange on my CV is something that really stands out. It shows initiative, curiosity, and resilience, all things that matter in any career.

Conclusion

This experience was genuinely life-changing. It was not always easy, but those were the moments I grew the most. I have come back with new lifelong friends, new confidence, and a new perspective. If I could do it all again, I absolutely would, as long as it was with the same group, with the only thing I would change is making the trip longer! The friendships we made shaped the entire trip, and I will never forget the memories we made. Seahawks forever!