James McMillan

James McMillan is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Ireland.

Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.

I have countless memories that I could write about here, but the one experience that I had which has made the strongest impression on me happened the day I arrived in Ireland. I was on the train from Dublin to Galway. It was about 7 in the evening, and I had been awake for almost two days. As it happened, I was sitting across from a woman who was probably in her early 30's if I had to guess. I slept for most of the two-hour ride, and woke up with about 15 minutes left. I realized then that I had no idea where the Park Lodge Hotel was, and I definitely did not know how to get there. The woman was reading a novel, and I asked her what would be the best way to get to where I needed to go. She told me that the buses would probably not be running anymore, and that I would have to take a taxi. She said that there were a couple reputable taxi companies and, without a thought, turned to the back of her novel and ripped out one of the pages (not one with the story one it, of course) and wrote down the names of the taxi companies. I was absolutely blown away that someone whom I did not know at all would deface her own book just to help me. I hope I never lose that piece of paper.

Why did you choose the program in which you participated? 

I chose to go to Ireland for a number of reasons, the strongest being that they speak English. I also wanted to go somewhere in Europe because my ancestors are from Europe, primarily the British Isles. I also wanted to Study Abroad in the fall, and so the spring program to London would not work for me. Apart from those reasons, I have always been interested in Ireland and Irish history and culture. After the program, I know I chose correctly.

Describe your overall study abroad experience.

My study abroad experience was a chance of a lifetime. Traveling to a completely unfamiliar place and immersing oneself in an alien culture is not only frightening and challenging, but also incredibly interesting and ultimately rewarding. I do not think that I could have had a better study abroad group, including our leader, Prof. Rodell. I have made some wonderful new friends and have become much closer to those I knew before the trip because of, and through, what we experienced together.

How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?

I know for a fact that I have been affected by my Study Abroad experience; both because I have felt a change, and because others have told me that I am different. I feel that I have a greater appreciation not only for other contemporary cultures in a way that small-town North Dakota cannot teach, but also coming back, I have a much stronger love of the United States after seeing a society which runs quite differently. Additionally, I also feel that while I think I have always understood people from other backgrounds, I can now more fully relate to their feelings and insecurity about being in a place that they are not accustomed to. Beyond that, I simply feel surer of myself in social situations, and I feel like a more accomplished individual.

What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?

Future Study Abroad students must realize that their time in whichever country they visit is limited. They need to know that they will have opportunity upon opportunity to learn whether it is in the classroom or walking down the street Saturday afternoon. I had an amazing time abroad, but I know that there were more chances for fun and excitement than I did not take advantage of, and I wish that I had.