This summer, I had the opportunity to join 16 Fresno Pacific University students and two other faculty leaders for two weeks of learning, serving and making memories in Ireland and Northern Ireland through an FPU Study Away experience.
From Belfast and Derry to Dublin and County Clare, our students visited schools, universities, historic sites and some unforgettable landmarks while learning about education, literature, culture, conflict and peacemaking.
There was a lot to take in, and some of my favorite reflections from the trip came from hearing what stood out to the students.
Learning in a Different Classroom
For sophomore liberal studies major Ashley Aguirre Duran, some of the best moments happened inside Northern Irish schools.
“One of my favorite parts was visiting different schools, including a Catholic school and a school that supports students with disabilities, and seeing how students learn in Ireland.”
She said the experience was especially meaningful because she plans to become a teacher.
Ruby Marentes-Cabrera, also a sophomore liberal studies major, was struck by the way schools supported both students and staff.
“It was really nice to see how everyone supports each other and makes sure they get a break when they need one.”
She also enjoyed talking with elementary students who were curious about life in the United States.
“It was funny because they would ask if we knew certain celebrities, almost like we know everyone!”
History You Can Actually Stand In
The trip also brought history to life.
Students visited Derry, Belfast, the Peace Wall and Queen’s University Belfast, where they heard from people who had experienced conflict in Northern Ireland firsthand. One of our goals was to give students opportunities to move beyond textbook definitions of conflict and peace-building by hearing directly from people whose lives have been shaped by the history they were studying. Students also learned about the culture and local ministry efforts from Youth With A Mission (YWAM) staff.
For Alana, that was one of the most powerful parts of the trip.
“Hearing about the conflict between different communities and listening to stories from people who experienced it made the history feel much more real.”
She said the trip gave her a different kind of learning experience.
“We weren’t just learning about Ireland from a classroom. We were actually immersed in the culture.”
And Yes, There Was Plenty of Fun Too
Of course, we also had plenty of time to explore. Our travels took us to Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the Cliffs of Moher and plenty of memorable stops along the way.
One student called the Cliffs of Moher a favorite memory and added:
“After we went to a farm nearby and we could feed all sorts of animals. I had a great time and made some great friendships over the course of the two weeks!”
For some students, simply going abroad was something they never expected to do. For some students, the flight out of Fresno was their first time to fly on a plane. We wanted this trip to be as economically feasible as possible for students, so we were able to keep costs down by collaborating with YWAM and other contacts I developed when living in Belfast 15 years ago.
“Studying abroad in Ireland was an experience I never thought I would have the opportunity to be part of,” Ashley said.
Alana felt the same way.
“I never expected that I would have the chance to study abroad, especially because I had never been to another country or even been on a flight longer than three hours.”
By the end of the trip, students had experienced new places, new ways of learning and plenty of memorable moments along the way.
After the trip, Ashley encouraged others to consider similar experiences:
“I would definitely recommend studying abroad to any student who gets the opportunity.”
Want to Study Away?
Fresno Pacific University offers opportunities for students to study in locations around the world. Explore Study Away Opportunities
Whitney Wall Bortz
,
Ph.D.
Faculty Senate Chair/Faculty Representative
Associate Professor of Liberal Studies, Program Coordinator
Whitney Bortz, Ph.D., is a teacher educator and researcher at Fresno Pacific University, where she prepares undergraduate students for careers in K-12 education. Her work explores how learning theory, classroom community, and emerging technology shape belonging, collaboration, and human connection. She is passionate about preparing future teachers to use technology thoughtfully while knowing and welcoming their students well. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, hiking, Fresno Grizzlies games, and adventures with her husband and three children.
