An unfamiliar face is making himself known on Cabrini’s campus.
Conall Gallagher, hailing from Ireland, will be studying at Cabrini for the entire 2013-2014 year. “I started off by applying for the Study USA program that the British council ran,” Gallagher said. “After a strict application process, I was selected for the interview process where I was interviewed in December for the Study USA program.”
After getting through the interviews, Gallagher had a few options of which school to go to. “Cabrini was my number one choice,” Gallagher said. “I had other choices across the states in North Carolina and Tulsa, Oklahoma.”
Back at home Gallagher is a geography major, however, here at Cabrini he is studying business administration. “As a geography major in Ireland, I have up to 120 people in some classes,” Gallagher said. “Classes are a lot smaller but they tend to be good.”
In addition to studying different material, Gallagher said the biggest difference between his school at home and Cabrini is the size of the college. “At home my school is Queens University Belfast and it’s a big school. As for Cabrini everyone knows everyone. It’s great!” Gallagher said.
Gallagher is enjoying his experience in America so far. “The experience has been great, people at Cabrini have been very welcoming,” Gallagher said. “The experience so far has gotten me excited for the months to come.”
One of the things that attracted Gallagher to study in the U.S. is the hardworking nature of the students here. “America is one of them places where you can really be recognized for hard work when you’re older. It’s a great hardworking country,” Gallagher said. “Ireland is as small as many of the states in the U.S. America is fast-paced and lively. The place never sleeps which is what I love about it.”
Although Gallagher is enjoying his time so far, he does miss his family and friends back home. “It is hard being away from home but the social networking advancements in recent years has made communicating a little bit easier,” Gallagher said. “My family will visit throughout the year so that’s what keeps me going.”
Gallagher hopes to one day spend an extended period of time in America. “I hope to live in America for a duration perhaps and this overseas experience allows me to get international experience,” Gallagher said. “In today’s workforce competition is very high and to have something like studying on an international setting is priceless. This study abroad year will allow me to develop myself more as a person and make international networks.”
Gallagher is looking forward to making the most of his year here. Although it will be an adjustment, it’s something he is not only grateful for, but he’s looking forward to. “I’m grateful for the opportunity that Cabrini and Study USA have given to me,” Gallagher said. “I look forward to the many great experiences and memories ahead.”
