September / October, 2003

Study Abroad Experience in Ireland

This article first appeared in Currents Magazine, Vol. 3, No. 1 (summer 2003),
published by the College of Engineering at MSU

Tracy Kamikawa
Senior Biosystems Engineering
Honolulu, Hawaii

Tell us a bit about your study abroad experience in Dublin, Ireland . . .

Tracy Kamikawa, Biosystems Engineering Senior

Spring semester 2003 was absolutely amazing. The faculty and students at University College Dublin (UCD) were incredibly supportive and welcoming, which helped in the transition to the completely different style of learning practiced there. UCD, like many other European institutions, bases grades entirely on end-of-term evaluation rather than the continuous assessments made in the States. This means that there is nearly no graded work throughout the semester, and that the final exams count for 100 percent of the grades. This relief of day-to-day pressure is great for planning weekend trips or nights out on the town, but can be overwhelming once the end of term finally arrives and there is a whole semester’s worth of material to learn. Classes are also more heavily based on lecture notes, with textbooks and other references only “recommended.” This disparity between college in Dublin and back at MSU has been the greatest challenge for me, as I had to modify the study habits that I had previously established.

In social terms, Ireland was great. My Irish classmates included me in their plans and I met a lot of other transfer students from across the States, and from France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, and Sweden. We were able to relate easily as we were all eager to experience new cultures, try new things, and go to new places. One of the best aspects of studying abroad anywhere in Europe is the close proximity to other countries and the easy rail accessibility.

St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin.

I went to other areas of Ireland on several weekend trips as well as a three-week-long spring break during which we traveled to nine different countries. I can honestly say that those three weeks were the best of my life, and will not be soon surpassed--if ever. The sheer number of

exotic and famed places that we visited was overwhelming, and the excitement of having no restraints besides the packs on our backs was completely liberating. We began with a general itinerary and made plans along the way, taking trains and buses to our destinations and exploring each stop as we got there. It was almost exhilarating not knowing whether we’d have a place to sleep each night. Sitting in the Milan train station for eight hours overnight just didn't’t seem so bad. It was Milan. We were having the time of our lives. Nothing could get us down. I realized I was capable of a lot more than I had previously given myself credit for. This trip was so important for me in building my self-confidence and independence. I feel like I can go anywhere and do anything. I have never been a world traveler. Until now.

So many options have availed themselves due to this entire study abroad experience and I would recommend it to anyone ready and willing to have the time of their lives, making great new friends along the way.

Zanzibar, a pub in Dublin

Who has been your favorite or most influential MSU professor?

It may sound trite, but all of my professors have been amazing, especially within biosystems engineering. The department is so small that there is enough one-on-one interaction and attention with all the faculty and staff to make it feel almost like a family. I feel comfortable with all of my professors and am confident that they always have my best interests in mind, encouraging me within the class structure as well as taking time outside of class to forward my instruction with independent studies and research.

My mentor since freshman year has been Dr. Evangelyn (Vangie) Alocilja. She made the effort to contact me even before I set foot in Michigan, offering me a professorial assistantship that I am still involved in and that has been a great asset to my development as an engineer. She was one of the major factors in my decision not only to major in biosystems engineering but even to attend MSU, as I think she epitomizes everything that MSU stands for. From that first visit to campus, I was overwhelmed by the friendliness of the people and their eagerness to help, and also attracted by the opportunities that MSU and the Honors College offered. Vangie only confirmed all of these assets with her own kindness and offers of a paid research position. Since then, her idealism and enthusiasm for the field has been contagious and I always look forward to further inspiration from her. She makes us all want to make a difference not only through our research but as individuals in our personal and spiritual communities.

Atop Castle Hill in Budapest, Hungary.

I also must acknowledge Mrs. Elaine Johnson-Hahn, my advisor, without whose help I would not have had the opportunity to study abroad in Ireland. She always has a close eye on the progress of my program and has consistently been a great resource in terms of job and scholarship opportunities. She always has suggestions about improving my course of study to enhance my offerings to future employers, and is unfailingly optimistic and kind.

What is the most significant accomplishment in your life so far?

It may be that the novelty has not yet worn off, but I feel that my greatest accomplishment has been this study abroad experience in Dublin. I have gained so much personally as well as intellectually, having the opportunity to learn in a completely new environment under a different format and to stretch myself in terms of throwing myself into foreign and unfamiliar situations. I am proud that I could adjust to another culture completely on my own, while enjoying myself at the same time, and am certain that this is only the first of many chapters of my future exploits. The world has been opened up to me and I can’t wait to explore it.

Agricultural Engineering
Michigan State University
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East Lansing, MI 48824-1323
(517) 355-4720

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September 16, 2003