The Spire

Giulia Giannetta ‘25

News Staff Writer

Move-in day is an exciting time for College of the Holy Cross students. Returning to campus and reuniting with friends is always a wonderful experience and transition, but move-in day is different for a portion of the junior class this year. Whether they are waking up in South Africa or Cork, Ireland, it is safe to say that Holy Cross juniors are embarking on revitalizing, culturally immersive study abroad experiences that are sure to change their lives. 

For many students, this journey is more than just an academic pursuit – it is a life-changing experience that fosters personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world’s complexities beyond the College’s campus. Whether mastering a new language, participating in fieldwork, or simply living like a local, these juniors enrich their lives in ways that textbooks alone cannot replicate. The destinations and academic programs chosen by these adventurous juniors reflect the diverse interests and aspirations of the Holy Cross community.

Lauren Ross ‘25 is currently studying in Skukuza, South Africa, where she resides in an African Ecology and Conservation fieldhouse in Kruger National Park. During her first week, she was able to venture into the land, where she saw beautiful African wildlife such as elephants and the highly endangered white rhinoceros. The overall goal of her program is to “study ecology and conservation in South Africa [and] also contribute to research that benefits the National Park itself.” Another exciting activity Ross has partaken in is holding “a catfish in my bare hands. Witnessing the beautiful wildlife from a distance was thrilling, but holding one of nature’s most amazing creatures was an entirely unforgettable experience.” In Kruger, Ross will continue to research these species, where she will observe and interact with wildlife to understand and preserve the Park. Ross looks forward to the adventures that await the rest of her time in Kruger National Park and cannot wait to share her newfound knowledge in the spring at Holy Cross. 

8,000 miles north of Skukuza, Afton Fay ‘25 and Lauren Reilly ‘25 are studying in Cork, Ireland. Across the globe, they are forming new friendships, building cross-cultural connections, and contributing to the academic and cultural tapestry of their host institution, University College, Cork.

When asked about the transition, Fay says, “It was enjoyable to get immersed in a new atmosphere and meet new people. This is also a great opportunity for real independence, and I will be learning life skills that I’ll keep forever.” So far, her favorite visits have been to Blarney Castle and Kilkenny. 

Similarly, Reilly is enjoying her transition and beginning experiences in Cork. Currently, she is learning Gaelic in her “Intro to Modern Irish” class. To anyone pondering the decision to study abroad, she says to “just take the risk. It is an unforgettable experience that will shape you as a person when you immerse yourself in a new culture.”

The world is their classroom, and Holy Cross juniors take full advantage of the opportunity as they embark on their study-abroad adventures. These destinations give juniors a unique opportunity to step out of their comfort zones, engage with different perspectives, and cultivate a global outlook that will serve them well in their future careers and personal lives. So, although they are thousands of miles from the Hill, it is safe to say that Holy Cross juniors are beginning to feel at home worldwide.

Featured image courtesy of Pexels Free Photos