When I decided to study abroad in Ireland, I knew I’d be stepping out of my comfort zone. But what I didn’t fully realize was just how much I’d be doing it on my own. The decision to travel alone was both thrilling and intimidating, but it quickly became one of the best choices I’ve ever made. I spent four months in Limerick, a place that offered the solitude I didn’t know I needed—and the space to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
Limerick itself was a small city, not too overwhelming, but big enough to get lost in. It became a place where I learned to embrace being on my own—something I never expected to happen. I wasn’t just ‘studying abroad’; I was living abroad, without the safety net of familiar faces around. It was challenging at first. I spent many mornings walking through the quiet streets, often with nothing but my thoughts for company. But after a while, I started to look forward to those moments of solitude. They gave me a sense of clarity I hadn’t had before.
Spending so much time alone in a foreign country was a crash course in independence. There were moments when I felt isolated, even a little lost, but in those quiet hours, I realized something important: I could be alone without feeling lonely. I had to learn to enjoy my own company and trust my instincts more than I ever had before. It wasn’t easy, but little by little, I became more comfortable with the person I was—on my own.
Then, in April, I took things even further and traveled solo to Morocco. Stepping off that plane in Marrakesh, I was hit with a wave of unfamiliarity—the sights, the sounds, the entire atmosphere was so different from Ireland. But rather than feeling scared, I felt… alive. I stayed in the city for three days, and each day felt like a new adventure. From exploring the vibrant souks to riding a camel through the desert, it was an experience that pushed me to embrace the unexpected. And that camel ride? I won’t lie, I was terrified at first. But once I got the hang of it, the whole thing felt surreal—like I’d crossed some personal threshold.
Looking back now, it’s clear that both Ireland and Morocco taught me something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life: You don’t need anyone but yourself to experience the world. Solo travel isn’t about being alone; it’s about being able to navigate the world without relying on anyone else for your sense of direction. It’s about learning what you’re capable of, even in the moments when it feels like you don’t have it all figured out. I left both countries with more confidence, a deeper appreciation for my independence, and a whole new perspective on what it means to truly experience a place.
Olivia G. is studying Education and studied abroad at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, Ireland.
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