LIFE CHANGING TRAVEL: MMI IN IRELAND

MMI Cadets Study Gaelic Language for 6 Weeks in Ireland   

By Claire Sherling

What is it about traveling that changes us so much? Yes, the exposure to new experiences and cultures grants us a new sense of perspective on our own lives and countries.  But, it’s more than that. Traveling forces us outside of our comfort zones in so many ways. For this particular trip—six weeks in rural, Gaelic-speaking Ireland—small adaptations like unfamiliar lodging, types of food, learning to buy groceries and cook, cultural misunderstandings, new roommates, long classes and an even longer walk to school every day in all types of weather, with the added pressures of everyone speaking a foreign language are just a few of the minor challenges that greet the cadets on their first days of their trip to Ireland and specifically in Glencolmcille, where they will settle in to study the Irish language (over 30 hours in class per week). In the past, some of these acclimatizations have proven to be a struggle when stacked one on top of the other for some of our students. But, for most, it is something far bigger than jet lag and cold, wet walks that brings about the greatest changes in the cadets.  In the last three years, as I have helped to chaperone the Marion Military Institute (MMI) Gaelic Club’s six-week study abroad program, I have seen cadet after cadet, on their own initiative, seek to improve their own character during the course of the journey.  Every one of them has left the better for it.

Locals threw the club a 4th of July party.  It was an international affair with friends from Spain, Italy and Northern Ireland joining in the festivities. 

“I’ve been in Ireland for 4 weeks and the experience so far has been incredible,” says Cadet Joshua Edgar, C2.  “Every morning since we’ve arrived in Glencolmcille, I wake up to beautiful scenery and walk a mile to class where I’m pushed to my intellectual limit frequently. The juxtaposition of rigorous intellectual stimulation, the gorgeous Irish countryside, and the alluring culture are all making this trip to Ireland a one of a kind experience that has influenced me greatly. I feel enlightened to a different way of living that is so foreign to what I’m used to that it constantly makes me question my biases and preconceptions about the world. I look forward to coming back again next year.”

In class at Oideas Gael with teacher John Woods. 

As one cadet looks forward to returning to Ireland, another MMI student is finishing his second summer at Oideas Gael, the Gaelic language college the cadets are enrolled in.  Charles Lampman, who just graduated from MMI this spring and who will attend the University of Alabama in fall to study political science, was drawn to the idea of the MMI Gaelic Club by the allure of spending six weeks in the Irish countryside. After attending a few of Dr. Sherling’s free Irish classes at MMI, Lampman decided to spend half of the summer in Ireland as opposed to his initial plan to backpack in Yellowstone for two weeks.  Lampman had one of the greatest experiences of his life during the summer of 2016.

“When I got to Ireland, for the second time, it felt like home, the people, the small details of the rocks, the hills, the mesmerizing sunset. I knew them, and that realization changed me for the better.

The best part is the people. The language is poetic, the scenery is unreal, and don't even get me started about the culture, but there is nothing that can match the conversation with the people of Ireland.

The language itself is expanding my knowledge of the world. Instead of thinking down a single path, every day I have to use different thought patterns to accomplish the same goal, whether that's in school or in everyday conversation.”

Walker Gregory, another member of the MMI Gaelic Club who attended the course during the 2016 summer, also wished to return to “Glen” (as the locals call Glencolmcille).

“I grew last year and I have grown in the past three weeks. Coming here and living in this environment of Glencolmcille has made me realize that there are some things in life that you just have to work harder to get,” says Gregory. “Trying to understand another language such as Gaelic has allowed my mind to expand.”

Gregory conquered many different challenges while attending the courses over the last two summers at Oideas Gael and within the community itself.  From intense academic coursework, to cultural nuances, Gregory adapted and grew with each new day.  One of his greatest triumphs thus far has been conquering a fear of heights by hiking a well-known, very difficult mountain range (Slieve League).

“The best experience here has been hiking Slieve League (the highest sea cliffs in Europe) and gaining a stronger appreciation of the friends I have made. In the words of William Butler Yeats, ‘There are no strangers here, just friends you have not yet met.’" 

The start of the journey across Slieve League.
Claire Sherling~chaperone (left), Charles Lampman, Walker Gregory, and Joshua Edgar

The summit of Slieve League. The cliff that is jutting out in the lower right corner was the group's starting point. This was the halfway marker as the group took the less travelled route to Malin Beg and then walked all the way back to Glencolmcille. Approximately 14 miles with various steep inclines.

THE TEACHER'S PERSPECTIVE: 

When asked about the students’ experience in Ireland, Dr. Sherling said:

“These guys have fallen in love with rural Ireland, its culture, its language, its people. It happened to me long ago, and it’s really been a joy to watch it happening to my students. It’s also been gratifying to see how hard they’ve worked on the language, which has paid off for them. Now they’re conversational in Irish Gaelic and can speak in Irish with perfect strangers. Last week, we went to the neighboring town of Teelin, which is still an Irish-speaking town, and Charles Lampman introduced himself to some locals and had a conversation of about twenty minutes with almost no English at all. Now that is improvement! If they keep this up, they’ll be fluent in no time.

They’ve grown in so many other ways, too. They’ve learned how to live in a foreign community, they’ve actually been adopted here. They’ve made very good friends with people from Ireland, America, and all over the world. They’ve come here and gotten a good handle on a very difficult language. They’ve literally climbed mountains (the highest sea cliffs in Europe). These things build confidence, and I hope it serves them well in whatever they choose to do in the future. Maith sibh, agus adh mor libh, a leads!” 

WRAP UP: 

During their time in Ireland, several Irish newspapers reported on the journey of the cadets as they worked to learn Irish. They even had the honor of meeting with Minister Joe McHugh, who made a specific journey during his busy schedule to meet with the cadets and Dr. Sherling. (Read the full story here.) Minister McHugh's office is very interested in the MMI Gaelic Club and the work that Dr. Sherling is doing to promote the Irish language and culture in Alabama at a military college. 

Claire Sherling, Joshua Edgar, Dr. Rankin Sherling, Walker Gregory, and Charles Lampman outside of class following the second week of classes. 

Several of the students from Oideas Gael after meeting with Minister Joe McHugh.

The beach at Glencolmcille is one of the best beaches in Ireland.

Meeting with Minister Joe McHugh. 

Many families in Glen rely on fishing as their source of income. The seas are very rough in the North Atlantic and the waters are freezing.  On the warmest days, it is easy to become hypothermic after too much time in the water. 

In Ireland, young and old gather at the pub, not as a place to drink, but as a place to meet, share stories, let the kids play, listen to music and watch a match... and maybe have a pint or two after.