In what would turn out to be one of my last classes at the University of Zaragoza (Unizar), a student raised her hand and asked if our assessed presentations would continue if the university had to close. The class laughed …
travel
White people shouldn’t have all the answers
A past volunteer’s critique and defence of short-term volunteering in the Global South
We grow up being encouraged to help those less fortunate than we are. We should “help those who cannot help themselves”. This seems like a mantra that can only be admirable. Most of us have contributed towards charitable efforts in …
A pensive peninsula
In the Land of the Morning Calm, one writer navigates her way across an island far removed from our own.
One of the first questions you are asked in South Korea is how old you are. This is not to offend but rather to try and understand your social order to other people. If you are older than the person …
A visit to Sarajevo
Comhall Fanning reminisces on his trip to the interesting, vibrant, and historical city of Sarajevo
My friend Ali and I, both embarking on a year off-books in Austria, decided to leave Ireland a few weeks early and travel around the Balkans before taking a bus to Austria. One of the most interesting cities we visited …
Visit my city: Phoenix, Arizona
One student takes us on a tour of her hometown 8000km away in the southwesterly corner of the USA
Between the months of March and November, the first thing you notice upon leaving Phoenix airport is how hot it is. Compared to the air conditioned inside, stepping out into the world feels very much like stepping face-first into an …
The ultimate Irish road trip
From Mayo to Meath, we take a look at the biggest and best attractions around the country
It happens to the best of us: you spend those long months of exam revision thinking about how you’re going to spend your summer. You and your friends decide that you’ll visit all the places that you’ve always wanted to …
Jailbreak: an experience
Participants in Jailbreak look back at what made their adventures memorable
It’s rare that you find yourself in a 24hr McDonalds in Amsterdam debating whether to get a bus to Vienna, but this is exactly the type of situation the Irish Jailbreak race creates. Participating in Jailbreak sounds exhausting—but, equally, exhilarating. …
In praise of the summer staycation
Andrew Connolly argues that for many, spending the summer in Ireland is the best option
Casting my mind back to the more innocent time of September 2015, I recall friends worrying about comments by Donald Trump on his plans to end the J1 programme. At the time, our worries were tempered by the belief that …
More than 166 students race around the world for Jailbreak
College students have 36 hours to reach a secret location revealed in a series of clues
Today 166 third level students are taking part in the iconic Jailbreak race. The competition started this morning at 9am from Collins Barracks, Dublin. In teams of two, the students have 36 hours to travel to a mystery location somewhere …
The case for going off-books
Neasa Candon spent a year as a ‘free mover’ instead of going on Erasmus – one of the best decisions of her life. She explains the differences, benefits and how to apply
It’s December; the Toy Show has passed, the nights are longer, and the procrastination more intense than ever, meaning only one thing — Christmas is on the way! Once a time for peaceful reflection, the four week break now spells …