WKU News

“I’m in Dublin, Ireland for a research internship with Trinity College Dublin, at the Centre of Global Health,” says Emma Thomas, a psychology major from rural Kentucky. For Emma, this isn’t just an academic opportunity—it’s part of a bigger journey to understand the world and her place within it.

In Dublin, Emma’s days are filled with literature reviews, supporting conferences, and working on Move for Fun, a project aimed at combating childhood obesity through schools. “I’m doing quite a lot while I’m over here,” she says. Her work includes making informational videos, creating age-appropriate resources for children and parents, and designing consent forms to support the project’s rollout. “If I had my dream job, it would be a child and adolescent psychologist. So this actually works really well for my career goals.”

Emma chose this program specifically for its research focus, an important component for her upcoming graduate school applications. “When I was looking at internships abroad, I really wanted to focus on being able to do research or just some form of working in the field,” she explains. Interestingly, Ireland wasn’t her first choice—she initially interviewed for a different location but didn’t get it. “Which was way better in the long run,” she laughs, “because when I interviewed for the lab I am in now, a lot of the research worked way better for my interests and my skills… I was more of a well-rounded applicant for this lab.”

This is Emma’s second time abroad. Her first study abroad was in Argentina, where she took psychology courses including cross-cultural psychology and psychology of trauma. “Going to Argentina, I did not know Spanish very well… going to an English-speaking country was way easier,” she reflects. Yet the biggest difference wasn’t the language, but her mindset. “I am way better footed going into Ireland this time around.”

In Argentina, she built a close friend group quickly, something she worried might not happen again in Ireland. “That was probably the biggest hurdle… friends aren’t expected, but you would hope for them.” Luckily, her API program cohort clicked immediately. “We’re hanging out every day and bonding and loving our lives right now... I have such a close knit girl group which is the biggest blessing.”

Both experiences have shaped her understanding of the world and herself. In Argentina, she learned about trauma and resilience through local history, such as studying the Madres de Plaza de Mayo during the Dirty War. “It has helped influence how I get to know Ireland too… wanting to just know more about their history, what makes up the people, why they do things.”

Study abroad was always on Emma’s college bucket list. “This is actually why I applied for the [Mahurin] Honors College as a freshman. I knew I wanted to study abroad, even if it was just once.” These experiences have fulfilled more than just her honors credits—they’ve shaped her confidence and worldview. “I feel a lot more grounded because I’ve had these experiences… I’m not just floating through emotions. I know my values, my morals, my beliefs.”

For Emma, studying abroad has also strengthened her independence and life skills. “I came from a really small town… I knew there was such a bigger world out there. Being able to first see it and experience it really helped me realize how more compassionate and how ready for the world I could be than just staying put.”

When asked for advice, she doesn’t hesitate: “Bite the bullet and do it, even if you don’t know where you’re going, even if you don’t know what you’re fully doing… you are there now, so you need to experience the now and live in the moment.”

Looking ahead, Emma plans to apply to graduate school and hopes to apply for Fulbright to continue her research abroad. “I would love to be able to come back and continue what I’m doing here,” she says. “I’ve bonded very well with colleagues from all over the world. It would be really nice to come back for a year and continue helping out where I can.”

Emma’s journey is a testament to how study abroad can transform not only your academic path but also your outlook on life. As she puts it, “Sleep will come later. Money will come back. Energy will regenerate. But I’m here now.”