My name is Ila van Schaik, and I am headed off to Ireland!

I am beyond excited for this trip. I haven’t gotten the chance to travel internationally in a long time and am grateful to be doing it with such a great group.

Since I was a little girl, I knew studying abroad was going to be part of my education. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to fit a trip abroad into my schedule, but Fair Play checked all of my boxes. It’s an eight-day trip with an itinerary flexible enough that I’ll have plenty of time to explore.

Traveling has taught me my most valuable lessons, which are often prompted by the need to problem solve. Who knows what my exploring may lead to!

I could not tell you how many buses I’ve missed, phones I’ve forgotten, or wallets I’ve misplaced. But, no matter what got in my way, I always reached my destination.

I’ve learned to take things as they come.

And to be early.

I am going into this trip with an open mind and open eyes. I’m looking forward to seeing giant castles and landscapes that feel straight out of Narnia. I’m looking forward to an Irish breakfast and a pub visit, or two. And most of all, I’m looking forward to the strange paths my mistakes will lead me down!

Follow along! I’ll be taking over the Klein Global Instagram as we explore the wonderful city of Dublin, Ireland.

I will be sharing every step of my journey, the good, the bad, and the awesome.

If reading is more your speed, I have an extended blog post on my thoughts pre-departure, which you can read here.

See you on the other side!

Ila van Schaik