As part of the University of Guelph-Humber’s international study initiative, students are enriching their learning experience through seven global study opportunities.
In part one of this study abroad series, we learn about a turbulent history, a desire for peace, and an enduring effort to keep it.
***
“It’s a universal story,” says Assistant Program Head of Justice Studies and Ireland study abroad course instructor, Glenn Hanna. “The story of Ireland demonstrates what can happen when communities of people feel they have no voice, feel disenfranchised, feel excluded from decision-making and from positions of power.”
“But it also demonstrates what can happen when there is a desire for peace, and a desire to give voice to the perpetual ‘other’ ” he adds. “It is this story our students see as they travel through historic Dublin before heading to Belfast, Northern Ireland.”
University of Guelph-Humber students are experiencing Ireland’s notable story as they visit places such as Dublin’s Kilmainham Gaol, Belfast’s Stormont Parliament Buildings, and meet with those at Ulster University, at the Police Service of Northern Ireland and other civilian oversight bodies.
“The evolution of society in Ireland shows us how to listen critically to all sides; how to contextualize opinions and passions and motivations; how to separate facts from propaganda,” says Hanna. “There are important lessons to be learned for our future leaders here in Canada.”