From Classroom to Ireland: Broadening Educational Horizons
Inspired by her graduate study abroad experience, which allowed her to explore higher education in a more immersive and globally informed manner, Clinical Assistant Professor of Higher Education Chelsea Smith redesigned the “EDUC 500 Global Studies” course to include a cultural and higher education experience in Ireland during the spring of 2025. The course, open to all graduate students in the School of Education (SOE), was made possible with support from Professor Emerita Pamela Eddy, the Reves Center for International Studies, Senior Assistant Dean for Academic Programs & Student Services Dorothy Osborne, Registrar and Assistant Director of Academic Services Tammy Gainer and the campus partners in Ireland.
This was Smith’s first time leading a study abroad program, an uncommon opportunity for an early-career faculty member. The course aimed to expose students to global perspectives in higher education, promote cultural humility, and help them reflect on their own educational backgrounds in the context of Irish higher education. Student learning was assessed through formal methods (such as reflective journaling, a cumulative creative project and liaison roles) and informal ones (like group discussions). Smith shared that study abroad “further reinforced the notion that I should always strive to embed global perspectives in my coursework ... I would offer my colleagues to trust their experiences, expertise and abilities when embarking on a program such as this. I would also suggest not being afraid to learn alongside your students.”
As a part of the course, students spent 15 weeks on the William & Mary campus starting in January 2025. They explored the Irish higher education system through cultural modules from the curriculum developed by Smith and the Irish Study Abroad Association (ISA). Coursework included breakout rooms, group projects, a pre-departure dinner, packing lists and detailed itineraries. These activities helped the 10 students build a sense of community and prepare for their 10-day study abroad trip to Ireland in May 2025. 
One of the graduate students, Carleigh Rollins M.Ed. '25, shared her experience: “Ten days in-country sounds like a long time, but once you are there, the time flies. Take advantage of opportunities that you would not have in the United States — try local food and restaurants, ask locals for recommendations.”
While in Ireland, Rollins noticed cultural differences in how mental health is supported in higher education, as well as financial disparities between the west and east coasts of Ireland. She also observed that the college application process in Ireland is quite different from the United States — Irish students take one comprehensive exam, and their scores determine eligibility for various institutions.
Smith highlighted some of her favorite experiences with students in Ireland, including visiting art galleries featuring student art, exploring cultural sites in Dublin, and seeing the Cliff of Moher. The study abroad experience helped her grow in areas like innovation, facilitation, organization and comparative teaching and learning.
“I want to model to my students that anything is possible, even if you don’t always feel ready,” she said. She is now looking forward to designing and teaching a new course in a different cultural context.
Smith emphasized the importance of tailoring study abroad opportunities for graduate students. Unlike undergraduates, graduate students frequently face tighter limits on time and funding. Her class included full-time and part-time learners — many balancing full-time jobs or parenting responsibilities — with varying levels of international experience, some of whom were studying abroad for the first time.
Although it has been three months since the students returned from Ireland, conversations about the impact of study abroad experience are still ongoing.
“Students have been actively encouraging peers to embark on the next experience. Ever since the return, I have been even more immersed in global education and my confidence to engage with colleagues abroad. I submitted an abstract to the International Conference on Education Research and Innovation in Seville, Spain, and will be attending in November,” Smith shared.