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`Are you looking for something exciting and intriguing to do this summer? It may be to your benefit to visit Ireland with Dr. Dominic Scott, as there are still spots open for the trip this summer. Dr. Scott takes 14 Millersville students on this annual trip to view the “peace process” that has magically taken place over recent years. The trip is from June 13 to June 23 and covers Belfast, Donegal, Derry City, Giant’s Causeway, Antrim Coast, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Reed Rope Bridge, and its finale is in Corrymeela Peace Community Center. The course, which can be taken as GOVT 408 or SOCY 320, costs $1,995. The trip spans 11 days and nine nights and the air fare, accommodation, transportation, lectures, admissions, and most meals are covered in the $1,995 cost. The students will have to pay for tuition and fees separately, which may qualify for federal financial aid.
Dr. Scott is a professor in the Educational Foundations Department at Millersville University and supervises student teachers while teaching classes in Comparative Education, and Issues in Secondary Education. Dr. Scott is originally from Belfast and personally witnessed this “peace process” transform the conflict riddled countryside of Ireland into the peaceful community it now is today. Dr. Scott feels that there is something unique witnessing this process of shared government and peace-building and would love to share this experience with the students of Millersville. Dr. Scott brought his first group of students to Ireland in 2005 and has brought a group every year since.
The trip begins with three days in Belfast where the peace line exists, and you are introduced to grass root peace builders, who were former paramilitaries. These paramilitaries are the same people who were at war trying to kill each other 15 years ago but are now working together for the benefits of their communities.
The students listen to the personal stories of transformation and growth as they tour Belfast City Hall, Queen’s University, St. Mary’s University and meet Belfast’s Lord Mayor. The students get to experience how a community is responding to the challenges of post-conflict reconstruction through their political wall murals on both sides of the newly formed community. The students also get to experience how the new community has fun by learning Irish dancing and intermixing with the locals.
The next stop on this tour of Ireland is the town of Donegal in western Ireland where you learn about the struggles of rural people after going hill walking and swimming in the beautiful local bay. The rural people the students meet had relatives that came to Lancaster County in the 18th century, and will share how they survived in their isolated region of Ireland during times of conflict.
Derry City is the next stop, and is the best example of a walled city in Europe. The students tour the walls as they learn the great historic significance of Derry City to nationalist and unionist communities.
The trip is topped off with a visit to the most tranquil spot of the whole visit in Corrymeela Peace Community Center, which is perched high above the sea looking out to Scotland.
Ireland is a magical, mystical place with a charming and warm friendly atmosphere. The Irish people are very engaging and knowledgeable about U.S. history. The lessons the Irish have learned from bringing their community back together are valuable lessons for the rest of the world to take to heart.