Women's Lacrosse: Summer Study Abroad IRISH Student-Athletes TRAVELED THE WORLD IN 2017

SOUTH AFRICA

Women's lacrosse student-athletes Nikki Ortega, Jenn Casadonte, Samantha Giacolone and Samantha Lynch spent three weeks in South Africa through Notre Dame's study abroad program.

"One thing I will bring back with me to the US is a different perspective on how I view my own experiences. Our teacher said to us in the beginning of the trip 'don't expect anything.' And we really couldn't. We didn't have a daily schedule or itinerary; we just had to go with the flow. I honestly think it made the experience so much more enjoyable. I brought back the perspective 'Don't expect just experience' because it makes life so much more entertaining." --Samantha Giacolone

Greetings from 60 meters below ground in the Sterkfontein Caves at the Cradle of Humankind.
"It's hard to put into words the experience and how much I have enjoyed South Africa. From driving all over the country, seeing its beautiful sights, museums, animals and people, to the class discussions and genuine conversations with the entire group, I have learned so much. I am so grateful that Notre Dame gave me the opportunity to go on this trip. I have learned new perspectives, experienced new things and was pushed out of my comfort zone. It was the trip of a lifetime that I will never forget. I love the fact I got to experience it with my teammates/best friends while still getting to meet new people." --Jenn Casadonte, standing in front of the Regina Mundi Church, where 4,000 students sought refuge from police after anti-Apartheid riots.
Group selfie, taken in front of the Constitutional Court of South Africa, where the constitution is written in all 11 official languages of South Africa.
Spending time in the primary schools and learning about the PSFA program that has provided more than 1.5 billion nutritious meals to children since 1958.

First Day in Cape Town! This photo was taken at Hout Bay, where we saw Seal Island and had the best fish & chips around.

A day for a nice stroll around the Spice Route Vineyards.
All the way at the top of Table Mountain National Park at the Cape of Good Hope, which is the south-western-most point of the African continent.

"I felt fully engaged in the South African culture and am so grateful that Notre Dame gave me this opportunity, especially since I was able to share it with three of my teammates. To be able to go through this experience with Sam Lynch, Samantha Giacolone, and Jenn I feel even closer than before. We all went through long periods of no contact with the outside world, forcing us to really make the most of each other's company (bonfires and Jenga helped this). This trip not only showed me different sides of my teammates, but also gave me a different perspective on South Africa and on myself. Notre Dame has so many incredible study abroad programs, and I strongly encourage others to take full advantage of these trips, especially the South Africa trip, because it is something I will definitely never forget." --Nikki Ortega

"As an engineering student, most of my classes are very math and science heavy. Therefore, one thing I love about my Notre Dame education is that each student takes foundational courses in subjects such as theology, philosophy, and social sciences," Samantha Lynch said. "Having the opportunity to take a psychology class this summer (in South Africa nonetheless!) was a great way to continue my well-rounded ND education."

Bourke's Luck Potholes, where two rivers meet at the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon.

EUROPE

While several members of the team spent time in South Africa, women's lacrosse student-athlete Hannah Proctor traveled to Europe with another Notre Dame study abroad program. Proctor had the opportunity to visit London, Barcelona, the Cliffs of Dover, Amsterdam and Portugal. She also ventured to Berlin, Prague and Vienna later in the summer.

Proctor's adventures began with six weeks in London. This is a photo of London's "Little Venice" in St. James' Park.

Food at the Borough Market.
A shot of Big Ben taken outside of the apartment.
... and the street of Proctor's favorite brunch place.
An incredible day six at Wimbledon, watching Radwanska, Djokovic and Federer on Centre Court, followed by a tour of ESPN's production headquarters.
A beautiful day trip to the Cliffs of Dover ...
... and the canals of Amsterdam.
Pictured here is the Berlin Cathedral as well as artwork covering the Berlin Wall.

Views from the top of Prague.

An up-close view of the John Lennon Wall ...
... and gardens by Vienna's Parliament.

For more on Irish women's lacrosse, follow @NDWomensLax on Twitter and @ndwomenslax on Instagram.

Credits:

Created with images by Henning Supertramp - "View on Cape Town"

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