Skyler Rowe, a senior pre-veterinary major at the University of Delaware, studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland, in spring 2024. During an excursion to Scotland, she encountered the Highland cow, a traditional cattle breed from western Scotland.

Skyler Rowe, a senior honors pre-veterinary major at the University of Delaware, studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland, in spring 2024. During an excursion to Scotland, she encountered the Highland cow, a traditional cattle breed from western Scotland.

Veterinary explorer

Article by Molly Schafer Photos courtesy of Skyler Rowe August 01, 2024

UD undergraduate student Skyler Rowe gains a global perspective studying pre-veterinary medicine in Ireland

When Skyler Rowe, a senior at the University of Delaware, disembarked the plane at Dublin airport last spring, she was alone in a new country and overwhelmed with emotion. Noticing her distress, a Dublin resident struck up a friendly conversation, and Rowe’s fears dissipated.

“Everyone I’ve met here has been so friendly,” Rowe said. “I have an amazing group of friends from all around the world, which is something I‘ve always dreamed of.”

Rowe spent the past semester at the prestigious University College Dublin (UCD) in Ireland through a UD Study Abroad program supported by the Center for Global Programs and Services. The honors pre-veterinary medicine major in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources said studying abroad made her more independent.

“I feel like I’ve gained a lot of independence and confidence,” Rowe said. “This is the first time in my life that I’m somewhere completely new, and I had to build my support system.”

Rowe said pushing herself out of her comfort zone has helped her trust herself, an ability that will be essential in her chosen career as a veterinarian.

Classes at European universities typically have fewer assessments than their American counterparts. It can be a big adjustment for American students used to weekly assignments and feedback about their progress throughout the semester.

Rowe explores the vast library at University College Dublin during her study abroad.

“It’s very different. Here, you are more accountable for yourself, and you need to keep yourself on track,” Rowe said. “In my Genetics and Biotechnology course at UCD, the final exam counts for 90% of our grade.”

Rowe relied heavily on her knowledge from her UD classes Introduction to Microbiology (BISC 300) and Introductory Biology I and II (BISC 207, 208) during her Applied Biotechnology course at UCD.

The class covered topics ranging from genetic engineering in agriculture to new genome editing technologies for crops and food products. The lab portion of the class provided Rowe with her first experience working hands-on with DNA.

“We practiced common techniques in DNA-based biotechnology such as DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and agarose gel electrophoresis,” Rowe said.

Rowe noticed a global perspective in her coursework at UCD, which hosts more than 9,500 international students.

“We’re learning about genome editing, and my professor listed examples of genetically modified foods from around the globe,” Rowe said. “Having a global perspective will be very beneficial in my pursuit of becoming a veterinarian, as it fosters my awareness and understanding of not only the range of animal health challenges in the world but also of different cultures and ethical considerations.”

“I think this is important for students studying animal science because it paves the way for a more holistic and adaptable approach to our future careers,” Rowe continued. “This perspective challenges me to think critically and creatively when it comes to my studies and goals.”

In a class titled “Ireland Uncovered,” Rowe studied key topics in Irish history and how they relate to current issues. Each student was assigned a landmark in Dublin and was required to present on it.

“We took a field trip to the city center and presented in front of the landmarks,” Rowe said. ”It was a fun and engaging way to learn more about the city we study in.”

Outside of class, Rowe explored Ireland with an international group of friends. Their history lessons came to life during visits to Dublin Castle and Belfast in Northern Ireland. Iconic Irish locations like the Giant’s Causeway, Howth Castle and Dublin’s Grafton Street provided as much enjoyment as lesser known locales.

Rowe visited the Giant’s Causeway in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Volcanic activity created the geometric formations 50 to 60 million years ago.

“There are so many beautiful places in Ireland,” Rowe said. “We enjoyed hiking in Bray, a small seaside village.”

Rowe also traveled to Scotland, where she saw highland cows, and Copenhagen to visit a high school friend studying abroad. At the end of each adventure, Rowe happily returned to UCD. The sizable bucolic campus boasts nature trails, woodlands and lakes.

“Being on campus, outside of the city, gave me a comforting sense of home,” said Rowe, who lived on campus. “It made it easy for me to connect with other students.”

Rowe said she encourages other UD students to consider studying abroad.

“Fully immerse yourself somewhere,” Rowe said. “Trust yourself and take risks, because that’s how you’ll grow and discover yourself.”

Learn more about the Department of Animal and Food Sciences’ pre-veterinary medicine major. To discover UD Study Abroad and upcoming global education opportunities, visit udel.edu/global/studyabroad.

About the Center for Global Programs and Studies

The Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS) at the University of Delaware is home to the operations of UD Global, which includes Study Abroad, International Student and Scholar Services, World Scholars Program and Global Outreach and Partnerships. The Center provides leadership and collaborative innovation in support of all of the University's global initiatives and campus internationalization efforts, with its Global 360 Strategy serving as a roadmap for infusing international perspectives throughout the University’s scholarship, research and service missions.