Traveler Bio

Hi everyone! My name is Helena Defanti, and over the next few months, I’ll be sharing my adventures with you from Ireland and beyond. I grew up in the small coastal town of Barrington, Rhode Island, but I go to school in St. Louis, Missouri. This semester, I’m thrilled to be studying in Ireland, where I hope to spend a lot of time hiking, learning about Irish culture, and exploring the beautiful landscapes. I’ve always loved the outdoors, and Ireland feels like the perfect place to connect with nature while also experiencing a new culture.

One of the things I’m most excited about is the chance to travel to different cities across Europe that I’ve never been to before. I want to soak up as many new experiences as I can, from local traditions and food to history and art, and make new friends along the way!

By sharing my journey with you, I hope to not only tell you about what I discover but also learn from your stories and perspectives. I can’t wait to take you along with me on this adventure!

Want to know more about how you can study or intern abroad when you are a college student? The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Learn more about the scholarship by clicking here!