Student Explores Ireland with African American Irish Diaspora Network Program

Psychology major works at youth center while immersing herself in new culture, experiences

Jayla Vyent, a psychology major at Sacred Heart University, was one of three U.S students who immersed themselves in Irish culture this summer. The opportunity came through the African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN) and Council of International Educational Exchange (CIEE) Intern Scholars in Ireland program.

The AAIDN and CIEE created the program to build bridges between African American and Irish communities and prepare African American college students for the global job market. The scholars were matched with employers that aligned with their career goals and skill sets. The AAIDN and CIEE paid for their work placement, housing, six-credit academic course, flights and living expenses.

“Thanks to the help of several University administrators and their relationship with the AAIDN/CIEE, we were able to nominate a few students for the internship and global learning opportunity,” said Rob Johnson, SHU’s executive director of multicultural affairs. “Jayla was a natural choice for me to nominate because of her consistent engagement in a wide variety of areas throughout the campus community. Sacred Heart University is now one of three schools working with the African American Irish Diaspora Network to provide this type of opportunity for Black students to engage in cultural immersion and exchange beyond our campus.”

Johnson approached Vyent, 20, with the internship opportunity last spring. “He told me he had something really exciting to share with me, but I didn’t realize it was going to be this,” Vyent said.

Vyent, a junior and native of Essex County, NJ, had never left the U.S. before, nor had she ever traveled alone. She knew she had to take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime learning experience, so she prepared the appropriate documents for Johnson, who wrote her a recommendation letter. By the end of the spring semester, Vyent learned she was chosen for the program. “I was really excited, but I was also really nervous,” she said. “I didn’t know what to expect.”

Vyent packed her bags and landed in Dublin, Ireland, in June. A welcoming committee comprising community members, AAIDN/CIEE representatives and the two other student scholars—one from Morehouse College in Georgia and the other from Benedict College in South Carolina―were on hand to greet her.

After settling in with the other two students at the Marino Institute of Education in Dublin, Vyent spent her first few weeks in Ireland exploring to familiarize herself with the area. She learned the bus routes, visited different scenic and historical locations, attended comedy shows and ate traditional Irish food.

The AAIDN/CIEE prepared the group for life in another country and for the work culture in Ireland. Vyent applied what she had learned at SHU and what the two organizations taught her in her internship with the Swan Youth Center, an organization that empowers young people to think critically and to actively participate in their communities.

This was Vyent’s first internship, and she said it was amazing. “It taught me about myself and how I can make a difference starting with my community,” she said.

Vyent was busy every day working with children of various ages. She helped organize field trips for the children to build a sense of community. From arranging family fun days to escape room adventures, beach trips and camping, she ensured the children were safe, well-fed and entertained.

The whole experience opened her eyes to the world around her. “I really loved all the people I met,” she said. “The program taught me the value of embracing new cultures and perspectives. It really broadened my horizons and fostered a love of learning and travel within me. And of course, it helped me with professional development.”

Vyent said she’s more confident in her communication skills and looks forward to applying what she learned in interviews and networking opportunities.

Back at SHU’s campus this fall, she is excited to resume her studies and extracurricular activities, including Black Student Union, fashion club and chorus. She remains in touch with her AAIDN/CIEE peers and is grateful for the opportunity she had over the summer.

Johnson believes exchange programs are valuable to students. “I think opportunities like this can enhance the student experience and also show our students that we are investing in their continued education, both within the Sacred Heart community and beyond,” said Johnson. “I hope to continue to facilitate access to these types of opportunities and to carry out our mission of educating our students to make an impact on the global community.”