The third group of students from St. John’s University New York to study the Vincentian Service Course in All Hallows College  have just completed the last part of their international studies programme. They had this to say about their experience of living and studying in Ireland.

I’ve always been aware of poverty-in fact the homeless people in New York City tend to be entertaining and occasionally have a great sense of humour as they attract people to talk to them. However, I’ve never really seen their living conditions, even though I’ve often talked to them before. This makes me wonder a lot about the different types of poverty that is out there and how these people deal with it. Awareness is good.
- Jessica Diep

I learned that poor people are real and complex people which may seem dumb but when was the last time you really thought about it? I really enjoy serving.
- Emily Winters

The St. Vincent de Paul Service class gave me a new outlook on helping the poor. By the hands on experience of going to the soup kitchen and the different perspectives I was able to see through working with different teachers. I’m excited to go back home and find a way to help out in my own neighbourhood.
- Jennifer Rodstrom

I have learned that service is done to help people in the long run. It is important to do service for the development of society as a whole.
- Jorge Luis Jorge

The St. Vincent de Paul Class has given me the financial aspect to the poor and how much it really costs to take care of them. Visiting the hostel was a great experience because I learned that they have to pay which tells me that the service is more about a helping hand than a handout. The best aspect of this class for me was seeing all the aspects of the poor from the service to financial.
- Johana Kernizan