Now, I want to move to Cork, Ireland! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

You motivate yourself to study, complete homework, and go above and beyond. There seemed to be very few class requirements until the end of the term. Professors provide you with the tools to pass the final exam or write essays, and the student must make sure that they took in information consistently from the start of the term until the end. Societies, known as clubs in America, can be great ways to augment you studies, learn a few things, enjoy yourself, and make some great new friends.

On-site administration of your program

Claire was amazing! I was skeptical because I did not want to have any "handlers" while I was abroad. Claire was a doll, and we were not babied or left to wander in the wild. If we needed her for anything (the aftermath of an apartment fire or where to buy cute dresses) she would be on the scene and go above and beyond. If I ran into her in town, I would want to be friends with her. They did a great job hiring and training her. She was a delight to be around!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was more annoying to be living with another American! There were three of us, and I still talk with my other, local suitemate pretty often. Compared to any dorms that I've lived in or seen, this was the most convenient and pleasant. I enjoyed walking to campus. The only complaint that I could think of is that my local friends thought that I lived a bit far from the local students who didn't live in dorms. There can be mischievous kids out at night, and some mild, drunken behavior. Otherwise, it is extremely safe. There stores are in reasonable walking distances, but if you're lazy, the busy system is very reliable. I would do my grocery shopping at stores that were a bit father just because I enjoyed the walk. Just bring some sturdy, cloth shopping bags. I have to mention the beautiful park just outside of our lodging. It runs along the river, is home to ducks and swans, and makes a great walking/jogging path.

The kitchen is equipped with some dishes, cookware, fridge, microwave, and oven. There is only enough dishes for each person living in the suite, so if you have an inconsiderate livingmate (*cough* my American suitemate *cough cough*) you may benefit from investing in an extra cup or plate. There are no fast food joints like McDonald's, but there are nice places to grab a quick, cheap meal on-the-go (Centra), lots of great, inexpensive restaurants (I suggest ANY Thai and Indian food), and nicer, upscale dining for special occasions. Any grocery stores will be similar to American ones and you can stock up on cheap dorm food or learn to make easy dishes. Vegetables, chicken, ground lamb, and common items like milk, are comparatively cheap. Don't expect any pizza places to be appealing, since they are expensive and painfully cheaply made. I suggest a Centra personal pizza, or frozen pizza. Also, test out being vegetarian. There are great mid-priced vegetarian restaurants with inspiring dishes, a great English market (like a farmer's market), and great staples of Indian food available cheaply at common supermarkets.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There are well-maintained sites that let you know what's up in Cork (Google your heart out), and it's easy to travel by bus or train to other parts of the island. I loved watching the local hurling match. So much local energy and entertainment! I really got a feel for the town and it's beautiful people. Corcaigh abu!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Same as in any safe city: don't be stupid, and walk with a mate. I never suffered any injuries, but the school's health center is no joke, and I have only heard great things about the large hospital that is pretty close by and they took great care of my suitemate when she became ill. There are also pharmacies everywhere, so any common medicines or vitamins can be bought, you just have to ask because you wont recognize the brand name. My suggestion is that if you have an embarrassing ailment go on a weekday to any pharmacy that is outside the city center (noted by a green cross outside) and ask for something that will fix your symptoms. I am a germaphobe, so I suggest bringing antibacterial hand sanitizer. There is nothing gross about the town, but I need some sanitizer before I eat or after I sneeze and they don't carry it there.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Dorm

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• Americans
• Local Students