Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Year Abroad in Cork, Ireland Past Review

By (Physiology, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) for

University College Cork: Cork - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
If I had to do it all over again, I would not study abroad for an entire year. That being said, if I had to study abroad again, I would chose the same program, because as an academic experience, it was defintely worthwhile. If you want to study abroad for reasons other than to be challenged academically, I would not recommend going to UCC for sciences. I suggest that you take advantage of all the travel opportunities available during school breaks. Visiting Africa and other parts of Europe were experiences I will never forget!

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Full-Year 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was enrolled in all science courses and took the average courseload of Irish students. There was no homework, so the workload was much smaller, but since all exams are not until May, it was necessary to spend more time studying and reviewing. The courses were considerably more difficult than equivalent science courses at OSU. Attendance was not mandatory, and all courses had a lab component that required at least 2-3 hours per week. A lower division course at UCC was equivalent to an upper-division course at OSU. The exams are all essay questions, nothing like was the standard is at OSU. I was extremely satisfied with my academic experience at UCC, it challenged me more than I had expected and I feel I am more prepared than most students to begin graduate medical education.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The International Student Officer was extremely helpful in determining what courses to enroll in. They were always available and processed the necessary paperwork quickly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a one-bed room flat by myself, leased from a private party. The flat was about one mile west of UCC in a quite, safe neighborhood. It was a 10-15 walk to stores and class.

* Food:

There are few grocery stores in the area around the campus, so you have to rely on convenience stores for snacks. I never ate on campus, there are few options and it is not as affordable as packing a lunch. I suggest Tesco and Dunnes stores for the most selection. However, it was hard to find food that reminded me of home, it was all very different - bland is a good word to describe it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

All doctor visits are free for students, prescription medications are very affordable. The campus is safe, even though there is not a campus police force as there is at OSU. I did not leave my flat at night because of safety concerns, but I never felt like I was in immediate danger. The Irish are a friendly people overall and like Americans.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

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

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

Since all courses are conducted in English, and all Irish students speak English, I never had to use the host country language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

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* Who did you live with?

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A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would suggest that you save up as much money as you can before leaving to Ireland. With the Euro being stronger than the dollar, it makes every expenditure more costly. I would also suggest that one semester is adequate to get the full experience of Ireland. However, if you need to earn many credit hours, go the entire year: in most cases, American students received more credit hours in a year at UCC than is possible in the US. Also, make sure that you have your course equivalency document filled out correctly and your advisors know exactly what you are enrolling in and what your future plans are. It will save you a lot of stress!