Review of Exchange at University College Cork Past Review
By A student (Folklore and Ethnology, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 01/08/2015 to 05/15/2015 with
University College Cork: Cork - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
From associating with Irish culture, I've learned how to relax. I also better appreciate the academics at my home university, though it was of great academic value for me to see another perspective on my own discipline in Ireland. Being an international student was interesting also because it made me understand the way international students at my home institution might feel.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The content of the classes was really interesting and I was able to connect many of them back to my classes at my home university. Unfortunately, many of them were run as large lectures with little discussion. Some of them had take home essay finals, which allowed one to fully develop ideas, but most were on demand essays, a much harder skill to master in my opinion, but with little intellectual merit. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Although apartment mates are assigned randomly, I had no issues with mine and I also had the opportunity to live with an Irish student which was a good learning experience. The only really dysfunctional thing about housing was the heat. |
| * Food: |
The food was one of my favorite parts about living in Ireland. If you go to UCC, be sure to shop at the English Market. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was harder than I expected to get involved in social life, especially to make friends with the Irish students. However, I attended a weekly music related event in Cork city and was able to get to know local people (non students) there. This might be easier for someone who is more extroverted, as my situation wasn't from lack of friendliness on the part of the Irish. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never had any health issues while abroad, so I can't really evaluate the health care. |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had thought seriously and reflected about going a full year instead of one term. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
