Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Erin go Bragh -- Ireland Forever Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 09/06/2017 to 11/30/2017 with

University College Cork: Cork - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I've always been a pretty independent person, but I feel like going abroad helped further develop my independence and confidence regarding issues like travel planning and solo travel. Furthermore, Ireland has such a wide range of natural beauty and landscape. Being able to travel around the country and see it all was a priceless experience. I wouldn't have wanted to go anywhere else.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I took six courses all together: two for my major, two for my minor, and two just for fun to round out my credit load. The courses that I took just for fun were the two that ended up challenging me and expanding my knowledge. The other courses were not very challenging and did not expose me to much new material. The lectures, in turn, were often dull. But the professors were nice enough, and willing to help answer any questions. The system is just rather different from what I am accustomed to back home. Instead of having regular assignments and exams, most of my courses only had two assignments or exams throughout the whole semester. So be prepared for that radical shift in assignment structure!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I didn't really interact with them beyond their initial orientation and events, but from what it seemed, they were very open and helpful to those who needed assistance.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was placed in housing that was about a 40-minute walk from campus. At first the distance annoyed me. The Cork bus system is a little unreliable, so I resigned myself to walking. However, I ended up liking my daily walks to and from school. As for the housing itself--it wasn't the best, but not terrible. I liked my roommates who I was placed with. Rooms were a little small with uncomfy beds. We had issues with hot water (and even, on a few weekends, the water not running at all) and the door to our apartment block not opening. I guess it was just overpriced for what it was and the issues we had to deal with.

* Food:

Fish and chips. Eat them. Love them. Live them. And of course, all the yummy Irish craft beer. I miss it already.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had to use any health services there, but it seemed like they are available and present on campus for any students who need them.

* Safety:

Cork is a city, bigger than what I am used to, but it felt so safe. I never had any issues or scares there or anywhere else in Ireland.

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

Direct enrollment is the most cost-effective way to go abroad, so yes, I would definitely choose it over any other program.

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)

Prices in Ireland are reasonable. Food and drink is comparable to prices in the USA. However, clothes and especially makeup are a little spendy--be sure to bring what you need to last you throughout your time abroad.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I consistently spent around 35 euro per week on groceries; going out and other expenses varied from week to week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself! I saw so many people who went out to eat one or two times per day and complain about how little money they had. Don't fall into that cycle.

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Ireland's landscapes! The most beautiful country.
  • Atmosphere and small city feel of Cork
  • The lovely friends I made
* What could be improved?
  • More ways for international students to meet local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't bring so many pairs of shoes. Save up as much money as possible to be able to travel more (to mainland Europe).

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.