Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Cork is amazing and welcoming Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 08/17/2016 to 12/22/2016 with

USAC Ireland: University College Cork - Undergraduate Courses

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much and experienced even more. I was able to make lasting friendships and explore Ireland and other locations I had always wanted to visit in Europe. I expanded my independence and gained confidence and communication skills. I was able to study international business in classes comprised of students from all over the world which brought new perspectives to my education.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses we structured differently then US universities in that the entire grade was composed of two or three large projects or exams. This was nice for studying abroad because you could complete most work during the week and leading up to the end of the semester and spend your weekends travels and exploring rather than doing menial homework assignments.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There were several delays in signing up for classes. Twice the day we were supposed to register online they sent out an email after the scheduled time saying they would not be doing it that day. The administrative side lacked preparedness however the office of international programs was very welcoming both during orientation and many of the day trips and events the put together for the international students. Administrative hiccups aside I think they did a wonderful job.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

USAC provided three suggestions and the one we all chose was a great place to live. The Spires was affordable and had different options to save money depending on the bed size you wanted and if you chose to have a roommate. The staff there was helpful and it was a five minute walk from one of the edges of campus. It was also located closer to the middle of the city then some of the other student housing options I saw.

* Food:

I purchased and prepared all of my meals in our apartment's kitchen. For the most part you could find anything you need in the grocery stores however some were more expensive than others.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think I learned a great deal about the local culture however being in a large group of students through USAC it was harder to really be immersed. There was always many U.S. students around even if you also were with Irish students. Because the university only offers certain courses to international students I found that often half of the students in classes were international. This did allow for me to mix with students from all over Europe. I felt much apart of Cork's culture but with more independence from the group and different class setup I could have been more.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Cork felt very safe. Of course you have to be alert and aware but I always felt very safe.

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

Cork is an amazing city to live in. It allowed me to access the rest of Europe for travel while having a smaller upbeat city to call my home base. The university and staff were great along with the USAC staff. Though I would do some things differently and push myself to further integrate myself into the culture more I would never chose any other place to study abroad if I could do it again.

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)

I probably spent 70 a week not including weekend travel.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 70 on food and living

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Cork- the city
  • USAC - the day trips and staff
  • the university UCC - offered many clubs and ways to get involced
* What could be improved?
  • more integration with local students in the class room
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had told my self to get more involved with the locals. I had some friends and joined one club from school but it was easy to get caught up in the USAC group and not get involved with locals. By pushing myself and making it more of a priority I think i would have done more but there is a large international student population so it is easy to meet people no from Ireland.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.