Direct Enrollment at University College Cork

While looking for universities to spend a semester away from my homeland of the United States, my main focus became finding programs that would also allow me to earn credits through history and geography courses that would transfer back to my home university. I searched through distant places, particularly in India, but I discovered that University College Cork would allow the greatest ease for transfer credits with my home institution. In a last-minute decision, I decided to choose UCC to spend a semester.

Yes, it was an excellent decision. I was not focusing on Europe originally, because I did not want to have a 'cliche European semester abroad', and I did not find that in Cork. The city itself is incredible--wonderful history and unique culture, with very easy-to-converse-with people that made every second thought about choosing to spend a semester in Europe disappear. While some people did have the 'classic European experience' I wanted to avoid--going to clubs every night and taking selfies--I found many other local people, that i felt it was easy to break away from staying with other Americans.

When I arrived, I took an excellent three-week immersive course on the history of modern Ireland, as part of the Early Start Programme, and believe that was extremely worth it. I found I was able to connect more personally with Cork after learning about its history, and I got all of the beginning concerns about foreign living out of the way by the time actual classes started. I found my modules during the semester to be simpler, but I enjoyed the content. I managed my studies well and miraculously had almost a month of free time between my coursework and my exams, so I decided to visit somewhere new. I found that far and distant land I was looking for in Tunisia, in an inexpensive flight from Dublin, through Paris, to Tunis. I traveled by myself and backpacked around the country for a considerable amount of time, learning about the country's incredible history, hiking, and conversing with very amazing people.

UCC and Cork are wonderful places, and they provided a great springboard for me to learn and see some other places as well!

I loved my semester at UCC! On campus, there are a variety of student organizations and clubs to join, many of which can't be found in my home university (in the U.S.) such as the trampoline club. UCC has a diverse campus with a good mixture of local and international students on campus. I would definitely recommend getting involved in an organization to make friends more quickly and easily on campus.

The structure of the Irish education system is different from the U.S. At UCC, they rely on continuous assessment which can range from quizzes every week to one essay at the end of the semester. Essays are typically 1,500-5,000 words. Due to the different education structure, it is best to know ahead of time whether your home university will accept UCC courses for transfer and/or major credits.

Everyone in Ireland (ESPECIALLY in Cork) is VERY friendly. In addition, due to the structure of the city, it is easy to walk around everywhere or take the bus. Despite the rainy weather, I truly enjoyed my time at UCC and wish I could be back!

While studying at University College Cork, I was able to mingle with other Irish and international students that were all around my age! I loved immersing myself in the true Irish culture by living and studying with three Irish girls from the County Kerry. These girls became my family abroad and I am eternally grateful for their generosity and overall welcoming attitude. I was able to make quality friends with Irish people and also learn the ins and outs of the university, such as what classes to take, activities to join, and even interesting places to visit around Cork and Ireland. My abroad experience was enhanced not only because of these amazing girls and their friends who helped me adjust to a foreign school and culture, but they also made me feel most welcome!

UCC is a close knit community that offers so many societies and clubs that cater to everyone's interests. The students and staff are more than nice and are always willing to help in any situation. Cork is an ideal city to study abroad in. Compared to my hometown, it is a much bigger city, however you will find everything in walking distance and it seems like a smaller community. It offers the typical Irish town feel that everyone imagines when they think of Ireland. I was always excited to get back "home" to Cork after a weekend of traveling. In my opinion, the only advantage that Dublin has on Cork is the airport. Although there are flights in and out of Cork's airport everyday, the budget airline Ryanair that most students choose to use only goes to a couple of different countries out of Cork. You must either choose to fly Aer Lingus or take a 3 1/2 hour bus ride to Dublin. That being said, the bus rides are not that bad and you get used to them pretty quick. All in all, Cork and UCC will always be my second home and will continue to hold a special place in my heart.

The four months that I spent in Ireland was one of the most memorable experiences of my college career. Even though it was difficult to leave my comfort zone, friends and family behind, the many individuals I have met in Ireland and University of College Cork has provided a new place I could call home for my time overseas! The city of Cork and the UCC campus was both beautiful with many opportunities to get involved on and off campus. The international office at UCC does a great job in helping international students that are unfamiliar with the foreign academic environment. The Irish community was very welcoming and the country itself had some of the most breathtaking views! I look forward to the next time I can come back and visit!

The number one thing I have gained this year was learning to only do and buy what makes me happy. This may seem so simple and easy, but I didn't know what this truly meant for me until I came to Ireland. Specifically when I went to Kinsale with a couple amazing friends, and purchased gold runners at a local thrift shop. The second I stepped into these marvelous clouds of comfort, and style my feet began to smile - have you ever felt your feet smile before? This small purchase changed my life! This seems ridiculous because they're just shoes, but they are the reason for my happy adventures :) They sparked what I will forever refer to as, "The Greatest Year of My Life"... So far ;).

Leave your expectations at home when coming to Ireland. I can't tell you how many of my expectations have been crushed this year!

If you are going to come for the whole year, and you're looking to really achieve personal growth I highly recommend not going home for the holidays. Go somewhere new and really unfamiliar. I WWOOFed on an organic farm in Portugal for about a week. I stayed with them over Christmas, and I got to experience my first holiday season away from home. I learned so much during that week. Things I don't believe I could have learnt if I wouldn't have taken on this personal challenge to stay abroad for the entire year. I'm not going to lie or sugarcoat this.. my experience on the farm was not what I wanted. It was actually the exact opposite of what I expected. I was suppose to stay for a month, but I felt so mistreated and unsafe that I knew I needed to return back to Ireland (The place I have come to label as being one of the safest European Countries).

Do things you wouldn't normally do! I got involved with the Art Society. I am the special events coordinator, and I have loved this part of my year so much.

Please don't focus the year on locking down an Irish person... It's not important and most likely not going to happen. Please, please don't focus your time on this. Just have fun! Enjoy your time here!! It's one of the greatest countries in the world. UCC is amazing as well! Cork is the best county in Ireland! Loads of craic to be had ;)

I go to college in a small town in Oregon and knew from the get-go that I wanted to study abroad in Ireland, and I'm so glad I chose UCC. My semester at UCC was an incredible experience I'll never forget. The staff was helpful, the professors were intelligent and engaging, and the student community was a great group and fun to be around. The city of Cork was just what I wanted--not as large and overwhelming as Dublin, but big enough to keep me endlessly entertained by the many unique shops that line its quaint alleys. The surrounding countryside was gorgeous, and I spent many weekends touring it. And of course the Irish as a whole are always accommodating and friendly! Although I'm back home now, I haven't said goodbye to Ireland for the last time. I hope to go again as soon as I get the chance.

I had a wonderful experience studying at UCC. All of my professors were fabulous and incredibly smart. I learned more the four classes I took than in my two years at my home university. I loved all of the real world application in my classes and the critical analysis in my coursework. I thought the structure of the classes were interesting because I never had any homework. I only had two papers, and two final assessments. I loved the culture with the students, and everyone was very welcoming. Cork is a great city to go to school in. The buildings on UCC campus are very nice.