Katherine Martin is the Manager of Study Abroad at the University of Limerick where she has worked since 2010. After traveling for a couple of years in Europe and the US, Katherine returned to higher education as a mature student and undertook an undergraduate degree in Sociology and subsequently a Master degree in Gender & Cultural Studies, both at the University of Limerick. These life experiences have stood her in good stead in advising international students about what it’s like to live and study in another country. Katherine loves her job as she gets to travel a lot and meet new people and experience different cultures. Currently she mainly travels to the United States where her aim is to visit all 50 States, including Hawaii!
What is your favorite travel memory?
In Ireland my favourite place to travel is anywhere along the west coast of Ireland! Known as the Wild Atlantic Way, it is the world’s longest defined coastal route, covering 2,500 kilometres from Cork in the South to Donegal in the North. I have had amazing experiences driving, walking and cycling along beautiful country roads, Cliffside roads and soaring mountains, stopping regularly to appreciate the stunning unspoilt scenery, sample some local seafood, hear traditional music or brave the elements for a swim in the Atlantic ocean in some deserted cove!
Though I have visited this part of Ireland many times it never fails to impress. My one tip would be to avoid the tourist destinations and go to the quieter towns and coastal regions, you still have the same amazing views but all to yourself.
Living in Ireland, I am lucky that I can do lots of weekend city breaks throughout Europe and though I have enjoyed them all, one of my all-time favourites is Rome which I have visited 5 times! I love the history, the buildings, the people and of course the food!
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful study abroad office?
For me, what makes a successful study abroad office is a team who is dedicated to making the students experience as positive as possible. We work hard to assist the students in all aspects of their study abroad, from pre-arrival to post- departure.
We understand how daunting moving to another country can be and do our utmost to answer queries and put supports in place that make the transition easier and less stressful. It might sound corny, but we want to enable and encourage personal growth in our students and really take pleasure in watching their transformation from the beginning of their study abroad experience to the end.
What country have you always wanted to visit?
Coming from a mild and temperate climate where we rarely experience snow or ice, I have a great interest in visiting snowy destinations and at the top of my wish list would be to witness the Aurora Borealis in person, so maybe one of the Scandinavian countries or Iceland would fit the bill. Failing that I would love to visit Japan and China as there is so much culture and tradition there that I would love to learn more about.
What unique qualities does your university possess?
We are blessed with a beautiful campus in a lovely country side setting on the banks of the River Shannon, though only 3 miles from Limerick city, it feels like you are in your own little village. As all students both domestic and international live on campus there is a super atmosphere and a real sense of community. As a young university we are very lucky to have state of the art buildings and facilities, and some of the best student housing complexes in the country.
