Program Reviews

My program abroad at UCC was one of the best possible decisions I could have made for my life. I accomplished so much in so little time, and it's incredible to think that it's already over. I not only made friends for life, but my free time also allowed me to meet with family and learn some history. The students in my study abroad program were some of the friendliest people in the world, and I had a small group of friends by my second day in Ireland. UCC had so many societies and clubs to choose from, that I found myself shooting arrows and dancing on practically every night of the week. My academics definitely seemed a little overwhelming, since I come from a land where you have enough homework and quizzes to cushion your grade when you don’t do so hot on a test. But when your lecturers believe in you, it’s hard to let them down with that sort of faith when finals come.
Over the course of the semester, we conquered our studies, traveled the country (and a little outside of it!) to make the most memorable adventure of my life. Ireland was made beautiful not only by the rolling hills and fields I frequently passed in my travels, but also by knowing that pieces of her run through me too.

I decided to go to UCC without anyone from my home university. At first it was a little scary not knowing anyone but it was very easy to make friends there because everyone was so welcoming and friendly. Joining a club was one of the best decisions I made while attending UCC. You get the opportunity to meet people that share similar interests and it guarantees that you will have friends that will last a life time. The academic aspect of UCC was wonderful. It was challenging but very enjoyable.

Without a doubt, my semester in Cork was the most eye-opening of my college career. I had an amazing semester where I met students from all over the United States and Europe and where I was able to experience life in a small but beautiful city. While the academics at UCC were not as intense as at American universities - for example, most of my classes had only one short paper and an exam for the entire semester - I felt that this gave me more time to explore Ireland. Cork is a very safe city and it is easy to get your bearings and feel familiar with your surroundings. Additionally, because there are so many study abroad students from America and some European countries, it is easy to meet people. It was a little harder to get to know the Irish students, because in my experience the study abroad and international students tended to group together, but I was able to make friends with some local students by joining UCC societies. It was very hard to find housing, because there is a housing shortage in Cork and most places were full, so I would recommend starting your search for housing early, and researching your housing options before you are officially accepted to UCC. I would also highly recommend doing the Early Start program, because it gives you some extra time to become familiar with Cork, and because most of the classes take you on field trips all around Ireland. I did the archaeology Early Start course, and I can say with confidence that it was one of the highlights of my experience in Ireland. Overall, it was an amazing semester in an amazing country!

I had the most amazing experience at UCC and in Cork City. Studying abroad was the most life changing experience of my life. Ireland is such a beautiful country and I was so fortunate to have had the opportunity to live in Cork for a few months. UCC is a lively, close knit university. I was surprised how quickly I made new friends. I met people from everywhere around the globe. Cork felt like home as soon as I landed. I felt safe and comfortable in Cork. I never wanted to leave. The study abroad experience opens so many doors to so many amazing opportunities. I spent a lot of my free time traveling to other countries. I visited Scotland, Czech Republic, and Spain! I made lifelong friends with people from every continent. UCC changed me. I am not the same person I was when I first landed in Cork City. STUDY ABROAD AT UCC! I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Ps. If you can, study abroad for a whole year. You'll be surprised how quickly four months can pass by.

Enjoy the adventure!

-Liz

Attending UCC for the fall semester of 2015 was the greatest opportunity that I have experienced thus far. The atmosphere and culture you are immersed in as a student in Cork allows you to fully learn and embrace the Irish life. Through lectures, traveling and making the most of my study abroad experience I have little to no complaints except for that I wish I could have stayed longer. Through the people that I have met from all over the world it is safe to say that a piece of my heart was left over there and I hope to someday return. University of College Cork is an amazing experience and a beautiful place to attend study abroad.

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!