Direct Enrollment at University College Cork

UCC and the city of Cork are absolutely fabulous and a piece of my heart will live there forever. UCC is Ireland's University of the Year 2 years running so if that doesn't prove the high academic standards of the program, I'm not sure what will. The Irish Gaelic beginners course for international students is a must! Although everyone speaks English, it's still a great way to get more immersed in the traditional Irish culture. I highly recommend the Ring of Kerry trip that is advertised at orientation! It was one of my favorite weekend trips. Also, if you have the chance and are going for autumn semester, go 3 weeks early and participate in the Early Start Program. I took the Archeaology course and LOVED it. The field trips and instructor are great and that's where I met my main group of friends that I spent time and traveled with for the rest of the semester.

My semester at UCC was so much more than I could have imagined it would be (as cheesy as that sounds!). I knew that I would have an incredible time in Ireland. Going abroad was the opportunity to fly that I had been waiting so long for. But I never expected my actual university to have such an impact on this journey. The campus itself was beautiful. It filled my heart with happiness every time I went to class, and I was so appreciative of having the chance to study at such a great place. In my experience, instructors were very helpful and willing to talk, though the grading system and the way classes worked was much different than I had experienced before. There were incredible organizations through the school that were all very welcoming of international students, especially the International Society, which organized many events fro international students to bond with Irish residents. There were so many other clubs and societies that catered to all kinds of interests, providing something for everyone.

Cork is an incredible city, and I was so lucky to have chosen such a wonderful host city. It's small enough to explore, but there is always so much to do and it is impossible to get bored. Since it is a larger city (in relation to the rest of Ireland), there is a lot of access to transportation for getting around the whole country. I was able to take advantage of so many opportunities to see Ireland, and hoped around Europe a lot as well.

I would recommend Cork and UCC in a heartbeat to anyone who asked. I had the time of my life in Ireland, and would wish the same on anyone who takes the chance on it :)

Ireland was the best home away from home I could have ever asked for. I've learned more about myself in one short semester than I ever thought possible. I left with a full heart and this journey was such a blessing and truly an experience I will never forget. I often find myself missing Ireland! UCC was so accommodating and felt like a family. I got a chance to work on the UCC Event Team and they were so welcoming! Having the chance to work with them made my experience that much better. I also got to learn more about UCC while being able to work with the amazing faulty and staff of UCC. UCC is definitely student oriented! A few of my favorite clubs were the trampoline and mountaineering club!

The countless memories and the people who I made them with will always have a special place in my heart. Who knew that complete strangers would accept me, flaws and all, for who I am and become some of my best friends. Cheers to the people with whom I saw the world and the cities that captured a piece of my heart, it was grand! Let the craic never stop.

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.