Put a CORK In It Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/16/2016 to 12/24/2016 with

API (Academic Programs International): Cork - National University Of Ireland, University College Cork

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a sense of independence, a stronger desire to travel, and a more worldly outlook on life. It was 100% worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

With the only form of grading being final examinations, I found it very difficult to stay on top of the work throughout the semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

We had an on site resident director, Simon. He was always there to answer our questions and show us around Cork and other various parts of Ireland.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the Spires on Bandon Road in Cork. You have your own room and your own bathroom, which I thought was really nice. I had a very positive experience living at the Spires.

* Food:

We had to cook for ourselves and I am definitely not a chef, so I went out to eat a lot. There are plenty of great places to eat in the city centre.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is what you make of it. I chose to join UCC's ultimate Frisbee team to meet some of the locals. It was a great way to make fast friends and have an opportunity to travel to parts of Ireland I otherwise would not have seen.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

UCC's Health Centre was awful! I had a scheduled appointment, was left waiting for an hour and a half, and the nurse asked me to do a strep test on myself. Very unhelpful and unorganized.

* Safety:

I always felt very safe in Cork and anywhere else that I traveled during my semester abroad.

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

I wouldn't change anything about my study abroad experience. It truly was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I believe I made the most of it.

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)

2.5 = $100/week

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I went to the bank every two weeks and took out 200 euro, which is all I would let myself spend for the following two weeks.

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?
  • excursions
  • on-site staff
  • online orientation
* What could be improved?
  • roommate selection
  • more excursions!
  • information about Cork befoe arrival
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had a better understanding of the Irish academic system before going abroad. Having only final exams is definitely not my academic style.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.