Experiencing the Irish hospitality, countryside and drink Past Review

By (Biology, General., Austin College) - abroad from 01/01/2013 to 06/01/2013 with

IFSA: Cork - University College Cork

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Typical to the stereotype, I learned how to handle my drink. It was a good environment for me, as an international student, but the drinking culture for late teens and young adults is full of peer pressure. Home-grown in Texas, in a land-locked area, it was beautiful to see the sea as often as I did. It was also stunning to see that EVERYTHING is green. I loved the moss that grows on all the small stone walls lining the sidewalks. I learned a lot about the Irish schooling system, all the way from primary, secondary to college. It was an interesting comparison. It made me realize how unnecessarily, ridiculously intense school is for American students. I also learned to feel laid back about coursework and things in general in life. This lesson has greatly aided me in my stress level as I am in my senior year, with an honors thesis. The amount of work and pressure is the most I've felt in my four years, but I remember back to my Irish lessons and can breathe easier.

Review Photos

IFSA-Butler: Cork - University College Cork Photo IFSA-Butler: Cork - University College Cork Photo IFSA-Butler: Cork - University College Cork Photo IFSA-Butler: Cork - University College Cork Photo IFSA-Butler: Cork - University College Cork Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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)

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

  • Local Students
* 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?
  • Fun weekend trips
  • Good support system, if you should ever need it
  • Informative orientation
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation information given before departure, so the student knows what to expect
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known to DEFINITELY bring a pair of comfortable, water proof, warm shoes.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'