Cork is where the craic is! Past Review
By A student (History, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 09/07/2015 to 12/18/2015 with
University College Cork: Cork - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained confidence, a more global perspective, and it even helped spur thoughts for my future studies in graduate school.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Very interesting classes, roughly the same rigor (maybe a little easier), but the HUGE emphasis on finals made that week a little intimidating. Though it's not that bad. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Incredibly helpful and kind. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housed in a student dorm, a little trek from downtown but close enough and pretty close to campus. About 10 minutes to campus, 25 minutes to downtown by foot. |
| * Food: |
Irish food is good, not great. But the pints... delicious! ;) |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everyone was friendly and accommodating, made loads of friends and enjoyed "the craic." |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Never needed medical attention, but they had a great gym for fitness!! |
| * Safety: |
Totally safe in the city + beyond. I hitchhiked, stayed with strangers, etc. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I met incredible friends, took amazing classes, studied in a class city, and got to explore a beautiful country. I am so fortunate. I wouldn't hesitate at a second chance. |
Finances
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* 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) |
I was on a scholarship that, though tight, covered my expenses with good planning! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Difficult to say, it varied. If I did something fun, like hit a put or go on a trip, it got pricey. But mostly around 40 euro a week for food (I eat a lot and have a restricted vegan diet) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy in bulk, don't eat out. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That everything is going to be grand, there's no need to be nervous or anxious. Be myself. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
