Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A great experience in a city and country that has more than meets the eye. Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 09/06/2017 to 12/22/2017 with

University College Cork: Cork - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got to take classes in subjects that I had no prior experience in. I also became a lot more confident in traveling internationally by myself. Overall it was 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.

The normal class periods will not overly rigorous, but the exams proved to be. It could be difficult to get into direct contact with a professor outside of class time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Instructions provided were straightforward and easy to follow. Always there to help, though responses could be delayed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very basic accomodations there were located quite far from the campus.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I got to meet some fantastic locals who I really bonded with.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Had no direct experiences.

* Safety:

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

Loved the city and the culture. Had a wonderful time and met many great people there.

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)

Cork turned out to be a more expensive city than anticipated.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $120
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I don't believe I could have lived much less expensively.

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? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • The people I got to meet
* What could be improved?
  • Housing options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have spent more time exploring the city itself right at the beginning. I found some fantastic spots at the end of my time that I wish I could have experienced more.

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.