Ireland: Cork - Undergraduate Courses

I’ll remember the memories I made and the friends I met forever!! The field trips were amazing but I do wish we had some more time in some of the places. The course I took was “Folklore of Cork” with Shane LeHane and it one of my favorite courses and professors I’ve ever had. Cork is an amazing city and I wish I could have spent more time there! The housing was similar to the typical form were used to in the United States but probably could have been cleaned a little more upon arrival. But the location was great and easy to get places.

I had an absolutely incredible time in Ireland! Getting to be immersed in Cork, Ireland’s culture for 6 weeks was one of the best experiences of my life! I go to explore all over Ireland, explore Cork, and take some of the most interesting classes I have ever taken! I don’t regret going but I do regret having to leave after 6 weeks (although that was the program length for me). I wish I could have stayed longer because I had the best time and I miss it everyday… also the people who were in the program with me were the best!!

Studying abroad really was a once in a lifetime experience that I would encourage every undergraduate student to do! The new friends I made, cultures, and places I got to experience made me a more well rounded individual. I learned to try everything and be excited to do new things. There are people I met from all around the world during my program that I still keep in contact with today, some even on a day to day basis. If you do decide to study abroad, take advantage of all the opportunities to see new places! So, if you get the chance, study abroad!!

After having to plan and re-plan my study abroad trip several times during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding USAC was like seeing the light at the end of a tunnel. The advisors and staff made it so streamlined to join the program swiftly. Working with the USAC advisor provided me with so much relief and security that my study abroad experience was going to take off successfully (and it did!!). My USAC advisor provided me not only with so much information but so much confidence in myself to see things through. Every step in the process ensured I was on track with the country's requirements, my own scholarships, etc. I was fortunate to have such a stellar group along for the adventure too, which made me feel so at home in a new place. The academics offered through USAC too were phenomenal, and working alongside some of University College Cork's own instructors was an unforgettable experience of cultural immersion and sharing so many stories. I'm so grateful to have had such a positive experience with USAC's guidance and assistance along every step of the way!!

If you're not sure about studying abroad- just do it! I was scared to travel by myself to a strange country without anyone I knew but USAC Cork genuinely changed my life. The professors and classes were amazing, the city (and all of Ireland) is so culturally rich and welcoming, and the experience definitely helped me grow as a person. I met someone I consider one of my best friends, and I am looking at UCC for graduate school because I loved studying there so much. Outstanding program!
Also, if you are concerned about medical issues or a disability hampering your experience; I found the program very accommodating and caring to work with.

I had a great time in Cork studying at the UCC. My program was short term, I studied there in five weeks in the summer. The program was amazing and the classes they offered during the short period were immersive and interesting. Each class had a mandatory field trip you must attend, the two I attended were interesting. The people I met in the program from other schools I still talk to today. Even with the program being short term and semi-intensive I still had opportunities to enjoy Ireland and travel while also receiving good grades. I highly recommend the summer program for anyone who is interested in a short term program in Ireland.You will experience so many things in the country that you never thought about, you will learn so much more about the country and yourself. I had a great time with great people while I was there.

If you don't mind the chill of an Irish spring, then Cork is a wonderful experience. It is a small city, easily navigable on foot and very safe. The university is world renowned and offers a multitude of course options open to the international students almost without restrictions. These courses are some of the most exciting of my college career. Additionally, the Irish people are very kind and easy to get to know. Cork is small enough that you will run into old friends and new throughout your semester there. It's not the most exciting place, but the people make up for it in large part.

The only caveat to my wonderful experience was my housing. The apartment complex was large, unwelcoming, and without consistent heating, hot water, or wifi. Additionally there was not an option to live with Irish students which I would have preferred. If this is your first time abroad though, living with Americans can be lovely!

One of my favourite memories is taking a trip to Kinsale with a friend I made in my Celtic Lore class. She was an Irish Masters student who rescued me from failing a course that required a pretty good command of Irish Language (which we often call Gaelic in the USA). My inability to understand led to us working together, and becoming friends. We travelled to Kinsale on one of my last days in Cork, braving the wind and the rain to see the forts and soak our shoes overlooking the sheep and the sea. It was a lovely trip and epitomizes my experience. The weather was always terrible and cold, but the people provided the warmth.

Cork is an incredible city in Ireland. I would highly recommend it over Dublin. The university is a beautiful castle. The on-site advisor for USAC was one of the most wonderful people I have ever met, she had me over for tea and scones and I'm still in contact with her a year later. Housing was great, I lived in The Spires which were so close to campus and to downtown. There's a large international community at the university and in the city which is amazing.