IFSA University College Cork Partnership

My experience with IFSA at University College Cork was really special and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I was able to make new friends, adjust to a new country and gain independence, travel all around Ireland and to other countries, and learn so much. Something that was unique about IFSA that some of my friends in other abroad programs didn't get to experience was the IFSA trips around the country. I was able to go on two trips around Ireland - out West and up North to Belfast. I bonded with our IFSA advisors, as well as other people in my abroad program who went to other schools such as University College Dublin or Trinity. Not only were there these large trips, but my abroad group had multiple events throughout the semester such as group dinners or Irish dancing. There was between 10 and 15 other people in my abroad program at UCC with me, and because of the bonding that IFSA had planned for us, as well as living with them, we all truly became a family. I went abroad without any of my friends, so I didn't really know what to expect. What I got out of it was friends from all across the United States that I became so close with and love so much. We traveled Ireland together, and I became so close especially with my roommates that we traveled to all different countries together as well. IFSA did an incredible job of facilitating their program, and I made connections with people that I don't think I would have if I hadn't chosen IFSA.

Even though my time in Ireland was cut short due to the pandemic, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. The IFSA program struck the perfect balance between providing support and allowing me the freedom to create my own experience. The orientation program, optional weekend excursions, and most importantly the contact with a local coordinator who was willing to share his culture and answer questions as they came up made me feel comfortable as I adjusted to life abroad. However, unlike some other programs that tend to focus on (or even require) group excursions, I was free to spend my time as I liked. By planning spontaneous weekend adventures with friends based on my own interests, I was able to have genuine interactions with locals and learn more about Irish culture in ways that simply aren't possible through shallow, planned 'cultural immersion' activities. As for my experience at university, I really enjoyed the fact that I was enrolled in UCC and attended classes with mostly Irish students. It was challenging but enlightening to experience a very different academic system. I definitely feel that I grew academically through my time abroad by having to adjust to a different schedule, class structure, work load, and course expectations. I know many study abroad programs provide special courses for American students, but I think that really experiencing university life the way Irish students do was an important part of my abroad experience. Overall, my time in Ireland with IFSA has made me a more confident person. I now know that I am capable of engaging with people who have different cultural backgrounds, adapting to different cultural and academic (or, for that matter, professional) environments, and thriving outside of my comfort zone. I am so happy that I chose IFSA, as it truly allowed me to have a life changing experience!

I cannot emphasize enough how much I absolutely adored studying at UCC through IFSA. I loved it so much I am actually trying to move back to Cork or go to graduate school at UCC! Two other people in my program are also planning on going back to UCC for graduate school. I made the best decision by deciding to study through IFSA. The orientation was so welcoming, and I constantly felt like myself and my goals were supported and made important. I frequently met with my on-campus advisor, and when I had a medical emergency they helped me every step of the way. The excursions we went on were SICK and educational without being boring! We went to Killary in County Galway for an adventure weekend where I went on a nature walk, boated while my friends wakeboarded off the back, went skeet shooting, went on an archery lesson, learned about the history of the area, and so much more. The other weekend we went to Belfast and went on a tour of the Giants Causeway (absolutely beautiful) and a Black Taxi tour which was arguably the coolest experience I've ever done. We also had a lot of free time to explore, so I went to the Titanic Museum and St. George's Market. UCC has a great student atmosphere. There are a bunch of clubs to join and there was always something happening. The campus is gorgeous, and Cork is gorgeous too. The location is perfect and felt like the perfect medium between a city and a town. I lived in University Hall, and it was like living in a hotel. Best semester of my life!