USAC Ireland: Cork - Full Curriculum

I studied business in Cork for one semester. USAC staff were extremely helpful with everything from learning about the culture to getting medical care if needed. I had an amazing time in Cork, getting to explore Ireland's nature and (of course) local pubs and coffee shops. While I was there, I was able to visit 16 other countries. I'm glad I had the USAC community, especially when I was homesick. However, I also got to build international friendships with locals and students. I think this program is the best of both worlds -- American friends and direct enrollment at a foreign university. 1000% would recommend.

Photos

Studying at UCC was an amazing experience from start to finish. Coming from a small liberal arts school in the states, I won't deny being nervous about becoming a faceless number amongst a sea of students. Instead, I found myself treated as an equal and a valued member of the campus from professors and peers alike. My courses were rigorous and engaging, and whenever I had a question or concern my professors were right there to assuage any lingering doubts. On-campus society meetings became a highlight of my week and I always looked forward to checking the society and club Instagram page for new meet ups to attend. If I had to recommend any programme, a semester abroad at University College Cork would be top on my list for any perspective student.

Going abroad through this program was one of the best decisions I ever made. Where this program stood out was the excursion we went on! I had friends in other programs that didn’t have any trips planned by their program. I got to see a lot of local Irish landmarks because I was with this specific program. I couldn’t have asked for a better program.

Photos

I absolutely loved my experience in Cork Ireland. The city generally felt very safe, and I feel that Ireland is a great jumping off point to go visit the rest of Europe. Flights and tickets in and out of Dublin to other countries are reasonable, making it easy to take weekend trips!

Videos

This Spring I studied abroad in Cork, Ireland - What an amazing experience! I have always wanted to visit Ireland but I never would have imagined that I would have the opportunity to live there for five months! At the beginning the adjustment was hard. I missed my friends and home school, but I knew that this was an important decision for my personal growth. What I loved about this program was that there was just enough support, but it wasn't overbearing. It allowed me to meet new people and experience new things in a facilitated way, that were included in the program. It also inspired me to make my own experiences. I found that after a short time I had my routine living in Cork City - I went to the market, walked to school and the gym, and often went out to different social experiences in the evening. Now that I am home, it almost feels like a dream, but I know it was real! Thank you USAC for this great experience!

I have had the best most life changing time in Cork, Ireland. The people I have met and the things I have done would not been possible without USAC’s study abroad program. I have loved every minute of my program and would recommend anyone considering studying abroad should just go for.

I truly find it hard to put into words the experience I had abroad. I feel like I am a whole new person! I traveled to Ireland knowing no one, and left with lifelong friends. My semester abroad gave me new life skills and memories I will cherish forever. Studying in another country allowed me to learn new things about myself. I learned that I am capable of meeting new people and navigating new places! I immersed myself in a new culture and adapted to it. I gained a newfound confidence, and I wouldn't have found that without stepping outside of my comfort zone and going abroad. I am so thankful for my semester in Ireland and all the blessings that came with it!

Photos

Being able to go on a study abroad to Cork, Ireland was the best opportunity I could have ever asked for. I met so many amazing people who I will consider friends for life. The courses that I took at University College Cork were so amazing and I learned so much. Both of my professors were extremely passionate about their respective subjects and I felt honored to learn from them and their experiences. USAC did a fantastic job of planning outings for us and everything gave us new perspectives and knowledge on Ireland. Overall, I have never had a heppier 6 weeks. Between the people that I met and the things that I got to learn, I will never forget this trip.

Photos

My study abroad experience in Ireland was one filled with lots of adventures, new friends, and learning experiences. While the country may be on the smaller side, there's always something to do or somewhere to go. USAC was incredible in helping students explore Cork's countryside with their built-in day trips and an excellent on-site advisor who knew the ins and outs of the city and surrounding area. My favorite day trip we took from Cork was to Cobh, a neighboring port city with colorful houses and a beautiful Cathedral. From Ireland, I was able to explore so many other countries in Europe, and those were some of the best memories of my life so far. While it may seem scary going to a new country, I found the experiences and lessons I learned were far worth the trials I faced. You'll get to learn about a new country, and while you're at it, you might even learn some things about yourself. Have fun!

Photos

It has been a year since I returned from Cork, Ireland last July, and there has not been a day I go without missing it. It can be intimidating beyond measure to travel hundreds of miles away to a new country, but USAC executed the process so well and enjoyably. The prepwork was not overwhelming and any questions I had were answered easily and timely - as well as producing excitement before the trip! Having 13 other students who were from the United States aided my transition immensely, as we all had a common ground. Some girls were even from the same state! It was a whole new friend group already picked out for me, and I miss these girl's company daily. Our mornings often included walking to class and picking up coffee (cheaper there too!), chatting about our funny memories the night before or expressing what we want to do in the future. One of my closest friends and I even created a whole list for every restaurant we wanted to try before we left, and we did complete it. The "Hogwarts" feel of UCC was so different than my American school and the professors were very passionate about their subject, making learning enjoyable. The professors also understood that we were international students too, and provided time and resources for us to explore. After studying abroad in Cork, I want to make this town the place I bring my future family annually, our second home. I will also be returning, God willing, in the later months of this year to honor my step-dad who has recently passed away and was of Irish decent. Ireland holds such a special place in my family's heart, and I pray it will continue to!

In the 4 short months I spent in Ireland, I made friends, explored to my hearts content, and became submerged in the Irish culture. At first, everything felt so different from the United States which was thrilling but also a little strange. Over time, I get used to "Irish time" and soaked up all of the beauty that the Irish cities and farmlands had to offer. Whilst capturing all of that, I got to talk with locals everywhere I went (the Irish are always down for a chat!) and learn about Irish history and folklore. A lot of the knowledge I acquired was from my Irish culture courses at UCC which were my favorite courses of the semester. As my time was coming to an end, I discovered how hard it was going to be to say goodbye to the foreign city that became my home and the beautiful country that I fell in love with. Being back in the United States has made me realize how much I grew while I was abroad and I am forever grateful for my incredible experience with USAC at UCC.

I truly loved my time in Cork! There are lots of opportunities to be involved on campus, as well as so many things to explore throughout the country! USAC made predeparture incredibly easy and stress-free, as well as making my time in the country wonderful. USAC also had trips planned throughout the semester for us to go on, which was great because they were free and gave us an opportunity to see more of the country as well as get to know the other people in the USAC group.

My time in Cork, Ireland consisted of the best months of my life. I made a ton of amazing friends and saw some of the most beautiful landscapes. I am eternally grateful to all those at USAC who helped me in my applications as well as our Irish program liaison Patrick for showing us some of the best Ireland has to offer and facilitating life-long friendships.

Photos

At first I was a little on the fence about studying abroad in Ireland, and was rather nervous about completely uprooting myself into a new setting. However, now I am unbelievably glad that I went! It was really one of the best experiences I have had. I traveled and study at UCC Cork, Ireland and I was honestly unprepared by the sheer amount of cultural richness and just downright fun the city had to offer! The town itself is the perfect size, not too small but also not too big. You can walk around the historic city-center and often run into someone you know. The architecture was amazing and the general atmosphere was simply so refreshing and new. And the people were awesome. Almost everyone is welcoming and helpful and during my first couple weeks I've never felt more comfortable simply walking around a town and asking people for help than I did in Cork. USAC was also extremely instrumental in getting everyone prepared and settled. They offered excursions to amazing sites in the area and really helped you get connected with the community! The university itself is awesome. It has some of the oldest buildings in Cork and feels as if you are walking around in a Harry Potter book. The other students are spectacular too, I've met so many new people who simply bring me in to their circle. There is certainly something for everyone at UCC and I would not have wanted to do it with any other program than USAC!

My experience at UCC was a life changing opportunity that I would do over again in a heartbeat. I was excited to go to class each day. Many days I was sad that classes were over. Not only were the academic experiences some of the most interesting and engaging ones I have ever taken part in, but Cork City is a true marvel. It is unlike any other place and holds a new experience for each day.

This trip was such an exciting time and it gave me a space for me to discover who I really am outside of the people that really care for me. I went abroad by myself knowing absolutely no one so it was a lot of fun to meet new people and to leave with friends that I could probably call up and rely on.

Photos

Studying abroad in Cork, Ireland was truly a life-changing experience for me. I had the absolute time of my life and managed to make lifelong friends along the way. It seemed like every week I was experiencing something new, and that was part of the reason why it felt like those five months flew by. I joined multiple clubs at UCC (University College Cork) and picked up new hobbies, such as climbing and olympic lifting. I found plenty of time to travel outside my host country to places like England, Spain, Netherlands, and Italy, while still staying on top of my academics back home in Ireland. It took me some time to adjust to my new surroundings, but I committed myself to putting energy into making friends with the people I traveled to Ireland with and with the Irish students I met through clubs and classes. My move to Cork couldn't have come at a better time, as my family life back home wasn't the best and was causing a lot of stress in my life. Getting away to Ireland for those five months really saved my mental health and gave me a brighter outlook on life. Truly, if I had studied abroad in Cork even a year earlier I would've seriously considered transferring to UCC full-time. I loved my host country and my experience there more than I can put into words. I'll be forever grateful to myself for making the choice to go and to my parents for making it possible.

Photos

I chose to study abroad in Cork because they had a robust set of course offerings, but ultimately, I gained so much more than some additional classes on my transcript. My USAC program leader, Patrick was fabulous in guiding us through the cities and made the field trips so memorable. I made many friends within my USAC program and UCC classes. There is a large international community at UCC, which enhanced my abroad experience even more. I participated in the vegan club, film club and went to many rugby games! One of my favorite USAC adventures was taking a day trip to Mizen Head in West Cork. We stopped for donuts and coffee on the way. We couldn't have asked for better weather and a rainbow even made an appearance over the cliffs! I can't say enough good things about my experiences with USAC, UCC while studying abroad in Cork!

Photos

I had an amazing time in Cork and wish my time didn’t have to end. While there I took the course “Folklore of Cork” with Shane and it was one of my favorite classes and professors I’ve ever had! I would recommend this to anyone, I met so many incredible people and got to see so many cool things. Through USAC we did many field trips that were included but I do wish we had some more time to spend at some of the 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!!

Photos