Literature Study Abroad Programs in Ireland

Galway as a city was perfect in almost every regard: culturally rich, not too crowded, plenty of regular fun stuff to do. I couldn’t imagine better program advisors, they made most of the trip what it was. Finally, every excursion out to different parts of Ireland like the Cliffs of Moher or the Aran Islands was incredible.

I had a pretty great semester at UL. I thoroughly enjoyed the classes and the professors, but also learned a lot about myself and the Irish people. I joined the Christian Union pretty early on and was welcomed into fellowship with that group. I accompanied some friends of that group into smaller towns I may not have otherwise visited and helped lead churches playing piano. I was welcomed into homes and I really felt loved. I also got to see much of the countryside and felt it easy to travel around to sight see. My time in Ireland is a time where I grew in knowing myself but also my understanding of the world. I loved learning Irish traditions, culture, and history, and I know that I could never know nearly as much by staying home.

In my time here, I learned so much about what I am capable of and what the world has to offer. This is largely due to the support of the study abroad team and resources like the writing, counseling, and health centers. I am so proud of all I have accomplished, be it in academics and the things I learned, and in stepping out of my comfort zone and exploring more about Ireland, Irish culture, and how I immerse myself in it. Thank you so much to everyone who helped make this possible for me.

It was honestly the best experience it could have been - Great organization of the study abroad program, easy module selection, broad offer of modules, fun and regular campus activities, a bunch of reserved housing spaces for international students (be fast though) and a great study abroad team that helps with all your worries! I made so many good friends and enjoyed the spring semester immensely. 10/10 would recommend. the only negative part is that Ireland is a pretty expensive country as it is... UL offers a lot of cheaper food options though, that helped!

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.

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.

AIFS truly made my experience abroad amazing! This was largely due to my on-site program director, Elaine. Through our program-wide weekly meetings and our excursions around Ireland, she made my experience infinitely better. I was able to get to different areas of the country that I likely would not have made it to otherwise. She was also able to give me advice about the other countries I was traveling to. It was also amazing to be able to live with other members of my program. This situation made it possible for us to become very close. Thank you Elaine and AIFS!

My exprience of study abroad was great. I could make friends at University of Limerick and they were very kind to me. The class was also valuable. I took a music class and I could learn traditional Irish music, it was worth to compare with my culture’s one.

Overall, I would highly recommend Limerick, even though it is a place in Ireland that not many people have heard of. It is a huge site for Erasmus (European Study Abroad) students, so you will get to meet a lot of people from places you may have never even been to and get to share cultural experiences. My roommates were from all over, and it was so nice getting to know so many people during my time there. On the academic side, my experience was overall pretty good: my professors were nice, and their classes were engaging; however, the grading system at UL is different from what I'm used to in the States. At UL, specifically in the English and History departments, there were not many assignments that made up your grade; there were only 2-3. This wasn't too much of a problem for me since I just needed credits to take what I wanted, but if you have major-specific classes you need to take, this is something to keep in mind. The professors are happy to help, though, if you need extra assistance, but just keep in mind you will need to make sure you're keeping up with the assignments, as there are so few per class, the major ones can creep up on you if you are not careful. Other than that, though, I do not have any other complaints, and I honestly wish I were back there now with all of my new friends.

My preconceived ideas of what a semester abroad would entail and teach me were completely incorrect. I was pleasantly surprised in various ways by how much this experience changed my values and perspectives. Living with 5 other international students taught me about various cultures. Gaining both classroom and clinical experience for my degree broadened my understanding of healthcare systems. Developing strong relationships with my peers and the faculty improved both my education and understanding of Irish culture. Traveling often broadened my worldview and strengthened my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I am a smarter, stronger, and better person as a result of studying in Ireland. It is an experience I hope many others get the opportunity to do. I am confident saying that so far, these were genuinely the best four months of my life.

I had an amazing experience studying abroad at the University of Limerick through AIFS. As a math major this was one of few programs that offered classes I needed for my degree. Taking classes alongside Irish students and other international students was a great way to make new friends. Also my classes gave me a view into similarities and difference between Irish and American culture in education and beyond.

My time at UL was unforgettable! Everyone was so welcoming, friendly, and supportive! My time abroad was truly a life changing experience and I will only talk highly of the University of Limerick! I got to engage with professors and my peers, learn about a ton of new topics, and travel the world! I am forever grateful I chose UL as I truly found a home within Ireland! I could never thank the people and places of Ireland that made it a forever home to me!

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.

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!

Limerick was a beautiful, welcoming city where I never felt like I was truly on my own. The University of Limerick was the same way— and full of new experiences, challenges, and people who played a huge part in my study abroad experience. I met amazing friends, found ways to get involved, and had the opportunity to see some amazing sights around Ireland. I quickly found my footing in Ireland and used the experience as an opportunity to greatly increase my independence. I feel as if, thanks to this program, I changed so much for the better in such a short period of time. I would 100% recommend!

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!

Studying in Galway was an experience like no other I had ever had (especially academic wise). I primarily went to study literature but felt fully immersed in the history and culture of this amazing place. All staff was very accommodating and made sure our experience as students was great.

Going to Galway, Ireland was the best choice in studying aboard! When I was trying to find what country I wanted to go to, I saw Galway, Ireland and classes they had. The classes that they offered were so interesting!

I loved every second of going to the University of Limerick, from the traditional Irish music, great events on campus, meeting all the other student abroad students, I made forever friends, tons of great memories, I highly suggest going on as many trips as you can via the UL student life website, and the other tour bus agencies

The Studying abroad experience at the University of Limerick in Ireland through Iowa State University offered a unique opportunity to immerse myself in Irish culture while continuing my academic journey. The University was located along the scenic River Shannon which allowed me to talk beautiful daily walks beside it, and the University of Limerick is known for its innovative programs, vibrant campus life, and strong focus on international collaboration which really allowed me to excel in academics while there. During my semester abroad, I engaged with a diverse student body, explored Ireland’s rich history and landscapes, and gained a global perspective that enhanced both my personal and professional growth. This experience fostered independence, adaptability, and lifelong memories.