Optometry & Vision Sciences Study Abroad Programs in Ireland

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.