Cork, Ireland by Natasha Moroney

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Cork, Irelandby Natasha Moroney

• University College Cork
• (AY 2004-2005)
• Summer Internship (2005)

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UP CORK, UP THE REBELS!
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Why Study Abroad? In Ireland?

• Never been outside America
• Wanted to see the world
• Needed a school w/ my major (FSHN)
• Wanted a country that spoke English

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What did I hope for?

• A great experience
• Travel all over Europe
• Learn more about myself
• Meet new people
• Learn about other cultures

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How did I prepare?

• Talked to Study abroad advisors and read handouts
  about different countries
• Filled out the application for UIUC and UCC
• Researched classes available abroad
• Gathered all my course approval signatures
• Applied for my passport
• Booked my own plane ticket

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Pre-Departure Feelings

• Extreme happiness and a few nerves about leaving
  all my friends and family
• Expectations that the Irish were very friendly
  and life was more laid back
• Extreme excitement about getting my passport
  stamped for the first time
• Anticipation about seeing green for the first
  time

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What did I gain?

• I learned so much more than can ever be taught
  from a book about life, myself and the world
• I made friendships with many Irish people and
  found a place I am at home in
• I am pleased with every part of the study abroad
  experience

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The other stuff

• I lived in Leeside close to the city center but
  full of Americans.
• I took gen Ed classes and Food Science courses
  and found it easy to travel a lot and still get
  good grades
• Be prepared to RELAX, things will work out, just
  give them time (Irish TIME!)

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STUDY ABROAD!

• My experience with Study Abroad and Ireland is
  one that Ill never forget. From the moment I
  looked out of the window on the plane I was
  enchanted with the little island that has a huge
  heart. As the plane came into Shannon airport I
  looked out and saw the most amazing thing in my
  life, it looked like someone had quilted together
  these lush green and gold patches with the finest
  stitching and gently laid it over the country. I
  knew then that the experience was going to be one
  in a million. As I stepped into the airport and
  got on the bus to Cork I was greeted and welcomed
  by the Irish. The locals are unlike any other
  people youll meet in the world and their warm
  charm I will carry with me forever. The beauty
  of the country and the history of the land are
  intoxicating and is something that soaked into
  every part of me while I spent my short year
  there. I found my home in Ireland and cant wait
  to go back.

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STUDY ABROAD!

• I would recommend studying abroad and especially
  Ireland to everyone, it is something that you
  should take advantage of while at U of Illinois
  and will never regret. It will open your mind to
  things you have only dreamed about, or perhaps
  never thought about. You have so much to gain by
  going abroad, take the time now to live and enjoy
  life.