Program and Location:
Spring, University College Cork, Cork City, Ireland
Major/Minor:
Statistics Major and Psychology Minor
Why did you choose to study abroad?
I chose to study abroad because I had never lived anywhere outside of the Triangle. I felt like I was stuck in a bubble, surrounded by the same places, people, and routines and I wanted something different. I wanted to have new experiences that would challenge me to step outside my comfort zone, and studying abroad offered the perfect opportunity to grow in ways I couldn’t at home. Trying new foods, meeting new people, learning new things has let me gain memories and skills that will last forever.
How did you pick your program?
I started by looking at all the options available for the semester I wanted to go abroad. Since I needed to take major-specific classes, that narrowed things down, but if you have GEP classes to take, there will be more flexibility. From there, I filtered the programs based on budget, countries and cultures I was interested in, and schools that offered the courses I need for credit. To be honest, I decided I wanted to study abroad just a week before the application deadline, so it was a very quick decision process. My biggest piece of advice is to take time to really do your research. You’re not just picking a school, but also a place to live, so make sure it’s somewhere you’ll enjoy outside of school as well.
What is something you learned about yourself? How are you different? How are you the same? Or, what did you realize about your own culture by living in another one?
One of the biggest things I gained was self confidence. For the first time, I was completely responsible for myself. I was handling my visa, figuring out travel plans, moving into a new place, meeting new people, and setting personal boundaries. It pushed me to grow and I feel like I came back a different person. Through the people I met and the experiences I had, I learned life lessons that I probably wouldn’t have learned, or as quickly, as I would back home.
What advice would you give another to student?
Do it, you won’t regret it. Go in with an open mind and try not to set too many expectations but do your research as well. Pretend like you’re a freshman again and be ready to meet new people, try new things, and say yes to everything that comes your way. I was lucky that my program had an international group in Cork that organized trips and events, so I met so many amazing people through that. My biggest advice is to choose the program that’s right for you! This is so important because it may seem easier to pick what looks best on social media or where your friends are going. The whole point is to go out of your comfort zone so at the end of the day, please choose the best program for you, your growth, and academics!
How did you connect with locals and/or meet local friends?
I made an effort to get involved with locals by joining different clubs, like dance and film club, which helped me meet both Irish students and other internationals. Ireland has a strong pub culture, so going out was also a natural way to connect. I also went to a Cork City FC game, which was a great way to experience local pride and meet people outside of the university setting. Overall, the best way to connect with locals is to show up where they are and just talk to them! By going to the same places over and over, you will begin to connect with the people who work and frequent there. Those familiar faces have become unlikely friends I genuinely miss now that I’m back home.
Would you do it again?
If I was told I would be leaving tomorrow, I would have my bags packed in an hour, no second thought about it. Sometimes I wish I could relive it or get just one more chance to experience it all over again. But that feeling only makes me more excited to keep exploring the world and connecting with new people. I hold so much love, appreciation, and nostalgia for that time in my life, but it’s not the end, just the beginning!
