Visiting US & Non-EU Students: Information on Early Start Semester Programmes - Testimonials

Testimonials on Early Start Semester Programmes

Early Start Semester in Irish Archaeology

Early Start was a wonderful way to become familiar with UCC, Cork and Irelandbefore the stress and bustle of the Autumn Semester. The Early Start Archaeology program was great: Dr. Ó Carragáin was enthusiastic about thesubject and made the four weeks enjoyable, as well as educational. Thearchaeology field trips allowed us to see a good variety of places, some sentus off the map and hiking through fields, while others were to well-known,must-see attractions. Dr. Ó Carragáin made sure we had a good Irish culturalexperience as well, so we made a few stops at local pubs for traditional musicsessions. I gained an excellent background of the archeological evidence thatshapes our modern understanding of Irish prehistory and history, while enjoyingthe experience of the Irish way of life and earning credit towards my Cultural and Historic Preservation degree at home.

Blaise Odle, Salve Regina University, Rhode Island

The Early Start Program at UCC was wonderful! I really enjoyed the field trips because they were fun and offered us a chance to see more of Ireland than we may have, had we not done the Early Start. The class and the trips also gave us a really good look at some of the oldest artifacts and historical sites in Ireland. Professor O'Carragain was a wonderful teacher who was very willing to answer questions, and give us a glimpse of the Ireland he so obviously loves. All-in-all, if I had missed the Early Start Program I would have missed something very special. I am 100% glad that I participated.

Sara Gosline, Grand Valley State University, Michigan

I’d never studied archaeology prior to Early Start: this introduction was enthralling.  Dr. O'Carragain made the subject approachable and fun in both the classroom and the field, where the past became vivid on the ramparts of 15th century castles and in the earthy passages of Neolithic tombs!  I discovered new understandings of Irish history and its impact on contemporary life.  But most importantly, studying the roots of Irish civilization helped me gain a more profound insight into my own ethnic identity.

Thanks for letting me be a part of your new information program!

Jillian Ullrich, Hollins University, Virginia.

The Early Start in Archaeology was an incredible introduction both to archaeology and to Ireland. I encourage students in any discipline to take advantage of this amazing opportunity to experience the land and its culture from a unique and exciting angle. The spectacular sites we visited exposed us broadly and intimately to the magnificent country and its engaging past, and the fascinating topics and enthusiastic lecturer left me with a deep and lasting appreciation for Irish archaeology.

Kelly Henry, Kenyon College, Ohio

The Early Start Archaeology programme at University College Cork was brilliant! The lectures were comprehensive, interesting and full of useful information. The field trips gave us an excellent visual of Ireland's past, along with being great fun, and Dr. O'Carragain was always available to clarify and discuss things with us.  As an archaeology student, this course gave me an outstanding beginning into understanding European and Irish archaeology.

 Angela Loewenhagen, Arizona State University

Early Start was the smartest decision I made when I applied to study abroad in Cork, Ireland.  Not only did I get to meet a handful of people also new to the country, I got to experience the country without being considered a tourist.  I saw places I would not have even thought about seeing with a teacher, Tomas O Carragain, who was passionate and knowledgeable about everything we were visiting and learning.  Being there a month early also gave us time to explore the city and find our niches before the regular students got there which was nice too.

 I even focused my archaeological attention to Irish Archaeology because I found its history so much more appealing and fascinating than the fields I had already studied.

Jeanette Hayman, University of California, Santa Cruz

The Early Start gives students an excellent, well-balanced overview.  It stands well on its own for those who just want a taste but also serves to jump-start those such as myself who were looking to switch fields and continue on in archaeology.  I stayed on at UCC to become qualified as an archaeologist and then to do postgraduate work.  My notes from the Early Start served me well during this time.  When I look back I am always amazed at how much we covered in class and how much we saw in the field.  Best of all was discovering right at the beginning of my time here that the story of Ireland is much more exciting than I had imagined -- and very much still to be told...

Kimberly Thounhurst, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I loved my Early Start class in Irish Archaeology.  Since I am an Anthropology major, it was really interesting to learn about the archaeology and culture of another country.  The lectures were very interesting and the lecturer kept us entertained.  Field trips were a key element in the class, and we were able to visit so many unique places that I wouldn't have gotten to see otherwise.  Not only did this class give a hands-on approach to the archaeology of Ireland, but it also provided me with extensive information about the history of Ireland in general which has been invaluable to my study abroad experience.

 Kara Safley, Trinity University, Texas

Early Start Semester in Law in Ireland

The early start semester in law was truly a great experience & really added to my time in Ireland. I had no prior interest or background in law before taking this class, but I really enjoyed every aspect of the class, especially the couple of days and nights we spent in Dublin. The teachers were very knowledgable, and it was fun to work on our own persuasive arguments and present them in a Moot Court at the end of the term.  I would definitley recommend the early start semester in law to anyone!

Erin Mullen, Boston College, Massachusettes

Early Start Semester in Irish Ecosystems

I studied abroad at UCC for the 2005/2006 academic year and I truly think it was the best part of my college experience.  While I was abroad I learned that I could rely on myself to sort things out and that I could always find a solution to whatever problem came up.  Cork itself was a perfect place to explore – a bigger city than I was used to at home but not so big that I couldn’t get to know it in a school year.  UCC was the same, large but not so much that I ever felt lost or overwhelmed.  The International Education office really works hard to see that the international students have all the help they need in negotiating the Irish education system and are of wonderful assistance in all matters. 

One of my favorite experiences was the Early Start course I took during the month of September.  I took Irish Ecosystems and it was great because the field trips took us all over the country to beautiful habitats.  Since I was only taking the one course there was plenty of time to get used to the system, to explore the city, and to just get settled in.  During the academic year I took a mix of classes for visiting students and for Irish degree students.  I think that that was ideal.  In the classes for visiting students, the lecturers were understanding of any difficulties that an international student might have had with either the language or the university policies.  The atmosphere was generally relaxed and the lecturers truly wanted to students to do well in the course.  The classes I took that were intended for Irish students were more challenging and I think I ultimately learned more from them.  But I think both kinds of courses were valuable because I learned most about how to be a student in UCC from the classes for visiting students. 

Socially UCC was terrific.  It was difficult making Irish friends at first and I started out only knowing the other Americans on my program.  Once the term started at the end of September I met more and more Irish students.  I met my boyfriend at UCC and most of the Irish friends I made I met through him.  Once you get to know the Irish students they include you in everything – and they certainly know how to have fun!

My year in UCC and Cork was exciting and different from anything I had ever experienced at home in the US.  I recommend UCC to anyone that is excited to come into contact with a new culture, another way of learning and a truly unique little city.

Emily Goldstein, Mount Holyoke College, Massachusetts

When I arrived at the Cork Airport, I was exhausted from my trans-Atlantic flight and terrified of my unfamiliar surroundings.  I spent the next two days getting spectacularly lost on the intricate and fascinating streets of the city, trying to get my bearings.  My terror subsided within the first week to be replaced by an avid curiosity about every aspect of life in Cork- the fantastic food that was so much more fresh than what we get in our grocery stores at home, the pubs that range from quiet places for a pint with a friend to clubs bursting with fashionable young Irish men and women, and second-hand book stores down enticing alleys. 

Then my classes started at UCC.  I was in the Irish Ecosystems Early Start program, which took us all over the country on trips to estuaries, rocky sea coasts, and my personal favourite, the Killarney National Park, which I later revisited on my own.  My professors were very knowledgeable, of course, but also very personable. 

I went on to take a full semester course with one of our Early Start instructors, who even remembered my name when he saw me in his class in October.  I also took advantage of the great traditional music classes, learning to play the bodhran, the traditional Irish form of drumming.  My class in the Irish language helped me to understand some of the street signs and fed my curiosity about a language so unlike other Western languages.  Meanwhile, I was also completing some of the requirements for my major at my home university. 

 If I have any regrets about my experience it is that I didn't meet more Irish students.  I was a bit daunted by the thought of joining any of the student societies at UCC, but American friends of mine who did join them met and were befriended by many friendly Irish students.  The aspect that most struck me about the people I met in Ireland was their friendliness.  My landlady, the professors, and even the taxi drivers were all eager to strike up cheerful conversations.  I admit that I was ready to see my family and friends again when it was time to go home, but as soon as I got back I wished I could return to my apartment on the River Lee.

Jennifer Cole, Wells College, New York