Mariah Jackson, MSc Applied Environmental Geoscience

12 Mar 2026

What made you choose Ireland and UCC, and how has/did the experience matched your expectations? 

I chose Ireland and UCC after extensive online research into Geoscience programs that weren’t just focused on geology. I compared programs and school reviews both inside and outside of the United States and even interviewed with a few graduate schools in the U.S. before deciding. 

UCC stood out to me because of its academics, program structure, global reputation, and overall student satisfaction. What really made the difference, though, was the communication I had with UCC staff and professors before I even applied. They were responsive, helpful, and supportive, which gave me confidence in the program and the university.  

My experience exceeded my expectations in every way. From the start, everything felt organized and welcoming, and the process from getting my student visa and bus card to transferring loans and grants made the transition to studying in Ireland easier and more comfortable than I anticipated. 

How has your experience been settling into life in Ireland, especially in terms of community, culture, and feeling at home? 

Settling into life in Ireland was very comfortable overall. Once I had my bus card and phone SIM, everything became much easier to navigate day to day. With guidance from UCC, setting up an Irish bank account was also straightforward, which helped me feel settled quickly. 

Living close to grocery stores, shops, and campus made daily life convenient and walkable, which really added to the feeling of being at home. UCC did an amazing job supporting students through the transition process. Every step was clearly explained, and there was always guidance available when needed. That level of support made adjusting to life in Ireland feel smooth and welcoming! 

What has been the most positive or surprising part of studying and living in Ireland so far? 

The most positive and surprising part of studying and living in Ireland has been how friendly people are. It was easy to talk to others and make friends, including a few friendships that I know will be long term. 

I was also surprised by how walkable everything is and how convenient and easy public transportation is to use. One of the biggest differences compared to the U.S. was that very few graduate students drive or even have a driver’s license. In the United States, most people get their license around age 16, so that was a big adjustment. 

Even more surprising to me was how safe I felt living here as a young woman. That sense of safety, combined with the community and accessibility of daily life, has made living in Ireland a really positive experience! 

How did your time studying here shape your personal growth and confidence, and how has that influenced the career path you are on today? 

Studying in Ireland and at UCC was honestly one of the best things I have ever done for myself. It was a truly lifechanging experience that pushed me far outside my comfort zone and helped me grow in ways I never expected. Before this, I had never lived anywhere outside of Las Vegas, Nevada, so moving abroad on my own built a level of independence and confidence that I still carry with me today. 

My time at UCC strengthened my belief in myself, both personally and professionally. Navigating a new country, academic system, and culture showed me that I could adapt, succeed, and thrive in unfamiliar environments. That confidence has directly influenced the career path I am on now and how I approach new challenges in my work. 

Ireland and UCC hold a very special place in my heart, and I still talk about my life there often. The relationships I built with professors and friends continue to shape me, and I even plan to return in May 2026 to visit. The experience didn’t just shape my education; it shaped who I am! 

What kinds of career support: such as internships, industry connections, or guidance from the careers team—have been most valuable to you during your time here? 

One of the most valuable parts of my experience was learning about the different career paths available in Ireland through the programs and courses we took. Hearing directly from guest speakers who were actively working in the field was incredibly helpful. We were able to connect with them, ask real questions about their careers, and build professional relationships, including connecting on LinkedIn. 

That exposure led to a meaningful industry connection where I was able to work with a company and conduct research for my master’s thesis. I also had the opportunity to stay on longer if I had chosen to, which showed how supportive and flexible those connections were. Overall, the combination of academic guidance, industry exposure, and real-world research experience was extremely valuable. 

Tell us about one moment from your time here that makes you smile when you think about it? 

One moment that always makes me smile is when the Heinz Beans came to campus, and we got free beans!  It was such a random but fun experience that really captures student life at UCC. 

I also joined a campus society (BEES) and attended my very first ball, which was something I had never experienced before.  

Those moments, the small surprises, and the many firsts, are the memories that have stayed with me and will always be special. 

What do you wish you had known before coming here that would reassure or excite future students? 

Coming from a place I had never really left and moving to a country I had never even visited was one of the most thrilling and adventurous things I have ever done. Looking back, I wish I had known just how supported and rewarding the experience would be, because that would have made the leap even less intimidating. 

Studying in Ireland and at UCC turned out to be the most amazing and worthwhile experience of my life. It challenged me, changed me, and gave me confidence I didn’t know I had. It was truly incredible, and I am without a doubt more than 100% proud of myself for accomplishing something so big. 

I would want future students to know that taking the chance is absolutely worth it. You will grow, you will surprise yourself, and you will gain experiences that stay with you for life. I love Ireland and UCC, and I will always be grateful that I took that leap.