This fall, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad at University College Cork in Ireland — an experience I would not hesitate to take again and recommend to others. Although I was there for just four months, Ireland has definitely earned a spot on my list of places to visit again. Cork, specifically, was an excellent home away from home. 

"As the second-largest city in the country, it offered a mix of diversity and opportunities while maintaining a charming small-city feel that I loved."  

Morning walks along the River Lee, a friendly and welcoming community, and the common presence of local traditions made Cork special. Another highlight was its proximity to other amazing destinations. A short bus ride could take me to vibrant coastal cities like Kinsale and Cobh or Killarney National Park, with its mountains, scenic bike trails, and historic castles.  

Integrating into another culture and country comes with challenges, but the rewards are so worth it. Surprisingly, it was the small differences that stood out the most to me—like how people greeted one another or ordered coffee “for takeaway” instead of “to go.” Gaelic sports, such as hurling and Gaelic football, were another fascinating aspect of Cork’s culture. It felt like every street I walked down had someone carrying a hurley (a stick used in hurling) or heading to play.  

One of the most memorable cultural experiences was attending a Gaelic football game. I didn’t know anything about the sport going into the match, but I greatly enjoyed it, and it made me want to give the game a try — it reminded me of soccer. On a related note, I also experienced Ireland’s passion for the Premier League in a surprising way: being kicked out of a pub in Dublin because we weren’t wearing Liverpool colors! It was a funny moment that later made sense when we learned about the historical connection to the team.  

Last year was a huge period of growth for me. 

"I learned so much about Ireland, other cultures, and, perhaps most importantly, myself." 

I became more independent in ways I hadn’t expected. Growing up just 10 minutes from the University of Iowa, I had never experienced such a big change before. Moving to a new country challenged me to adapt, make decisions on my own, and navigate unfamiliar situations.  

I also discovered a new love for traveling and exploring new parts of the world. Although I visited several surrounding countries during my time abroad — my favorites being Scotland, France, and the Netherlands — my travel wish list has only grown longer. It’s a cliché to say that studying abroad changes you, but it’s entirely true. This experience has left me with a deeper appreciation for the world and an eagerness to explore it further.  

My advice: If you’re considering studying abroad, don’t be afraid to take opportunities and make the most of them. Also, apply for the amazing funding options Iowa offers, like the Global Access Ambassador Scholarship!

The Global Access Ambassador Scholarship program provides awards to study abroad for a summer, semester, or academic year. The scholarships are intended to support students who study abroad with the intent to serve as Global Access Ambassadors upon return to the UI campus. Upon completion of the study abroad program and return to UI, award recipients are asked to submit a photo and an open letter to prospective students or suggest an alternate means of sharing with prospective students.

Please note that the opinions and views expressed by ambassadors are solely those of the students and do not reflect or represent the views of International Programs or the University of Iowa.

International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.