API Study Abroad in Cork, Ireland

By far the best four months of my life. I spent the fall semester studying at UCC in Cork, Ireland and I was so impressed by the program and the school. When I found out I was going to Cork instead of Dublin I'll admit I was a bit disappointed because I had never heard of Cork before but I am so glad it worked out this way. Dublin feels like a large American city whereas Cork has an authentic Irish feel to it, that is not too touristy and everything is walking distance. The campus was absolutely stunning and reminded me of Hogwarts. The apartments I stayed in were a bit dirty but they will be tearing them down in the next few months and creating new apartments so future students won't have to worry about the problems I had with that! Patrick was our API director and he was so incredibly helpful and really got us immersed in the Irish culture. A lot of people had direct exchanges with their school so they didn't have Patrick or the excursions like we did, and I remember those students telling me they wish they were in API! I would highly recommend this program for anyone wanting to study abroad in Ireland.

"Croi alainn" in Irish means: a beautiful heart. This place gave me such a new perspective on the world, and along with it, a beautiful heart. This program allowed me to see and receive all of this and more. It was an adventure of a lifetime, from all the trips we went on to the day to day support given by the group of friends I met while over there. I learned so many things about myself and about the world around me. I have made memories that are irreplaceable. Even the simple walk to class was a memory in itself. It is something to walk alongside the River Lee and climb a hill to see the buildings of Cork all around you and the green hills in the distance. Every time I escalated to the music building of the University I can hear those hills calling, even when it was pouring rain. I can still hear them now, and I can't wait to go back to the place my heart calls home.

I enjoyed the API program very much. It was worth every penny. I loved the structured excursions - it helped me get out and travel without the worry or hassle of figuring everything out. I needed a program with a person there in case I needed anything or had an emergency. My program director was so nice and always willing to meet me for coffee or to discuss classes and give recommendations on ways to get where I wanted to go. The school was beautiful and I got to take classes with Irish students! It was great. I can't wait to go back.

The API Cork program was absolutely incredible. The excursions were great, and the program director was the best. I couldn't have asked for a better experience in Ireland. One of the best things about studying at UCC was that you have a month off in April to study for finals, which we all used to travel. This opportunity to travel was incredible! I would highly recommend API Cork to anyone who is interested in studying abroad in Ireland.