Student Bloggers

This past fall, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad at University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland. Coming from Northwestern University, a highly rigorous academic institution, the transition to college life at UCC was a significant adjustment. I’m sharing my experience in hopes that it might provide some insights for others considering a study abroad program, particularly those from similarly fast-paced academic environments in the U.S.

At Northwestern, we operate on a quarter system, meaning our terms are only nine weeks long compared to the traditional 16-week semester system at UCC. As a result, the pace of classes at UCC felt much slower to me—almost too slow at times. I often found myself sitting in lectures, feeling underchallenged and disconnected. At Northwestern, missing class is almost unthinkable if you want to stay on top of the material, but at UCC, I sometimes skipped classes because the pace of instruction didn’t align with how quickly my mind was processing the content.

Another notable difference was the course load. At Northwestern, students typically take four classes per quarter, or five at most. At UCC, I was enrolled in six courses, all at the third- or fourth-year level in Economics, Statistics, and Public Health. Surprisingly, even with a heavier course load, I had more free time than I ever had back home.

This abundance of free time was both a challenge and a gift. For someone used to a packed schedule, I had to intentionally find ways to fill my days. But looking back, this period of leisure was a rare and precious opportunity. It gave me the chance to explore Ireland, spend hours in cozy coffee shops reflecting or journaling, and enjoy unhurried walks through the city and local parks.

If you’re considering studying abroad at UCC—or anywhere, really—and come from a rigorous academic environment, be prepared for a slower pace and more downtime. My advice? Embrace it. Use this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel, connect with new people, and soak in your surroundings. You may never again have such a unique combination of freedom, learning, and exploration.

If you’re seeking a more relaxed academic environment, UCC is definitely worth considering. However, no matter where you choose to study abroad, do your homework beforehand. Ensure the academic rigor aligns with your goals and what you want out of the experience. Studying abroad at UCC taught me as much about slowing down and appreciating life as it did about academics. It’s a lesson I’ll carry with me long after my time in Ireland.