The Republic of Ireland's second largest city, Cork, offers all the great amenities expected of a city as well as easy access to some of Ireland's most beautiful countryside. "Corkonians" are notoriously warm and friendly, making the city an ideal place to study abroad.
Cork has a thriving arts and cultural scene and is is home to a notable mix of galleries, museums, The National Sculpture Factory, dance theaters and artist workshops. Every year, local residents and visitors enjoy a series of international music and film festivals, as well as the annual International Guinness Jazz Festival, which features three days of nonstop music and entertainment.
When wanderlust hits and you want to escape the city, you'll find rustic beauty in all directions-the sea is just to the south; mountains, hills and river valleys are to the north and east; and the famous lakes of Killarney are to the west.