Field of study in Wageningen: Molecular Life Sciences
Study period exchange: 07/09/2022 – 21/12/2022
Country (exchange): Ireland
City (exchange): Cork
University (exchange): University College Cork
Faculty (exchange): Multiple Faculties
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
I wanted to experience living abroad and being on my own for a while. I also used it as a kind of gap year as a break between bachelor and master.
What is the reason you chose for this country/university?
I wanted to go to an English speaking country and I had never been to Ireland before. The nature appealed to me and University College Cork (UCC) had nice courses.
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination?
I went by ferry and train. If you book the Eurostar to London early, it is not super expensive. Then you can go by train from London to Holyhead and sleep there in a cheap hotel (Travelodge for example). The next day you can take the ferry to Dublin and go from there by bus to Cork.
4. University and studying
Could you provide some general information about the followed courses? 
How is the study formalized?
Almost all courses in Cork mainly have lectures and almost no tutorials. So it is sometimes a bit hard to practice exercises as there is no scheduled time for that. However there is lots of time available for self study.
What is the culture of the university?
The culture is quite similar to the WUR. You will probably mainly have contact with international students, but in some courses the majority is Irish so then you also get to know some local students.
What does the university offer the student additionally?
There is a restaurant on campus but I did not use it, because bringing your own lunch is cheaper. The sports facilities are amazing and they are all free for students (pool, climbing wall, gym etc.). Laundry is not available at university.
5. Housing-travelling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
Housing is really scarce and therefore expensive. The university does not guarantee a spot, so you should search for yourself as well. I paid roughly 850 euros per month which was not expensive compared to other students. Most students live in student complexes. Laundry is often not included in the rent rate so you have to buy a token for using the washing machine every time (between 2 and 4 euros). I would recommend the Spires as many of my friends lived there and it was a nice place.
What is the culture of the country like?
The culture is not too different from the Dutch. Irish people drink a lot of alcohol, even though it is not cheap. They are very friendly and always down for some small talk. They eat around the same time as in the Netherlands. But as you will probably mostly have contact with people from all over the world, so it is hard to say something general about culture. It rains even more than in the Netherlands so you have to prepare for that.
Could you give a general price indication of the place of residence compared to living in Wageningen?
As mentioned before, housing is 2 to 3 times more expensive then in Wageningen.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
Public transport in Ireland is not great. I would recommend finding a bike to travel within Cork. For longer trips buses are the most important manner of transport. The prices are reasonable, especially with the Leap card for students/young adults (you have to apply for that card). Some areas are really remote so we sometimes used a taxi to travel in the weekends. If you use it only for short trips and share the costs it is doable.
6. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
Day-trips:
Blarney Castle, Cobh, Kinsale, Clonakilty (easy by bus)
Ballycotton Cliff Walk (by bus, it goes only 2 times per day)
Weekend trips:
Mizen Head/West-Cork (need a taxi/car for the last bit)
Killarney (train, also possible for a day)
Galway
Dublin
Dingle peninsula (may need a taxi for visiting some places, like Inch Beach)
What does not appear in the travel guide, but is worth a visit?
I think it is also in travel guides, but I really liked Mizen Head/West-Cork. Also I recommend going to Airbnb’s in small villages because that is usually cheaper (if you share with some people) and is nice because you see places that most tourists won’t see.
Do you have general tips and tricks about leisure time?
The Gables is a really nice pub with traditional music. Marina Market has nice street food (indoors). The city centre is small so you can walk to everything. The Mardyke Entertainment Centre has bowling/pool which I liked. In general many places are nice so you can also explore yourself.
7. Challenges & best moment abroad
What was a challenge you have experienced?
Getting places with public transport is sometimes difficult, but it is also part of your experience.
What was your best memory abroad?
All the nice people I’ve met and the trips we did. One of the most cool things was that we hitchhiked from Ballydehob to Bantry because there was no public transport and it was actually really easy to hitchhike!
8. Contact Details
Would you like to ask Martina more questions about her exchange? Send her a mail: martina.goverts@wur.nl